Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
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  • Tag: Bull 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
    • #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
    • NOT Short Snippet Saturday: McCutchen Genes ~Bull Rider Series 3

      Posted at 1:20 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 29, 2017

      Hi. I know this isn’t Saturday.  🙂

      My edits are back! I’ll be busy finishing them for Finding Kimber and finalizing my second project. My newsletter went out last week with details about the new “something.”  ❤  I will spill the beans soon!

      WARNING: There are spoilers in this excerpt for those who plan on reading the first two books in the series. If you don’t care about that,  please know each one of my books is a complete story in itself, and they can be enjoyed without a cliffhanger ending. Christmas at Love House takes place four years after Hey, Cowboy, Book #2 ended.


       

      From Chapter Two: 

      Love House. McCutchen Ranch, Pennsylvania

      As they crested another hill, Velia halted him and clung tighter to his arm. “Look. The house is so pretty at Christmas, and the lights outlining it makes it look fairytale-like from this higher elevation.” Velia smiled up at him and Kase. “Oh, honey. Thank you so much for this.” Velia observed the landscape behind the house. Snow covered, rolling hills with tall pines that had lived there for decades, warmed her heart. “My life is complete.”

      ChristmasAtLoveHouse_MED

      “I did it all for you and this little guy. I’m glad it makes you happy.” He nudged her on.  At home, Caulder lowered his son to the porch then stood the tree against the building. “I’ll put the lights on before I leave. Let me put the tools away.”

      Velia patted Kase atop the head. “You cold, sweetie? We all need some hot chocolate.”
      Kase jumped off the step and nodded with a big smile that matched his dad’s. “Is Natale home?”

      “Yes, Natale’s here. They got in late last night, so I let her and Alba sleep.” Velia tickled his belly. “She and Alba will be excited to see you again this morning.”

      As Caulder turned toward the family barn, he looked over his shoulder. “Your cousins have grown into beautiful young ladies. I barely recognized Natale at the airport last night. And Torre? When I take him to Foley’s ranch, I’ll be beating off the cowgirls. He’s a dang good lookin’ young man.”

      “Make sure you beat the cowgirls off you!” Velia teased and chortled, observing Kase rolling around a snowball. “The girls are attractive. Natale resembles her mother. Can you believe she recently turned eighteen?” Velia still missed her zia Dafne when she allowed herself to think about her, but at least her cousins had adjusted to living at the family winery in California.

      “I’ll get us some hot chocolate and brunch.” Velia opened the door and Torre met her in the mudroom. “Will you be long, honey?” she asked Caulder before closing the steel back door.

      “Nope, give me time to put the tools away. Hey, by the way—you’re darn beautiful yourself with those rosy cheeks. Bellissima!” After a wink, he plodded through the snow toward the smallest of the barns.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      Kase stopped right inside the doorway, stomping snow all over the grey slate flooring, and attempted to kick his boot off without success. “Mom, can I have a candy cane in my hot chocolate? Please? Pleassse?” he begged, dragging out the word to emphasize his need.

      She took his hand to move him into the room. “Take a seat on the bench. Maybe after brunch, honey. That’s a lot of sugar at one time.”

      He lifted his snowy palms. “Half a candy cane?”

      Velia laughed to herself. “All right.” He had his way of getting to her at times. “Torre, how are you this morning? Looking forward to your trip with Caulder tomorrow?”

      “I’m good but still tired,” Torre answered. “Jet lag. For sure, I’m looking forward to bull riding with Caulder.”

      “No one said anything about bull riding, young man.” Velia knelt to remove Kase’s boots and snowsuit before he fell on his bottom trying to himself. Finishing with him, she removed her own jacket and hat.

      “But, Velia, it’s in my blood now—like Caulder, I tell you. It calls me.” Torre followed her to the kitchen harboring a round oak table with six high-back chairs, an island, and a long, L-shaped granite countertop with many cabinets on the top and bottom. He removed a cup and chose a bold pod to make a single cup of coffee.

      “Torre, I saw that coming years ago.” Though McCutchen blood didn’t run in his veins, he was correct. Bull riding had hooked him when he was fifteen years old. Her brother Bobby didn’t know it, but Torre practiced bull riding on the side at every opportunity. Caulder had let that slip by accident. “There you go,” Velia said to Kase. “All warmed up now. You go to the bathroom then we’ll eat.”
      Kase ran into the bathroom ahead of her, pulled the zipper down on his jeans, and did what he had to do like a little man.

      “You’re growing up too fast.” Velia’s mouth went into a pout. She brushed her hair in front of the oval mirror over the single bowl sink. He’d be riding bulls before long. Not if she could help it, but living on the edge had to be in his McCutchen genes.


      Thanks for reading! I am so in love with the characters in this series. Yes, I can say that even if I did create them.  Err, it’s more like they created themselves. 🙂

      If interested:

      A little Christmas magic will be a welcome guest at Love House, but regardless if it arrives or not…during this bittersweet interlude—Velia and Caulder dare their happily-ever-after to be anything less than “forever.” Click for more info on the Bull Rider Series.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 3 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, books, bull rider, Bull Rider Series #3, Bull Riding, Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude, contemporary romance, cowboy, Full Length Novel, Hey Cowboy Bk 2, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, mary j mccoy dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Whoa There, Little Filly #AmWriting

      Posted at 1:13 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 20, 2017

      Hello! Today I’m bringing y’all a short snippet from Howdy, Ma’am, the first book in the Bull Rider Series. I do love the cowboy hero in this book. He and Velia sure have had a tough ride in the three books in this series.

      Set up:

      Velia divorced her first husband, Justin. Her dad accompanied her to the courthouse, along with two of the men who work for him. Justin had caused a scene in the courtroom. Because of Justin’s history of abuse, her dad sent one of his men, Roy Bianco, home with Velia after court. Caulder had been invited to dinner the next day, but there was an incident minutes before he arrived, and Velia ended up in the hospital. Roy and Caulder stay with her at home that night. She’ll soon be leaving with Caulder on the bull riding circuit.


      After Alice left, Velia went to the kitchen and got a wine glass from the cupboard.

      Caulder jumped up and hurried to her. “Whoa there, little filly, you can’t be drinking with that pain medication.” He slipped his arm around her waist.

      “I forgot.” She grasped the woodwork along the doorway.

      Roy came to assist Caulder with her, but Caulder picked her up and carried her to bed. Roy lingered right behind. “Is she okay?”

      “She’s dizzy.” He laid her on the bed and pulled the covers over her. “Maybe you should stay right here.”

      “I’m fine.” She grimaced then held her head. “Maybe not.”

      “Your pain pill is starting to work, Velia. Let it ease the pain and stop fighting western romance, mary j McCoy-Dresselagainst it.” Caulder rested one knee on the side of the bed and brushed the hair away from her face, gently running his knuckles along her cheek.

      She looked up at him. With the tender care everyone was giving to her, she felt more like a child than a grown woman, but the burning fire making its way over her body, reminded her she was no child. And neither was Caulder.

      “Rest while you can. We’ll be waking you soon.” He leaned forward and softly kissed her forehead.

      He stopped several inches from her face and stared into her eyes. Another heated rush fell over her. She wanted him to lie beside her and hold her in his arms. Velia closed her eyes and felt the mattress rise as he lifted his knee.

      He moved away and stood beside the bed. “Try to get some rest,” he said, as he turned to leave. Caulder whirled around at the door. “I’m sorry this happened to you.” He stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels.

      “I’ll be all right.”

      He hurried back to the bed and put another kiss on her forehead, cupping her face in the process.

      She covered a yawn with the back of her hand, feigning sleepiness so he’d leave, but in reality, she hid the fervor in her eyes. The warmth of his lips lingered on her skin. Why would he do such a thing? Her weighted eyelids fluttered, and she fought to keep them closed. When he walked away, she opened her eyes as he went through the door. He sat in the chair positioned where she could see him from the bed. She moved to her side and watched his motions as he sipped wine and talked to Roy while they ate. Once he glanced back in at her. What’d she get herself into? Would he expect perks while on the road? Would she?

      End of Excerpt.

      I love Caulder, but oh, you have to like Roy Bianco. The dear man had a big role and a big job in Hey, Cowboy, Book Two, which proves why the family needs him. In book three, Ric Armano actually visited Velia without Roy and Nero, but he should’ve been there.

      2 test Untitled (1)

      Have a fantastic weekend!

      Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Howdy Ma'am | 11 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, Bull Riding, cowboy, Full Length Novel, hero, Howdy Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel, Romance, series romance, strong heroine, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Jerking, Bumping & Grinding

      Posted at 6:51 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 1, 2016

      I’m reposting this today using my iPad, which means I don’t have my computer. So many things have gone wrong this week, so please enjoy an older Short Snippet.


      Welcome to another Short Snippet Saturday Post. I woke up this morning thinking it couldn’t be another Saturday already, so I almost didn’t do a post today. Time flies by too fast sometimes. Am I the only one who thinks so?

      About this snippet from Howdy, Ma’am: Velia is having dinner with her landlords, AKA self-appointed grandma and grandpa. She mentions a job offer she had received earlier in the day. (Modified a bit for this post.) By the way, the print version of Howdy, Ma’am is retired for now.


      Edward fast forwarded through the recording and stopped at the first picture of Caulder as they introduced him. “That him?”

      She gulped and tried not to drool. He was one hot guy for sure. Talk about being the envy of all the women around the circuit, if she took the job. The things she’d see. She pressed her teeth against her bottom lip, not sure how to react when he rode in slow motion mode. No doubt, to her, there was something provocative about the way he moved atop the bull. She licked her lips. He stayed on the bull for eight seconds before the buzzer rang. Eight seconds didn’t bull rider resized w effectsseem like a lot, but with all the jerking, bumping, and grinding, it must’ve seemed like an eternity for the rider. It’s so sexy the way he moves on the bull. Warmth spread over her body, and she liked it. “How much of this do you have recorded?” she asked in almost a daze.

      “I got almost the whole season.” He laughed. “I suppose you want to watch it?”

      “Of course! If I’m going to photograph this guy I should at least know about bull riding…”


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel books, brand-new Bull Rider Series Cover banner 2021, cowboys, western setting, snow

      Whew, Velia’s reaction could or could not have been my reaction when I watched my favorite bull rider. 🙂 And maybe or maybe not still is when I see him ride. Update: My fav is retired after many years on the pro circuit. 😒

      Bull Rider Series #3 is now available. ❤️

      Have a great weekend.

      Thank you for stopping by today.

      Mailing List signup to be notified of new releases or important book updates.

      Works in Progress

      Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 4 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, Bull Riding, cowboy, Full Length Novel, Howdy Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel, Photographer Heroine, Short Snippet Saturday, Short Snippet Saturday Jerking bumping & Grinding, weekend, western romance series
    • If This Wasn’t Love… MFRWHooks Meme Hey, Cowboy, Bk 2

      Posted at 7:45 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 16, 2014

      It’s time for #MFRWHooks

      d76e0-logobookhooksYes, I’m here to hook you. It won’t hurt, I promise.

      Hey, Cowboy, Bk #2 (Bull Rider Series)

      I can’t call this a WIP anymore. It will be on the way to the formatter shortly.

      No explanation needed…

      low resolutionBlurb

      Velia and Caulder are back in the compelling and emotional sequel to Howdy, Ma’am.

       In Hey, Cowboy, a break in the season finds Velia Armano and Caulder McCutchen back in Tucson, Arizona. Family, friends, and rowdy cowboys are brought together to share in their joy…and sometimes their pain.

      The last year with Caulder has given her trust and strength like she’s never known. But, her strength is weakened. Enemies harbor a vendetta against her and her family…and anyone who gets in their way.

      Caulder vows to protect Velia, yet little does he know the lengths he’ll have to go— He learns that sometimes a hero has to prove he is one.

      He’d like to give her the world, be the man she needs, but an injury during break threatens his career. How can he give her everything when his future hangs in the balance?

      All they ask for is a peaceful life together—and their happily ever after. Happiness is within reach if their burning love is strong enough to overcome enemies plotting against Velia’s family—and a possible career-ending injury for Caulder.

      Come along and see what happens when the feisty Italian takes a longer ride with the rowdy bull rider.

      You’re always welcome to join my blog via email updates or by using the Follow button. I also have a Mailing list to be notified of new releases and important book updates. Link is in the menu or top right. Have a wonderful day.

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      Posted in Bull Rider Series, Hey Cowboy Bk 2 | 4 Comments | Tagged #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks, bull rider series, Bull Riding, cowboy, excerpt, mary j mccoy dressel, meme, romance novel, western romance
    • Roaring Like a Lioness… (Sneak Peek – Hey, Cowboy, Bk 2)

      Posted at 12:13 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 13, 2014

      Today I’m giving you a sneak peek into Hey, Cowboy, Bk 2. (Bull Rider Series) This book is releasing in July 2014. If you don’t know Velia and Caulder, you can meet them in Howdy, Ma’am, Bk 1.

      Caulder is the cousin to Tristan, Jase, and Dane Carlson of the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight. He also makes his appearance in Heartbreak’s Reward and Jase and his mom appear in Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude. They often mention each other in their books.

      HeyCowboy_SMVelia shook her head. “No cameras though. That’s too freaky. It scares me.”

      “You need to think it over.” He stood and walked to the doorway. “Where’s the damn doctor?”

      She gave a subtle laugh. “Now you sound like my dad’s right hand man, Roy, when I was in the hospital.”

      He turned back toward her. “Did you mention this incident to your father?”

      “I haven’t mentioned it to anyone but you.” Velia pivoted and peered out the window at the dreary morn. Glancing over her shoulder, she asked, “Should I?”

      “I don’t know.” Caulder came up from behind and hugged her. “Thanks for telling me about this. It’s not the kind of thing to keep from me.”

      She faced him. “What do you think it’s about? Should we be alarmed?”

      He pulled her against him and wrapped her tight in his arms. “I don’t know, babe.”

      Interrupted by the nurse who had discharge papers in her hand, Caulder took a seat and Velia sat on the edge of the bed. The nurse gave instructions—also scheduling a follow-up appointment with his doctor, along with the CT scan. He had to take it easy with no athletic activities.

      The nurse continued on, and after giving all the warning signs to look for, she signed the paper and had Caulder sign it, giving him a copy. Free to leave. Velia beamed with delight, wanting to lift him over her shoulder and run out of that place—roaring like a lioness—and carry him out. She grabbed his bag. He took it from her. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”

      “Sì!” Glad to see Caulder’s smile when he looked at her, it changed to a frown as he got in the wheelchair to be wheeled out. She had a moment of empathy pass over her—sure that he worried about the future, his career, and their relationship.

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      Mary J McCoy-Dressel books, brand-new Bull Rider Series Cover banner 2021, cowboys, western setting, snow

      Bull Rider Series

      Posted in Bull Rider Series, Hey Cowboy Bk 2 | 6 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, Bull Riding, cowboys, Hey Cowboy Bk Two Bull Rider Series, Italian, mary j mccoy dressel, Photographer, Romance, series, western romance
    • Howdy, Ma’am and Yeehaa-ing MFRW Book Hooks

      Posted at 12:25 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 9, 2014

      Book Hooks! #MFRWhooks

      logo book hooksOh, what is a book hook? From the MFRW Authors Blog: Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

      This week, I’m offering a hook from Howdy, Ma’am (Bull Rider Series Bk #1) Sensual contemporary western romance. Here you go…

      Italian class meets bull rider rowdy.

      Set-up. From Chapter Two. Velia gave up her job as a travel photographer to relocate and begin a new life. Caulder needs a photographer to travel the pro bull riding circuit with him for a season. He offered her an opportunity she couldn’t refuse…

      My hook…

      It was difficult being so far away from everything she loved. But here, she had Edward and Alice and her work. And now it seems she might have a cowboy to follow around. “A cowboy? I’m a city girl… What will I do with a cowboy?”

      Then her thoughts drifted back to the cowboy who sauntered in like he owned Tucson. She hadn’t even gotten his name. Velia slapped her palm against her forehead. How come I didn’t ask his name? It was scrawled across the flyer he tossed on the desk, but she didn’t pay any attention. She rushed to her laptop and typed in rodeo stars for the current year.

      She found a slew of links. How could she find him out of all these? Clicking on images brought even more results. “Mm, che belli cowboys!” While browsing all the handsome guys, she examined the action photos and knew she could do as well or better. Wait. He said bull riding not rodeo. Again, her thoughts went back to his request—to travel with him for almost a year. She fanned herself with the newspaper. Could her heart take so much manliness? For a whole year?

      Bull Rider #1

      Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA

      All Amazon Sites.

      Blurb:

      Bull rider Caulder McCutchen wants to start living again. But this year he has a good chance of winning the converted buckle, knowing he has to ride harder, go bigger, or go home. Winning consumes him, but it doesn’t take away the pain from a tremendous loss less than two years ago. On a whim, he hires a feisty photographer to travel the bull riding circuit with him for a season. A little extra publicity can’t hurt, and she’s easy on the eyes. When he finds himself passionately attracted to her, will this sassy little Italian photographer prove to be just what his claim to fame needs—or a disastrous distraction?

      Velia Armano had the strength to walk away from an abusive husband. She moves from Chicago to Tucson, Arizona and opens her own photography studio. Six months into her well-ordered life alone, a hunky cowboy saunters in with his howdy, ma’am and flame blue eyes, offering a job any photographer would find hard to refuse. She accepts his offer, and discovers they both have their own obstacles to overcome. While trying to resist his heated embrace and gentle nature, she hopes to find the right answer before the season ends—to remain in her self-appointed exile, or give in to a “happily ever after.”

      When the season ends, who wins the real prize?

      Reader advisory: Rated R by movie standards.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel books, brand-new Bull Rider Series Cover banner 2021, cowboys, western setting, snow

      2021 Bull Rider Series Covers.

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      Posted in Bull Rider Series | 4 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, bull rider series, Bull Riding, cowboy, Howdy Ma'am bk #1, mary j mccoy dressel, read, Romance, series, Sport Romance
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