Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance

Category: Short Snippet Saturday

• Short Snippet Saturday: Cold Heart

  Posted at 6:34 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 22, 2022

  

  Two-Five Ranch Outlaws

  Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart

  This short scene in italics takes place earlier in the day and leads into today’s snippet below the fence post: Karis shifted in the saddle to look back at Tanyon standing in the doorway. He pointed to his watch. She’d be having dinner with him in a few hours. The thought made her tremble inside to think the ranch boss might find it in his heart to forgive her.

  ---

  

  I’ve made a slight modification to the excerpt. This scene follows in Tanyon’s POV:

  The closer it got to dinner time, the more stressed he became. He wanted to skip dinner out. A lot of work still waited on the ranch. Regardless, he had planned to drive up toward the Grand Canyon but decided against it. His heart wasn’t into having a date tonight. Dinner at one of the bar restaurants in Williams sounded doable and was a short drive away. A pretzel burger or ribs and a beer flight sounded good. Then again, with his sour mood tonight, he didn’t want the busyness of Williams or the Grand Canyon.

  He couldn’t shake the heavy heart concerning Karis. Now, he’d given her the wrong idea by asking her out. Like Sedona hadn’t given her the wrong idea? He sighed, still conflicted over what to do. He’d hoped the more time they’d spent with each other, the better it would get, but he had this wall to scale first. Being together hadn’t set him free from decisions. In fact, after holding her close during the dance, he didn’t want to call it quits yet.

  Before driving home, he pulled off the road at the gate to the open field where he’d taken her… Where he should’ve taken her fully. Maybe she would’ve gotten pregnant that night. She’d still be here taking advantage of the shoulder he could’ve offered when she damn well needed one. Instead, the night had led to a magnificent quickie, if you wanted to call what they’d done that night, a quickie.

  

  He glanced out at the openness. How dark it got on a moonless night. Now, the memory made him crazy with anger. Not the memory, no, the memory…aroused him, but the events that happened afterward had left him cold and heartbroken. She’d left him. He clenched the steering wheel tighter.

  She’d left him, and his heart had grown cold.

  Then the answer popped into his head. If anything could bring him back, it’d be sitting beside her in the bed of his truck with the silent musings of that night in both of their minds when he’d loved her so much. Tanyon nearly called her to tell her to dress casually, but she sure wasn’t dressed casual then. He made a turn to go toward the grocery store deli in Wills Bend.

  Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, Book #1

  Read Now: Universal Buy Link

  

  ---

  Book Description

  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?

  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?

  Available at Amazon

  UNIVERAL BUY LINK

  ---

  

  Thanks for visiting today. Stay heathy and safe.

  Fence Post Credit: Pixabay caitgreer. Girl in Black dress: Pixabay StockSnap. Featured Image Pixabay: Edited by Mary.

  Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 3 Comments | Tagged Grand Canyon, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, mary j mccoy dressel, Sedona, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, western romance, Williams Arizona

• Short Snippet Saturday ~ Blue Snow in the Moonlight: Christmas Lights

  Posted at 2:12 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 8, 2022

  

  You all had to know I’d post an excerpt for one of my two new releases. Let’s see another sample of Blue Snow in the Moonlight. On the New Release announcement page, I embedded a sample where you can read the beginning HERE. I loved my setting for this book, and I’m thinking of creating another book in or around the area where I set this book. Wow, North Dakota winters are harsh.

  ---

  Here’s the BLURB first so you have an idea who is who.

  Book Description

  

  California girl with Midwest roots. Hot cowboy in cold North Dakota. If anyone needs Christmas magic, it’s Cullen and Elle.

  Without kids, a cattle ranch, and a renter in his cottage, Cullen Hollister would hibernate during Christmas. Instead, he’s holding a detonator to brighten Sugarton in a festive display of lights. Then a stranger’s forever smile speeds up the beat of his wounded heart. An acquaintance introduces his niece with a heart seemingly as cold as Cullen’s. They’re thrown together in a cottage he loathes, but he’s drawn to her, admiring her assertiveness, down-to-earth nature, and sexy blue-snow eyes. He discovers a yearning more powerful than stubbornness. But it’s hard to trust after being burned once. If Christmas magic is real, maybe making memories with Elle will lead to a forever love after all. First, he needs to know he can trust her with his and his kid’s hearts.

  Elle Palmer-Shaw uses her cousin’s wedding in North Dakota as an escape from sorrowful memories. Her aunt and uncle beg her to move back to her roots. With her work, she can live anywhere. When she meets the handsome green-eyed owner of the cottage, a simmering attraction grows, and Christmas takes on a new meaning. His memories of the cottage are painful, yet he makes her an offer she can’t refuse. It’s a simple solution until she’s called back home. She tries to convince Cullen to keep the rental cottage available—to give them a chance when she returns, even after dropping a bombshell on him about her past. But will he destroy his walls and let her in, or will he continue to exist instead of live and love?

  ---

  This snippet is a bit long.

  Setup: Elle visited after a rehearsal dinner the night before. Due to a blizzard, she spent the night in the family room. They both fell asleep after a disappointing conversation. It’s morning and Cullen came in from taking care of the ranch while Elle helped his sister make breakfast. Modified from the original.

  Cullen cleared his throat, dipped toast into his eggs, and took a bite. They’d lain side by side on the couch on purpose last night. He became aware of her sitting to his left sipping coffee. Her lips touched the brim of the mug softly like she’d touched his in a kiss. He jerked his gaze away, but not before his sister eyed him.

  After breakfast, she insisted on helping Sierra clean up the kitchen. He sat at the table with his laptop while ordering supplies.

  Elle smiled. “If I didn’t have the wedding today, it’d be a perfect time to build snowmen at the cottage.”

  He spoke without looking at her. “Shouldn’t you be packing? If you’re still here we’ll postpone snowmen to the day after Christmas. Are you spending tonight with your family after the wedding?”

  “Upon waking, I forgot this was Christmas Eve and the wedding. The kids are calm for this close to Christmas.”

  “Give them time. My daughter especially will be uncontrollable later and beg to open presents.”

  “Will you let them?”

  “Nope.” He closed the laptop. “I need to plow the driveway. The cottage will need it, too, so when you’re ready, I’ll take you home.” He went to the back door to dress for outside but returned to the kitchen slipping on his duster instead. “On second thought, it’s getting late. I’ll plow a strip to get out and take you home. Give me a few minutes.”

  “Sure. I’ll be ready. Thanks.”

  “Welcome.” It wouldn’t be right to ask her to spend Christmas Eve or Christmas day here when she should be with family. He might as well cut it off now. He clicked his key fob. His truck had been plugged in all night. It started right up.

  All he and Sierra had planned for Christmas Eve was eating her pecan, pumpkin, and lemon meringue pies and pizza—a family tradition. With her going to the wedding, he’d still make his specialty pizza and bake it in the oven on the patio. The kids might still make smores. They’d eat while playing games or watching a holiday comedy.

  

  Later, he’d go to bed like every other night, but it wasn’t like every other night. He’d wake in the morning knowing their world had crashed on Christmas. In the truck, he lowered the plow and pulled out of the garage to make a sweep, then backed up to the sidewalk to wait.

  Maybe he’d break tradition tonight and let the kids open a gift. They needed a change. His heart hinted at healing, or at least the possibility lay in sight. Elle made him laugh. He liked her bringing out a side of him he’d lost. Even just meeting her, he had a new memory to wake to Christmas morning if he let himself. It’d be a welcome change. Well, until after midnight last night when she told him she was returning home. To be honest with himself, he didn’t want to cut it off with her. They had to start somewhere. She surely wouldn’t return if he continued to sulk.

  He turned the radio to a weather station out of Grand Forks while waiting for her to come out. He sighed. He had an idea that increased the rate of his heart, so he sent his son a text: Stick around later today. We have a job to do at the cottage.

  Lake sent a frown emoji.

  

  Cullen rolled his eyes and replied: I guarantee you’ll like this one. Instead of a war of words in texts, he called Lake.

  “I get it, Dad.”

  “No, you don’t. If you’re in earshot of Elle, get away from her until we hang up.”

  “You’re acting weird.”

  “Probably. You know that big box of exterior lights and decorations in the pole barn?”

  “The one you said you never wanted to see again.”

  “Right. As I said earlier, a guy has to do what he has to do. Can you drag those boxes out of storage but leave them inside? We’ll need them later.”

  Then she appeared at the door saying farewell to Sierra and the kids. Their gazes locked through the passenger side window. She looked so damn good that it hurt to breathe. “I have to go. Please, just get the boxes, and I’ll let you go to the movies with your friends.” He disconnected. Before it was too late, he shook off the stubborn and sullen wall he’d already begun rebuilding.

  

  He got out to offer his arm so she didn’t break a limb in those heels.

  ---

  End of Excerpt:

  Available at Amazon and free with Kindle Unlimited.

  Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. Enjoy your weekend!

  Image credits: Pixabay

  Christmas tree credit: Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

  Mockups from MockUpShots

  Posted in #AmWriting, Blue Snow in the Moonlight, New Release, Short Snippet Saturday | 6 Comments | Tagged #NewRelease, Blue Snow in the Moonlight Holiday western romance, Christmas Eve, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, New Release, North Dakota, rental cottage

• Short Snippet Saturday: Love is Blind

  Posted at 4:31 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 4, 2021

  Waving hello on this first Saturday in September. How is it September? Remember, we only have to deal with thirty days this month.

  I haven’t shared a Short Snippet Saturday Post for some time. This week, I brought Judy Carlson, our ranch matriarch at the Double Dutch Ranch, back into the limelight. I’ve made two modifications in this snippet to avoid spoilers. See more about this series here.

  NOTE: My books are complete with happily ever after endings and no cliffhangers. Reading out of order can give things away pertaining to the other characters and situations in the series. If you only want to read one book, you will still have a complete and satisfying story in itself.

  

  Return to Canyon Junction with Book Five.

  Heartaches, hot flashes, and new beginnings.

  Content with her family and new grandbabies on the way, Judy Carlson is happy—despite day-to-day struggles of running a ranch and memories of sadness they share. Menopausal changes remind her birthdays arrive too doggone soon. On sleepless nights, she longs for a partner to snuggle up beside. She never minds gazing at a strong cowboy, a man with a handsome smile, or with an intellectual touch of silver in his hair. She observes this daily in their seasoned ranch foreman, Selva Rosado. Though she won’t admit to an attraction until an emotional and physical warming encompasses her when he’s around.

  However, after dancing a night away with Dale Connor three years ago, she’d considered settling down again. Then he disappeared on a clandestine trip, only to return with intentions as mysterious as his journey, and trouble from his past. She learns how right her family is to worry and how wrong she is to ignore intuition. Yet she can’t overlook their loyal foreman in the background who waits and watches with his own mysteries.

  Two men vie for her hand. How can a cowgal decide which one will park their boots beside hers at the end of each day? Before making any decisions, she aims to discover all of their secrets.

  ---

  Tristan grabbed his head with both hands. “Mom. Don’t go digging into things you don’t want to know about.”

  “I already did. A couple glasses of wine got him to talking. You know about his addiction. I see why you shun him.”

  Tristan sat again. “He told you?”

  “He owes money and could be in trouble.”

  “Dammit, you need to stay away from him. If trouble has found him, none of us want you in the middle of it. You have more to lose than he does. I swear to God, if you—”

  Judy stood and narrowed her eyes. “If I what?” Tristan’s Adam’s apple moved up and down. She sat again before either of them said things neither of them wanted to say or hear. Hating to bring up Tristan’s past, she had to set him straight. “Why do you think me a foolish woman? I’ve been through this once. There is no chance in Hades I want to do it again with a man I barely know.”

  He strode toward the door and grabbed his hat. “I know. I know. I know. How many times can I apologize?”

  “Zero. The past is over, albeit I’ve learned my own lessons along with you, son.”

  “Don’t get involved with him. We all know the truth about Dale. The guys he borrowed money from in Nevada aren’t guys to take no for an answer.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me this? H-how do you know about the men. From Nevada, you say?”

  Tristan sighed. “There it is. Friends know him. Me and the guys wanted to see if it went anywhere with you and Dale before popping your balloon.”

  “Balloon, huh? In any case, it’s my decision whether to get involved with Dale. I didn’t want you involved with…” Judy sighed and took a breath to regroup. “It’s too early in the morning for this.”

  “I know you didn’t want me to go back with Destiny’s mom. None of that matters now, and why are we bringing this up? I have a beautiful daughter. No one can regret she happened.”

  “No one is sorry you and Rachel had a child, but the woman broke your heart. Love is blind.”

  “Yeah, it is. That’s why we’re concerned for you.” Tristan barged out the door.

  Judy pulled it open. “I love you, son.”

  He whirled. Nodded. “Me too, but we all want you to be safe…”

  End of snippet.

  Well now. I’ve had a few heated conversations with my boys including slamming doors.

  ---

  Learn more about the series on the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight page. Thank you for visiting.

  Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 3 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Seasoned Romance, Seasoned with Destiny: A Gift of Love, Short Snippet Saturday: Love is Blind, western novel, western romance

• #AmWriting Short Snippet Saturday: Rumors & Lies

  Posted at 12:00 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 26, 2021

  Hello. I hope your weekend is off to a great start. This snippet is from book one in the Two-Five Ranch Outlaws series but refers to a conflict that sets up book two between Cade, his mother, and Faith. The thing is, most of the family sided with their mom against Faith and chose to believe rumors and lies that destroyed Cade and Faith’s relationship. Nadia is their six-year-old daughter.

  We’re in Karis’s POV. She’s the heroine in book one, and a few years after Cade and Faith’s breakup, Karis had become friendly with Faith and still is to this day.

  Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart ~Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, Book One:

  

  Ruth glanced at her boys. “You’re all here, why not stay for supper? I got a lot of leftovers. I forget how to cook for only me and Jess.”

  “I don’t like leftovers, Grandma.” Nadia folded her arms and took a defiant stance.

  “You’ll eat them, child. Or go hungry. My leftovers aren’t like your mother’s.”

  “Mom.” Cade shook his head. “Be careful. You aren’t talking to a toddler anymore. Besides, Faith is a great cook.”

  Ruth had no qualms in showing her dislike of Cade’s ex-fiancée who had been rumored to have cheated on him. Rumor or not, Ruth stood firm in believing it to be true. Karis had believed Faith when she’d told her how the rumor materialized out of revenge. She’d recognized true pain in Faith’s eyes.

  It hadn’t helped to gain Ruth’s approval when Faith had kept the pregnancy from Cade until a couple months before their wedding. As the story goes, Ruth had been the one to insist he had a paternity test to prove the child was his before saying “I Do.” Turned out, seven months later, a bouncing baby Nadia came into the family with her dad at her mom’s side. By then, the family’s mistrust, and Cade not sticking up for Faith, had been enough to end their relationship. So, after knowing Ruth’s ability to quick-judge, it had worried Karis that Ruth might turn her back on her, too, but she hadn’t.

  Around here now at Jesse and Ruth’s, the family had always come together in times of need. Karis smiled at the loving banter between them. Nadia had been such a delight to Cade and the family. It saddened her that Ruth had never given Faith a chance to be a part of this.

  Book One is Available Now: https://books2read.com/u/mYKq7o

  Book Two Coming Summer 2021.

  

  Well, now… Cade and Faith have a lot to overcome before they can fathom a second chance. They may have a chance as long as their sworn enemy, and the one who started this whole ordeal, remains out of sight, because if he returns…

  ---

  Thank you for reading. Have a nice rest of your weekend. We’ve gone from drought to flooding in the area with more days of rain on the way while other parts of the state still suffer. We may continue with drought conditions after all this rain soaks in. Wishing you all the best. 💕

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Common Elements Romance Project, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 4 Comments | Tagged cowboy, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, mary j mccoy dressel, Romance, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws series

• Short Snippet Saturday and a Share: Dead of Winter Journey 2 Cover Reveal & Journey 1 Info

  Posted at 10:27 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 23, 2021

  

  For Short Snippet Saturday today, I’m sharing a Cover Reveal and short snippet for Dead of Winter Journey 2 Penllyn and info about Dead of Winter, Journey 1. Get started reading before the second installment arrives in February.

  As Teagan says: With Dead of Winter, I call the installments Journeys, because the characters travel across the complex world I built, experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. These journeys will publish approximately monthly.  Length will range from 30 to 60 pages, or so.

  Teagan's Books

  Wednesday, January 20, 2021

  Sebastian Pether, Moonlit Landscape with a Gothic Ruin, 1810-1844 Wikipedia

  Welcome to my sanctuary. A place where all are safe from the anxiety tied to religion, politics, and other things that get in the way of friendship.  Lest I seem insensitive, my only remark to that, is that I’m writing this post in advance, and I’m terrified of what might happen on the 20th (Inauguration Day in the USA).  Now all political remarks are done.  Come on in and we’ll bask in one another’s positive “light” and spirits.

  Cover Reveal

  This may not be much of a cover reveal, since I’ve already shared it with a few of the people who hosted the launch of Dead of Winter.  With the first Journey, Emlyn had her back to us, facing the unknown.  With Journey 2, Penllyn, she turns to face us. 

  Dead of Winter: Journey 2…

  View original post 898 more words

  Posted in #AmWriting, Cover Reveal, Guest Posts, Short Snippet Saturday | 11 Comments | Tagged Cover Reveal, Dead of Winter Journey 1 and 2, guest post, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

• Short Snippet Saturday: Listen for once!

  Posted at 3:32 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 16, 2021

  

  Hello again. I’ve decided to stick to my Short Snippet Saturday posts on an occasional Saturday instead of participating in the weekly Book Hooks Blog Hop.

  ---

  Today, I’m bringing you a snippet from Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart, Book One in the Two-Five Ranch Outlaws Series. With this book, I have a clear understanding of why series books sell better to a lot of readers. Book two was supposed to be published in 2020, and book three this year, but book two never made it in 2020. Therefore, I see less sales without another book in the series for a reader to rush into. I’ve heard that readers prefer to buy an entire series, or at least more than just one book. I think low sales on this book proves that to be true. Who knows, really.

  This snippet features Tanyon and Karis, our hero and heroine in this book. Tanyon’s baby brother, Levi, and his older sister, Veronica, or Ronni to family and friends appear in this snippet. Tanyon is speaking to Ronni and Karis. Young punks Logan and Rudy, also make an appearance. They are troublemaking ranch hands, but Logan is bad to the bone. Tanyon has good reason not to like him. Rudy is tolerable. The babies Karis refers to are bottle calves.

  

  Book Description

  *Plunge into the first book in Mary’s Brand-new Western Romance Series—Two-Five Ranch Outlaws.

  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?

  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?

  *Heat Level: Rated “R” by movie standards – Steamy

  ---

  

  Logan and Rudy, the double-trouble duo, rounded the barn on horses. Logan glanced their way, waited, then nodded. Tanyon ignored him. “I’ll tell you later. Please, listen to me for once?” He glanced at Karis. “Both of you.”

  Karis responded with a nod. “I’ll saddle Joanie. You better have a talk with Max, as well, Tanyon, because of Brielle.” As she left them, Tanyon asked Levi to go into the barn with her until he finished with the calves.

  “I’ll be happy to kick his sorry ass if he tries anything,” Levi muttered on the way.

  In the barn, she walked past Logan and into the tack room for Joanie’s saddle and bridle. Levi brought his horse, Thunder Bay, a white paint gelding into the cross ties and brushed him. Logan and Rudy did the same with the horses they had ridden, but they finished way too soon to have done a thorough job. No surprise.

  “How do you like feeding those babies?” Levi asked Karis.

  She smiled as she used the round brush on Joanie. “I don’t know what it is… Feeding them with a bottle is remarkable, like I’m their mom!”

  “Maybe one day you will be. I wouldn’t mind having another little niece or nephew around here.”

  Karis gasped. “Shame on you, Levi. What a big assumption.” If she hadn’t left a year ago, maybe she’d be pregnant with Tanyon’s child by now. She shook her head to clear it from thinking of such things that had been out of their control.

  Ronni entered the barn to get her thoroughbred from the stall. Logan strode over to her, offering to brush him down and tack the horse for her.

  Ronni smiled at Logan, and Karis reckoned her smile had been fake. A keep their enemy closer type thing.

  “Sure, you can help me.” Ronni replied, winking at Karis across the way.

  Karis eyed them, hoping for Ronni’s sake it was a fake smile. If something went on with those two, no one would be able to keep the shotgun out of the Outlaw men’s hands, if he had anything to do with the lawsuit, but she couldn’t picture Ronni as a cougar.

  Tanyon came in behind Ronni, frowning when he saw she and Logan brushing the horse together. Karis and Levi exchanged glances as they lifted saddles onto their horse’s backs, but neither said anything. She listened to what Tanyon had to say though.

  “Hey, Logan, I heard you were in the loft with that little girl, Brielle. She’s fifteen years old. Unless you want to go to jail or get shot in the head by her dad, you better wipe that smug grin off your face and listen up. Stay away from her and the others.”

  “You got it all wrong—”

  “No, I don’t. I know everything that goes on around here. Everything,” he said narrowing his eyes. He strode over to Joanie to put her bridle on. “You almost ready, Karis? Fox is feeding the calves.”

  She couldn’t picture hard-nosed Fox feeding any baby. “Uh-huh, but I need to get a bottle of water.”

  Tanyon had taken Joanie out of her stall while Karis was gone and had waited outside the barn. The three of them mounted the horses and left the barn at a slow pace. Karis shifted in the saddle to look back at Tanyon standing in the doorway. He pointed to his watch. She’d be having dinner with him in a few hours. The thought made her tremble inside to think the ranch boss might find it in his heart to forgive her.

  Read now: Amazon or Universal Buy Link

  Thank you for visiting today.

  Enjoy your weekend. Stay safe out there.

  Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 7 Comments | Tagged Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, mary j mccoy dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, western romance

• Short Snippet Saturday: Firstborn

  Posted at 7:24 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 17, 2020

  

  Howdy! Welcome to another Short Snippet Saturday post. Sure has been a while, huh? Finally, something different from my #WordlessWednesday posts of late.  Here’s a snippet from my upcoming release.

  I titled this snippet Firstborn. Today is my firstborn child’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Chris! It finally happened. He’s now older than me. 😀  Below, Judy mentions her firstborn. When I began this series, I didn’t know her secret until later on in the series.

  

  Judy has two men interested in her. Which one will she choose?

  This snippet features our ranch matriarch Judy Carlson. She’s leaving the home of one of the men after a pleasant sunset walk together. However, before leaving, he revealed information she didn’t want to know. She’s disheartened on her lonely ride home. I changed one of the lines to avoid spoilers.

  ---

  “Get home safely.”

  It had been her intention. Her shoulders shook due to the uncanny chill that had passed over her. She drove away. No, no, no. She couldn’t deal with his issue. Bill. Why’d you have to die on me? Tears slipped from her eyes, but she cowgirl’d up and swept them away. Grown women didn’t cry. No matter how much she swiped, they continued to fall.

  Judy started the CD, turned up the volume, and blasted Alan Jackson’s tunes. “Chasing That Neon Rainbow” came on at the perfect moment. Thank you, Bill, darlin’. Time flew by too damn fast for her. All she wanted to think about now was the happiest moments with her Bill. Their wedding day, the birth of their boys, and buying the Double Dutch.

  How handsome and gallant a young man Bill had been standing at the alter in a rented suit, his blue eyes twinkling in the little church near their college campus. He wore his dark hair on the longer side, kind of how Jase wore his now. How the two of them had said I do. Eight months later, their firstborn had arrived in the world. They knew how it looked, but Jase had been born a month early. That was her story, and she stuck to it to this day.

  She took the long way home to allow for a good cry because she couldn’t deny, grown women did cry. By the time she’d arrive home, her eyes would’ve lost the redness surely to be there. At the Double Dutch, one never knew which family member would be at her home. Tristan could be in one of the barns doing his own evening chores.

  ---

  This is book #5 in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight. See the other books in the series at this LINK.

  

  Begin the series with Book One now.

  

  Stay safe and well. Thanks for reading.

  Sunset image: rauschenberger at Pixabay. Judy in a field of flowers: Created by me at PicMonkey – Image from PicMonkey.

  Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 2 Comments | Tagged Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Seasoned Romance, senior citizen, western fiction

• Short Snippet Saturday: A Merry Christmas at Love House

  Posted at 8:42 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on December 21, 2019

  

  Hello, blog readers. Our Bull Rider Series snippet today is fitting for the holidays. This series follows the story of one couple through happy times, sad times, horrific times, steamy times, and everything in between. My hero and heroine have been together for seven years now. Join Velia Armano, her bull rider Caulder McCutchen, their families–including Caulder’s cousin *Jase and Aunt Judy from the Double Dutch Ranch series. A bull riding friend, Reece “Foley” Wilson is also in attendance as they sit down to Christmas dinner at Love House—their log home in the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania.

  Christmas at Love House:

  A Bittersweet Interlude, Book #3.

  ALERT: I decided not to avoid some SPOILERS in this heartwarming excerpt. However, I did make a couple changes to keep some surprises for those planning to read the series.

  

  

  Caulder came through the doorway and sauntered to the refrigerator for the ale. He set the bottles on a wooden tray waiting on the island counter and wrapped his arms around Velia. “How you doing, babe? Everything smells delicious. You’ve outdone yourself again.”

  She took a minute away from perfecting the ham presentation, to turn into his embrace. The familiar smell of his cologne lingering with a bit of sweat, was one she’d never tire of. “I had so much help. We’ll be ready as soon as I carry in the ham. Will you gather everyone?”

  “Most are already at the table. These smells are hard to resist, as are you.” He gave her a kiss on the forehead. Caulder lifted the tray with ale and waited at the door for her to walk in together. She set the platter in front of his place at the head of the table. He opened the bottles and handed one to who wanted ale then pulled her chair out, but she held up a finger.

  “I need my camera. I’ll be right back.” She rushed into the office and came back with it. Caulder waited at her chair to the right of him, but she pulled it away from the table. “Come here.” She pressed her hand against his shoulder to stand on the chair. “Okay, take a seat, sweetheart.” Velia peered at their entire family around the large rectangular table that needed two dining leaves added.

  “Mommy, why are you standing on the chair?”

  “Taking a picture. Smile, sweetie. Let’s see that McCutchen charm, Granny Garnet.”

  “Thank you for another beautiful holiday, you sweet girl.” Granny’s glowing smile could’ve warmed the whole room. Velia had grown to love this dear lady.

  Kase cocked his head and gave her one of the biggest, toothiest grins.

  “Up here, everyone.” Perfect. Click. Focus. Click again. “Thank you. I’ll send one to all of you.”

  “But you aren’t in it. Set the timer, so you’ll be in it, too.” Caulder lifted her off the chair.

  Velia set the camera on a shelf, peeked around to the viewfinder to be sure everyone was in the picture, set the timer, and rushed back. At the table, Caulder yanked her onto his lap and splayed his hand over her abdomen. “Say giggles everyone!”

  After the shot, Caulder stood and lifted his glass, first to Velia then slowly peering over the crowd of people at their table. He winked at his grandmother. “Merry Christmas. As Velia would say, buon appetito!”

  Glasses remained high as everyone around the table, repeated, “Buon appetito! Salute.”

  They tapped their glasses together. Even Kase lifted his glass of milk and tapped it against anyone who reciprocated. His outgoing personality caused chills to spread from Velia’s head to her toes. She smiled at Caulder, met him halfway, and their lips touched in a heartfelt kiss.

  Laughter, chatter, giggles, and Christmas carols in the background all mingled and filled the room. Velia observed Foley lean over to give Natale a kiss. The smiles they had for each other echoed love. The same look in Foley’s eyes was what she saw in Caulder’s eyes when he looked at her. Real love had been ignited at Love House during this holiday interlude.

  Velia smiled warmly as she glanced across the table. Granny’s gold tablecloth with silver thread intermingled, captured the reflection of candlelight.

  All of their family together brought an overwhelming peacefulness to her soul, but when she peered at her own son, tears welled. His messy, dark hair went all over the place–in his eyes, inside his collar, and poking out from behind his ears–like his dads. Caulder cut a piece of ham for himself but picked it up, holding it in front of Kase’s mouth. Instead of giving it to their boy, he teased by popping it into his own.

  Kase giggled at his dad, then muttered, “That was mine, papa.”

  Velia picked up her glass of sparkling juice, stood, and gave Caulder a squeeze. With a cheery smile, she surveyed those around the table. “I love each and every one of you so much. I’ll reiterate Caulder’s greetings. Merry, merry Christmas.” Her dad nodded and gave her a wink.

  Pride beamed from his face. “Velia, dear, this seems like a good time to tell you something.” He held his glass of wine toward those at the table. “Your mamma and I have decided to look for a part-time place around here. Maybe a time-share.”

  “We’d love to have you here,” said Aiden, Caulder’s dad. “I’ll put you in touch with a good friend of ours from way back. Tell us when you’re ready.”

  “It won’t be for a while,” Lidia said. “Maybe by the time Caulder retires from bull riding. We’ve talked about this for some time. We’ll go to Italy every couple of years, and of course, visit with our boys and sweet nieces and nephew in California.”

  Velia remained standing, trembling now due to the joy bubbling over inside. What would they do when Dante had children, or even Bobby if he found the right woman who wanted to settle at the winery? Her parents might have to get a couple time-shares. Sitting again, she stroked her throat. “Now, let’s finish dinner. The girls made tiramisu for dessert, and I can tell you it tastes fantastic!” She glimpsed Foley. “I have to agree with something Foley had said last night. ‘This is the best Christmas.’” She caught her breath before continuing. “I’ll miss you all so much when you’re gone.”

  “Don’t worry, darlin’. I’ll keep you busy on the road for the next half a year at least before you have to come back to this lonely house.”

  “Honey,” Velia said as she lovingly caressed his arm. “I want everyone here as much as possible, and I have a feeling it will never be lonely at Love House. A Merry Christmas night it is indeed!”

  

  

  *NOTE: For those unfamiliar, Caulder is a cousin to the Carlson cowboys. However, these series are not connected, but, on occasion, the cousins will crossover or are mentioned in each other’s books. Christmas at Love House is one of the books.

  Thank you for reading! Merry Christmas.

  Wishing you tons of peaceful joy and happiness during the holiday in whichever way you celebrate–Kwanzaa Hanukkah, Christmas and more…

  La vita è bella. Ciao!

  Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 7 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, christmas, Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude, Fictional family Christmas, Holidays, mary j mccoy dressel, saga, western romance

• Short Snippet Saturday: Secret Santa’s Rundown Sleigh

  Posted at 9:34 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 12, 2019

  

  This week, I’m posting more than a snippet for Secret Santa’s Rundown Sleigh: A Holiday Romance Novella. Tuesday of this week I wrote a post with tidbits of information about the Mighty Mac or the Mackinac Bridge in Northern Lower Michigan. You’ll find the bridge briefly mentioned in this excerpt.

  For those of you who missed it, last week I posted an extended excerpt from Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart. You can find it here.

  I hope you enjoy a sneak peek from another one of my October new releases. Not including my coloring book, these two books were my eleventh and twelfth published books since 2014.

   

  A feel-good holiday romance novella.

   

  

   

  Excerpt from Chapter Three:

  Later, after the others got settled in, Terra dialed her mom’s phone to return a call from earlier. Her sister answered. “Hi, Grace. Can I talk to Mom?”

  “Mom’s asleep. She took her sleeping pill early tonight. She apologized for not waiting for your call.”

  “Did you remind her I won’t make it for Christmas? It breaks my heart.”

  “She knows. We’ll celebrate Christmas when you get here. Mom’s so out of it lately, and you’ll be here in a couple days.”

  “Grace… I’m sorry you won’t be home with your family. I tried, honest I did.”

  “I know. It’s all right. Vance is bringing Liam here tonight, but it’s a slow go with the roads, and he had to wait to get across Mighty Mac because of high winds. We’ll stay on a few days since he’s off work. He doesn’t know how to explain Grandma’s illness to our toddler. I told him I’d handle it. Mom asks for Liam, so I want them to come. Liam won’t r-remember h-her.”

  Terra saddened at the break in her sister’s voice. “I’m glad they’re coming to be with you. Give Mom a kiss for me? Take pictures for Liam to look back on.” Terra sniffled. “I better go so I don’t wake Kylee and the little girl who lives here. Maisy is her name and almost the same age. They’re in sleeping bags on the floor. This family is so kind. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay them. Talk to you tomorrow.”

  “I’m sure they expect nothing. Give Kylee a hug when she wakes. Love you.”

  Terra peered at the family room filled with holiday decorations strung on green roping—a tall and full tree, Christmas music boxes and snow globes, sparkly snowmen, family photos over the mantel—some with Maisy and Jude with her mom. Terra’s heart twisted to think of Maisy losing her mom at such a young age.

  Christmas carols played in the background. Stopping in this village and running into Alanna couldn’t have come at a better time, but she so missed spending each moment possible with her mom before she… Terra bent over her lap and placed her hands over her face to hide tears that refused to stay back. The music stopped and footsteps halted abruptly. She sat up to wipe her eyes.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you sitting there. I came to check on Maisy.”

  Terra looked up at Jude who stood near the tree, ready to turn off the lights. She swiped at another fallen tear. “It’s okay. It’s your room. I’m the intruder.”

  He walked around the couch with its back to the door, to the window to look outside, and then he faced her. “The snow’s drifting. It’s bad out there. Can I get you anything?” He peered outside again. “You all right?”

  Shocked at him talking to her so candidly with an actual tone of concern in his voice caused her to open up. “This is my last Christmas with my mom, and I can’t be with her.” Knowing she would soon burst into tears again, she apologized in advance, “I’m sorry.” She covered her face with her hands again. Liquid poured into a glass and his footsteps came closer. She glanced up and recognized the bottle of brandy on the table.

  “Here. Sounds like you could use something stronger than tea. Do you mind if I have a seat?”

  She took the glass. “Thanks. No, not at all. I don’t know how to thank you for letting us stay in your home. I’ll repay you—”

  “Payment isn’t necessary, Terra.”

  She’d been lonely too long, and the sexy, raspy way he spoke her name, gave her a shudder. What was his story other than being a widower? “You have a sweet little girl. Thanks for taking Kylee out to the stable. I don’t understand her openness. It’s unlike her. She and your daughter have hit it off.”

  “Welcome,” he said, then downed his drink. “No problem. I know what you mean though. Maisy doesn’t make friends easily. She has a rough time at school.”

  “Oh? That’s too bad.”

  “Yeah.” He lowered his voice and scooted to the edge of the loveseat. “She has reading issues and in fact, has a paraprofessional helping her in some of her classes. She goes to a special class too. The kids tease her. I don’t know how to make it right.” He looked off as if trying to figure it out this moment.

  “I home school Kylee.”

  He lifted his head. “Maybe I should look into teaching her at home.”

  Terra shrugged. She could neither say yay or nay about him home schooling. The plan worked for her and Kylee. “I don’t know what to tell you. It has its pros and cons. Talk to someone who is doing it. There are forums and groups online. I can give you the URLs.”

  “Hmm. Maybe I will if I can find the time to teach her. Thanks. Listen…” Jude paused. “Some friends are having a Christmas thing tomorrow night—with Santa. It’s a private party… You and Kylee should come as our guests. You’re here anyway and might as well enjoy it. Ride into town with Alanna. She’s going to the church service afterward, but she’ll be at the party first. You’re welcome to…” He cleared his throat. “Maisy will be in town with my sister. Christmas Day after opening gifts, Alanna’s family is spending time with Rico’s parents if the blizzard isn’t still brewing.”

  Terra tried to read his eyes. She rose and paced to the window. “Sounds nice, but I’ll call the hotel again to see if they have any cancellations. I can’t intrude on your family more than I have. It’s snowing a lot. Wow, with those big flakes, we’ll have another six or eight inches. I love the crystalline blanket of snow beneath the security lights.” She peered out farther into the yard. “Do I see some kind of sleigh out there?”

  

  Imagine everything covered in snow.

  “Seriously, you’re welcome to stay here. I know you have nowhere to go.” Jude came to stand behind her, chuckling. “Yeah, it’s a farmer’s old bobsled or wood wagon you hook up to a horse. The old guy used it for winter work, but that isn’t what I use it for. I don’t know where she got the idea, but Maisy calls it a bobsleigh, so I guess that’s what it is now. I’ll be putting it to use tomorrow night. My buddy Andy, is usually my top elf, but he got sick and can’t make it—”

  “There you are!” Alanna stood at the doorway with a playful grin directed at Jude and then to Terra, and back to her brother. “Hey, Rico talked to Andy. I wanted to make sure you know he can’t make it tomorrow, Jude.” She gave a big smile. “Let Terra and Kylee be your elves. Maisy would love it. Good night all.” She rushed away.

  He hurried toward the door as if to catch Alanna. Instead of exiting, he returned to stand beside Terra—silent momentarily. Again, he paced but ended up right back with her at the window. “You know, my sister is right. Come along. Have you ever been an elf? Maisy comes with me. Of course, bring Kylee.” Jude grinned. “Who doesn’t like a sleigh ride on a snowy Christmas Eve? In fact, instead of an elf, you’ll be Ms. Claus.”

  Terra smiled at his friendliness, but it caught her off guard too. He hadn’t exactly been hospitable since she’d been here. His bright eyes and grin added to his handsomeness. This truly had to be a fairy tale or a dream. It sounded like fun, but…should she? It’d at least be fun for Kylee and better than doing nothing on Christmas Eve in a stranger’s home.

  End of excerpt.

  Oh, there is so much more to come in this novella!

  Check out the book description and more on my site’s book page.

  Thank you for reading.

   

  Image Credits:

  Let it Snow: 3333873 – Pixabay

  Rundown Sleigh- ©Bounder32h- Dreamstime

  Posted in #AmWriting, Secret Santa's Rundown Sleigh, Short Snippet Saturday | 8 Comments | Tagged feel-good holiday romance novella, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Secret Santa's Rundown Sleigh, Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse

• 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

  

  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.

  

  “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

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