Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

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

    • 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
    • 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: Delayed, Current, & New: What’s Ahead? #WritersLife

      Posted at 11:58 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 17, 2018
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance author, blog post updates

      Howdy. Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there. I posted the quote below on Facebook this morning. I chose it because it says so much and is fitting for today:

       

      “It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons.” ~Johann Schiller

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance author, Blog post Father's Day and Updates

      Moving on:

      I’ve recently been asked if I still have plans for my Double Dutch Ranch Series matriarch to get her own story. For newcomers, Judy Carlson is the mom to Jase, Tristan, Dane, and a few other cowboys she’s taken under her wing. She says, “I call them all my boys.” She’s specifically referring to Randy Drake from Lassoing the Last Dance and Wade Emory in my upcoming book. These friends have both lost their parents, but she treats their friends like family.

      Unfortunately for them, this means she wouldn’t hesitate in making them toss money into her cussin’ jar if the need arises, which it does. Judy doesn’t care if they’re three or thirty-something—they will be donating to the grandkids college fund even if they are a grandchild donating, hence, the three-year-old. I won’t tell you which of her sons he belongs to. You probably think it’s Jase, but it isn’t.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, author western romance, Blog Post updates

      Pixabay

      Well, I’m an author with books published. Some of you are readers of my books who like to know what I’m working on. After being asked the question about Judy, I figured by now it was time for an update on my author life.

      Yes, Judy’s book should’ve been my second book out this year, but when I took two months to revise Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, it dipped into my writing time, shoving Judy’s story back into my document folder and delaying my current WIP. (The story never stops working in my head, though.) Hers will be the first out in 2019.

      It was hard enough to finish book three in the spin off series while stressing over researching and working on GDPR compliance. Good news! I did finish Wade’s book, but I’m still revising. Believe it or not, I think it has a title, and not one from my original list I mentioned a few posts back.

      Oh, Secrets!

      I’ve probably mentioned a secret project. Well, I’m about nine-thousand words into it. I’m not allowed to talk about the collaboration yet. This will be a standalone book. (So far.) This time I got smart though and gave my hero three brothers and a sister and my heroine siblings, just in case. Know what I mean? Their siblings might make friends with my muse, and we all know what that means, but goodness, am I ready to write another series? I shudder thinking about it. On the other hand, I’m excited about the prospect.

      I haven’t published a standalone so I’m curious as to how it will go over with my current readers. Everything about this one is brand-new with a new setting and characters you’ve never heard of before. My small town will have a fictitious name. This second chance romance has a title. Wow. Of course, it has cowboys.  ❤

      What’s Next for a Retiring Cowboy?:

      ***Bull Rider Series SPOILER*** (New to the series? Scroll down slowly to avoid the next paragraph.)

       


      Skip this section…

       

       

       

      Another thing. I’ve been asked again about adding to my Bull Rider Series. The third book wrapped up Velia and Caulder’s story with no doubts about their future and Caulder’s upcoming retirement, but now readers want to see that future.


       

       

      Start Back Here:

      What am I to do when readers ask for another Bull Rider Series book? Book Three, Christmas at Love Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western RomanceHouse: A Bittersweet Interlude, didn’t go over as well as I’d hoped, albeit, it does sell copies all year. This makes me leery of writing a fourth book.

      I’m sure only Bull Rider Series fans read the third book. It isn’t a standalone series, and to appreciate the characters and stories, it should be followed in order, so that’s an investment in the series.

       

      However, there are no cliffhanger endings in any of my books, so if a reader choses to read only one, they will have a complete story in itself.

       

      Starting a new series and adding to Velia and Caulder’s story leaves me with decisions I don’t have answers to yet. The more bull riding I watch, the more I want to continue the series. Don’t be surprised if you come across another bull or bronc rider or two in upcoming books.


      GDPR:

      A quick note about the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) since I brought it up above. After sending out a re-opt-in campaign written by my cowboys, and then we sent a reminder, some subscribers didn’t re-opt-in by updating and approving the new Marketing Permissions on my Mailing List. I had to unsubscribe these subscribers after May 25th.  😪

      Stats: What I thought was fantastic is that most of those I had manually added to my mailing list via a list-building event or who had been brought over from my old website, all re-opted-in.  ❤  Thank you!

      What surprised me was some subscribers who opened each and every newsletter year after year, didn’t.

      Some subscribers opted-in only to Email meaning I can’t send them book updates. Others opted-in to Email and Tailored Book Updates, so they will receive book news. Ideally, both tick boxes would be ticked. Sound confusing? Yes, it is. Thankfully, MailChimp allows me to segment these subscribers into two separate lists.

      I know I could’ve done this a different way instead of sending to all my list, but this is the way I chose to handle my list and GDPR.

      Finally:

      That’s enough blabber for a Sunday morning. If you were interested in reading about my author updates, thanks for coming all the way to the end!  😊

      Again… HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, guys, and everyone who is in the role of being a father.

      Cheers to you!  🍼

      I can’t help but think of my own dad today who has been gone many years. To those of you who can, give your dad a big hug or at least a phone call today. Sending you hugs, Dad.

       

      Pixabay

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife | 4 Comments | Tagged bronc riding, Bull Riding, Contemporary western novels, cowboys, fathers day, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Northern Arizona, romance writing news, romantic fiction, Route 66, second chance love story, Updates
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