Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance
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  • Category: Short Snippet Saturday

    • 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

      Moonlit Landscape with a Gothic Ruin Sebastian_Pether_1810-1844 WikipediaSebastian 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, Penllyn. Cover by Teagan R. GenevieneDead 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
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      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


      Book cover cowboy touching his hat, lightning storm in the background, on a larger background of a Sedona sunset on red rocks, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      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.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      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!”

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel books, western romance author. Image for website and retailers.

      *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
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Secret Santa's Rundown Sleigh: A holiday Romance Novella, Let it snow. Gold text on white background, Post with excerpt from romance novella, Pixabay image

      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.

       

      Secret Santa's Rundown Sleigh A Holiday Romance Novella, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Christmas romance, two-hour read, feel-good holiday romance story

       

      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

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance…Karis went in the direction of her car to gather her luggage. A light came on in a front section inside the barn. She headed that way, dropping her luggage outside the door. Through it, she spotted Tanyon in the front food storage area. She drew in a breath and blew it out before entering. What a devastating blow he’d been dealt. “Tanyon?”

      He whirled. His gaze cruised over her in a quick glance. “What can I do for you?”

      “Since arriving late, I missed out on the updated sleeping arrangements. Is the cabin off the agenda?”

      He spoke as he prepared morning food baskets. “Yeah. I, uh, I had locks installed on the doors upstairs in my house for you three ladies to have privacy. Your seniority amounts to something ‘round here. You ladies have been coming longer than I’ve been here, well, I mean since before I left bull riding and took this place over from my folks.”

      You ladies? That’s all it had amounted to now? You ladies? Tanyon had left the Army years ago, then had a hankering to ride those damn bulls like he’d done before he’d signed up for the military. Now after one too many knocks on the head, and a serious shoulder injury, he had moved back permanently to his family ranch. They’d officially met while he still toured on the circuit and had come home for a visit while recuperating from an injury. It’d been that long ago when she had the first inkling… He was the man she could fall in love with, and then she had fallen hard.

      Tanyon strode to the rear of the barn. The man had thinned, making him look taller.

      Two of his younger brothers, Dusty and Levi, had taken advantage of him when he’d finally retired. They’d dumped their chores back into his hands and returned to their rowdy, carefree ways. However, that changed last year for Dusty when he owned up to his role as a potential ranch owner. Cade though had a business mind from the start and assisted Tanyon with the business.

      Their sister, Veronica, known as Ronni by the family, had remained with the business to do the books after his parents retired. After retirement, his mom and dad had moved from the big house and now lived on a small section of the property near their private lake in a newly built home.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, Book page on website, five siblings upcoming novel series

      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.

      By the time she had changed and settled in the four-poster queen-sized bed with blankets smelling like delicate spring-scented fabric softener, a floorboard squeaked outside her room. Maybe Tanyon had second thoughts, and tomorrow he’d find new quarters for her. Karis gulped as her eyes welled. The floor squeaked again. She wasn’t as ready to confront him as she’d thought.

      Now alone, she had time to recall memories of her brother Rory. Up until now, she’d been so busy caring for others, that she hadn’t taken time to properly accept her grief. Karis closed her book, got out of bed, and opened the curtain to look outside in the dark. This room had a balcony. She stepped out and stood at the wrought iron railing. It was a bit darker on this side of the house. The Milky Way stretched out bright and clear, dotted with a trail of scintillating stars. Forested mountains stood shadowed against the night’s backdrop. A soft breeze carried smells from ranch life from the horse barns and cattle in this direction, and pine.

      Karis closed her eyes a moment, seeking solace, but all she saw was Tanyon’s arms around her as he’d joined her at the lake last fall. How he spoke softly into her ear asking her to stay on after the others left. She wrapped her arms around herself now for comfort. Tanyon, I miss you.

      A sound below snapped her out of the love-sick vision then footsteps faded away. She leaned over the rail to the opening below. A stairway wrapped around the side of the building, which led down from Tanyon’s balcony. Would he mind company tonight?

      End of excerpt.


      Thanks for bearing with the length. That’s why it’s only part of the chapter. The first part up to the cutoff point I had chosen, was still too long to post here–longer than this. You can always use the Look Inside feature on retailer sites or order a free sample. Or, you know, buy the book while the price is still discounted.  ❤

      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
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Hello?

      Posted at 11:14 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 20, 2019
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Howdy! It’s a record-breaking heat wave where I am along with much of the country.  🔥  We’re used to heat but not this high. Stay cool! I don’t remember if I ever experienced 107 degree temps before, but once while visiting Sacramento, CA, it was 104. I noticed! We had a storm roll through last night and many are out of power. They need prayers to get it connected. Another one is expected today. Recently I told my oldest who lives in California that I’d probably move there in a couple years. I guess Mother Nature is breaking me in and preparing me for the summer temps.

      THIS MONTH, I’m featuring Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas, a Second Chance Romance—the first book in the Spin Off to the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight. Wow, a featured book I haven’t mentioned yet this month. Shame on me. Bad blogger!

      I’ll change that today.

      It isn’t necessary to save Whispers of Forever for Christmastime reading because it doesn’t only revolve around the holiday. It revolves around two people and a young boy getting a second chance.

      I love this book, but where did I get the idea?

      Simple answer. From a song that interrupted that “almost asleep” stage. I grabbed my phone and jotted down the idea, but once I started writing, it went in a different direction.

      Who doesn’t deserve a second chance?

      Beth and Jake do. Especially when it should’ve been them all along. Against their will, they had been ripped apart from each other. Thirteen years later, Beth moves back to Canyon Junction, our small-town setting. Jake never left, except for those few years after Beth moved—the times he doesn’t like to remember—the times when he attempted to drown himself in a bottle or kill himself as a reckless cowboy with a passion for saddle bronc riding.

      The snippet doesn’t feature Beth, but in the book, by now, they had unexpectedly come face-to-face since she had returned. This short piece deals with Jake and his child.

      Short Snippet:

      After feeding and watering their horses, they came in from the barn. Trace got a bath. Then Jake took a shower while his boy ate ice cream in front of the TV. He stood at the mirror in the small bathroom downstairs about to put shaving cream on his face.

      A shattering scream ripped from Trace’s throat, “Daddy! Daddy? Dad…”

      What the hell? Jake dropped his razor and rushed into the living room. “What’s the matter? Why are you watching the news, bud?” He glanced at the screen. Breaking News. “What happened?”

      Trace stood in front of the TV pointing. He didn’t say anything more, but his chin dimpled and quivered.

      Jake’s feet had been knocked out from under him, and he dropped to the sofa. Blood drained from his face, and it all dropped to his feet. His head spun, and he was unable to believe what he saw. Oh, my God. “Come here, T.J.” He reached out to bring him close, to hold him, to embrace him.

      “A plane crash. Is it Austin’s plane?” he asked, close to hysteria. “It is his! Dad?” He read out loud, “Piper PA32,” as information scrolled across the bottom of the report. Trace turned toward his dad, his face wet with tears, his body trembling.

      “Here, let’s change the channel.” Jake’s phone rang before he got the remote. He lost all focus, but his gaze couldn’t leave the TV screen. What was left of the plane looked like the one in the picture he had held in his hand earlier, and he let the phone ring.

      Trace answered before Jake could grab it, “Mommy, is it you?” He held the phone out to his dad with a terrified blankness in his eyes. “Grandpa Bill wants to talk to you.”

      Jake took the phone. Everything moved in slow motion from that point on. “Hello…”

      End of excerpt.

      Sorry for the cliffhanger ending here.  😁  You’ll never find a cliffhanger ending at the end of one of my books.


      Description

      What can stand in their way this time?

      Second Chance Romance

      western romance, Mary j McCoy-Dressel, cowboy, ArizonaRancher Jake Lawton never expects to become a single dad to his nine-year-old overnight. However, one last malicious act his wife had done before leaving them, could affect both he and his son’s lives. By chance, he runs into his high school sweetheart, never expecting the same old yearnings to return with one “How are ya?” embrace. Has their unanticipated meeting arrived at the perfect time, or has years apart put an end to what should’ve been years ago?

      Beth Marconi arrives home to help care for her ailing father. In town, she inadvertently runs into her first love—the cowboy she nearly married after graduation. Sparks ignite before they say hello, but how do they start over when life has left them so bruised? When her ex comes to town, she’s forced to explain the secret surrounding her short-lived marriage. Is Jake the kind of man who will understand, or will he revert to the hell-raiser he had become when Beth left thirteen years ago?

      Filled with both anguish and hope, a young boy and two lonely hearts pursue a second chance.

      Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series

      A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin off novel.

      Check out this book and the other spin off series books HERE.

      Thank you for visiting!

       

      Posted in #AmWriting, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 10 Comments | Tagged Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Finding Kimber, Hooked by Sundown, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Second Chance Romance, Short Snippet Saturday: Hello?, western romance, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Book #3- Bull Riding on the Ranch

      Posted at 8:01 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 22, 2019
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Christmas at Love House:

      A Bittersweet Interlude #3

      Bull Rider Series Boxed Set

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books, western romance author. New covers for boxed set website and retailers.

      This month on my website and blog, I’m featuring the Bull Rider Series Boxed Set. Today I’m sharing a short snippet from the third book in the series.  These are the new covers for anyone who hasn’t seen them yet. I love the font my designer used for the titles.


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Snippet Set Up: Reece (Foley) Wilson was the youngest bull rider on Caulder McCutchen’s team. He appears in each book in the series. Caulder has taken the kid under his wing. Now it’s Christmas and four years after the second book, and Foley is spending the holiday at Caulder’s family ranch in the Snowy Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania. The guys decided to do a practice bull ride.

      Caulder and Velia have many family members visiting at Love House for Christmas. They never expected a new love to bloom between two of their guests. Velia’s three younger cousins, Torre, Natale, and Alba are in this scene. Natale recently turned eighteen.

      If you haven’t met Velia and Caulder by now, how come? Haha, teasing!

      Available at Amazon.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      Let’s ride!


      “Both you girls, step back,” said Caulder. “Pictures later. You don’t just come up here to take pictures. Did you ever see a bull bucking in the chute for crying out loud? A horn could take you out in a minute. Ask Velia all about it.”

      Alba made a face and wrinkled her nose at Caulder. “Okay, bossy.”

      Teenagers! He’d give her bossy later. Aiden stood beside Caulder when Foley eased down on the bull. He held tight to Foley’s vest. Torre came over to act as the front safety guy, ready to hold him back if the bull bucked in the chute while Foley rosined his rope.

      “Come on, Foley,” said Caulder. “Like you told me on my last ride of the season, ‘you can do this.’”

      “Got it.” Getting the bull rope rosined up, he tightened, wrapped, and secured it in his hand. “This feels damn good to be on a bull again with all y’all around.” Once the rope was how he wanted it, he glanced at Natale then nodded to the gate man. “Go!”

      Caulder stepped back when the bull bucked out the gate. “Looking good!” This was like old times when Foley had been his teammate, but either way, he held his breath and said a silent prayer. “Come on, hold on, Foley. Hold on to that rage…”

      The eight second buzzer rang. He loosened the rope on his hand. The crazy bull gave one last buck. Foley got hung up. He ended up running, or more like being dragged alongside the bull. Natale screamed from the sidelines. One of Aiden’s ranch hands followed with the horse and Jase rode another one.

      Foley got his hand free on his own and fell back on his ass. Sitting in the sand, he removed his helmet, got up slowly, and slapped his chest with pride. A flashing smile lit his face as he held his helmet above his head. The first thing he did was seek out Natale.

      “Yeah, baby, you did it!” She jumped up and down at the chute shoving her fists into the air.

      western romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      Baby? Caulder glanced back and forth from Foley to Velia’s cousin. Their gaze stayed connected until Foley came out of the ring. She took two steps down at a time and ran to him the second her foot hit the ground. Caulder shook his head but cheered to himself. Those two reminded him of him and Velia back some years ago when this had all been new to her. Like Velia, Natale had it bad for a cowboy.

      He went down the steps and to where they stood to break them up. “All right, all right, let me in here you two. Damn, Foley that was a good ride.” Caulder embraced them both and when he parted, he took both of their shoulders to bring them back together. “Carry on.” He winked at Natale and mussed up Foley’s hair like he was a kid.

      Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude #3.

      Read a sample.


      Thanks for stopping by today!

      Here’s a short video showing how to wrap the tail of the bull rope in your hand. Remember, the bull is not standing there waiting for you to take care of business. One of your buddies is standing on the gate pulling the end of your rope tight between wraps. Sometimes, if the rider takes too much time, a judge sets a timer for, I think, sixty-seconds. If you don’t make it out of the chute, you forfeit the ride and points if you would’ve ridden the bull for eight-seconds. Haha, this excites me so much, I could talk about it forever!

      Images: Dreamstime.com

      Posted in #AmWriting, Christmas at Love House, Short Snippet Saturday | 2 Comments | Tagged Allegheny Mountains, Bull ride, bull rider, bull rider series, bull rider series boxed set, christmas, Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude, cowboy, Family Christmas, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Steamy romance, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Easy Feeling of Love

      Posted at 9:59 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 8, 2019
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Easy Feeling of Love is the title though I could’ve added: But for how long?

      This snippet is from the second book in the Boxed Set. I’m featuring the set this month.

      Set Up: Velia’s first season on the road with the bull rider is over. We’re between season one and the next season, if there is one. Caulder accompanied her back to Tucson where Velia rents an apartment and has her photography business set up, run now by her business partner. Caulder’s SUV had remained at a teammates mansion in the Catalina Foothills where Caulder had lived  for a few months last year before the season had started, and when he and Velia met. In this scene, they’re going to pick up his vehicle, or so she thinks… Until all hell breaks loose not long after, which you won’t see in this short snippet.

      This explanation is almost as long as the snippet! Sorry. ❤

      Steamy romance series. (Not the snippet)

      First, let’s see what the book is about. Shortened Blurb:

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Bull Rider Series 2

      Hey, Cowboy #2 
      A break in the bull riding season finds Velia and Caulder back in Tucson. Family, friends, and rowdy cowboys are brought together to share in joy, and sometimes pain. Happiness is within reach. They need to be strong enough to overcome enemies plotting against Velia’s family—and a possible career-ending injury for Caulder.


      In Howdy, Ma’am, Book One, Caulder hired her for a season. Now, the season is over… What will become of them?

      Beginning of Chapter Three:

      The drive back to the Catalina Foothills at night evoked a sense of smallness, living in an untamed world under an expansive star-studded sky. The sun had already set and the sky changed from deep blue to an intense violet twilight.

      Cacti and palm trees surrounded the highway, standing like guards in silhouetted form. Even being a photographer, she wouldn’t be able to capture an image this awe-inspiring if she used all the photo manipulation tools she had. She grasped Caulder’s hand and was carried away with the moment, overwhelmed with the easy feeling of love for the man beside her.

      He strummed his thumb over her fingers. “We’ll sit on the patio when we get back if you’d like.” Caulder gave a quick laugh. “Kind of like old times?”

      “Yes, I’d like to, but this time with your hand in mine.” Glancing at him, she observed his sexy profile in the dim glow of the lighted dashboard. Good-looking from any angle. What makes me so…so emotional tonight?

      Peacefulness came into her life as slowly as a feather drops through air, but now it was here. She craved it after hardening her heart for a time. They were almost like different people now. Her torment long over.

      She hoped Caulder no longer hurt so much inside, from his tremendous loss. Loving him is what she’d do until he saw it as a beautiful memory. A memory of the time he’d had…with them. Yes, love him forever is what she’d do. He appeared to be nodding off. “Are you falling asleep? Shall I drive the rest of the way?”

      “No, I’m fine,” he said. “I have a dull headache that won’t go away.”


      Thanks for reading!

      Have a nice weekend. 

      Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 10 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Arizona, bull rider, bull rider series, cowboy, Hey Cowboy Book 2, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: An Accident

      Posted at 11:28 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 2, 2019
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see the end of winter this year. We’ve had so much snow. It’s hard to believe our snowfall is below average, so far. The whole country is getting slapped with awful weather. What will spring bring? Happy March!

      This snippet comes from Hey, Cowboy, Book #2.

      In the back of this book in my Note to Readers, I stated: Writing this book brought out emotions I forgot I had from joy to heart wrenching pain. I laughed. I cried. I held my breath. I loved.

      In Howdy, Ma’am, Book One, the book opens with Velia returning from Italy after attending her Aunt Dafne’s funeral. Torre is Velia’s cousin and Dafne’s son.

      At the end of this snippet you’ll see the word zio. This means uncle in Italian. I was told by the person who checked my Italian in this series, that words like zio, zia, mamma, papà aren’t capitalized like they are in English. At first, it was hard to get used to writing them without capital letters, but I wanted to be true to my heroine’s use of her language.

      A name has been changed, and a scene has been modified so nothing is given away.

      Sorry for the long introduction.


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Bull Rider Series 2

      “We have to get things straightened out here.” They backed Roy and Caulder against the wall while the sheriff handcuffed Rosemary. He nodded toward Caulder and said to a deputy, “He’s the homeowner, set him free.”

      “Get the handcuffs off him, he’s family.” Caulder tilted his head toward Roy.

      Sheriff Dawson instructed the deputy to release him, too.

      Velia scanned the room. Two had been shot and there were men with guns. She understood their need to secure the place.

      “Anyone else in the house?” asked the deputy who had been there previously to take a report.

      “My cousin? No!” She turned to Caulder. “Is Torre in the…safe room?”

      He gave a short nod.

      “We’ll have to get him, ma’am,” said the sheriff. “Show me where he is.”

      “But my father. Let me remain with him.” Her shoulders shook from sobbing. “My cousin is s-safe for now. He’s only a boy. Please…I don’t want him to see this.”

      “Everyone needs to be in one place until we figure out what’s going on here, and to make sure he’s okay.”

      “I’ll go,” Roy said. He directed the sheriff toward the safe room.

      The EMTs arrived, and they attended to her father while two other techs attended to the second intruder.

      Caulder picked Velia up from the floor. “Come on, baby, let them do their job.” He wrapped his arms around her and held tight.

      One of the techs worked on her father. “We have to move him now.” They rolled his listless body over and prepared him for the trip, then lifted him to the stretcher and adjusted the straps around his body.

      The sheriff returned and spoke to Velia. “Your man is in the other room with the boy and a deputy. I’ll get you to the hospital. You’ll bring the boy with you. We have to question Mr. McCutchen and Mr. Bianco before they can join you.”

      Velia placed both hands on her head. “Are you arresting Caulder and Roy?”

      “We need to question them, ma’am. This is an obvious home invasion, and it looks like you all did what you had to do to protect yourselves.”

      He directed Caulder to remain with a deputy and another one stayed with Roy. Sheriff Dawson took Velia by the elbow and got Torre from the other room. He escorted them to his vehicle.

      Velia held her cousin close against her as they walked outside. The sight of flashing lights and ambulances shattered her heart into tiny pieces. To think this boy had to go through something so traumatic once again in his life. She dropped into the back seat of the sheriff’s SUV, never removing her arm from around Torre’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Torre,” she said sobbing. “Oh, honey, I know you were frightened.”

      “Roy and Caulder told me to stay hidden. Those people wanted to hurt you. I heard gunshots.”

      Velia pulled back. “And you listened. I’m so thankful you listened to them. I’m proud of you.” She released him yet smoothed hair away from his face. His dark eyes held fear and questions.

      “What happened to your face?”

      Her face must have looked a mess. “An accident.” How many times had he heard that excuse from his own mother before she died?

      “Will zio Ric be okay?”

      “I don’t know.” She swiped at tears then embraced him. This must have brought back horrid memories for him. “Torre, I’m just so sorry. So sorry.” Please, let my father be okay.


      I switched the featured book I had started with this month back to the Bull Rider Series. Mostly, because I’d like to expose the new covers as much as possible. The series is also available in a boxed set.

      Thank you for reading. Enjoy your weekend.

      Stay warm and dry.  

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 8 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, Hey cowboy, Howdy Ma'am, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance
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