Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance

Tag: Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight

• Short Snippet Saturday: On the Run

  Posted at 3:25 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 17, 2021

  

  Hey there. Happy spring. I’m still here living the life. <waving>

  It’s been a while since I’ve posted or visited my fellow bloggers, but I’ve been writing. I can happily say I finished book two in the Two-Five Ranch Outlaws series. It’s sitting now before I go back to rip it apart and cut a lot of words. I overwrote. Or maybe I didn’t. Let’s put it this way: I said what had to be said, but it’s a higher word count than I wanted, so maybe I didn’t need to say it all. I’m also 12K words into a holiday western romance. However, that has nothing to do with today’s post. 😊

  Re-cover Reveal

  Since I’ve been away from my blog, I had new covers made for four of my books. I haven’t officially revealed the other three yet, but they aren’t hard to find.

  Today I’m introducing the new re-cover for Finding Kimber, Book Two, from Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series—a spin off to the Double Dutch Ranch Series. As the title says, they’re on the run. I’ve changed two names to avoid spoilers. Kimber mentions Stormy. He’s the dog Zach gave her.

  ---

  First the Blurb

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

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

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

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

  

  Snippet

  Thunder growled in the near distance, and heavy clouds rolled in. “Cool. Let’s get this tent put up, cowgirl.”

  She helped him unload the truck but wouldn’t let Stormy out. “Dave wanted us to get burner phones so we can’t be tracked. I haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary on my phone.”

  “Wait. What? The guy thinks your phone has a tracker on it? Rebecca could’ve done it when she visited you. He’s already called you multiple times. What if he’s in on it? Get in the truck.” Zach tossed the bags back into the bed of the truck and sped out of the campground. Hard, blowing rain came down as they pulled out. He drove away from the mountain.

  “What’s wrong? Where are we going?”

  “Away from here. If someone is tracking your phone, or his—”

  “I called his go-phone, but I get it. No camping.”

  “We are camping. While we’re heading west, call him back. Write down the immediate numbers you need from your phone, then write down Tyler’s, Randy’s, Jake’s, and my mom’s from mine. When you’re finished, turn our phones off. I want to open yours up to look for a tracker, or for whatever the hell else could’ve been used.” He stopped at a gas station and checked her phone. “Bastards. I’m deleting this hidden app. Somebody added it to your phone.”

  She was angry enough to growl like the wolves in the desert.

  He checked his own. “There’s nothing on mine. I have a better idea. I’ll download a burner app for any other calls we make. Then Dave will think we’re using a disposable phone. The app acts as a burner phone. We can pay extra for a different area code and use a Boise number like we do now.”

  Kimber sat back and sighed. Tiredness caught up with her. “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah. No worries. Tyler uses the app.” After taking care of the app and the new number, he continued driving until they ended up in traffic miles away.

  Now she’d made Zach suspicious of everything.

  They headed back to the campsite and unloaded. “Randy gave us a blowup bed. Looks like we have to sleep together, partner.”

  “No problem, Zach.” In this awful predicament, his words sparked a glow in her heart. She flashed him a smile and helped him make up the bed. “I’ll never be able to thank you for what you’re doing.”

  Zach glanced at the bed and winked. “My heart’s the only thing you have to thank, sweetheart. Well, maybe one other body part.”

  ---

  Here’s the entire spin off series to date. Read Finding Kimber now: Universal Buy Link for your country. Amazon Series Page.

  

  Amazon Reader Reviews for Finding Kimber

  This book has it all. Attention grabbing, many twist and turns. All the romance intertwined. I recommend this book. Enjoy!!

  This lady tells wonderful Cowboy Romance Stories…

  …I loved this book! I loved the depth of this story! It Had so many different elements included in it.

  Very different and kept me interested to the end. Very good suspense story and very different from most books I have read.

  Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for visiting.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series | 9 Comments | Tagged Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Finding Kimber, Mary J McCoy-Dressel Western Romance, western romance, witness protection

• Seasoned with Destiny: A Gift of Love

  Posted at 3:10 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on December 25, 2020

  

  I proudly present to you:

  Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, Book #5

  

  Book Description

  Readers have grown to love the Double Dutch Ranch series and the Carlson family. Return to Canyon Junction with Book Five.

  Heartaches, hot flashes, and new beginnings.

  Content with her family and new grandbabies on the way, Judy Carlson is happy—despite day-to-day struggles of running a ranch and memories of sadness they share. Menopausal changes remind her birthdays arrive too doggone soon. On sleepless nights, she longs for a partner to snuggle up beside. She never minds gazing at a strong cowboy, a man with a handsome smile, or with an intellectual touch of silver in his hair. She observes this daily in their seasoned ranch foreman, Selva Rosado. Though she won’t admit to an attraction until an emotional and physical warming encompasses her when he’s around.

  However, after dancing a night away with Dale Connor three years ago, she’d considered settling down again. Then he disappeared on a clandestine trip, only to return with intentions as mysterious as his journey, and trouble from his past. She learns how right her family is to worry and how wrong she is to ignore intuition. Yet she can’t overlook their loyal foreman in the background who waits and watches with his own mysteries.

  Two men vie for her hand. How can a cowgal decide which one will park their boots beside hers at the end of each day? Before making any decisions, she aims to discover all of their secrets.

  Author Note: Seasoned with Destiny: A Gift of Love is Judy’s story. However, her three sons will not sit back quietly when everything they love is at stake. Therefore, you’ll see chapters in their points of view, too, plus a chapter from a special man.

  Grab a copy here:

  Amazon

  Universal Buy Link

  ---

  How about a little sneak peek from the first chapter? Yeah? All Right!

  Chapter 1

  Judy walked cautiously into the great room and peered into the kitchen. The mumble and jumble from her family came to a halt. She peered around the room. “What’s the matter? You act like you’ve never seen me wear makeup before. Yes, it’s a new dress. I advise every one of you to keep your attitudes in line tonight.”

  They all looked stunned, but Jase, her firstborn, stood. “Should we sit down to have a talk, Ma? You haven’t had a real date for a long time. You never fooled me. You dated another guy for many years, but he never had your heart. Need any advice?” Jase roared. Tristan and Dane stood at the counter snickering.

  Jase continued. “Just saying. I don’t want to have to rough him up any, so we need to set up some boundaries in advance.”

  Judy rolled her eyes at the so-called leader of the pack. “Why, Jase Carlson. If you weren’t so big, I’d smack your behind. Instead, I’ll have Brenna do it.”

  “Hey!” Brenna waddled up to Jase. “Don’t bring me into this.”

  “Come on, Bren,” Jase smirked. “Smack my ass, doll.”

  Brenna patted his behind. “Watch it big guy. You know better than to mess with me right now.”

  Jase drew her over in front of him and slipped his hands to her round belly. “Because of this kid? Huh, little Mama?”

  “What do you think?” Brenna narrowed her eyes but smiled and lifted her face for a kiss.

  Judy carried the Cussin’ Jar over to Jase. “Now.”

  “Aww, come on.”

  “Five bucks, mister.”

  “Damn, you raised the price?”

  “That’ll be ten bucks. Between Brenna and Nora, I’ll have two more grandbabies. The cost went up. If you don’t like it, stop cussin’. Shall we make it an even twenty?”

  “I don’t mean to in front of you, Ma.”

  “Habits are hard to break.” Judy smiled at the friendly banter, but she saddened as this pregnancy reminded her of Jase and Brenna’s last one. She’d had a stillborn birth at five months with a little boy named Timothy. Today, little Timmy would be the age of Nora and Tristan’s three-year-old son, Shiloh. It had been one of the most difficult things the family had ever faced. She chose to believe Timmy rested in his grandpa Bill’s arms in Heaven.

  Jase pretended to zip his mouth but ignored the jar. “I’ll get it later. The kids took all my cash.”

  Tristan, her middle son who held the weight of the family on his shoulders, took over where Jase left off. “You’re awful calm, Mom, for a first date. Holding out on us and seeing Dale on the side? Slipping out at night? Huh?”

  “It’s none of your business, but no. Dale and I got along at the wedding. It’s almost like we’d known each other for years.” She only fooled herself. Too much time had passed to have those feelings for him now. Three years was too much time, and she’d heard different rumors concerning why he’d disappeared, but she didn’t have the heart to ask those who knew him. This evening, she intended to find out if they were true. Maybe she wouldn’t inquire on their first date.

  “You don’t know him.” Tristan frowned. “If it isn’t us watching out for you, who will? It’s no different than the third degree we’d get from you on our dates.”

  “Yeah, Ma. Remember when you coerced me to take Brenna to the hotel after just meeting her?” Jase leaned his head to the side to escape Brenna’s hand from covering his mouth.

  Judy nodded toward Brenna’s belly. “I was right, wasn’t I?”

  “Wasn’t she, Jase?” Brenna warned.

  Jase patted her tummy. “Okay, darlin’, she was right.”

  Judy brushed her hands forward in a sweeping motion. “Humph. Let me finish getting ready. You all go home before he gets here. I don’t need you scaring him off.”

  Jase and Dane pulled out a chair. Dane nodded to his brother. “Hey, Tristan, bring over some sandwich fixings.”

  “Uh-uh. No, you don’t.” Judy took hold of his and Jase’s sleeves and attempted to pull them out of the chairs. Instead, they sat speechless, and they must’ve applied glue to their jeans because none of them budged. “You boys, git. Come back to make your sandwiches after I leave.”

  Jase grinned at Brenna. “Come on, guys. She can’t kick us out of the driveway. Dale will have to come through us first.”

  She could spit Sonoran sand right now. Judy pushed Jase toward the door. “Wanna bet? Go home. I’ll call if I need you.”

  Selva Rosado, their ranch foreman, tapped on the door, entering with a confident air about him. He carried a bouquet. “Tristan, can I see you in the barn? We have a slight problem.”

  Tristan grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “Sure. Those flowers for me?”

  Selva chuckled. “No, amigo.”

  Judy smiled at Selva who had worked on the Double Dutch for years and had been good friends with Bill and her. The man had a swagger that caught her attention more times than she’d want to admit. She’d always imagined Bill would have the same touch of silver in his hair as Selva’s. “What are you doing with those flowers? Got a date yourself?”

  “Nah, not me. Good evening, Judy.” Handing her the flowers, Selva gazed at Judy from the floor up. “I saw these at the store today. They were the last bunch, sitting all alone. The first thing I thought of was how nice they’d look on your kitchen table.” He cleared his throat and nodded to Tristan. “Sorry to barge in on you all like this.”

  Tristan took a swig from the water bottle. “I’ll be right there. Mom’s got a date. We’re sticking around to intimidate him a little.”

  Selva lowered his eyes to Judy’s. “A date? Back with Martyn?”

  Judy strolled over to Selva, touched his upper arm, and thanked him for the flowers. “Don’t listen to him, and no, it isn’t Martyn.” She turned to Tristan but eyed all three boys. “You go out to the barn to see what’s the matter. Stay there until you leave for home. I don’t need you here when Dale comes. Go.” She swung her arm toward the door with her finger pointing.

  Jase and Dane each gave her a hug before following Tristan to the door. Dane hesitated. “How come Brenna gets to stay?”

  “Have you boys reverted back to teenagers?” Judy faced Brenna. “Now, honey, I love you like you’re blood, but gather the kids from outside and skedaddle. Please, all of you go home.”

  Dane frowned. “Let’s get out of here, guys.”

  “I love you boys.”

  “We love you, too, Ma,” Jase called over his shoulder.

  “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?”

  “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. I heard he’d returned. 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 turned and exited.

  Hmm. What had that been about? Judy eyed his tall frame and muscles a senior personal trainer might die for, until Selva strode into the barn with Tristan. She padded over to lock the back door. Sighing, she wrung her hands at her midriff. A smile brightened her face 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, he’d had on the familiar cologne. The beautiful flowers were what she needed to bring a calm over her, but it didn’t last long. His car rolled into the driveway three years too late.

  ---

  Ah, I love Judy and her story!

  

  Oh, one more thing, and I don’t like asking but… I haven’t been able to set up any promotion for this book because I didn’t think I’d get it out this year, so if y’all can help me spread the word, I’ll be grateful.

  AMAZON | BOOKS2READ

  ---

  Thanks so much for stopping by today.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Double Dutch Ranch Series, New Release, Seasoned Romance | 11 Comments | Tagged Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, New Release eBooks, Romance, Seasoned with Destiny: A Gift of Love, western

• Short Snippet Saturday: Firstborn

  Posted at 7:24 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 17, 2020

  

  Howdy! Welcome to another Short Snippet Saturday post. Sure has been a while, huh? Finally, something different from my #WordlessWednesday posts of late.  Here’s a snippet from my upcoming release.

  I titled this snippet Firstborn. Today is my firstborn child’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Chris! It finally happened. He’s now older than me. 😀  Below, Judy mentions her firstborn. When I began this series, I didn’t know her secret until later on in the series.

  

  Judy has two men interested in her. Which one will she choose?

  This snippet features our ranch matriarch Judy Carlson. She’s leaving the home of one of the men after a pleasant sunset walk together. However, before leaving, he revealed information she didn’t want to know. She’s disheartened on her lonely ride home. I changed one of the lines to avoid spoilers.

  ---

  “Get home safely.”

  It had been her intention. Her shoulders shook due to the uncanny chill that had passed over her. She drove away. No, no, no. She couldn’t deal with his issue. Bill. Why’d you have to die on me? Tears slipped from her eyes, but she cowgirl’d up and swept them away. Grown women didn’t cry. No matter how much she swiped, they continued to fall.

  Judy started the CD, turned up the volume, and blasted Alan Jackson’s tunes. “Chasing That Neon Rainbow” came on at the perfect moment. Thank you, Bill, darlin’. Time flew by too damn fast for her. All she wanted to think about now was the happiest moments with her Bill. Their wedding day, the birth of their boys, and buying the Double Dutch.

  How handsome and gallant a young man Bill had been standing at the alter in a rented suit, his blue eyes twinkling in the little church near their college campus. He wore his dark hair on the longer side, kind of how Jase wore his now. How the two of them had said I do. Eight months later, their firstborn had arrived in the world. They knew how it looked, but Jase had been born a month early. That was her story, and she stuck to it to this day.

  She took the long way home to allow for a good cry because she couldn’t deny, grown women did cry. By the time she’d arrive home, her eyes would’ve lost the redness surely to be there. At the Double Dutch, one never knew which family member would be at her home. Tristan could be in one of the barns doing his own evening chores.

  ---

  This is book #5 in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight. See the other books in the series at this LINK.

  

  Begin the series with Book One now.

  

  Stay safe and well. Thanks for reading.

  Sunset image: rauschenberger at Pixabay. Judy in a field of flowers: Created by me at PicMonkey – Image from PicMonkey.

  Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 2 Comments | Tagged Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Seasoned Romance, senior citizen, western fiction

• Saturday Morning: Running on an (UN)Even Keel

  Posted at 10:19 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 30, 2020

  
  Waving. Good morning to all.

  Update:

  Some of you know I’ve been taking a break to let my eyes rest. I’m happy to say they are showing a bit of improvement. Giving them time away from hours of looking at the computer has helped, but my time at the screen is still limited. I’ve been able to spend a small amount of time each day working on one book while gearing up to format my upcoming book. In a nutshell, I have dry-eyes and macular degeneration, so I won’t take a chance with my eyesight.

  As much as I wanted Judy’s book, the fifth book in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight to be released in May, it isn’t going to happen. Book five takes place three years after book four ends.

  By the way, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, book one in the Double Dutch Ranch Series is $0.99 cents. This is the new and revised edition–shortened A LOT yet combined with what used to be book 1.5. Not a bad deal for a book that begins a series where you’ll get to know the whole family including Judy, the ranch matriarch, who binds them all together. Welcome to the Double Dutch Ranch where no one is a stranger at their table.

  I’m grateful for any change for the better to my eyes and for time I can spend working on my books. However, I won’t push it.

  Thankfully, my Kindle reads to me, so I’m able to enjoy books written by other authors without having to stare at the screen. It’s a pleasant distraction, indeed.

  Thanks for your patience.

  ---

  Safe Space:

  On top of dealing with my eyesight and the pressure and stress on myself for NOT publishing a book, I was forced to enter a grocery store because of items I NEEDED and couldn’t get with my pick up order. That isn’t all. I HAD TO OPEN UP MY SAFE SPACE to maintenance when I developed a leak in my bathtub. I figured it would be a one-time thing, but after four visits, he still couldn’t fix the problem. This also means he had to go into my bedroom closet to access the pipes.

  I told my manager I would be wearing a mask and I hoped he would. Her reply did not make my day when she said it was up to him. Well, thanks, lady! Is that even legal? Prayers worked. He wore a mask and gloves. I thanked him. BUT, the problem isn’t fixed. Next week a plumber has to invade my space. God sure is teaching me patience while encouraging me to trust. I’m tempted to tell them all to forget it and let it drip, but if it gets worse or something breaks, then what?

  As my mom would say, “Things don’t run on an even keel all the time.” Something like that. Well, Mom, you were right!

  We’re all in this together.

  Enjoy your weekend, my friends.

  P.S. I didn’t even mention the fact WordPress is changing its editor on June 1st, so now it’s one more thing I don’t have the time or patience to learn. Even though some of you said the new Block Editor was simple, I don’t agree. I looked at it for five minutes and said screw it. Now, it seems I have no choice. On a positive note, the old editor will still be available, but I rarely use it, instead choosing to go into the dashboard and use the old, old editor. What do I do? Use my limited time on the computer to publish a book or learn something I don’t want to learn? The answer is simple.

  Signing off for now…

  Image credit: Pixabay – habunman
  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife | 12 Comments | Tagged #AmReading, #AmWriting, #WritersLife, book publishing, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, even keel, eyesight, Gentlemen Cowboys, mary j mccoy dressel, Saturday Morning: Updates - Running on an Even Keel, western romance

• #MFRWhooks Book Hooks: You’ll Give Me a Heart Attack!

  Posted at 4:19 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 13, 2020

  

  It’s Wednesday again? That means it’s time for Book Hooks!

  Here’s another short snippet from my upcoming book due out this spring. In five books and the spin off series books, I don’t know how many times I’ve heard Judy say, “Now what happened?” I love Judy’s character so much!

  The original writing in this snippet has another person coming inside with Judy’s boys, but if I left that part in, it’d be a spoiler. So would a couple of other statements. So, this is modified from the original version.

  #MFRWHooks Link to participating authors will be at the end.

  ---

  

  After breakfast dishes were put away and counters wiped down, Judy sat at her desk in the kitchen to write a group email to her family suggesting the trip for the holidays. She looked up when Tristan came in. “Are you here for seconds?” The rest of them lumbered in. “You’re all here. Now what happened?”

  Tristan spoke first. “No more to eat, Mom. We need to tell you some news.”

  She stood and raised her hands to the air. “Why do you insist on doing this to me? You men will give me a heart attack. What is it?”

  “Calm down, Ma,” Jase said. “Leon called.”

  She sat again, sighing. Of course, it could only mean one of two things. Dane accepted Leon’s proposition, or they received news about the recent ordeal. “Will I be calling you the sheriff’s new partner?”

  “Huh? I don’t know. That’s not why we’re here.” Dane gave his brothers a sidelong glance.

  Judy had about all she could take, but she asked calmly, “Please, say what it is, will ya?”

  Jase blurted it out…

  ---

  That’s all folks. It won’t be much longer. I haven’t released a blurb or much of anything about this book yet. Info about this series can be found HERE.

  To visit Book Hooks participating authors for May 13th, click this LINK.

  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.

  

  As always:

  It takes patience, but we have to be smart. Stay Home. Stay Safe.

  I want all of you around when this pandemic is over. I want to be around too.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Double Dutch Ranch Series | 26 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, #WritersLife, Book Hooks: You'll Give Me a Heart Attack!, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Marketing for Romance Writers Book Hooks Meme, Short snippet

• #MFRWhooks: Book Hooks: It’s Not Over

  Posted at 5:29 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 8, 2020

  

  Well, darn. I missed the sign up for Book Hooks again. Looks like I’m on my own this week without my fellow Book Hooks authors, but we can still join them at the Link below.

  Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series

  A Double Dutch Ranch Spin Off Series

  Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas

  This book does cover the holiday season, but it isn’t necessarily a holiday novel and can be read anytime.

  Set up: In this snippet, Jake is having a conversation with his wife, who is leaving him and taking their son to another state with no intentions of returning. She digs at Jake the best way she knows how to take the blame off herself. We’re in Jake’s POV. See my cute doggie on the cover? She lives on this this series:

  

  “Maybe your precious Beth would be satisfied, but I’m not.”

  All right, there it was. What a surprise. Not. “Why do you keep throwing her up to me? She’s been gone from Canyon Junction for thirteen fu…damn years—”

  “The rumors about her never stop—”

  “Maybe because they aren’t rumors. She and I are a part of this town’s past. People like to reminisce. I don’t!” Jake lifted his hands to his head. “My relationship with her happened way before I met you, Paige. You’re the one I married.”

  “Because you had to.”

  “Regardless, you’re the one I married with no regrets—”

  Paige shook her head and stomped away. “I wanted to travel, but then…then Trace came along and before I knew it, I was a tied-down wife and mother.”

  His cheeks puffed out as he held his words in, but not for long. “You say that like it’s a bad thing. Yeah, I get it more every time I see you. Maybe you’re fooling yourself. It’ll come out eventually. Let me fix what needs fixing. If you don’t think I’ve done—”

  “You have, and you’ve had a complete turnaround from who you used to be, but…”

  Jake swallowed another gulp of beer, set the half-filled bottle on the counter, and headed toward the living room. Her but didn’t go any further. He picked up his hat from the table and stopped at the exit door. She wasn’t getting off that easy. “But?”

  Her eyes remained fixed on the floor. “I want more. I’ve had enough of ranching.”

  “The ranch used to be all you wanted. That’s why I took it over from my parents and built it up. For us.” He blew out a breath and glanced at the lighted pumpkin in the living room. Jake sighed. “Well, go get your more, but leave my son with me. He never said he wanted more. Have you asked him? He wants to stay with me.” Jake paused to catch his breath. “I’ll pick up Trace after school Friday.” He strutted out and down the steps until he got to his truck. Stopping for a moment, he glanced back. The door slammed. He’d hire a new lawyer. This wasn’t over.

  

  ---

  A few Amazon Reviews:

  Best ending ever!

  This book did not have any boring stretches!!!

   I could not put the book down till I finished reading the whole wonderful story.

   

  ---

  About the Book:

  Second Chance Romance.

  What can stand in their way this time?

  Rancher Jake Lawton never expects to become a single dad to his nine-year-old overnight. However, one last malicious act his wife had done before leaving them, could affect both he and his son’s lives. By chance, he runs into his high school sweetheart, never expecting the same old yearnings to return with one “How are ya?” embrace. Has their unanticipated meeting arrived at the perfect time, or has years apart put an end to what should’ve been years ago?

  Beth Marconi arrives home to help care for her ailing father. In town, she inadvertently runs into her first love—the cowboy she nearly married after graduation. Sparks ignite before they say hello, but how do they start over when life has left them so bruised? When her ex comes to town, she’s forced to explain the secret surrounding her short-lived marriage. Is Jake the kind of man who will understand, or will he revert to the hell-raiser he had become when Beth left thirteen years ago?

  Filled with both anguish and hope, a young boy and two lonely hearts pursue a second chance.

  UNIVERSAL BUY LINK: books2read.com/u/3JKo0A

  

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  Visit the other authors in the Book Hooks Blog Hop 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.

  Thanks for your cyber visit this week.

  Stay home. Stay safe.

   

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks | 7 Comments | Tagged #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks: It's Not Over, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Double Dutch Ranch Spin Off Series, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

• #MFRWhooks Book Hooks Wednesday: Conference Room

  Posted at 12:15 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 18, 2020

  

  Hi, is it Wednesday again? Ah, it must be time for another Book Hooks post. Today I bring you the first book in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight:

  Cowboy Boss and his Destiny

  The grandma he mentions is Tristan’s mom, our ranch matriarch who is featured in book five: Seasoned with Destiny: A Gift of Love. Snippet modified to avoid spoilers.

  ---

  

  Oh, my God. “I can’t talk right now, Destiny. We have to get there.” His child’s pain hit him like a spear to the chest. He wanted to be supportive while she cried, but he needed support. I have to get there. Have to get there. At the emergency room parking lot, he unhooked Destiny and carried her inside.

  “I have to see her. Nora Trinity. Just brought in…”

  “Just a minute, please.” She glanced at Destiny who still cried. “Do you have someone coming for your child?”

  “Yes, but I can’t wait.” He released Destiny to the floor. She held him as tight as she could.

  The lady called back there and told him it’d only be a minute. A doctor came out and glanced at Destiny. Tristan knelt. “Honey, you have to wait here for a minute. Grandma will be here soon, real soon.” He pointed to a chair. “Go sit right there and don’t get out of it. Don’t talk to anybody.”

  “No, Daddy. Don’t leave me.” She clung to him with both arms.

  There was no expression on the doctor’s face whatsoever.

  “Listen to me. Only for a few minutes. I have to go to the back.” He held her face. “This is the time you need to be big.”

  She shook her head erratically, and shouted, “I’m not big.”

  He picked her up and hugged her. “Take me back, please.”

  They went through the doors to a conference room. “I’ll put a chair outside the door for your daughter,” the doctor stated matter-of-factly. He dragged a chair out of the room, pushing it against the wall beside the door while Tristan fell apart inside.

  Tristan lowered her to the chair. He demanded that Destiny stay. “I’ll be right inside. Right here.”

  She folded her arms across her chest and stared at the floor.

  The doctor closed the door behind him but leaned against it for what seemed an eternity. Silence.

  Tristan’s heart shattered. They were in a conference room. Ah, damn, this couldn’t be good.

  

  UNIVERSAL BUY LINK

  From his experience with women, Tristan Carlson learned that some don’t want a ready-made family, and he and his four-year-old daughter come as a package. Then he falls hard and fast for Nora, but if she isn’t going to give him the trust he needs, their relationship won’t last. Without a warning, darkness falls over the entire Carlson family when a near-repeat of a devastating memory comes back to haunt them, and Tristan fears he and his child will have to suffer all over again.

  When Nora Trinity returns to Canyon Junction, she doesn’t expect to fall for the handsome cowboy she lends a hand to in a parking lot. However, since then, she learns about a past that nearly destroyed him. Now she can lose everything if she can’t find it in her heart to trust he’s a changed man. Then why does he disappear at a time when Nora needs him more than she’s ever needed him before? Has she lost him, anyway?

  Tristan and Nora’s bond is put to the test. They need to be strong enough to overcome issues of trust, family complications, and painful memories. They vow to prevail when circumstances beyond their control attempt to prove them wrong.

  ---

  This book has gone through multiple changes since the first edition. In fact, in 2016 I revised the entire book and cut the length by… Hmm, A LOT. That isn’t all. I gave it a new cover. I removed so much for the purpose of adding book numbered 1.5 to make it one complete book and doing away with the original 1.5.

  ---

  Thank you for reading. While here, click the image below to visit participating authors in this Marketing for Romance Writers Book Hooks blog hop.

  

  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.

  Image credit – Father and Daughter: Pixabay – platinumportfolio

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks, Double Dutch Ranch Series | 11 Comments | Tagged #MFRWhooks, blog hop, Book Hooks, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

• #MFRWhooks Don’t “What” Me, Master Sergeant.

  Posted at 12:30 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 11, 2020

  

  Welcome to Marketing for Romance Writers Book Hooks Blog Hop.

  Today I bring you a snippet from one of my works in progress to be released this spring. This is my ranch matriarch’s book, but each of her sons have their own POV in the book because they all have opinions (about everything). We’re in Dane’s POV. Dane is the youngest son who has PTSD or PTSS as it’s sometimes called now. Modified from the original to avoid spoilers.

  ---

  Dane paced around the kitchen until Gracelyn placed her hand on his shoulder to stop him. He poured a cup of coffee. “What?”

  “Don’t ‘what’ me, Master Sergeant Carlson. Is something wrong this morning?”

  “I have stuff on my mind. Decisions to make. People to check out.” Dane couldn’t meet her gaze. He kept important matters from her. He wanted to make his decision before mentioning it. None of his family would like it if he said yes.

  Hell, he wasn’t even in the right state of mind to accept such a job. Not now. A lot was at stake here, including care for his rescue horses if he took the job. Not to mention investigating who the hell followed his mother home last night. He’d seen it firsthand while out on horseback to clear his head. Two men. He’d come close to shooting and asking questions later, but that would’ve landed him in jail. Like he needed more bullshit.

  “That’s it? Stuff? I don’t have to work today. We can visit Jase, but let’s talk about whatever’s going on.” Gracelyn wrapped her arms around him. “Dane, I know your moods. What troubles you?”

  Dane drew her against him, closed his eyes, and inhaled the unique scent of her. He ran his hand down the back of her silky hair. “A couple guys followed Mom home last night.” That’s all he had to say for now.

  She questioned. “Lost?”

  “Not this time. ” He lowered his forehead to her shoulder and drew her closer. His heart beat faster. “Mmm. You smell so good, honey. Is Will sleeping?”

  ---

  This is a blog hop with other authors participating. Click over HERE to see their book hooks.

  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. By sharing samples of your writing in a meme, readers will have the chance to jump from one author to another. Here’s your opportunity to hook some new readers!

   

   

  Dane’s book is the third in the series. Judy’s book will be number five. More details about the upcoming book and the series can be found on the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight page.

  

  Thanks for visiting and reading today. Stay well and safe.

  Posted in #MFRWhooks, #WritersLife, Book Hooks | 13 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks Blog Hop, Don't What Me, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Marketing for Romance Writers, mary j mccoy dressel, Of the Cowboy's Own Accord, work in progress

• 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

  

  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.

  

  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

• Short Snippet Saturday: Moving On ~ Our Ranch Mom Makes A Decision

  Posted at 10:00 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 11, 2020

  

  Howdy! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas or holiday that you celebrate and a Happy New Year. Welcome 2020! 🎉

  “You’re off to Great Places!
  Today is your day!
  Your mountain is waiting,
  So… get on your way!”
  ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

  ---

  Here’s a rare short snippet from a work in progress. I’ve lived with these characters for eight books now. Three of those are from the spin off series books. Nine, if we count Judy’s presence in Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude–the Bull Rider Series–a crossover book where she and Jase visit her sister-in-law, Dolly for the holidays.

  Today, I’m featuring our ranch matriarch Judy Carlson. The book is finished and ready to go to the editor depending on her schedule. Oh, it has a title I love!

  Judy has pined for her husband Bill since the day she’d lost him, so moving on wasn’t part of her life’s agenda. However, one of my favorite parts in this book is when Judy makes a particular decision.

  I say one of my favorite parts, but there are lots more.

  She had many to make in the book. Indeed, I once had to make the same decision and some others that Judy had to make.

  

  It’s been a long time coming, so those of you who are waiting patiently, please hang in there a while longer.

  

  Snippet:

  In her bedroom, she sat at the vanity and peered into the oval mirror. Hadn’t she done this a lot lately? This time, she opened her worn wooden jewelry box with the rose inlay on the top, given to her by her grandmother. The creaky hinge evoked memories of her. She removed the gold band from her finger and peered at the empty spot—the tan line a reminder—on her hand. Judy sighed as she sought a name for the emotions washing over her. Sadness. Gladness.

  

  Bittersweet tears welled in her eyes as she recognized contentment over her decisions of late. She gently lowered the band into its faded white cushioned spot. She smiled, closed the lid on the box, again with the squeaky hinge, and tucked it into the bottom drawer. Judy laid her hand over the box a moment before closing it in and out of sight. Staring at herself in the mirror, she whispered, “It’s a new day.”

  

  I can relate to Judy in many ways. I’ve been through some roller coaster emotions of my own while writing Book Five. Like Judy, I wanted my grown boys to approve of me remarrying. Neither my boys nor I had to deal with most of what Judy had/has to deal with–one is choosing the right man out of two.

  You didn’t think I’d give my ranch mom and easy time of it, did you? I’ve apologized to her a few times.

  I know if my situation was the same, my boys would’ve jumped in like Tristan, Jase, and Dane. I do remember my youngest son stepping in and asking me to ask myself a question before I said “I do” the second time. In addition, he asked several times if I was sure.

  Judy’s guy: Showing more of the picture would give too much away for readers of the series. In real life, the model is a personal trainer, so you know I had to run with that in the book. Judy didn’t mind a bit. 💕

   

  

  Book character Portrayal.

  

  My vision of Judy Carlson. Character Portrayal is not to be confused with the real model.

   

  Thanks for stopping by today. Sorry my jibber-jabber is longer than the excerpt.

   

   

   

   

   

  I’m praying we’ll get through this mess of a storm coming my way this weekend. You know it’s going to be bad when your energy company sends an announcement about being prepared and how they are gearing up, not if, but when, power lines are down all over. Ekk!

  Enjoy yours.

  ---

  Image credits-

  Judy: Dreamstime

  Jewelry Box: Pixabay Public Domain Pictures

  Judy’s guy. I personally purchased the image from a cover model.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Seasoned Romance | 15 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Romance, Seasoned Romance, Short Snippet Saturday: Moving On ~ Our Ranch Mom Makes A Decision, western romance

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