Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance
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  • Tag: contemporary western romance

    • Book Hooks Wednesday: A Seasoned Romance WIP~ Be Careful #MFRWhooks #MFRWauthor

      Posted at 12:03 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 26, 2020
      Book Hooks Blog Hop banner used as featured image on Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books Book Hooks Blog Post

      We’re into another week of Book Hooks. I nearly mixed this post up with the 52-Week Blog Challenge post.


      Today’s snippet features my ranch matriarch of the Double Dutch Ranch. This is book #5 in the series. Enjoy a snippet from my work in progress (WIP). I’m waiting for this book to come back from the editor any day now.


      What’s an aging cowgal to do when two men stand in line to park their boots beside hers at the end of the day?

      “Love ya, Mom, behave tonight.” Dane, her youngest and a protector of everything, gave one of the smiles he’d used to get his way as a boy. She couldn’t help but return it.

      Selva trailed through the kitchen behind them all, holding up at the door. He met her gaze. “You look nice tonight. Is it Dale Connor who you’re dating? Roxanne’s father?”

      “Yes, but I wouldn’t say dating. He’s been gone. Do you remember him from the wedding a few years back?”

      “Yes ma’am, and for other reasons. Be careful, Judy.”

      Judy tilted her head inquisitively. “Whatever for? Is there something I should know?”

      He put on his hat, opened his mouth as if to speak, but nodded, then left.

      Hmm. What had that been about? Judy eyed his tall frame and muscles a senior personal trainer might die for until he entered the barn ahead of Tristan. She padded over to lock the back door. Sighing, she wrung her hands at her midriff. Her mood lightened upon spotting the flowers on the island. She picked up the mixed spring bouquet, got a vase from the china cabinet on the far wall, and arranged them in water. Tonight, Selva wore the familiar cologne. His beautiful flowers were what she needed to bring a calm over her, but it didn’t last long. Dale’s car rolled into the driveway three years too late.


      Information about the book and the rest of the books in the series, can be found on the Double Dutch Ranch Series page.


      Thank you for reading. Check out the other Book Hooks authors HERE.

      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.

      Book Hooks Blog Hop banner used as featured image on Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books Book Hooks Blog Post

      Hey, authors? Do you use Trigger Warnings in your books if you think it’s necessary?

      Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks | 16 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks, contemporary western romance, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Seasoned Romance, senior citizen
    • Release Day! Cowboys and Snowstorms

      Posted at 6:31 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 3, 2019

      What kind of author would I be if I didn’t announce Release Day! This is not a traditional new release announcement.

      It isn’t often I get to release two books in one day. Wait, what? I NEVER have! I might not again, either. So, here we go today, folks, and then I probably won’t bother you for a couple days. I’ll post excerpts later when I’m not posting these two together. Both books are on Goodreads.

      Is it weird to post both of them in one post since they’re so different from each other?  I never said I wasn’t weird.

      First up:

      Full-length Contemporary Western Romance

      Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, Book #1

      Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart

      Cover Design by DusktiDawn Designs.

      I dedicated this book to my daughter-in-law.

      My heroine is both a psychologist and a cowpuncher. I have no idea how that happened. Ha-ha!

      One of the Five Common Elements was a “lightning storm.” That element turned out to be one of my favorite scenes in the book. So much, that I had to have it on my cover. It was either that or a sunrise in Sedona.

      contemporary western romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws Book 1,

       

      Here’s the description so you don’t have to click over to the BOOK PAGE here on my site. However, if you want to learn more about The Common Elements Romance Project and the Five Common Elements, you’ll find it there.

      —

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

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

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

      Universal Buy Link



      Next:

      Single Title – Two-hour read

      A Feel-good Holiday Romance Novella

      Secret Santa’s Rundown Sleigh

      Cover Design: DusktilDawn Designs

      I dedicated this book to my cousin and his family who live “up north” and grew up in the village in this book. Three of his brothers live there too. We had fun times when we were kids.

      I had fun writing this book and would like to write more like this.

      new release, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, a holiday romance novella

      Description:

      A feel-good holiday romance novella. The heat level in this little tale is on the lighter side. Contains kissing, mild cursing, and alcoholic beverages.

      Why does a stroke of bad luck happen now while on her way to Mackinaw City, Michigan on a blustery weekend? Two days before Christmas, Terra Westbrook and her young daughter have nowhere to stay. How can she convince her child that Santa will find her while sleeping in their car in a gas station parking lot—if they don’t die from hypothermia first? For her child’s sake, she accepts an invitation of a warm home from a resident in the village, but Terra soon learns, the kind person had no right to offer. However, she never expects the homeowner to be a lonely widower who hides tenderness and a big secret under his hard-hearted exterior.

      Jude Overton isn’t interested in a relationship let alone a wife. He tried marriage once. Sometimes his heart still aches. Now, if only his sister would get the message to stop matchmaking him with single women. His life is complete raising his daughter. He’s doing the best he can to make her happy. Jude accepts this as enough until he gazes into a stranger’s melancholy eyes that hold an unspoken yearning. As the big day rolls around, he expects it’ll be just another day like the past five Christmases as a single dad, but maybe this year, he wants his sister to ignore his wishes.

      Universal Buy Link


      On the book page here on my site, I have a list of the differences between this book and the other books I write. I surprised myself when I wrote this novella. Maybe it’s a new calling.

       

      Thank y’all for reading this non-traditional and weird new release announcement.

       

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Common Elements Romance Project, New Release, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 5 Comments | Tagged A holiday romance novella, book one, contemporary western romance, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, New Release, Secret Santa's Rundown Sleigh, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws
    • It’s Official! A Brand-New Series With A Whole New Family to Love

      Posted at 11:12 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 30, 2019

      Three More Days!

      Coming October 3, 2019.

      Pre-Order Now

      Two-Five Ranch Outlaws

      Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart

      Second Chance Romance

      *Like Mary’s other books, you’ll find close-knit families, small towns, and sexy cowboys. Book #1 is a second chance romance. Is this the kind of book you like to read? If so, this one is for you!

      The Common Elements Romance Project, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, second chance romance, contemporary western romance

      Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

      A Common Elements Romance Project Novel.

      Plunge into the first book in Mary’s Brand-new Western Romance Series—Two-Five Ranch Outlaws.

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

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

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

      *Rated “R” by movie standards.

      Pre-Order now to find it in your eReader in three more mornings.

      Amazon  Amazon UK  Amazon AU  Amazon IN

      Kobo |  Apple |  Nook

      Universal Buy Link

       

      Thank you for reading.

      Wanna share with your friends and followers? That’d be awesome!

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, New Release, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 9 Comments | Tagged Alpha hero, contemporary western romance, Grand Canyon, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Second Chance Romance, Sedona, Sexy cowboy, Williams Arizona
    • #AmWriting Favorites to Read and Write #MFRWauthor

      Posted at 7:18 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 27, 2018
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, author western romance, Blog Post updates

      Week 17: Favorite Romance Genre to Read or Write

      The topic for this weeks Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge says genre and not genres. Romance and romance sub-genres are my go-to favorite. What’s wrong with Happy Endings? ❤  🙂

      It will come as no surprise that my favorite genre to write is contemporary western romance. I love cowboys, horses, and the ranching and western lifestyle. This genre is something I will, most likely, always read and write.

      Can I say I like to read other genres? Maybe write them? I’m going to… Who’s going to stop me? LOL. I’m only teasing…but…

      I can see myself writing a contemporary romance novel not in the western genre because I have novels on my hard drive that are non-western romance. I do read other romance sub-genres beside western, and I like reading women’s fiction novels.

      I’ve already gone overboard with this topic I suppose, but I’m adding that while I wrote time-travel romance novels in the past, they were my favorite genre to write and read at the time, but I’ve always loved western romance. I love reading time-travel novels, but will I ever write another one? It’s doubtful. I’m too wrapped up in new projects as it is. In fact, I have a secret project coming out late next year, and believe it or not, I’m not sure if it’ll be a western, but I’m leaning in the cowboy direction. After all, it is my favorite genre to write, but I’m not limited to reading only western. Now look at that last sentence. I could’ve written a one-sentence post and been done with it. 


      It’s beginning to look and act like spring around here. Knock on Wood. We’re still holding our breath for decent weather. Look! Buds are on the tree in my front yard. I woke to frost on my car windows yesterday. Sigh.

      Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Books, Western Romance, Blog Post Favorites to read and write

       

      Hope you enjoy your weekend.

      In our Blog Challenge group, we have authors who write in many genres and sub-genres besides romance. However, this topic calls for romance. I’m interested to see what their favorites genres are to read and write. Let’s visit the Blog Hop by clicking HERE.

      Thanks for reading.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor | 14 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #AuthorLife, #MFRWauthor, #WritersLife, blog hop, contemporary western romance, cowboys, Favorites to Read and Write, horses, mainstream, Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge, Ranching, time-travel romance, Victorian Era
    • #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 #MFRWauthor The Best of Seasonal Changes

      Posted at 11:41 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 22, 2017

      Welcome to the first day of Fall. Today autumn officially arrives at 4:02 p.m. EDT in the Northern Hemisphere. From The Farmer’s Almanac:

      The word equinox comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night).

       

      Week 38. The best parts of each season.

      #MFRWauthor

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

      I wrote a post for last week, but I didn’t get it posted on time. Last week the topic was Five Ways To Win My Heart. I hope you don’t mind me jotting the five ways to win my heart at the bottom of this post. Skip reading the delayed snippet if you choose. I won’t know.  🙂

      Now on to this week’s topic: The best parts of…

      Spring

      Rebirth. Butterflies. No snow. Everything outside is fresh and new. The grass is turning a pretty Kelly green. Hyacinths and crocuses bloom. Buds appear on trees. The air smells so fresh after a spring rain.

       

       

       

       

      Summer 

      Longer days. Vacation. The Beach. Blue skies and fluffy clouds. Roses. Fresh vegetables and fruit. Fireworks. No snow. Camping. People camp in anything from tents to 5th wheels or motor homes. My family has camped in ground tents, pop-up tents, a pickup camper (Remember those?), and a 5th wheel. Sitting around a campfire at night is romantic and fun for those who enjoy it.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western RomanceSummer vacation doesn’t mean to me what it used to when I worked, but I love this season. Then, summer couldn’t come soon enough. School dragged until the last day. At my last job in middle school, all the teachers stood outside at the bus stop and waved good-bye to the students. The students got a big kick out of it. Lordy, were we happy! So were the kids.

       

      Autumn

       

      Beauty. Cider Mills. Candy and caramel apples. Cooler temps. Longer walks. Less lawn cutting. Photography. The crunch of leaves. A coating of leaves as they pile up everywhere. Who doesn’t enjoy a drive during the autumn when trees put on their stunning autumn coats only to lose them too quickly? This is my favorite time of year.

       

       

       

       

       

      Winter 

       

      Holidays—Thanksgiving. Christmas, New Year’s Eve. Decorations. Christmas lights. Turkey. Cozy fire. Snowmen. Snuggling into a warm bed. The first snowfall. After the first snowfall, it can melt and not come back until Christmas Eve. Then it can melt again. Do you like sitting in front of a fireplace? I can’t imagine what the holidays will be like this year with both my kids living far away. My son is moving today.  😦

       

      Remember, folks, this is a Marketing for Romance Writers dot org BLOG HOP. Please check out the other participants HERE.

      Thanks for reading! Enjoy autumn.


      Here’s where I’m sneaking in a quick rundown of Five Ways to Win my Heart from last week’s topic.

      1. Show respect and accept me for who I am. I’ll do the same for you.

      2. Make me laugh.

      3. Flirting with other women when I’m with you, especially with a woman who is with another man, won’t earn you brownie points.

      4. How you introduce me to your friends and acquaintances says a lot. Do you introduce me as a friend, when we both know I’m so much more? Are you ashamed to admit I’m your girlfriend, fiancée, wife? Freaking introduce me properly, please. At least use my name if you can’t think of anything else.

      5. Remember my birthday and our anniversary. Flowers, candy, or gifts aren’t necessary. Yes, they are nice to receive. BUT, if you took the time to pick out a card and tell me happy birthday / anniversary, you’ve won my heart, sweetie.

      Photo credits: Coat/cowboy hat © Aldegonde Le Compte | Dreamstime.com. Christmas Boots  © Olivier Le Queinec | Dreamstime.com. Butterfly Pixabay.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, 52-week blog challenge | 22 Comments | Tagged Autumnal Equinox, contemporary western romance, cowboy, Fall, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Romance, spring, summer, western, winter
    • Meet the Heroine: Broken Yet Proud Roxanne Connor

      Posted at 2:17 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 22, 2017

       

      sunset sky, silhouette of cowgirl sitting, knee up, arm leaning over knee, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance Blog post Meet the Heroine series

      Roxanne Conner is the heroine in Lassoing the Last Dance. She lives up to the name of heroine, but she’s a real hero. She is sometimes called Rox or Roxy.

      male and female couple, teal tops on both, blonde woman, dark hair handsome man embracing

      Roxanne came to life in Cowboy Boss and his Destiny. Roxanne is Nora’s best friend. She lives in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. This is when she met Randy Drake, the savvy horse trainer who works on the Double Dutch Ranch and other surrounding ranches.

      She shared a long-distance relationship with Randy for well over a year. Was it love at first sight? She can’t allow herself to think of such things these days. Her heart is broken.

      Roxanne stopped communicating with Randy and swore her friends to secrecy about the circumstances that ended her career.

      Our girl grew up in Canyon Junction. Her father lives close to her now, as does her cousin, Brett Connor, who is more like a brother to her. Her mom is deceased.

      She and Nora have been friends since they were young girls. Roxanne moved back home. In fact, she bought Nora’s childhood home. Now she worries about facing Randy and will avoid him for as long as she can. (Don’t worry, he’s stubborn and doesn’t give up easily.)

      She’s a professional dancer by trade and loved dancing the Samba. She preformed in musicals, but also loved a country two-step or line dance. I’m surprised Randy didn’t deck his best friend, Zach Bryson, when he misunderstood the term professional “dancer.” Randy watched her do the Samba with a restaurant patron one night. I think he’s still drooling. However, she didn’t dance as close to her partner as this lady does in the video. But, will she ever dance again?


      Roxanne is divorced from Nate Evers, an abuser with a jealous bone. Moving doesn’t mean she’s escaped.

      Roxanne owns a Self-Storage business back in Broken Arrow, which gives her a steady income between shows.

      She loves children and Nora’s kids call her Aunt Roxanne or Aunt Woxy. She cares for them like they are her own.

      Roxanne struggles every day to find her way. All she asks for really is a happy, safe,Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance and contented life. If Randy could be a part of it, her life would be complete, but…she isn’t the same woman Randy knew… She’s broken.

      In her own words:

      Weakness crept over her now, and she sobbed as she pressed her cheek against his strong and willing chest harboring a gentle heart. “That’s why…why I couldn’t, why I didn’t return your messages. I was broken, Randy—broken in all manner of living. No way could I have asked you to accept this, this change when I didn’t know if I could.”

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, Lassoing the Last Dance, Roxanne Connon blog post Meet the Heroine


      Do you want to meet Velia, Nora, Brenna, Gracelyn, Beth, Kimber, and even Judy Carlson our ranch mom? Visit the Meet Our Heroines page.

      Next up is Tressa Garnett/Kimber Sinclair from Finding Kimber, book two in Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series. I’m sure hoping Zachary (Zach) Bryson, the ruggedly handsome hero in this book can help this sexy redhead find the real woman who lurks inside Kimber Sinclair. (Zach Bryson is Randy’s best friend, and wow, he is hot! He’s introduced in Lassoing.)

      Posted in Double Dutch Ranch Series, Meet Our Heroines | 6 Comments | Tagged best friends, contemporary western romance, country two-step, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Full Length Novel, heroine, Lassoing the Last Dance, line dance, long-distance relationship, mary j mccoy dressel, Samba Dancing, series romance, western romance
    • #MFRWauthor ~LOL and ROTFL~ Week 18, 52-Week Challenge

      Posted at 12:09 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 5, 2017

      MFRWauthor Week 18, 52-Week Blog Challenge Blog Hop

      I didn’t post anything last week for the blog challenge. The topic was Five Top Places I’d Like to Visit. My New Release, Lassoing the Last Dance came out last week. I had posted three posts in a row, and I didn’t want my followers to become bored with too many posts at once. I’m a blogger who doesn’t post as often as I should, so why put readers in shock.  🙂 But I’m here today!

       

      Topic for Week 18: What makes me laugh out loud? 

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      When I’m together and laughing with my family, it’s the best time I could ask for. Watching others laugh gets me to laughing. My boys make me laugh out loud quite often, even in an email at times.

      Another thing that comes to mind is a child’s laughter. When one kid starts, it’s like a wave and it flows throughout the classroom. I don’t mean their casual laughter, which they do a lot anyway. It’s when they think something is truly funny, and the laugh comes from deep inside of them.  

      Here’s a cool example on You Tube where I found myself laughing out loud at these kids playing with Google Home.  Don’t worry, they don’t count all the way to 100 in the video. You’ll see what I mean if you watch.  Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Google Home or with anyone in the video.

       Some other things to make me laugh out loud:

      • The Blue Man Group. If you get a chance to see them, please do.
      • I have a couple male friends who always make me laugh out loud. They’re good to have around when I feel down. Sometimes my little brother does too.
      • Jokes and sometimes Dirty jokes, depending on who is telling it and the kind of dirty.
      • TV. Not the goofy comedy shows with titles I won’t mention here.
      • Some lines in books make me laugh. Even my own lines if I get caught up in a scene while writing or revising. Don’t judge!  😉
      • Animals. A dog chasing his/her tail. Penquins. My friend’s cat, Snickers.

      I’m sure there are more things to make me laugh out loud, but this sounds good for now. How about you? What makes y’all laugh? Let us know.

      Once again, this is a Blog Hop. Please visit the other participants.

      Thanks!

      1.
      Laughing With My Family—Sara Walter Ellwood
      2.
      It’s No Laughing Matter- Wait, Yes It Is Maureen B
      3.
      My Life: Laughing Out Loud
      4.
      Robin Michaela: Lol – What Makes Me Laugh Out Loud
      5.
      To Laugh Or Not
      6.
      Good For A Laugh, Meka James
      7.
      Tickling My Funny Bone
      8.
      #MFRWauthor ~LOL and ROTFL~ MJ McCoy-Dressel
      9.
      Laughter Is The Best Medicine
      10.
      ROTFLMAO
      11.
      Fluffy Chickens, Shari Elder
      12.
      Keeping a Straight Face
      13.
      Linda’s LOL Funny
      14.
      I Love to Laugh
      15.
      Belly Shakers and Comedic Genius

       

      Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, 52-week blog challenge | 19 Comments | Tagged 52-week blog challenge, blog hop, contemporary western romance, Google Home, Laughter, LOL, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, ROTFL, You Tube
    • #AmWriting Short Snippet Saturday: No Guarantees

      Posted at 11:35 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 18, 2017

      Hello and good morning, evening, or whatever time of day it is for you. LOL. Yesterday I gave a sneak peek of the cover for Lassoing the Last Dance, book #4 in the Double Dutch Ranch Series. Today I’m giving you an excerpt. I can’t call this one a short snippet, but I’m calling it Short Snippet Saturday anyway.  🙂 

      western romance, contemporary romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      We’re in Roxanne’s POV. She’s about to do something she’s put off for over eight months–something that destroyed her relationship with Randy, and there is no guarantee they’ll get it back after telling him. Slightly modified to avoid spoilers.

      Randy strolled to the doorway and extended his arm toward the living room. She sat on the end of the three cushioned, contemporary styled, burgundy colored sofa. The fireplace had a screen over the front. Above the mantel was a good-sized painting of Superstition Mountain, while three other walls showed smaller paintings of horses. One was a photograph of Randy’s stable during sunset. Another painting of the Grand Canyon sat nestled between two smaller sunset pictures. They were new since her last visit. He pulled an ottoman over to sit across from her and took her hands.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, series romance“You have the look of pain in your eyes. What’s going on, Rox? Did that asshole hurt you again? Finally tear you down?”

      “Oh, God.” She released her hands and got up to pace, and stopped to get a better look of the picture over the mantel. The house was cool but her body felt overheated. In order to get out what she wanted to say, she took short, fast breaths until she was capable of speaking. “I’m not sure you’ll be able to handle what I have to tell you—”

      He stood in a rush, his hands clenching into fists, and he was at her side in a flurry. “You’re back with him?” he asked dryly.

      “For God’s sake, no! Nothing is the same, Randy.” Facing him, she searched his eyes. “Sweet Randy. You deserve more.” She grasped her head with both hands. Oh, how I missed you.

      “I deserve more? Then why are you even here? Why’d you come?” He didn’t wait for an answer and ambled to the kitchen.

      Back on the couch, her gaze followed after him and she waited. He looked out the window from the kitchen sink. Damn, he looked hot from the back, the way his raven hair fell over his collar. His hands shifted to the top of his head and he spread his legs to a wider stance. He looked strong, like he could take on the world and win.

      How could he know what to expect when she didn’t? At the sink, he twirled around and stood in the doorway. He gripped the woodwork on each side of him. Mr. Randy Drake looked so good from the front, too. Whoa, baby, his jeans sat low on his hips without a belt, and he wore black motorcycle boots to give him such a sexy persona. This was serious, and she shouldn’t be seeing sexy right now.

      “You know I don’t play games. I don’t try to be something I’m not. Again, Roxanne. Why are you here? Here in my house—in Canyon Junction?”

      “Why am I here in your house? Because you’re like a… Your magnetism pulled me here. But, I’m scared.”

      “Let me be the judge. Tell me what the hell’s going on, and let me make my own decisions. I’m a man, not a little boy. What are you scared of?” He came into the living room where he took a seat and straddled the ottoman.

      He was right. It wasn’t her decision to make, though she had herself convinced it was her decision to think for him. Her skin tingled as sweat formed on her arms, her face, while she built up the nerve to let it all out. First, she had to find a way to push that lump down her throat. Here goes. “I had an accident and nearly died. My reason for staying away is probably worse than you would even imagine.” She clasped his hot, calloused hands. “Randy…” I have to do this.

      He squeezed her hands and remained quiet. His gaze never faulted from staring at her eyes, her lips.

      End of Excerpt

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance


      Oh, boy! That even gets my heart pounding because I know what’s coming. Thanks for reading.

      The book will be out in April IF everything goes to plan. In yesterday’s post I mentioned why I don’t do preorders, which isn’t to say I never will do one. One day, I might.

      I appreciate your visit. Thanks for stopping by today.

      To learn more about the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, visit HERE.

       

      Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 6 Comments | Tagged Arizona, contemporary western romance, Full Length Novel, Lassoing the Last Dance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, No Guarantees, rancher, Romance, series romance, western romance novel
    • #AmWriting Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse: Images Speak

      Posted at 3:01 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 21, 2017

      Happy Tuesday!

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books

      It’s true, I almost forgot—today is Tuesday. It’s been too long since I posted under my self-proclaimed Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse theme. What inspired me today? Well, nothing popped into my mind, so I browsed photos under the tag “Inspiration.” Why did this particular image get my attention? Oh, thanks for asking!

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      This setting inspired a book I wrote some time ago—even before I took up the lasso to rope in those cowboys. But… Oh, such a big but… I never finished it. LOL Said book was to take place in Northern California with the lavender fields as part of the setting. Mt. Shasta would be in the distance. My son promised to visit the area to be my eyes for the book. You can bet the next time I visit him, we will visit the lavender fields because you never know when a cowboy might move. (Hah, not on my watch.)

      I found this image at Pixabay. The mountain in the distance reminds me of the mountain my son can see from about sixty-miles away. It can also be seen from the lavender fields according to pictures on their website. I’ve been to Mt. Shasta, both the mountain and city, but at the time I didn’t know anything about lavender fields. In my fictional mind, my town would be a fictitious town, anyway. I had written over 60,000 words in this story.

      Then:

      Everything changed. I’m not ready to stop writing western romance, so this book is going through a major revision to change the setting to Canyon Junction. The book, which is the second book in my new spin off series—Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love, will have the same plot and most of the same characters. Definitely the same hero, but now he’s a cowboy. The heroine will turn into a cowgirl whether she likes it or not. They both get a new home, wardrobe, and occupation. Y’all will meet the hero in Lassoing the Last Dance.

      Most of my books are hero focused, but this one is more focused on my heroine. She deserves all the attention she can get. Finding Kimber will be published before the year is over. I’ve created a humungous challenge for myself, and I look forward to figuring it all out. Wish me luck.

      Here’s one of the photos I took while on a day outing to Mt. Shasta with my California kid.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      Enjoy your day!

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, contemporary western romance, Cowboy Romance, inspiration, lavender fields, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Mt. Shasta, Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse: Images Speak, western romance
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