Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

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

    • Short Snippet Saturday: Easy Feeling of Love

      Posted at 8:59 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 Bull Rider Series.

      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
    • Featured Book ~ Lassoing the Last Dance: A Man Like Randy

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

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

      Terms of Use


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

      To set it up for you:

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

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

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

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

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

      “I’ll get her. Hold on.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

      “Randy? Wait.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      End of Excerpt.

      Thank you for reading.

      Available:

      Apple, Nook, Amazon, Kobo

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

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

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

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


      Fruit Basket Credit: diapicard at Pixabay

      Book Cover Copyright Dawné Dominque

      Posted in #AmWriting, Excerpt | 6 Comments | Tagged amazon, Apple, Arizona, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, eBook, full-length novel, Kobo, Lassoing the Last Dance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Nook, sensual contemporary western romance, small town romance
    • Release Day: Hooked by Sundown

      Posted at 7:41 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 28, 2018
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance author, Book Three Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Blog Post Cover Reveal

      You recently joined me when I did the cover reveal a couple days ago. Now, you can read the book because it’s AVAILABLE. I’ll get right to the point and post the cover and blurb with a universal buy link to your favorite retailer and your country, and Amazon. com. Hooked by Sundown is available at Apple, Kobo, Amazon, and Nook, and at Walmart eBooks via Kobo. I’ve released this book at a discounted price for a limited time only.

      Forgive me for reiterating the info here, but if you’re new and didn’t see the cover reveal post, here we go with Release News:

      Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series #3

      A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance author, Book Three Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Blog Post Cover Reveal

      Blurb:

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

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

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


      Universal Buy Link

      Amazon. Com

      Check out the Series PAGE for info on all the books in this series.

      Visit the page below for information about the series that led the way to this Spin Off:

      Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight

      I’m happy you took a moment to stop by today. Thank you. Enjoy your weekend!

      Posted in #AmWriting, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, New Release | 9 Comments | Tagged Arizona, Beach vacation, bronc riding, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, cowboys, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Fiction, Hooked by Sundown, iBooks, Kindle, Kobo, mary j mccoy dressel, New Release, Nook, ranchers, Walmart eBooks, western romance
    • #AmWriting Update and Snippet

      Posted at 4:21 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 17, 2018

      What the heck have I been working on since the major revision of Cowboy Boss and his Destiny? Well, folks, for those of you who are interested, I’m back to working on book three in the spin off–Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series–Wade’s story. No, Wade’s story isn’t the title. The title is a whole other deal going on here in my head.

      I have three titles sitting at the top of my manuscript in fancy font looking as pretty as can be, but I can’t select the right one. They’re okay, but they don’t feel like “the one.” The other night I typed a good line… “Hmm, well, now,” I said to myself . “This could be my title.” It’s growing on me.

      By the looks of things, this might be the only book I publish this year. I had a goal of two. Of course, I’m not giving up on the goal yet, but with all the medical stuff going on in my life right now, I’m not sure what lies ahead besides more tests.

      Anyway, for readers of my spin off series, you have met Wade Emory in the first book. He works Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romancewith Jake Lawton as a foreman and now owns part of Jake’s ranching supply business. However, his luck with women sucks. Isn’t it awful for a romance hero’s love life to suck? In all fairness, he hasn’t been a book hero, but I’ve had so much fun turning him into one. Wade is worthy of being called a romance hero now.

      As a secondary character in Whispers of Forever, Wade began a serious relationship with a woman in the Air Force who lived in Las Vegas, but nope, luck evaded him. In Finding Kimber, his buddy, and best friend, Dane Carlson, set him up with a, well, ahem, let’s move on, and say Wade wasn’t big on dating someone recently out of college who had a drinking problem. In this case, he made sure there wouldn’t be a second date. Oh, and then… Blah, blah,  this is the story of his life.  In his book, he takes a trip, but it isn’t for a vacation. It all boils down to… Will he have to travel four hundred miles from home to meet “the one”? Coming in 2018.

      Here’s a little tidbit from my draft: UPDATE: This book is available!

      #3

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Pixabay, western romance series

      Wade hurried down the stairway, taking two steps at a time, through the lobby, and out the door. He caught the guy getting into a shuttle bus and yanked him off before he got to the second step. “You’re not going anywhere.” The smell of alcohol filled the air between them. Wade held his arm and dragged Clay back up the stairs without anything more than a missed swing from the drunk, and a few eyes from hotel patrons. Wade pounded on her door, and when she opened it, he shoved the guy inside. “Give the lady her money, or you won’t leave here walking.”

      She shoved Wade in the chest. “What in the hell are you doing?” She clasped her hands together and faced her brother. “Give me my money, Clay. You didn’t even care how me and Tanner got home. Do you think I’ll forget this?” She reached into his pocket for her money. “Get out of my life.”

      Her brother glared back and forth at her and Wade. “You’ll be sorry.”

      “I was sorry when I came to get you out of jail. Oh, if Dad were here, he’d beat you silly.”

      “I can do the job.” Wade shifted his stance and smirked.

      “You? Who are you? No, never mind.” She flipped her hand toward the door. “Would you get out of my room?”

      Wade held his stubborn ground. “Not until he leaves.”

      She glared at her brother. “You heard the man.”

      Wade shoved him toward the door and watched over the balcony railing until he staggered out of the hotel. He peered at her and shook his head, then left for a dinner he didn’t feel like eating.

       


      “Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.” ~Author unknown

      Thanks for sticking around to read. 🙂

      #TuesdayThoughts

      Solitude coaxes magical things from our souls. ~Terri Guillemets

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Arizona, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, contemporary western romance, first draft, hero, mary j mccoy dressel, Romance, series romance, Snippet, spin off series
    • #AmWriting Book Excerpt~ Heartbreak’s Reward: The Short Way Home

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

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

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

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


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

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

       

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

       

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

       

      Featured Image credited to Pixabay.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Excerpt, Heartbreak's Reward | 4 Comments | Tagged #AmReading, #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Arizona, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Heartbreak's Reward, Horse rancher, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Matchmaker, Matriarch, romance series, western romance, Whispers of Forever
    • #AmWriting Making It Count: Bucket List #MFRWauthor

      Posted at 12:01 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on December 1, 2017

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, author

      Marketing For Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge

      Well, darn, at first glance, I thought this topic would be difficult. My “Bucket List”? I don’t have one. I didn’t have one until I had to write this post. It was easier than I thought. I cheated, too, by looking at websites listing bucket list ideas. It shocked me to find I had done many things on their lists, but only minor things like visit Niagara Falls or climb a lighthouse. Then I took some time to brainstorm and give some thought to things I’d like to do before I’m no longer able to do them.

      We can only list five, but I came up with many more, which surprised me. Have you watched the movie, Bucket List? I haven’t, but now maybe I will. After eliminating things like escaping to other countries—Italy, Greece, and Scotland, or to hit a best-seller list on USA Today or a comparable list, I’ll list my five.


      Top Five Things on my Bucket List

      Remember, this is only five things on my list. These five and the other things on my list may not be exciting to the average person, but for now they work for me.

       

      1. Hike “The Wave” in Arizona. This would be like walking into another world. I wonder how long I’d have to train for this. I’d like to pull out the BIG DSLR camera for this romp, but I wouldn’t want to carry it. If you watch the video, it takes a few seconds to get to their destination. They’re showing directions. To those interested in something like this, it’s well worth the twelve minutes to view. I had a cup of coffee while watching.  ❤

       

      2.  Visit all 50 states. I’ve been to eighteen. To remain positive, I’ll say eighteen down, only thirty-two to go.

       

      3.  Horseback ride on a beach. Wow, now this is love. ❤

       

      4.  See the Northern lights. Once I saw the Northern lights from my back yard. They weren’t colorful like you see in pictures. They were multiple streams of wavering white lights that almost looked like big spotlights used to advertise a grand opening or some other event. Regardless, it was incredible to see even this. I want to stand out and be awed by the beautiful colored lights I see in pictures. I want to be as excited as Craig at Stay Adventurous was upon watching them. Stay Adventurous with Craig Zabranksky. Update: Craig got back to me and gave permission to use a photo, but be sure to check out the other photos on his website. Thanks, Craig. 😉

      Stay Adventurous

       

      5. Visit Arches National Park. North of Moab Utah. Ever since my son sent me pictures of his tour through Arches National Park, I’ve wanted to go. Again, how long will I have to train for this?  🙂

      Well, that’s my list. I can’t wait to get started. How about you? Have you ever made a Bucket List?


      This is a blog hop. Let’s visit the other participants in the 52-Week Blog Challenge. Some of the authors have participated EACH week. I’m sad to say I’m not one of them.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance,

      T.G.I.F. Enjoy your weekend!

      Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, 52-week blog challenge | 25 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #WritersLife, 52-week blog challenge, Arches National Park, Arizona, blog hop, Bucket List, horseback riding, Making It Count: Bucket List, mary j mccoy dressel, New Release, Northern Lights, Stay Adventurous, The Wave, United States, Utah, western romance
    • Cover Reveal and New Release Announcement

      Posted at 10:52 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on November 22, 2017

      I’m proud to present to you:

      Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, #2
      A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off

      FINDING KIMBER

      FindingKimber_2021_MED

      About the Book:

      She’s wary of her future. He’s burdened by his past.

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

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

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


      Note: Zach made his first appearance in Lassoing the Last Dance as Randy Drake’s best friend.


      Buy Links

      Amazon  |  Kobo  |  Nook  |  Apple

      Universal Link for your country.

      Add on Goodreads

      Arizona, Goodreads, Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books, western romance

      Here’s the series so far.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel western romanceMary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, cowboys


      If you’re a newsletter subscriber, this post looks familiar because it’s similar to the recent newsletter you received, minus the excerpt.


      Some of Chapter One:

      Regardless of her determination not to cry, tears trailed down Tressa Garnett’s cheeks. Greg Stone, the prosecuting attorney, continued to badger her on the witness stand. Wasn’t he on her side? Her ordeal played over like a documentary film. She had become Sam’s lover. Yes, she worked on and off with him for three years. She hesitated at the next question.

      “Ms. Garnett, you must answer.”

      She glanced at the judge who nodded and swept his hand through the air for her to get on with her answer.

      Greg asked again, “And is it correct you oversaw the money exchange between Mr. Cavalli and Samuel Allen?”

      “Yes.” Her gaze flicked to Sam. His glare gave threats his voice hadn’t. The smirk on his face matched the one he wore when he shoved the revolver into her hand after he shot and killed Pino Cavalli. From this day forward her life would change forever. She might as well walk out of the courtroom and grab a shovel if things didn’t go to plan. To plan? Her disappearance was the plan.

      Tressa peered at the salt-and-pepper-haired man sitting two rows from the back of the courtroom. Her godfather, Jerry Waterford, had become her lifeline. Could her heart take the agony of losing her family when she disappeared without a trace with a new name and identity? She choked back tears. Jerry gave a subtle nod.

      Now, the tissues in her hand matched her torn emotions. Her life hung in a balance somewhere in the middle of living and dying.

      Greg tapped on the railing around the witness stand. His eyes softened. “And were you in the warehouse when Mr. Cavalli was shot?”

      A bullet to Pino’s head had taken his life instantly. Her gaze moved to the two men behind Sam. If she said yes, would they be the ones to hunt her down?

      “Ms. Garnett, I must remind you that you’re under oath and need to answer the question. Were you in the warehouse—”

      “I heard you. Yes.” If Greg Stone said those words one more time, she might claw his eyes out. He picked up a handgun in a clear evidence bag. Yesterday he seemed like a friendly middle-aged man, and her way out of this hellish situation, but today while bullying her on the stand, he reminded her of an ogre.

      His gaze settled upon her. “Your fingerprints are on this weapon along with Mr. Allen’s. Tell us how your fingerprints got on this weapon.”

      She pointed at Sam. “Him. He stuck the revolver into my hand after he shot Mr. Cavalli.” She took a deep breath and slowly released air through barely parted lips as the defense attorney protested. “Let the record show Ms. Garnett pointed to Samuel Allen.” Greg paced across the room and back to the witness stand.

      Tressa breathed deeply. She wanted to pass out and when she came to, she’d learn it’d all been a dream. She focused on the prosecuting attorney, afraid if she glanced at Sam his glare might somehow cause her to explode.

      “Who shot Mr. Cavalli?” asked Greg Stone.

      God, can this be over? Sam had told Pino’s men he gave the money to her accomplice, further blaming the extortion on her. Now she had two enemies. She had no damn accomplice. All she did was learn the truth. Without hesitation or remorse, she pointed to Sam. “Mr. Allen.” The two men behind him both shifted in their seats, and Sam looked over his shoulder.

      The courtroom broke out into an uproar while the judge beat the gavel at least ten times, or maybe it was three. She covered her ears to ward off the noise. Tressa lowered her eyes to her lap while tears left stains on her navy-blue silk blouse.

      “Thank you, Ms. Garnett.”

      Her gaze settled on Melinda Richards who sat next to her godfather. She left the courtroom.

      The judge pounded the gavel one more time. “Are there any other questions?” He directed his gaze to the defense attorney who gave no rebuttal, nor did he cross-examine her. The judge gave her permission to return to her seat. Upon sitting, her mom leaned over her dad to pat her hand.

      ***

      After court, Jerry and two sheriff’s deputies swept Tressa out of the courtroom to a conference room to wait for the crowd to diminish. Soon after, Jerry and Melinda took her and her family back to the suite at a V.I.P. hotel on the outskirts of town. He didn’t want her to return to the courtroom for the verdict, so he demanded they leave the courthouse.

      Tressa paced while wringing her hands. “Jerry, I have to be there.”

      “I don’t advise it. Tressa, you must cooperate. For this plan to work, you have to trust me.”

      “I know. Waiting to see where my life is headed is damn hard.” The prosecutor hadn’t expected the jury to take long. Her mom sat on one side, her dad on the other. Her younger sister, Charlotte, sat across from her. “You did the right thing, sis.”
      Memories flooded her mind. Sam had wined and dined her, fed her fancy meals, took her on trips until the last weekend together. She had no way of knowing that he knew she’d only gone along with him to uncover more information. She had agreed to the weekend away, but she’d ended up with the ultimate betrayal against her.

      Finding Kimber snippet copy


      ❤ ❤  Thanks for stopping by today.  ❤ ❤

      Cover Credits: Cover design DusktilDawn Designs.

      Posted in Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Cover Reveal, New Release | 17 Comments | Tagged Arizona, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, cattleman, contemporary romance, Cover Reveal, cowboy, Finding Kimber, Full length series, Idaho, love story, New Release, rancher, Romance, starting over, western romance
    • #AmWriting Short Snippet Saturday: A Brief Glimpse

      Posted at 12:44 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 7, 2017

      Western Romance by Mary J McCoy-Dressel

       


      I chose this snippet today from Lassoing the Last Dance to give a little glimpse of Zach Bryson, the hero in my upcoming book, Finding Kimber. His family owns a cattle ranch in Idaho. Every now and then Zach has to get away from his nightmares. Now, he’s visiting his old Army buddy and best friend Randy Drake at Randy’s ranch, the Circle D, in Canyon Junction, AZ. Randy’s ranch borders the Double Dutch Ranch.

       


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

       

      Earlier in the day, Zach had gone to the Double Dutch with Randy and met Tristan and his brothers. They were invited to lunch. Randy would’ve declined, but he wanted the guys to get to know his buddy. Knowing him would make it easier to mention to other ranchers that the guy needed a job.

      Zach insisted on getting a suite at the hotel. At the end of the day, Randy offered his bike until he found a vehicle. Zach had declined. A sadness seemed to have a hold on his friend. Was there something he wasn’t telling Randy? Or, he went through a bout of memories, and was having a hard time moving past them. Maybe he had a recent breakup. His relationships didn’t last long since the Army. Zach’s mood began to bring Randy down.

      By the time they finished working on the stalls in his barn, and Zach had left, he glanced at his watch. It’d be dark soon. He had wanted to work on a painting until light had left the sky, but dusk loomed over the landscape. The mood or inspiration hadn’t come over him anyway, and if he painted something now, it’d be dark and ugly.


      Here’s more about Zach from Roxanne’s POV:

      Zach came in the back door after smoking a cigarette, poured a cup of coffee, and sat down. One look at Randy and Roxanne, and he got up and left the room. Through the doorway, he could be heard on the phone calling the hotel. Roxanne went to him, leaving Randy brooding at the sink.

      “You don’t have to leave, Zach. I’m going back home, and you’ll have the house to yourself while Randy’s at work. You two will have the whole night to catch up.” She placed her hand on his shoulder. “Randy’s thrilled you’re here. Stay.” It took a minute for him to speak, but she waited until he did.

      He glanced at Randy through the doorway. “I have to go check out a job. Maybe Randy hadn’t told you yet, but I’m sticking around for a while. He has his life and I have mine. I’ll be getting a room until I can find something better.”

      Roxanne observed his disheveled deep-coffee brown hair, his melancholy green eyes, and his toned body. Biceps the size of his were probably envied by many. Woe lurked deep inside of his tall frame. “I’m glad to have met you, and I hope to see you again.”

      He stuck out his hand. “You will.” His gaze went to her leg, but he pulled his eyes away. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to stare.”

      She shook hands with him. “It’s okay. Everyone does. Randy can fill you in if you ask. Good luck.”

       



      Finding Kimber will be out later this year. It’s back with my editor for a proofread.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas is Book #1 in this spin off series. Finding Kimber is Book #2.

      western romance, Mary j McCoy-Dressel, cowboy, Arizona

      Thanks for visiting.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 0 Comments | Tagged #AmReading, #AmWriting, Arizona, contemporary romance, cowboys, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Full Length Novel, Gentlemen Cowboys, Lassoing the Last Dance, mary j mccoy dressel, Proud women, rancher, series romance, western romance, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas
    • Open and Closed Doors to the Future or Bedroom? #MFRWauthor

      Posted at 9:29 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on August 25, 2017

      Marketing for Romance Writers 52 Week Blog Challenge Blog Hop

      Week 34 Open Doors or Closed Doors?

      This topic has a couple meanings to me. First, I think of doors that have been opened in my life to let in good things. Bad things sneak in open doors, too. It’s the same with closed doors. Good or bad things get trapped, and you have to wait for the door to open again. Do you take advantage of the open door and all the possibilities? I have. I’ve also had doors slammed, and they stayed closed for years.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, open door, closed door

      But…

      Since I write sensual romance, I see open and closed doors as meaning something else. LOVE scenes in a book. Are the scenes open for the reader to see what is going on, or does the couple (author) close the door to the world?

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, sexy couple,

      Since Marketing for ROMANCE writers came up with this topic, I’m going with what it means as this romance writer. I’m curious to see what the other authors have come up with for this topic.

      My doors are open. (Not in real life.) Sometimes the figurative doors are open in a pickup, barn, tent, HOT TUB, but yes, open. Do you think writing open door love scenes is easy? If you can’t picture it in your head, then you’ll probably have a difficult time writing them. With my tenth sensual romance coming out soon, I’ve become accustomed to leaving the door open and, yes, I see it as a movie going on in my head. I’m there. I hear the music, see the sway of candlelight and shadows on the walls, the warmth of the sheets and heated bodies. I’m not embarrassed to visualize this anymore.

      In my writing, I prefer to have “open door” love scenes, though some of them do happen off the page–closed doors. I like writing and sharing what my couple feels sensually. I don’t use descriptive body part language because I like my scenes to be more sensual and to make an impact with romance.

      I’m not saying writing descriptive body part words isn’t sensual, because I read erotic romance and it CAN BE sensual, sexy, and crazy hot, but I choose for my couples not to use them. I don’t publish or write erotic romance. However, in saying that, I have written two erotic romance novels, but they will never  see the light of day because it would go against my branding now.

      Plain and simply, I just don’t want to write erotic romance, but you can.  🙂

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      However, I’ve considered writing without open door scenes and maybe one day I will begin a new series where the doors close at the last minute. UPDATE: THIS DAY HAS COME. MY MORE CURRENT BOOKS KEEP THE DOOR AJAR AND MOST TIMES CLOSED. THIS IS RIGHT FOR ME NOW. I hope you find it right for you too.

      How about you, authors? How did you interpret today’s topic? Am I wrong by choosing to discuss open/ closed door sex scenes?

      Readers? What do you prefer?

      Remember, this is a Blog Hop. Please visit the other blog hopping authors at Marketing for Romance Writers.

      Marketing For Romance Writers.org, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      Enjoy your weekend.

      I’m sorry if these images offended anyone, but I chose them to fit my topic today.

      Images above from Pixabay and Marketing for Romance Writers.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, 52-week blog challenge | 23 Comments | Tagged #AmReading, #AuthorLife, #WritersLife, 52-week blog challenge, Arizona, blog hop, Marketing for Romance Writers, mary j mccoy dressel, open and closed doors, Open and Closed Doors to the Future or Bedroom?, open door sex scenes, sensual love scenes, sensual romance, western romance
    • #MFRWauthor What Your Eyes Can See~ Reading Formats #AmWriting

      Posted at 8:55 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 28, 2017

       

      #MFRWauthor Week 30 Topic: Paperback, Ebook, or Audio?

       

       

      Here we are again. From Marketing for Romance Writers Blog: “Each week, authors use our writing prompt to create a meaningful blog post. We’ll be posting every Friday… join us as often as possible.”

      As you can see, this week for the 52 Week Blog Challenge Blog Hop, we’re talking about what format we prefer for reading.

      This is easy for me. These days I read eBooks. I have moderate macular degeneration, which scares me to death. The reason I prefer to read eBooks is simple. My eyesight prevents me from reading most print books today. I could read large print, but I’m in a habit of reading on my Kindle Fire or iBooks on my iPad. I love using my Kindle App on my iPad because the device is larger, but I mostly read on my Kindle Fire because it can also read to me. Plus, you can change the size of the font. To be honest, I’ve never used an audio book.

      Due to a dry eye condition, I need to rest my eyes after hours of writing. I can still listen to the stories I love. I own print books, and when I see them in stores, I have this yearning to buy them, but I know I’ll never be able to read them. Sometimes I buy them anyway because, well, it’s a book!

      All my photography, first writing books, cookbooks, and favorite novels from the past are in print. They sit on my bookshelf staring at me as I write. These books can all be found online now, but I’ll never get rid of these favorites.

      How about you? What is your format choice for reading?

      Remember this is a Marketing For Romance Writers BLOG HOP, so hop on over to see what the other authors have to say. You don’t have to be a romance  ❤  reader/writer to enjoy these posts.  🙂

      Marketing For Romance Writers.org, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      Thanks for taking the time to visit today. Y’all have a fantastic weekend.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #WritersLife, 52-week blog challenge | 25 Comments | Tagged #AmReading, #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, Arizona, Audio, cowboys, dry eye, eBook, macular degeneration, Marketing for Romance Writers, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Paperback, Reading #Readers, western romance, What Your Eyes Can See~ Reading Formats
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