Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance

Category: #MFRWhooks

• #MFRWhooks Book Hooks ~ Who is Knocking?

  Posted at 2:22 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 1, 2020

  

  I almost didn’t participate in Book Hooks this week. Then when I realized it was Tuesday instead of Wednesday, I had plenty of time and no excuse. Do you mix up your days?

  BOOK HOOKS

  Two-Five Ranch Outlaws series.

  

  Featuring Cade Outlaw and the rest of the family.

  That evening at the auction, Cade received a text from Faith. He left the sales barn, reading on his way out: Leftovers tonight? Remember, it’s your favorite. Nadia will eat this again.

  Cade replied: Don’t count on me for dinner. I’ll be late. After Nadia’s bedtime if things don’t pick up speed here.

  I’ll save you a plate to warm up in case you’re hungry or save it for the ranch?

  He sighed. How could he take Faith’s leftovers to the ranch? Ah hell. His dad, sister, and one of his brothers were all in one place. This was his chance to tell part of the family at once. The ride home might be hell, but he had to get it out in the open before Nadia spilled it tomorrow. He answered: Sure. Appreciated.

  Cade put his phone in his back pocket and sauntered inside with his hands sweaty and his stomach churning. He could sit no longer than a few minutes. “I’ll be right back,” he said to his dad who hadn’t looked away from observing the goings on with their cow up for bidding. Outside, he headed to his truck, turned on the radio, and did some deep breathing. Chaos sucked life from his soul.

  Fear wasn’t what it was that made him doubt telling them. Nothing would change his mind now that it’s come this far. The transformation of the family makeup is what bothered him. The bond with his siblings would disintegrate, and he’d live with the daily bullshit he’d hear all day at work. He’d never let them push him out of the business. Weighing the options again, he knew what he had to do, and do it tonight. He jerked at a knock on the tailgate.

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  I have no pre-order links or even a blurb written for this book, and a tentative title. It isn’t finished yet. However, book #1 is available. Book one hints at the issue Cade is having with the mother of his child and his family. Cade’s feelings may have never died. Had Faith’s?

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  Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart, Book #1.

  

  #1

   

  Universal Buy Link

  Amazon Review:  A very good read.. Loved the characters in the Outlaw family plus the drama within a drama. The details of my birth state was amazing.

   

   

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  Thanks for stopping by on Book Hooks Wednesday. Participating authors can be found HERE.

  Keep the ones you love, and yourself, safe and well. Stay Home. Stay Safe.

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, #WritersLife, Book Hooks | 10 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, #MFRWhooks Book Hooks ~ Who is Knocking?, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, mary j mccoy dressel, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws

• #MFRWhooks Book Hooks: Hard to Refuse

  Posted at 2:15 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 25, 2020

  

  Book Hooks Blog Hop

  ~*~

  Howdy, Ma’am

  Bull Rider Series

  Sparks will fly!

  This snippet is from Chapter Two. The cowboy has a proposition any photographer would find hard to refuse. This is a three book series featuring the same hero and heroine. Readers have asked for another book in this series. It’s possible there will be a fourth book. Note: This is another book that has been through multiple revisions since its publication in 2012. My writing has changed and this book deserved a new chance. I had new covers made for the series too.

  

  Bull Rider Series 1

  “It pays a lot of money. Can you handle a nice income?”

  “I can… But why would I have to leave?” How good was his hearing? She had to ask twice.

  “You need to travel with me. You’re apparently used to traveling.”

  “I have prior engagements to take care of. I’ve already been paid half of my fee for some upcoming shoots. I’d have to take care of things before I do anything.” She twirled some ringlets of hair around her finger. “What are you thinking? I can pick up and ride off with you?”

  “Well, ma’am, it might be kind of nice if you rode off with me. You know what they say about riding off into the sunset?” He snickered. “You have to admit, the sunsets here are pretty nice.” He swept his hair back from his eyes and grinned.

  Humph! Velia rolled her eyes then cleared her throat. She stood.

  “Seriously, the season starts in February. I’d expect you there throughout the season which runs to November.”

  “Almost a year?” Could she have sounded any more shocked? Had she turned into a dimwit?

  He stood beside her and plopped his hat atop his head. “Yep. Nine months, almost a year if you count now.”

  Velia appraised him. Lord, to imagine photographing this man for a year. Her mind whirled, her imagination running wild with anticipation, with, with… She pictured his bulging pectorals sweaty and pumped. “Umm…can I think about it for a few days?”

  “You got time.”

  She tilted her head in question. “How’d you find me? I mean, for the record.”

  “Hey, stopped to get a tire fixed on the way to the Catalina Foothills. Saw your sign. It’s a whim.” He smirked. “Or destiny.”

  

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  About the Book:

  Bull rider Caulder McCutchen has a good chance of winning the converted buckle this year, knowing he has to ride harder, go bigger, or go home. Winning consumes him, but it doesn’t take away the pain from a tremendous loss less than two years ago. He hires a feisty photographer to travel the bull riding circuit with him for a season. A little extra publicity can’t hurt, and she’s easy on the eyes. When he finds himself passionately attracted to her, will this sassy little Italian prove to be just what his claim to fame needs—or a disastrous distraction?

  Velia Armano had the strength to walk away from an abusive husband but that doesn’t mean she’s free of him. She moves from Chicago to Tucson, Arizona and opens her own photography studio. Six months into her well-ordered life alone, a hunky cowboy saunters in with his howdy, ma’am and flame blue eyes, offering a job any photographer would find hard to refuse. She accepts his offer and discovers they both have their own obstacles to overcome. While trying to resist his heated embrace and gentle nature, she hopes to find the right answer before the season ends—to remain in her self-appointed exile, or give in to a happily ever after.

  When the season ends, who wins the real prize?

  

  Amazon Purchase Link

  Universal Link

  Authors, have you written a series featuring the same hero and heroine?

  

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  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book. Please join participating authors at this LINK.

  Thank you for visiting!

  #StaySafeStayHome

  Posted in #MFRWhooks, Bull Rider Series, Howdy Ma'am | 17 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks: Hard to Refuse, bull rider series, howdy, Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel

• #MFRWhooks Book Hooks Wednesday: Conference Room

  Posted at 12:15 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 18, 2020

  

  Hi, is it Wednesday again? Ah, it must be time for another Book Hooks post. Today I bring you the first book in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight:

  Cowboy Boss and his Destiny

   

  The grandma he mentions is the ranch mom who is featured in book five, coming this spring. Modified to avoid spoilers.

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  “Just a minute, please.” She glanced at Destiny who still cried. “Do you have someone coming for your child?”

  “Yes, but I can’t wait.” He released Destiny to the floor. She held him as tight as she could.

  The lady called back there and told him it’d only be a minute. A doctor came out and glanced at Destiny. Tristan knelt. “Honey, you have to wait here for a minute. Grandma will be here soon, real soon.” He pointed to a chair. “Go sit right there and don’t get out of it. Don’t talk to anybody.”

  “No, Daddy. Don’t leave me.” She clung to him with both arms.

  There was no expression on the doctor’s face whatsoever.

  “Listen to me. Only for a few minutes. I have to go to the back.” He held her face. “This is the time you need to be big.”

  She shook her head erratically, and shouted, “I’m not big.”

  He picked her up and hugged her. “Take me back, please.”

  They went through the doors to a conference room. “I’ll put a chair outside the door for your daughter,” the doctor stated matter-of-factly. He dragged a chair out of the room, pushing it against the wall beside the door while Tristan fell apart inside.

  Tristan lowered her to the chair. He demanded that Destiny stay. “I’ll be right inside. Right here.”

  She folded her arms across her chest and stared at the floor.

  The doctor closed the door behind him but leaned against it for what seemed an eternity. Silence.

  Tristan’s heart shattered. They were in a conference room. Ah, damn, this couldn’t be good.

  

  UNIVERSAL BUY LINK

  From his experience with women, Tristan Carlson learned that some don’t want a ready-made family, and he and his four-year-old daughter come as a package. Then he falls hard and fast for Nora, but if she isn’t going to give him the trust he needs, their relationship won’t last. Without a warning, darkness falls over the entire Carlson family when a near-repeat of a devastating memory comes back to haunt them, and Tristan fears he and his child will have to suffer all over again.

  When Nora Trinity returns to Canyon Junction, she doesn’t expect to fall for the handsome cowboy she lends a hand to in a parking lot. However, since then, she learns about a past that nearly destroyed him. Now she can lose everything if she can’t find it in her heart to trust he’s a changed man. Then why does he disappear at a time when Nora needs him more than she’s ever needed him before? Has she lost him, anyway?

  Tristan and Nora’s bond is put to the test. They need to be strong enough to overcome issues of trust, family complications, and painful memories. They vow to prevail when circumstances beyond their control attempt to prove them wrong.

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  This book has gone through multiple changes since the first edition. In fact, in 2016 I revised the entire book and cut the length by… Hmm, A LOT. That isn’t all. I gave it a new cover. I removed so much for the purpose of adding book numbered 1.5 to make it one complete book and doing away with the original 1.5.

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  Thank you for reading. While here, click the image below to visit participating authors in this Marketing for Romance Writers Book Hooks blog hop.

  

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

   

  Image credit – Father and Daughter: Pixabay – platinumportfolio

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks, Double Dutch Ranch Series | 11 Comments | Tagged #MFRWhooks, #MFRWhooks Book Hooks Wednesday: Conference Room, blog hop, Book Hooks, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

• #MFRWhooks Don’t “What” Me, Master Sergeant.

  Posted at 12:30 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 11, 2020

  

  Welcome to Marketing for Romance Writers Book Hooks Blog Hop.

  Today I bring you a snippet from one of my works in progress to be released this spring. This is my ranch matriarch’s book, but each of her sons have their own POV in the book because they all have opinions (about everything). We’re in Dane’s POV. Dane is the youngest son who has PTSD or PTSS as it’s sometimes called now. Modified from the original to avoid spoilers.

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  Dane paced around the kitchen until Gracelyn placed her hand on his shoulder to stop him. He poured a cup of coffee. “What?”

  “Don’t ‘what’ me, Master Sergeant Carlson. Is something wrong this morning?”

  “I have stuff on my mind. Decisions to make. People to check out.” Dane couldn’t meet her gaze. He kept important matters from her. He wanted to make his decision before mentioning it. None of his family would like it if he said yes.

  Hell, he wasn’t even in the right state of mind to accept such a job. Not now. A lot was at stake here, including care for his rescue horses if he took the job. Not to mention investigating who the hell followed his mother home last night. He’d seen it firsthand while out on horseback to clear his head. Two men. He’d come close to shooting and asking questions later, but that would’ve landed him in jail. Like he needed more bullshit.

  “That’s it? Stuff? I don’t have to work today. We can visit Jase, but let’s talk about whatever’s going on.” Gracelyn wrapped her arms around him. “Dane, I know your moods. What troubles you?”

  Dane drew her against him, closed his eyes, and inhaled the unique scent of her. He ran his hand down the back of her silky hair. “A couple guys followed Mom home last night.” That’s all he had to say for now.

  She questioned. “Lost?”

  “Not this time. ” He lowered his forehead to her shoulder and drew her closer. His heart beat faster. “Mmm. You smell so good, honey. Is Will sleeping?”

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  This is a blog hop with other authors participating. Click over HERE to see their book hooks.

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book. By sharing samples of your writing in a meme, readers will have the chance to jump from one author to another. Here’s your opportunity to hook some new readers!

   

   

  Dane’s book is the third in the series. Judy’s book will be number five. More details about the upcoming book and the series can be found on the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight page.

  

  Thanks for visiting and reading today. Stay well and safe.

  Posted in #MFRWhooks, #WritersLife, Book Hooks | 13 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks Blog Hop, Don't What Me, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Marketing for Romance Writers, mary j mccoy dressel, Of the Cowboy's Own Accord, work in progress

• #MFRWhooks Broken

  Posted at 12:03 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 4, 2020

  Welcome to another Book Hooks snippet.

  Canyon Juction: Hearts in Love series #2

  A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin off Novel.

  Finding Kimber.

  

  No, no. “NO. I love you all!” she shouted out to a closed window. “I’ll miss you…” Tressa scooted over and held her hand up to the dark window. She sobbed in painful gulps. What she saw out the window was like watching a movie play out before her eyes. A movie with a sad, sad ending.

  From here, they’d leave Oregon and go to Boise, Idaho to have her mole removed, change her hair color, and wait for the credentials with her new name of Kimber Kay Sinclair. Then, it’d be onward to Arizona. “It’s time to go,” Melinda said to the driver.

  “No, not yet,” cried Tressa.

  He drove away. She couldn’t remove her eyes from what they left behind. Firetrucks passed them by. Jerry would meet them later. Never in her life had she known he had connections to do such a feat. But being a retiree from law enforcement, he pulled the right strings to set up her death—to protect her and her family—all under the table and for a large fee to some of the connections he’d made throughout his career.

  To the world, Tressa Garnett had died in a revenge killing. Sam would have no reason to search for her now. Jerry had vowed to take care of her from the day he had become her godfather. He had promised to protect her. To keep her safe. And he had. She, on the other hand, would never see her family again and would remain broken for the rest of her life.

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  Cattleman Zachary (Zach) Bryson arrives in Arizona with hopes of leaving the ghosts from his past behind. Hired by a stranger to run a ranch, he meets the owner—a secretive woman with no ranching experience. He’s seen her before, but she wasn’t a redhead with green eyes. In their first encounter, she swept him off his feet without their exchanging a word. Why did she change her appearance? What secrets lay behind those heart-stopping eyes? Seeing this job as a challenge, he sticks around to tackle this hottie head-on.

  After her life is threatened, Kimber Sinclair is forced to flee her lush Oregon county for a small town in Arizona with sand, saguaros, and dusty cowboys. She settles in to live a lie—to discover the person behind her new identity while she mourns the death of Tressa Garnett—her given name at birth. However, keeping a distance from her ruggedly handsome, broad-shouldered, wise-cracking ranch foreman, isn’t easy. She struggles daily to hide her secret from Zach who demands answers. By telling him the truth, his life could also be in danger.

  If trouble finds her, will she choose fight or flight? Can Zach set aside his own issues, or will his nightmares prevent him from doing what he was unknowingly hired to do?

  Universal Buy Link

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  #MFRWhooks

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

   

  Come along! Check out participating Book Hooks authors at this LINK.

  Posted in #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks | 16 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks, Broken, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch: Love at First Sight, Finding Kimber, Marketing for Romance Writers, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

• Book Hooks Wednesday: A Seasoned Romance WIP~ Be Careful #MFRWhooks #MFRWauthor

  Posted at 12:03 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 26, 2020

  

  We’re into another week of Book Hooks. I nearly mixed this post up with the 52-Week Blog Challenge post.

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  Today’s snippet features my ranch matriarch of the Double Dutch Ranch. This is book #5 in the series. Enjoy a snippet from my work in progress (WIP). I’m waiting for this book to come back from the editor any day now.

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  What’s an aging cowgal to do when two men stand in line to park their boots beside hers at the end of the day?

  

  “Love ya, Mom, behave tonight.” Dane, her youngest and a protector of everything, gave one of the smiles he’d used to get his way as a boy. She couldn’t help but return it.

  Selva trailed through the kitchen behind them all, holding up at the door. He met her gaze. “You look nice tonight. Is it Dale Connor who you’re dating? Roxanne’s father?”

  “Yes, but I wouldn’t say dating. He’s been gone. Do you remember him from the wedding a few years back?”

  “Yes ma’am, and for other reasons. Be careful, Judy.”

  Judy tilted her head inquisitively. “Whatever for? Is there something I should know?”

  He put on his hat, opened his mouth as if to speak, but nodded, then left.

  Hmm. What had that been about? Judy eyed his tall frame and muscles a senior personal trainer might die for until he entered the barn ahead of Tristan. She padded over to lock the back door. Sighing, she wrung her hands at her midriff. Her mood lightened upon spotting the flowers on the island. She picked up the mixed spring bouquet, got a vase from the china cabinet on the far wall, and arranged them in water. Tonight, Selva wore the familiar cologne. His beautiful flowers were what she needed to bring a calm over her, but it didn’t last long. Dale’s car rolled into the driveway three years too late.

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  Information about the book and the rest of the books in the series, can be found on the Double Dutch Ranch Series page.

  

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  Thank you for reading. Check out the other Book Hooks authors HERE.

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

  

  Hey, authors? Do you use Trigger Warnings in your books if you think it’s necessary?

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks | 16 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks, contemporary western romance, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Seasoned Romance, senior citizen

• #MFRWhooks One Fool and a Weaker Idiot

  Posted at 12:03 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 19, 2020

  

  Hooked by Sundown is book three in the Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off. Meet Wade and Sophie.

  Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series

  A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off

  Hooked by Sundown

  

   

  Setting the stage: Wade and his best friend Dane went to rescue Sophie’s brother from a bar fight not long after Sophie had an argument with Wade which her brother also caused.

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  Wade shook his head. “I don’t know. I can’t stand when one fool takes advantage of a weaker idiot. He was incapacitated before he got here.”

  Dane got a bottle of water from his truck. “What will you do with him?”

  You’re an idiot, Emory. “I’ll take him to my place.”

  Sophie grabbed his arms. “No, take him to my house, please. Who knows what’ll happen when he wakes up?”

  Wade gave her a stern glare. “Let go of me.”

  Dane nodded at Sophie. “I’d let go of him if I were you.” She did, and Dane said to Wade, “I’ll follow you back and help you get him inside.” He left for his truck.

  At home, they brought Clay into the house and tossed him on one of the spare beds downstairs. Then someone banged on the door.

  Dane answered it to let Sophie in on his way out. “See ya later.”

  “Thanks, Dane.” Wade narrowed his gaze at Sophie, “Go home. He can sleep it off here.”

  “Why did you get involved?”

  “It doesn’t matter. Go on. I’m going to bed.”

  “I want to stay here with him tonight.”

  “Whatever.” He stepped up one step before she called him.

  “Thank you on behalf of my dad, too.” She rushed toward him and stepped up two steps until she was at his eye level. She draped her arms over his shoulders.

  He continued standing there with his hands at his sides. “Why are you doing this? I know what good-bye means. Let me go to bed.”

  “It was a mistake to tell you what I did tonight. I was distraught.”

  Another mistake like the “my kid” incident? “Of course, it was a mistake. A foolish one. I gotta go to bed. Lock the door before you settle in then put a towel under his head so he isn’t bleeding all over my blanket.” He removed her arms from around him. “You’re welcome to the bed in the other bedroom or the couch.”

  Sophie placed a palm against his chest and clenched his shirt. “I’m sorry. I meant it at the time, before I thought straight, but…I need you.”

  “You’re always sorry after the fact. Think first, Sophie. See me for who I am. This on and off shit has to stop. I expected more from you.” He stepped up two steps but she clenched his shirttail.

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  Universal Link:

  About the Book:

  Wade Emory falls fast for women, yet it’s a well-known fact his relationships don’t last. On a trip to the Pacific Coast to visit his ill brother, he slips into his bad habit when he meets a hotheaded mom with a son who spews four-letter words. However, after enjoying nearly a week with them, she and the boy leave early. Before she’s gone forever, he convinces her to meet up again to pick up where they left off on the beach. Then, at home, an unexpected visitor pops in, and he learns the past harbors secrets and lies that don’t always stay hidden. Life’s lessons have taught him that people don’t stick around, so how can he prevent a relationship with Sophie from becoming another failure?

   

  Sophie Price-Daniels needs a change of scenery. The opportunity arises when she flies to California to bail her trouble-making brother out of jail. When he directs his anger at her and her boy, a stranger steps in, but a hero is the last thing she wants. She’s alone and living in her self-appointed prison of grief, until…until Wade steps into their lives. As desires long forgotten force their way to the surface, she’s faced with a dilemma—to give in to her needs and accept a new future is possible for her and her son—or back away and continue to believe she’s betraying a man who is no longer with them.

   

  Two lonely people need to trust each other—and themselves—to overcome their unfortunate pasts.

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  What readers are saying about Hooked by Sundown:

  Readers of romance, especially western romance, will find this a satisfying, well-written tale, and I doubt they’ll stop at one. Amazon Review

   I fell in love with the characters right away. Wade and Sophie make you never want to give up on love. Amazon Review

   I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. Amazon Review

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  #MFRWhooks

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

  Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for reading.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Hooked by Sundown, mary j mccoy dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance

• #MFRWHooks #MFRWauthor Book Hooks: Line in the Sand

  Posted at 12:03 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 12, 2020

  

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. Our chance to hook you with our words.

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  Last week I brought you a snippet from Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart I called Turning Point. Now, it’s the next morning and back at the Two-Five Ranch after the lightning storm in Sedona.

  

  Tanyon and Karis exited the rental car. He headed to the barn to saddle a horse but glanced over his shoulder as Karis strode straight to the house. Yep, jeans on her wore as good the second day. Those not rounding up cattle had spotted them getting out of the car together. Nothing they said now would make a difference.

  He took another step but came to a halt, unable to drag his gaze away from her. Why had he left her last night? They could’ve slept in the same bed without having sex. Maybe it’s what they’d both needed to feel connected again. Tanyon chuckled to himself. No, they couldn’t, and that’s why he’d left her. To be truthful with himself, he didn’t know what to do from this point on.

  Having her in his arms for those brief moments told him what he wanted. Needed. Her. This self-betrayal pissed him off. She had no plans on sticking around when summer ended, thus adding to his confliction. The way their relationship had been before wasn’t enough anymore. He wanted all or nothing. The idea slapped him upside the head good and hard. Was he willing to let her go if she couldn’t, wouldn’t stay? He might as well draw the line in the sand now.

  End.

  Thanks for reading.

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  About the Book:

  Four knife-piercing words in a frantic phone call from her mother, caused Dr. Karis Sutton to leave her cowboy in Northern Arizona to return home. While grief-stricken over a tragic loss, she’d let the man she loved slip away instead of allowing him to console her in a time of need. Now, a year later, and ready to break free from her world of gloom, she drives north to seek a second chance with the moody yet irresistible alpha-owner of the ranch. But she’s forced back to Phoenix to fight to keep two fatherless kids. While doing so, will Tanyon think she’s leaving him again and give up on any chance they might’ve had? She’s pulled in different directions. How will she make it right with so much distance between them all?

  Tanyon Outlaw never thought he’d see her again. Now, she’s returned as part of the summer crew on the Two-Five Ranch. In her sad eyes, he sees straight through to her pained soul while memories of their past love invade each thought. What will it take for his cold heart to grow warm toward her again? Then, when bad things happen on the ranch, it comes in droves. Karis is called back home. A lawsuit looms over his head. Fences are cut to maim or steal his cattle. Someone else has an eye for the woman he longs to love. He’s running out of time. How can he discover why people are out to get him, while figuring out what his heart wants before he loses her forever?

  Once again, Karis and Tanyon have separate, life-changing matters to attend to, so how will they keep it all together and still find a way to capture the love they once shared?

  Universal Buy Link

  More information about this new series is on the book page HERE.

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  It’s a blog hop! Let’s get hooked!

  Visit the Marketing for Romance Writers Blog to discover more Book Hooks.

  

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks | 14 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, #MFRWHooks Line in the Sand, #WritersLife, Marketing for Romance Writers, mary j mccoy dressel

• #MFRWhooks Turning Point

  Posted at 12:15 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 5, 2020

  

  Two-Five Ranch Outlaws

  Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart

  Contemporary Western Romance

  Hi, there. It’s my first time participating in Book Hooks in a long, long time. Today I’m bringing you a short snippet from Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart, released in early October, 2019. This book is part of the Common Elements Romance Project group of over seventy authors who each wrote our own books with five common elements connecting them–nothing else. My excerpt today uses one of those elements—a scene involving a “lightning storm.”

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  A thunderous crash-like rumble startled her, forcing her to hug herself and squeeze her arms. Lightning lit up the landscape, brightening the distant red rocks. The entire stormy dark-clouded sky glowed with streamers of white streaks. She glanced over her shoulder. Had there been a tap? Thunder? No, she hadn’t imagined it. Oh, she jumped at another bright flash.

  She peeked around as she opened the door between their rooms. “Yes?”

  “Did I wake you?” His voice held a softness she’d longed to hear.

  Gulping, she mumbled, “No.”

  “You’re sitting in the dark?”

  “I’m watching the powerful lightning storm. It’s surreal the way it lights up the red rocks.”

  He pushed the door open. Karis gasped. “I’m not dressed.” She rushed to the chair for her jeans, but he grasped her arm, jerking her to a halt. She held her breath. What is this?

  With heavy breaths, he closed his eyes but snapped them open—his grip tightening. “Why, you asked earlier? I can’t stay away from you. I wanted to. Honest I did, but you stood in the barn looking beaten and so damn hot, gorgeous, making me remember things I wanted to forget.” He drew her to him and whispered, “I’m conflicted over us.”

  She placed her hands against his face and peered into his eyes. The lightning storm flashed in a wild rampage outside their window, reminiscent of her heart pounding against her ribs. “To this day, this moment, I regret what happened. The way I allowed it to happen. I didn’t mean to hurt you. Knowing what I had done to you, hurt me too. I hope you can forgive me. At least understand?” Karis lowered her gaze to his lips. She wanted nothing more than to taste them this moment. This moment. Her breath caught with him so close. “I’m sorry.”

  “I know you are.”

  Karis collected a tissue from her purse and went into the bathroom to blow her nose. Tanyon stood at the window when she returned. Why had she left his arms when she needed his embrace? She stepped closer to where he waited. “It’s eerie to stand here and witness this sight. We would’ve missed it all if we’d gotten rooms on the other side of the hotel.”

  “Maybe.” He came to her, holding their hands between them. “I forgive you, but I don’t know if I can trust you. In a few months you’ll be leaving all over again, and then what?”

  

  ---

  Blurb

  Four knife-piercing words in a frantic phone call from her mother, caused Dr. Karis Sutton to leave her cowboy in Northern Arizona to return home. While grief-stricken over a tragic loss, she’d let the man she loved slip away instead of allowing him to console her in a time of need. Now, a year later, and ready to break free from her world of gloom, she drives north to seek a second chance with the moody yet irresistible alpha-owner of the ranch. But she’s forced back to Phoenix to fight to keep two fatherless kids. While doing so, will Tanyon think she’s leaving him again and give up on any chance they might’ve had? She’s pulled in different directions. How will she make it right with so much distance between them all?

  Tanyon Outlaw never thought he’d see her again. Now, she’s returned as part of the summer crew on the Two-Five Ranch. In her sad eyes, he sees straight through to her pained soul while memories of their past love invade each thought. What will it take for his cold heart to grow warm toward her again? Then, when bad things happen on the ranch, it comes in droves. Karis is called back home. A lawsuit looms over his head. Fences are cut to maim or steal his cattle. Someone else has an eye for the woman he longs to love. He’s running out of time. How can he discover why people are out to get him, while figuring out what his heart wants before he loses her forever?

  Once again, Karis and Tanyon have separate, life-changing matters to attend to, so how will they keep it all together and still find a way to capture the love they once shared?

  Rated R by Movie Standards.

  Universal Buy Link.

  Kobo |  Apple |  Nook

  All the Amazons but here a few:

  Amazon  Amazon UK  Amazon AU  Amazon IN

  ---

   Thanks for visiting today.

  ⚡ Book Hooks Blog Hop ⚡

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. Find other Book Hook Participants at this LINK.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks | 10 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks, Book Hooks #MFRWhooks Turning Point, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, Marketing for Romance Writers, mary j mccoy dressel, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws series, western romance

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