Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
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  • Category: Two-Five Ranch Outlaws

    • Let’s Ride: National Day of the Cowboy

      Posted at 2:05 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 23, 2022

      Yesterday I wrote an introduction to this post instead of adding it here to avoid what would be a longer post. It’s already long! Grab a beverage and enjoy. The post has been updated since the original.

      The fourth Saturday in July is National Day of the Cowboy. Be sure to check out the events they plan for this day, and more at the Empire Ranch Foundation.

      Back in 2005, to make sure it stays that way, the organization National Day of the Cowboy (NDOC) sponsored a bill in the Wyoming House and Senate to preserve and celebrate cowboy culture and history in that state, attaching an eponymous holiday to be observed on the fourth Saturday in July…

      To read more, click the link:

      https://nationaltoday.com/national-day-of-the-cowboy/

      National Today

      #NationalDayOfTheCowboy

      Cowboy Lover that I Am

      You know I’m jumping on this! Ha, too funny! I’m learned a few things since I began writing contemporary western romance. So for your reading pleasure, I present to you my take on the cowboy on their special day. Remember, I’m focusing mainly on MY take, which may not be the same as yours.

      Mostly, I’m dealing with fiction today. However, a whole lot of facts here are true. Images are from Pixabay unless otherwise stated. Credit for the Featured Image at the top: Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com. In the shameless promotion of showing my book covers, all of my covers have been created by award winning cover designer Dawné Dominique, at DusktilDawn Designs. 

      Why I Create Cowboy Heroes:

      What’s not to love? I reckon this post is for anyone who loves a cowboy. I couldn’t create this if I didn’t love them myself. It doesn’t matter if they’re single, married, head-over-heels in love, or dads. Scowling or smiling, fists balled to protect what they love, or gently holding a child’s hand, I think they’re the sexiest men alive. That’s my opinion. I know everyone doesn’t think so. Let me have fun on this day. I hope you read this with an open mind and know it’s all in fun.

      We’ll start with the basics from the ground up:

      Let’s put some boots on our guy’s feet. The cowboy boot fits nicely into the stirrup. They’re sturdy for whatever jobs he has to take care of during the day or night. He has more than one pair of boots. Sometimes you’ll find his boots to be dusty and worn—his favorites, but sometimes they’ll be shiny and new. Some ranchers are now wearing lace-up boots for working.

      He’ll spill coffee on them, step in horse or cattle manure–depending on what he raises, or do a two-step on the dance floor. Hey, readers… Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. That’s why they make soap and hand sanitizer. He’s your guy. When he’s dog-tired after a long day of hard work, feel free to pull them off for him. He’ll thank ya for it. *Wink* Remember to thank him for it, when he does the same for you. He will on occasion.

      Tight jeans. Loose-fittin’ jeans. Dirty, ripped, or dress jeans… Oh, come on. Need I say more? Add a pair of chaps and my eyes will bug out.

      Speaking for myself

      I like an oval belt buckle holding those jeans up on their waist. However, some cowboys don’t wear belts for fear of something catching on them while working. I’m torn here, for with no belt, the jeans ride lower on the waist. When he lifts a saddle on a horse, or bends over with a hoof pick, you might be lucky enough to get a peek at that abdomen and sexy back you can’t wait to run your nails over.

      Oh, we can’t forget his t-shirt with the sleeves tight against bulging biceps. Cowboys with dad bods have bulging biceps too. Hard work, is hard work. Young or old, he’s dedicated to hard work. After giving a horse a bath, expect a little water on the shirt. Should I explain the wet t-shirt?

      Flannel shirts with the sleeves turned up a couple rolls and open in the front isn’t so bad, either. But, wow, when your cowboy wears a dress shirt and clean jeans, hold him tight when you go out. Be prepared for a lot of ogling. Don’t be surprised if he casually looks back, but don’t worry, he’s true to you. However, he might deck another cowboy for getting a little too touchy-feely with you.

      A hint of stubble on the face or clean-shaven works for me. How about you? Chances are, you’ll find a little more than a hint of scruff after a couple long, tired days. Concerning beards, here’s a brief conversation between my heroine and hero in a work in progress. They haven’t seen each other for three and a half years. Due to circumstances beyond their control, she is staying with him, only at the moment. Not with him per se, but on his ranch:

      He draped his flannel shirt over the chair and took a bite of his donut. “Better eat the scrambled eggs while they’re still good, or I’ll take them out to the pigs.”

      Pigs? She handed him the mug of coffee complete with milk. “You wear a beard now?”

      He laughed and wiped powdered sugar from his mustache and donut crumbs from his beard. “Not normally. I haven’t shaved in four days. Do I look like hell?”

      “More like a lumberjack, but that’s not a bad thing.” She chuckled.

      Copyright 2022 Mary J. McCoy-Dressel/Mary J. Dressel

      You might have to get used to a little whisker-burn now and then. Go without shaving whatever needs shaving for a couple days. He’ll get the picture.  😉

      Oh, readers, when our cowboy sets his jaw in confidence or stubbornness, you know he means business. But so do we, so it evens out. His attitude or mood isn’t always going to be congenial. He has bad days too, and sometimes he can be downright miserable to be around.

      This man’s smile? Mmm, how about quirked lips when he questions something you said? A side smile? I can tell you, my knees buckle when he shoots that dangerous grin my way. Ooohhhh, what about his to-die-for wanton smile? You know the one where it shows in his eyes, too? The one he gives when you wonder what he’s up to next? But, goodness, when his face lights up with that special look, it TELLS you what he’s up to next. When he smiles at you in this way, you know your feet won’t be on the floor much longer. Am I right? Sigh. Who moved my fan? (I’ll use one of my own cowboys for an example–Caulder “Hotness” McCutchen, my sexy alpha bull rider.)

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel books, brand-new Bull Rider Series Cover banner 2021, cowboys, western setting, snow
       The Bull Rider Series. This entire series features the same couple–Velia and Caulder.

      It doesn’t matter if those sexy kissable lips are full, soft, chapped, or sunkissed sweet. When it comes to kissing them, you know they’re a perfect match for yours.

      Graphic designed by me.

      Hat Hair

      Mmm, his hair. Hair and eyes are the first things I notice. He might wear his hair on the longer side. Who has time for a haircut? He’s too busy tending to a ranch, cutting hay on a prairie, riding horses and driving cattle across a wide divide. He might be fixing fences in a dusty desert or monsoon, or trying to stay on a bull or bronc for eight seconds. Depending on his mood, he’s comfortable wearing his hair neatly combed when the occasion arises, or wind-blown messy when he’s busy. Whichever way he chooses to wear it, it’ll end up looking like hat-hair by the end of the day.

      clarencealford  @Pixabay

      Either neat and tidy or wild and free, if a shock of hair falls over his forehead, I can’t think of a more perfect excuse to get closer than to move in and brush it back. He’ll appreciate it if we leave our palm to rest on the side of his face, for a minute anyway. Whew!

      Last but not least, let’s not forget the Stetson, or any brand of cowboy hat, in off-white or black, depending on the occasion. Straw works for those hot days. If you’re wearing a hat, make sure you get the right tilt to your head in order to kiss him. Enjoy.

      mary j mccoy-dressel western romance
      Graphic created by me at PicMonkey.com

      Since it is our cowboy’s special day, we’ll continue. Let’s give him a dog and a horse or two, preferably more. After his dog and horses, we’re giving this cowboy a cowgirl, or whoever he chooses to love.

      Romance

      When evening comes, if he’s in by then, of course, he’ll be contented to settle in beside you, wearing a subtle fragrance whether it’s aftershave or your favorite cologne. Could be ranch life. My cowboys are sexy, hard working men, and they aren’t always going to be smelling like they walked out of a shower. Don’t let that deter you, but a little hint won’t hurt. An offer to accompany him in the shower isn’t a bad idea. ❤ ❤ ❤

      More than likely, for dinner he’ll like his favorite carryout, spicy food to match his persona, or a meat and potato meal at the end of the day. Sometimes he’ll surprise us, and prepare a delicious meal. Maybe burgers on the grill or steak with candlelight. He’ll enjoy a shot of whiskey, brandy, tequila, or Scotch, and maybe sometimes a glass of wine or a longneck. Even milk.

      At the end of the day with our cowboy, we know, besides his family, it’s us and the kids he holds in his heart…along with his dog and horses maybe not in a particular order. 🙂 Finally, when you get up Sunday morning, chances are after chores and breakfast, y’all will head to church. But think about it… At the end of the day, your cowboy is curling up next to you. The next move is yours.

      Background Image is from Shutterstock. Created by me at PicMonkey. Rose graphic – PicMonkey.

      REMEMBER, this is MY take on the cowboy, and this was written for fun. I hope you enjoyed reading.

      Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy the 4th Saturday of July.

      Remember what they say… Save a horse, ride a… *Smile*

      Thanks so much for reading, and an extra special thanks if you’ve read this more than once!

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Bull Rider Series, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series, national day of the cowboy, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 5 Comments | Tagged #NationalDayOfTheCowboy, boots, bronc riding, bull riders, Bull Riding, cattle ranch, cowboy, cowboy hats, dog, Empire Ranch Foundation, horses, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, national day of the cowboy, ranchers, Romance, series romance, sexy cowboys, western hero
    • Snippet: South of True North ~ Some Things Never Change

      Posted at 12:15 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 28, 2022

      Hi! I’m sharing an excerpt from my second new December release, South of True North, featuring Cade and Faith. You’ll finally meet Faith in her POV.


      Book Description

      Townsfolk cheered when they fell in love. Then they destroyed them with rumors and lies.

      Rancher Cade Outlaw and his ex-fiancée share custody of their daughter. After a heartbreaking breakup seven years ago, they’re growing close again. Seven years ago, Faith’s ex-boyfriend’s vengeful attack on her destroyed Cade and Faith’s happily ever after. When he asks for a do-over, he vows to protect the relationship from the pain that separated them—to keep her and their child safe from their past. But how can he take a step back if he gets the chance to settle the score? Is his love for Faith and Nadia strong enough to hold on to the second chance they deserve?

      Heartbroken, pregnant, fired from her job, and Cade’s focus on avenging the assault took a toll on Faith Ribeiro. To heal, she’d left him. Years later, a Fundraising Executive and single mom, she lives with emotional and physical scars. Cade is the only man she’ll love, and she can’t deny the powerful chemistry between them. However, rekindling a relationship may invite wickedness back into their lives. What will she do this time if Cade still wants to pay back her abuser? How much will her heart break if Nadia gets swept up in their chaos after striving to keep her from it?

      They’re stronger together, though they need to overcome the challenges standing in their way of a peaceful life—hate, heartache, vengeance, and family betrayal. But how will they hang on to the profound love they once shared if they don’t come out of this unscathed?

      Available at Amazon.


      Setup: Faith hasn’t stepped a foot on Cade’s ranch for over seven years. Today, she put on her brave face and took their daughter, Nadia, to the Two-Five to get a school project she had started with her dad.

      A nauseous stomach overtook her as she drove up the ranch road. An unfamiliar horse to her grazed near the porch.

      “Grandma’s horse. Hurry, let me out.”

      Faith passed the porch, pulled off to the side, and stopped. “Please rush, Nadia. Grab it and come back. We have to get home.”

      “Why? Wanna see my pony?”

      “Not today. Hurry.” Cade’s horse grazed close to one of the barns. She sent a text: Are you near your house? I’m parked by the porch. A few moments later, he headed this way from the barn office. She rolled down her window.

      “Hey, is anything wrong?”

      She smiled. “Nope.”

      He leaned in to kiss her. “This is a pleasant surprise. What are you doing here?”

      “Nadia needed her project. I didn’t think anyone would be here, then Nadia said that was your mom’s horse.”

      He looked back. “It is. Mom’s talking to Ronni about finances.”

      “Can you please hurry Nadia along?”

      “You’re fine here. Settle down. Nobody’s going to bother you.”

      She glanced in her rear mirror. Nadia came out the door with Ruth. Cade put his hand on Faith’s shoulder, and she placed her right hand over it. Nadia and her grandmother stood on the porch checking out the pictures on her board. “You haven’t told me what went down between you and your mom yet.”

      “Leave it alone. Some things never change.”

      As she expected. Their daughter called from the porch. “Daddy, Mom wants the hot picture of you and Mommy on the beach.”

      Cade chuckled. “I’m sorry,” he muttered to Faith, “but that kid kills me. I’ll bring the pictures tonight, but they are not to be put on her board.”

      “Don’t worry!” Faith winked. “Your picture is going in my secret stash.”

      “Yeah? I’d like to see your secrets.” He ran his gaze over her, his eyes lowering and lingering on her chest in a low tee.

      She glanced down. “My secrets belong to you. Go get your daughter, or let me leave.”

      “Don’t go anywhere. Come on, Nadia,” he called.

      Faith glimpsed the side mirror as his mom peered at Cade.

      “Don’t be in such a rush. Let her stay and spend time with Grandma today. We’ll go for a horseback ride. Does she have a day off?”

      “Not today, Mom. Come on, sweetheart.” Cade went toward the porch, up the steps, and took her hand and the board. “They’re in a hurry. Nadia needs to finish her school assignment.” He returned to the SUV where he opened the back door for her. “Buckle your belt.”

      She waved to her grandma. “By Granny. Love you.”

      Ruth said she loved her back. Faith hadn’t wanted to fold in on herself, but it tore at her heart that she wasn’t a part of this, though it thrilled her to see Nadia so accepted.

      Ronni, Cade’s sister and a friend to Faith, came out and stood beside her mom. “Hello, Faith! Nice to see you. Have fun with your board, Nadia.”

      Faith made eye contact with Cade. “Scoot over.” She stepped out and waved. “Hi, Ronni. Have a nice day. You, as well, Ruth.”

      She got back in, and he clutched the door frame with both hands. “I’m proud of your confidence. I’ll see you later.” He leaned in and kissed her on the mouth, and Faith wrapped her hand around the back of his warm, sweaty neck. “Thank you,” she whispered, leaving her cheek to rest against his. “I’ll see you soon. Buckled in, Nadia?”

      “Yep! I can’t wait to work on my board. Come on. Bye, Daddy. You kissed Mom.”

      Faith hooked her seat belt and met Cade’s gaze with happiness in hers. “It’s nice to see you smile. Don’t work too hard.”

      “Uh, then they’ll fire me.” He winked at Nadia, “Guess what? I’m kissing Mom again.” He leaned in the window and planted a long-lasting kiss on Faith’s lips that she thoroughly enjoyed. “See ya.”

      “Soon, cowboy.” Faith turned the SUV around, lifted her hand, and gave a subtle wave to Ronni and Ruth as she passed the porch. “It looks like you have a lot of pictures. I’m excited to look at them.”

      Nadia asked, “Why didn’t you come in?”

      End of Excerpt


      Faith’s reasons for not going inside can’t be explained to a six year old. Making it as far as the driveway is a big deal for her. Find a recent snippet for another new release, Blue Snow in the Moonlight HERE.

      Thank you for reading! Have a wonderful weekend! ~MJ

      About me board images: Created @ Picmonkey by yours truly with Shutterstock Images

      Posted in #AmWriting, New Release, South of True North, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 4 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, mary j mccoy dressel, Romance, Snippet: South of True North ~ Some Things Never Change, South of True North, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Cold Heart

      Posted at 6:34 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 22, 2022
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      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


      Book #2

      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
    • Snippet: South of True North ~ Don’t Expect Miracles

      Posted at 1:26 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 13, 2022

      Hi! I could wait until Short Snippet Saturday to post this, but I should keep “short” snippets for that topic. This one isn’t short. I’m sharing an excerpt from my second new release, South of True North, featuring Cade and Faith. Faith isn’t in this, but she’s the topic of discussion.

      Book Description

      Townsfolk cheered when they fell in love. Then they destroyed them with rumors and lies.

      Rancher Cade Outlaw and his ex-fiancée share custody of their daughter, and they’re growing close again. Her ex-boyfriend’s vengeful attack on her seven years ago destroyed Cade and Faith’s happily ever after. When he asks for a do-over, he vows to protect the relationship from the pain that separated them—to keep her and their child safe from their past. But how can he take a step back if he gets the chance to settle the score? Is his love for Faith and Nadia strong enough to hold on to the second chance they deserve?

      Heartbroken, pregnant, fired from her job, and Cade’s focus on avenging the assault took a toll on Faith Ribeiro. To heal, she’d left him. Years later, a Fundraising Executive and single mom, she lives with emotional and physical scars. Cade is the only man she’ll love, and she can’t deny the powerful chemistry between them. However, rekindling a relationship may invite wickedness back into their lives. What will she do this time if Cade still wants to pay back her abuser? How much will her heart break if Nadia gets swept up in their chaos after striving to keep her from it?

      They’re stronger together, though they need to overcome the challenges standing in their way of a peaceful life—hate, heartache, vengeance, and family betrayal. But how will they hang on to the profound love they once shared if they don’t come out of this unscathed?

      Available at Amazon


      Setup: On the way home from an auction, Cade’s dad, one brother, and his sister are with him, so he decides it’s a good time to blast some news.

      As they pulled out of the diner, a truck horn bellowed. Their big rig hauling new cows pulled around to the larger parking area. Jesse waved. Cade chatted with Nadia at her bedtime before blasting his news. They neared home now. Time ran out.

      He rubbed his hands on his knees as chatter from Ronni and Dusty blurred in the back seat. He turned the volume down and gave a sidelong glance to his dad leaning against the front door. “Listen up. I have news to share you aren’t going to like, but keep it to yourselves until we get home, or I’ll put you out of my truck.”

      “Uh, this is my truck. Nobody’s getting out, son.”

      He took a deep breath. “Faith and I are considering a second chance. We have a daughter together and want it to work between us.”

      His dad canted his head toward the side window. “It’ll kill your mama.”

      “Daddy,” Ronni said from the back. “No, it won’t. I agree with Cade. Nadia needs a mother and a father to parent her together. We don’t want to see another man raising our flesh and blood. You talk to Mom.”

      Cade dragged his palm across the steering wheel. For sure he didn’t want another man parenting his kid. “Thanks, Ronni, but I’ll tell her myself.”

      Dusty shoved the seat behind Cade. “You sleep together for two nights and think you can start over?”

      He just about blew a brain gasket. Cade slid to a stop on the shoulder of the road, got out, and pulled the seat forward. “I haven’t slept with nobody. Get your ass out of the truck.”

      Dusty narrowed one eye and remained sitting. “I told you you’d start a shit-storm. Happy now?”

      Jesse raised his voice. “Get in the truck. Your brother isn’t walking home. You’re a grown-ass man. Act like it!”

      “You can join him, Dad. I mean it. Pay attention.” Idiot. Shit. He kicked his dad out of his own truck. He grabbed his hat off his head and shoved his fingers through his hair and repeated Faith’s phrase. “You don’t have to like her, but you need to accept she’s with me.”

      “Get in the damn truck, Cade Lee Outlaw, or I’m coming around there to drive, and I don’t see well at night.”

      Cade turned his back on them and gazed upward. Then he faced his dad, lifted a foot to the running board, and laid his eyes on Dusty.

      His dad continued, “All right. Fine. You’re back together. You’re old enough to make your own decisions whether they’re right or wrong. I know how we raised you, so most of them are right.”

      “This one affects us all, Dad,” Dusty warned.

      “Shut up, Dusty!” Ronni leaned forward. “What’s the big deal? Get your damn facts straight. Hear me, Dad? Here we are all these years later still hashing out the same shit. How do you see Faith being at fault when an asshole started the whole thing to get back at Cade? He beat her!”

      “Calm down, darlin’.”

      “No! I consider her a friend. If you want to turn your backs on me, go ahead. I’ll miss you all a hell of a lot if you do. Like Cade, I’ll come to work every day because my name is on the flippin’ business too.”

      “Nonsense. You’ll always be my little girl. Ladies don’t curse like that, honey.”

      “You raised me to be a cowboy, not a lady. Give Faith and Cade a chance. Why make it hard on them? Now, they have an innocent little child. I hope you can find it in your hearts to do the same.” She sat back and folded her arms. “I thought Outlaws stuck together.”

      Well, obviously, Dusty wasn’t getting out, but wow, his sister let loose. Cade shoved the seat back and got behind the wheel, continuing to drive toward home. “I’ll have Nadia from after work tomorrow through the weekend. Please, for her sake, don’t bring this up because if you speak bad about her mom, you’ll lose her. If you can’t, I’ll keep her at Faith’s while she’s out of town.” He glanced in the mirror at Dusty who nodded. Wow.

      “You have my acceptance,” Dusty said in a calmer tone. “You’re right. This foolishness has gone on long enough. Everybody should be able to love who the hell they want to love. Right, Dad?”

      “No comment. You aren’t the one going home to talk to your mother.”

      Cade scoffed. “She’s wrong about her, Dad, and always has been. Let me handle Mom.”

      “No one handles your mother. You know, Cade Lee, I’d do anything for your little girl. If this is what it takes, so be it. I wish you the best, and I honestly mean it, but it’ll take time. Don’t expect miracles overnight, boy.”

      “We’re determined to make it work this time. No matter what, and I’m telling you up front, if Garrett returns to town, he’ll pay for what he’s done to her.”

      “I got your back, bro.”

      “Appreciated.”

      His dad laid his hand on Cade’s shoulder and flicked his gaze back to Ronni. “We do stick together, honey. And, Cade, if the day comes when Faith becomes your wife, she’s included. You’ve got my word. However, I repeat… Don’t expect us to change at the snap of your fingers.”

      Cade’s throat closed up in emotion at his dad’s words. He could’ve done this the first time. “Don’t worry. I know better. It’ll break my heart if I leave my family. I’ve had a broken heart before.”

      Ronni tapped his shoulder with her water bottle. “Here’s to no more heartaches for us Outlaws.”

      End of Excerpt.

      Two-Five Ranch Outlaws

      I try not to post long excerpts like this, but since South of True North and Blue Snow in the Moonlight are new releases, I made an exception. Find a recent snippet for Blue Snow HERE.

      Thank you for reading. Have a peaceful rest of your week. ~MJ

      Posted in #AmWriting, South of True North, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 3 Comments | Tagged amazon, mary j mccoy dressel, Snippet: South of True North ~ Don't Expect Miracles, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, western romance
    • New Reads for the New Year ~ Two New Releases

      Posted at 3:28 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 1, 2022

      Grab a beverage and a snack. This is long. 😊

      Can you believe it? I published these books in the nick of time to get a 2021 release date. I’ve never in my years of publishing on KDP had a book uploaded and then published as fast as these two. I took it as a good sign. I uploaded them both on December 30th one after the other. Odd, that one book has a publication date of December 29th and the other the 30th. Either way, they’re out in the world now! Both books are released only on Amazon at this time.

      Both book covers were designed by Dawné Dominique at DusktilDawn Designs. She’s my hero!

      So, now I present to you my two new releases. Big breath in and big breath out.

      Blue snow in the Moonlight: A Holiday Romance

      California woman 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?

      Available on Amazon.


      My Second New Release:

      NOTE: If you read “Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart” book one in this series, you heard rumors and lies about Cade’s ex-fiancée, Faith. She never made an appearance in the book. I had no intention of making Faith the heroine, but as characters are known to do, she kept nudging me until I gave in. Then I realized I had started their story in the first book. They deserved to have their story told.

      Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, #2

      South of True North

      Townsfolk cheered when they fell in love. Then they destroyed them with rumors and lies.

      I am so in love with this cover. The hero fits Cade to a T.

      Rancher Cade Outlaw and his ex-fiancée share custody of their daughter, and they’re growing close again. Her ex-boyfriend’s vengeful attack on her seven years ago destroyed Cade and Faith’s happily ever after. When he asks for a do-over, he vows to protect the relationship from the pain that separated them—to keep her and their child safe from their past. But how can he take a step back if he gets the chance to settle the score? Is his love for Faith and Nadia strong enough to hold on to the second chance they deserve?

      Heartbroken, pregnant, fired from her job, and Cade’s focus on avenging the assault took a toll on Faith Ribeiro. To heal, she’d left him. Years later, a Fundraising Executive and single mom, she lives with emotional and physical scars. Cade is the only man she’ll love, and she can’t deny the powerful chemistry between them. However, rekindling a relationship may invite wickedness back into their lives. What will she do this time if Cade still wants to pay back her abuser? How much will her heart break if Nadia gets swept up in their chaos after striving to keep her from it?

      They’re stronger together, though they need to overcome the challenges standing in their way of a peaceful life—hate, heartache, vengeance, and family betrayal. But how will they hang on to the profound love they once shared if they don’t come out of this unscathed?

      DISCLAIMER: This story contains references to domestic abuse that happened outside of the book. Our hero, Cade, is NOT the abuser. Brief scenes and memories play out in Faith and Cade’s thoughts and narration, and may be troubling for some readers.

      Available on Amazon

      Check out Book One in the Two-Five Ranch Outlaws Series:

      This book will only be on Amazon too. Due to the holidays, it may still be available at Nook, Apple, and Kobo, but if so, it won’t be there for long.

      Wishing You A New Year, Bursting With Joy, Roaring With Laughter And Full Of Fun. ― Happy New Year 2022.

      I wish the new year’s blessings were my words, but the credit goes to: New Year Wiki.

      New year image credit: MAKY_OREL @Pixabay.

      Mockups from MockupShots.

      Featured Image Credit: Raventhorne @Pixabay.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Cover Reveal, holiday, New Release, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Blue Snow in the Moonlight, Cowboy Romance Series, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, New Release, South of True North, Two New Releases, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, western romance
    • Waving Hello With a Brief Update

      Posted at 3:38 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 31, 2021

      Here’s a fairly short, or not, post to say hi and send along a few updates to prove I’m still here.

      It bothers me that I haven’t posted anything, but I haven’t had anything to say. Why write mumble jumble. Wait. This might be mumble jumble. I’ve been writing which is a good thing.

      The good news:

      One book is with my editor–Two-Five Ranch Outlaws #2. I’m hoping to publish in September. Pre-order info will be posted later if I go that route. I’m champing at the bit to do a cover reveal. Should I without buy links? I used to all the time but when someone says, ‘Oh, I have to read this. Where can I get it?’ Sadly, I have to say it isn’t published yet. Then by the time it comes out, no one remembers they wanted to read it.

      Book #1 is the cowboy in my website header and available for purchase now.

      #AmWriting ❤

      More good news:

      I’m in the process of writing the ending to a standalone western holiday romance. This book came to me out of nowhere. ❤ I got up one morning in the wee hour over a year ago and wrote the beginning so I didn’t forget it. Then with the sickly year I had, the beginning sat and sat before I could get back to it. It’s on my editors list now too. I’m keeping it under 50K words. My published holiday romance is a novella. My blog readers know this, but if you don’t…the novella is more heartwarming and sweet, but it doesn’t fall under the “sweet” genre. It isn’t western, but I gave my hero horses. Duh! 🙂

      Yuck.

      Not so good news:

      I’ve been living existing with an awful, AWFUL sickening smell in my apartment. It smells like a dead animal, landfill, sewer gas, boiler fumes/exhaust, etc. The boiler isn’t on most of the time, but it comes on at a certain external temperature. I hear water going through the pipes and the bleeders chattering. My apartment heat is NOT on, but I hear it going to other apartments. You know what? I should not know things like what bleeders sound like, but that’s for another post.

      I can’t precisely describe how rotten the smell is. I’ve been trying to eliminate possibilities, but I’m a tenant, not a maintenance person. I have done more guessing than they have. You know why? Because they can’t smell it. One maintenance guy did smell it. Bless his heart.

      I have been wearing a mask in the house and to sleep because the smell nauseates me, gives me a headache, scratchy throat, and I can taste it! It burns my eyes. This can’t be good! No one else in my building has an issue. It’s been a month or more. I’ve treated drains. No change.

      One day this past week, they brought in a commercial ionizer and let it run for four hours. I had to be out of the apartment. When I came in later, I still smelled the stench. A manager suggested I buy an air purifier, so I did. Then I bought a larger one that arrived today because the other didn’t help. The manager said it would draw that stink right out of here. Well, it didn’t. My smarts and instincts tell me that you aren’t going to get rid of an odor that continues to leak from somewhere.

      One manager told me he’d “round up” a device to detect radon and all the other ‘don’ toxins. I’d like a timeframe on that. It sounds important to me!

      It IS important to me. I will update this topic when I have an answer. This month, I signed my lease for another year. However, If they’d rather I moved out then fix the issue, well… I say no more for now. I love the building I’m in and chose this one out of two others I could have had. Sigh.


      On a happier note:

      I’ve been walking, getting in my steps, and taking pictures. Soon, I’ll write a follow-up post to one I wrote earlier about getting steps in thanks to my fitness wrist tracker. I’m on my third tracker since the first post.

      Well, this mumble jumble took up more space than I expected. I hope you’re all having a terrific summer. Take care, my friends! Stay safe.

      Thanks to Pixabay for each of these images.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 7 Comments
    • #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:

      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

      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: Bad Outlaws Know the Truth

      Posted at 1:03 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 19, 2019
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Hi! Happy weekend. I’ve returned this Saturday with another excerpt from Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart. This one is a fun scene on the Two-Five Ranch between Karis and Tanyon with a couple other family members who make their appearances. Haunted House is mentioned and is one of the Five Common Elements used in the book. The haunted house episode referred to happened earlier which is another scene I love in the book. Oh, Max is an element too!


      Karis went downstairs to wait for Tom and wandered into the kitchen. When had she eaten last? Lunch on the trail? A scrumptious sweet-cinnamon aroma filled the house bringing on an inkling of a memory from childhood. The oven was still warm when she walked by. It must’ve been dessert, so she opened it to see what Max had made. Mmm, apple pie.

      “Where’s the pie,” Tanyon asked, entering the kitchen, soaking wet. “Something smells delicious.”

      She laughed at his wet clothes and hair plastered to his head. Albeit, she didn’t mind his wet shirt hugging his abs. “Maybe you’ll patch your floor in the truck now?”

      “Yeah, I don’t remember until it’s raining. Bring the pie over here. I’m starved.”

      “No way. I’m not dealing with Max. He made this pie for a reason. I know dinner is around here somewhere.”

      “Yeah, because I asked him to make apple or cherry pie.”

      She blocked the oven. “No. I have to hear it from him.”

      He strode over to her, set his hands on her upper arms and attempted to move her. She held her ground, but he hadn’t tried hard, or she would’ve been moved. She giggled. “Stop.”

      Tanyon tickled her in the ribs. “I know how to get you out of the way.”

      She fought off his hands, laughing and protecting her ribs at the same time. “I’m not ticklish, anymore.” Like hell.

      “Hey, what’s going on here?” Max’s big voice roared. “You’re after pie, aren’t you?”

      “Don’t worry, she’s protecting it like her life depended on it.” Tanyon chuckled.

      “It does!” Max bellowed.

      Tanyon raised his hands. “Come on. Didn’t you make it because I asked?”

      “Well…”

      “Ah, ha.” He gazed at Karis with a devil grin on his face then lifted her off the floor and moved her.

      “Get it out and come on over here, you two,” Max called. “I’ll get the ice cream. Tanyon, change your damn wet clothes. Go on. You’re worse than a kid dripping on the floor.”

      “You’re bad, Outlaw.” Karis chuckled when Tanyon and Max said, ‘No, I’m not’ at the same time. “You both know the truth.”

      “I’ll be right back.” Tanyon hurried out of the kitchen.

      Max made the cut. “You get the first bite, and we’ll rub it into his face.”

      “Literally?”

      Max reconsidered. “Ah, better not.”

      She got plates from the cupboard. “You’ll get me in more trouble. He’s already mad at me.”

      “He’s always mad at somebody, but darlin’, he isn’t mad at you. He was worried because you broke down in front of the haunted house.” Max snorted as he sliced the pie.

      “Not you too.”

      Tanyon entered the room with a dry shirt and the same wet and muddy pants, but he’d combed his hair. He raised a brow at Karis. “You two will do good to remember who signs your checks.”

      “Yeah, Ronni signs the checks.” She defiantly held eye contact with him until Max waved a spoon between them.

      “I’m glad you asked for pie this morning, Tanyon. I’ve been wanting to make apple or cherry.”

      She dished out ice cream. “Me too! Cherry would be delicious.” A grumbling tummy wasn’t necessary to know she was ravenous.

      “That’s why I made both. With this bunch, how could I only make one?” Max howled. “I made four.”

      Cade came in, ducking through the doorway with Nadia on his shoulders.

      Karis poured her, Tanyon, and Max a cup of coffee. “Nadia, have you been playing in the rain?”

      Nadia flicked her smiling gaze to Cade. “Me and Daddy danced in the rain.”

      “Sweet!” Karis said.

      End of excerpt.

      I wanted apple pie while writing this scene. Mmm, even I could smell it. No, I haven’t had any yet. LOL.

      I appreciate you taking the time to visit. Thank you. ❤ ❤


      A Common Elements Romance Project Novel

      Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart (Two-Five Ranch Outlaws #1)

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

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

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

      Enjoy your weekend.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Common Elements Romance Project, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 4 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Five Common Elements, Haunted House, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, New Release, Short Snippet Saturday, The Common Elements Romance Project, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, western romance
    • The Common Elements Romance Project ~ October Giveaways

      Posted at 9:57 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 17, 2019

      Before the month of October is over, I wanted to share The Common Elements Romance Project October Giveaways for books published this month.

      Who wants to enter for a chance to win a free eBook? Visit THIS LINK to see the Common Elements Giveaway participating authors published in October 2019!

      Each month from October thru January, some authors publishing in those months will be doing their own giveaway for their project book. You can sign up at the link above then to a Google Sign Up form. It’s that simple to enter.

      When we had the Facebook Launch Party last month, our books weren’t published yet. Authors gave away books from their back list. Now the authors who choose to participate in the October Giveaways, have a chance to do their own individual giveaways on the new common elements releases.

      Stop on over to check them out. The list keeps growing as more books are being released this month.

      Touch of Breeze by Kelynn Storm
      Forbidden Noble by Victoria Pinder
      Evil Wind Rising by Jillian Chantal
      The Haunted Love Affair by Constance Bretes
      Beguiled by Amanda Jayde
      That Summer by Candy Caine
      Resistance: A Common Elements Romance by Regina Kammer
      Bohemia Chills by Lucy Lakestone
      The Heartless Earl by Regina Jeffers
      Forever Better Together by A.D. Ellis
      Haunting Miss Fenwick by Alina K. Field
      In the Lady’s Heart by JoMarie DeGioia
      Blood Will Tell by Pamela Gibson
      Kisses & Kismet by Kris Jayne

      I’m not participating in this giveaway, but Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart is still at a promotional price of $0.99 (2019) for a limited time. Oh, yesterday the book jumped into the Top 100 Paid Best Selling Books in Contemporary Western Fiction. I haven’t been on that list in a long time. Sure, it isn’t a big deal because it isn’t a USA or other “Official” best selling list, but regardless, it’s another milestone for me.

      FYI: On the website, the bag shown on the page is not part of this new giveaway. That contest is closed.


      If you missed earlier posts about this project, read on:

      The Common Elements Romance Project.

      What is it?

      From the website:

      *We’re over seventy romance authors who have come together to write stories that have just five things in common:

      1. a lightning storm
      2. lost keys
      3. a haunted house (really haunted or rumored to be)
      4. a stack of thick books
      5. a person named Max (or short for something else)

      Everything else is up to the individual authors.


      *I’d like to note that each author wrote their own book. This isn’t an anthology or boxed set.

      If you enter for a chance to win, good luck!

      Thanks for visiting.

      Posted in #WritersLife, New Release, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 0 Comments | Tagged #CommonElementsRomance, CommonElementsRomanceProject, eBook Giveaways, mary j mccoy dressel, New Common Elements Romance Project Releases, October eBook Giveaways, The Common Elements Romance Project
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Karis Returns (Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart)

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

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


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

      Two Five Ranch Outlaws, Book #1

      Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart

      Excerpt from the end of Chapter One

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

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

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

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

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

      “I don’t think so.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      “You ready?”

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

      “I got this.” He yanked it away.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      End of excerpt.


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

      Enjoy your weekend.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Common Elements Romance Project, Excerpt, New Release, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 7 Comments | Tagged #CommonElementsRomance, Common Elements Romance Project, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, mary j mccoy dressel, New Release, Northern Arizona, Romance, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, western romance
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