Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
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  • Tag: Double Dutch Ranch Series

    • Short Snippet Saturday: Love is Blind

      Posted at 4:31 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 4, 2021

      Waving hello on this first Saturday in September. How is it September? Remember, we only have to deal with thirty days this month.

      I haven’t shared a Short Snippet Saturday Post for some time. This week, I brought Judy Carlson, our ranch matriarch at the Double Dutch Ranch, back into the limelight. I’ve made two modifications in this snippet to avoid spoilers. See more about this series here.

      NOTE: My books are complete with happily ever after endings and no cliffhangers. Reading out of order can give things away pertaining to the other characters and situations in the series. If you only want to read one book, you will still have a complete and satisfying story in itself.

      new release Seasoned with Destiny: A Gift of Love Book #5, Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, book announcement on Series page

      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.


      Tristan grabbed his head with both hands. “Mom. Don’t go digging into things you don’t want to know about.”

      “I already did. A couple glasses of wine got him to talking. You know about his addiction. I see why you shun him.”

      Tristan sat again. “He told you?”

      “He owes money and could be in trouble.”

      “Dammit, you need to stay away from him. If trouble has found him, none of us want you in the middle of it. You have more to lose than he does. I swear to God, if you—”

      Judy stood and narrowed her eyes. “If I what?” Tristan’s Adam’s apple moved up and down. She sat again before either of them said things neither of them wanted to say or hear. Hating to bring up Tristan’s past, she had to set him straight. “Why do you think me a foolish woman? I’ve been through this once. There is no chance in Hades I want to do it again with a man I barely know.”

      He strode toward the door and grabbed his hat. “I know. I know. I know. How many times can I apologize?”

      “Zero. The past is over, albeit I’ve learned my own lessons along with you, son.”

      “Don’t get involved with him. We all know the truth about Dale. The guys he borrowed money from in Nevada aren’t guys to take no for an answer.”

      “Why didn’t you tell me this? H-how do you know about the men. From Nevada, you say?”

      Tristan sighed. “There it is. Friends know him. Me and the guys wanted to see if it went anywhere with you and Dale before popping your balloon.”

      “Balloon, huh? In any case, it’s my decision whether to get involved with Dale. I didn’t want you involved with…” Judy sighed and took a breath to regroup. “It’s too early in the morning for this.”

      “I know you didn’t want me to go back with Destiny’s mom. None of that matters now, and why are we bringing this up? I have a beautiful daughter. No one can regret she happened.”

      “No one is sorry you and Rachel had a child, but the woman broke your heart. Love is blind.”

      “Yeah, it is. That’s why we’re concerned for you.” Tristan barged out the door.

      Judy pulled it open. “I love you, son.”

      He whirled. Nodded. “Me too, but we all want you to be safe…”

      End of snippet.

      Well now. I’ve had a few heated conversations with my boys including slamming doors.


      Learn more about the series on the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight page. Thank you for visiting.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 3 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Seasoned Romance, Seasoned with Destiny: A Gift of Love, Short Snippet Saturday: Love is Blind, western novel, western romance
    • Halloween Fun Snippet from the Double Dutch Ranch #AmWriting #Romance

      Posted at 12:53 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 31, 2018
      Western Romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Halloween snippet, blog

      Today isn’t Short Snippet Saturday, but I have a fine fittin’ and rather long excerpt for Halloween from Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Book #1 in the series. In the revision for this book, I cut a lot of scenes–this is one of them.

      Anyone who reads the Newly Revised Edition of Cowboy Boss and his Destiny might enjoy this deleted scene. If you have read the original version, maybe you’ll like it as much the second time around. I might’ve shared a part of this another time.

      Happy Halloween

      Treat and NO Trick!

      Since Cowboy Boss and his Destiny is the first book in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, the price is only $0.99. Thought I’d throw that in.


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Halloween snippet blog post

      Note:  Every year Tristan Carlson and his family members throw a Halloween Party for residents in their small town of Canyon Junction. They have hayrides, games for the kids, a beer tent, and a dunk tank for charity.

      Oh, and they have live music, too. Judy, our ranch matriarch belongs to a local band with her lady friends. Tristan sings and plays a guitar, Jase plays a keyboard. I know, what a shock! Dane, well, he has his talents that I won’t tell here. Let’s just say when he’s home, he gets dragged up on the stage. This year, little Destiny is dressed as a princess. Not what I would have expected from her, but she insisted. The snippet will tell you what costumes Tristan and Nora chose.

      Enjoy.


      The smell of popcorn and hot dogs floated through the air. Spooky music rang out for all to hear. If not for his daughter, no one would have known who they were in their costumes.

      Destiny jerked down on his arm. “Daddy, are you getting dunked in those clothes?”

      Halloween snippet blog post, cowboy boss and his destiny, Mary J McCoy-Dressel“I guess I’ll have to. I can’t get changed with handcuffs.” He laughed mischievously, giving a sideways glance to Nora. “You know what that means, Des?”

      “What?”

      “Nora has to go in with me.”

      Nora detected a bit of devil in that laugh of his. “Wait, what are you two talking about?”

      “The dunk tank.” Tristan pulled her to a halt. “Oh, did I forget to mention the dunk tank?”

      “Um, yes! I’m not going in the dunk tank.”

      “You should have thought about that before you wanted to handcuff me, Ms. Sheriff.”

      “Oh, good Lord, you are in so much trouble.” She raised her free hand to the air.

      “It’s okay. We get dunked late, so we get to walk around like this all night.”

      Destiny glanced at Nora and shook her head. “Silly Daddy.”

      They went to all the children’s games with Destiny. When it got dark, he took her into the house to his mom, so he and Nora could go on the first hayride with the teens. Randy Drake drove the tractor that pulled it.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance Halloween snippet blog post

      Climbing in the wagon wasn’t so easy handcuffed to another person. Tristan laughed as he sat up front. “Now we really have to be a team.”

      “You’re still in trouble. So much trouble,” she said, shaking her head.

      “Hey, if one of us falls off, we’re both going down, so hold on, Sheriff Trinity.”

       Even in the darkness she picked up the smirk on his handsome face. Tristan wrapped his arm around her waist, forcing her arm behind her back with handcuffs on.

      “Gotcha now, my pretty.”

      “Oh, you’re in so much trouble.”

      After the hay ride and a stop in the beer tent for a tall brew, Tristan checked his watch. “Guess what time it is, sweetheart?”

      “Oh, no.” Nora jerked him to a stop.

      “Oh, yes,” he said, his words rolling out before a booming laugh.

      She attempted to speak in her best innocent tone. “You’re not really making me do this.”

      “I’m sorry, but…yes, I am.” Tristan glanced at her shirt and pulled the top open. “No t-shirt underneath?”

      “No, why?” She glanced to and fro as the townspeople walked around them in costumes, some laughing, other’s nodding to Tristan—easily recognizable once he removed his geek glasses.

      “Because if you didn’t have cuffs on, I might suggest a…ah, a wet t-shirt.”

      She eyed him in his geek clothes and bow tie. “Hmm. Wait. You wouldn’t care that every man here saw me in a wet t-shirt?”

      “Not for here, honey. For later.”

      “You’re awful bad tonight, Tristan.”

      “If I recall, you asked for bad earlier.”

      “In a kiss.”

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, website

      “You need to be real clear. After all, I’m only a hot cowboy, you know.” He pointed ahead where many people were lined up waiting for the ranch owner. They chanted his name.

      “This is for a charity. Since there’s two of us, we should bring in more money.”

      “You’re not going to make me. Please get these off.”

      “Of course, I am. Come on.” Tristan walked through the crowd with their handcuffed hands raised in the air for all to see. “As you can see here, I was arrested by Sheriff Trinity. In case you don’t all know her, she https://www.books2read.com/b/mKBR53works for me.” He wrapped his arm around her. “You all can quiet your rumors.” He turned to Nora and lowered his voice. “I’m about to kiss you in front of all these people.”

      “What kind of kiss?”

      He took her into his arms and dipped her, giving a hard, sexy kiss on the lips. “That kind…for now.”

      The crowd went wild. Nora wasn’t embarrassed. In fact, she cupped her free hand around his face and kissed him back. “No problem, baby.” Their gaze held until Selva, his ranch foreman, came up and bumped his shoulder.

      “These people are waitin’ for you, amigo.”

      Tristan chuckled and turned to the crowd. “There’s two of us at a time so you best get those pockets emptied.” He turned to Nora. “Ready?”

      “I see where I have no choice. Let’s go get’um.”

      “You realize with two of us up here there’s a good chance each throw will dunk us.”

      “Yes, sir, isn’t that going to be fun? I’m glad I wear waterproof mascara, or you’d see the scary side of me.”

      They both got in the tank and sat as close as they could. “Never going to happen. I don’t think there is a scary or bad side to you.”

      “Let’s hope you never find out that I really do.”

      Down they went!

      They climbed back on the bench, a feat in itself. Martyn, his mom, Destiny, and Jase’s kids were at the front of the line. “Come on, sweetheart, are you really going to dunk your daddy?”

      Destiny brought her arm back and let it rip.

      SPLASH!

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Halloween snippet blog post, western romance

      Again, they came up brushing hair and water from their eyes. Destiny was still laughing.

      After at least fifteen dunks, Tristan called it done, and the next person came up. They walked through the crowd soaking wet, still handcuffed. He glanced around for his mom and Martyn and found them in the crowd. “We have to go get dressed, Mom. Can you keep Des until we come back?”

      “Of course. We’ll be over by the stage. Grab your guitar, son.”

      “Yep.”

      “Oh, Trist?” Judy called after him.

      He and Nora turned.

      “Nice costumes.”

      Nora grinned. “Thanks, Judy.”

      “My mom likes us together,” he said on the way inside.

      “I can tell.” She shivered. “Can we change now?”

      “Finally. Get me out of these geeky clothes.”

      “Get me out of these handcuffs. Be thankful you didn’t wear the knight’s costume. You would’a been a drowned cowboy.”

      “You would’ve been the one to wear it, not me. I’ll meet you in the office. You get a front row seat, baby. I have a song special for you.”


      For more on the series and the spin off series, click on the Book Page.

      Thanks for reading! Have fun tonight and please be safe.  🎃🤠💀

      Tell me about your costume if you’re going out or partying down. Me, well, if I went to a party tonight, I’d like to be a ________? What would I like to be for Halloween?

       

      Thanks to Pixabay for the images. Except for my book cover.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 6 Comments | Tagged Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Deleted Scenes, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Dunk Tank, Halloween, Happy Halloween, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Party, popcorn, Spooky music
    • Short Snippet Saturday: You Can Hurt People Without Touching Them

      Posted at 10:22 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 13, 2018
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Welcome back to Canyon Junction! We’re here with another Short Snippet Saturday post, but first… My heart goes out to all of you affected by another hurricane in the U.S. Many of you are still suffering from Florence and now Michael. Prayers and hugs are sent to everyone in need, and for those of you who are experiencing nature’s forces around the world.

      Well, the business of the day here is:

      It’s no surprise that I’d soon be posting another snippet from my new release, Hooked by Sundown, #3 in Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series. I’m happy to say the first review came in with a five star rating. It made my day. By the way… There is nothing short about this snippet today. Not even the title.  ❤

      Sheesh, I need shorter series names though.

      I don’t think an explanation is necessary for this snippet. It involves, Wade, Sophie, and her brother in Wade’s POV. It’s rather long. Not as long as it nearly was though before I cut some out.  🙂  Pour yourself another beverage and take a seat.


      Wade set his cup down then cranked his neck to be sure she remained out there while he said his piece. “I warned you about hurting your sister.”

      “Shut up, dude. I didn’t touch her. Who said I had to listen to you, anyway?”

      Dumbass. He came close to grabbing him around the throat. “You can hurt people without touching them. Look at her. You need a job? Straighten up, and I’ll give you one where I work. We have a guy on his way out. He doesn’t know it yet. Let me know when you’re ready, and you got a job.”

      “Why?”

      “I don’t like seeing her distressed over you.” Sophie rose from the chair and headed inside. “Keep the job Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, blog post short snippet Saturday, Hooked by Sundownin mind. It’s your choice.” Wade removed a skillet from the bottom cupboard, turned the stove on, and added bacon. He warmed up his coffee and observed Sophie’s face when she came in. She glanced at Clay then back to him as if she expected new blood and bruising.

      “Do you have ice?” she asked.

      “Yep.” All this reminded him too much about his own brother. Regardless, Wade missed him. Accepting his death hadn’t happened yet. How long would it take?

      She got ice out and found a baggie in a drawer. “Here, bro. This will make you feel better.”

      Clay glanced at Wade then applied the bag to a knot on his forehead. “Can I get out of here?” he asked Sophie.

      “Not yet, I’m making breakfast. Take those aspirins.”

      Wade had to get out of the room. He understood family issues better than most, but he was about to gag at the way she babied Clay. A couple big breaths later, he reentered the kitchen.

      Clay headed down the hallway but came back, gripped the doorway, saying, “Thanks. Both of you. I appreciate it. Don’t fix anything for me.” He turned toward the bathroom. “Let me know when you can take me to get my truck.”

      Sophie sighed. “I don’t know why I do this to myself.”

      She’d hid her turmoil well. Wade got up to hug her. “This is what I wanted to do last night. You’re afraid of losing out again and don’t trust me.”

      She returned his embrace. “Aren’t we all? I’m afraid of a lot of things like my boy being hurt again, me…”

      Wade held her at an arm’s length. “Didn’t you hear me say I don’t want to hurt anybody? You need to stop hearing only what you want.”

      “It’s a promise you can’t keep.”

      “Yes, I can. The part I can keep. Yeah, I’m gonna die one day. We all are, but I hope it’s not too soon. Between now and then, I can promise.” Wade peered into her eyes. “You gonna hurt me? It works two ways.”

      She sniffled, but tears didn’t fall. “I’m afraid I already did.”

      Yeah, she did, but he allowed it to dig at him. “Will you hurt me again?”

      “It isn’t my intention.”

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, Image for blog post short snippet Saturday, Hooked by Sundown“Let’s move on then. Stop dwelling on the fact that you’re going to lose again. Maybe the other loss was also your gain.” Damn, but that sounded cold-hearted. He grabbed a fork to turn the burning bacon.

      “Oh no, it burned. I’m sorry. Go on. Get out of here so I can concentrate on feeding you.”

      “I can take Clay to get his truck if you want to finish breakfast.”

      She turned down the heat. “Sure. Let me ask him.”

      He took her arm, but she shook it free with a glare. “No. Tell him instead of asking.”

      She gave him a weird look. “Ah…”

      “Sophie…” He wouldn’t say she needed to stop acting like Clay’s mother. That decision was hers. She’d have to find her own escape from his dominance and to stop enabling him.

      “You’re right. Thank you for taking him in last night. If not, I’d be waiting at the hospital.”

      Wade strode into the great room and headed to the stairway. “I need to get my keys and wallet.” He went upstairs and stood at the rail. He couldn’t hear their voices, which was a good thing, meaning Clay hadn’t argued or raised his voice with her. Wade got what he came up for and went back downstairs.

      Clay waited at the door. “I’ll pay for your gas. I don’t suppose you smoke.”

      He shoved his wallet into his back pocket and attached a knife in a sheath to his belt. “Not anymore. It’s not necessary for you to put gas in my truck.”

      “It’s the least I can do. That’s a damn big knife.”

      “That’s the way I like them.” He gave Sophie a hug before leaving. “See you soon.”

      At Wade’s truck, Clay held the door before getting inside. “You’re good for my sister.”

      Wade nodded in agreement, got in, and drove away in silence. You’re damn right he was good for Sophie. Maybe she’d figure it out sooner than later because he didn’t plan on waiting until later.



      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, Blog Header

      Thank you for reading. Visit the page HERE to read more about this Spin Off Series to the Double Dutch Ranch Series.


      I hope your weekend is off to a great start. The weather here went from the high 80s to the 40s within a couple days, but it’s beautiful here. Each day I see new trees changing color in the wooded area right outside my bedroom window. My car has turned yellow due to small leaves falling from the tree in the front yard. I don’t know what kind of tree it is.

      Soon, when the leaves are all down, I’ll be able to spot where the turkey and deer live. Eight or nine turkeys come out on occasion to strut across my parking lot. The Tom usually stays behind until later then he squawks and screams trying to find them. (I guess.)

      How’s the weather where you are this autumn?

      Thanks for visiting. I love when you stop by!

      Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, autumn, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Cowboy Romance, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Gentlemen Cowboys with a touch of bad, Hooked by Sundown, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, New Release eBooks, short snippet Saturday: You can Hurt People Without Touching Them, Vacation romance, western romance
    • #AmWriting Quickie Update & Short Snippet Saturday

      Posted at 11:01 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 7, 2018

      Happy Saturday!

      It seems I’ve missed another week of Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge or #MFRWauthor. I wrote it. Honest, I did, but that’s as far as it got. I wasn’t into the topic, anyway. Yesterday turned out to be a busy day though I didn’t accomplish a lot if that makes sense. Last week I missed signing up for the blog challenge, and as you know, I posted it.

      I’m packing and writing. Packing and writing. Packing and writing. You get the idea. The new apartment isn’t mine, yet, but I have to pack as if it is. Today, is the day I check out the place and talk to the manager. Then I’ll do whatever it takes from that point on. Either way, I am moving somewhere. In the meantime, I’m playing the waiting game while– ha-ha– packing and writing while taking care of daily chores and necessities. One book will soon be going to the editor. (YES, it finally has a title.)

      In the next few weeks, if I have something to say, I’ll come back to post and say hi, and I’ll check your blogs, because I’d miss you if I didn’t. Readers, you can contact me, and I’ll reply, but give me a couple days.

       

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

      Find all my books in one place with blurbs and buy links in series order on my page at Books2Read or click on the image above to go to the Bull Rider Series page here. Available at Apple, Nook, Amazon, and Kobo.

      Since it’s Saturday and Christmas in July, I’m posting an excerpt from my holiday novel, Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude. This scene is not close to sounding Christmassy, but hey, that’s how my Bull Rider Series rolls.

      Okay, now that business talk is out of the way, let’s get to the snippet…


      Caulder is a cousin to Jase, Tristan, and Dane Carlson from the Double Dutch Ranch Series, but these books aren’t connected per se. However, on occasion the cousins appear in each others books. Jase is visiting Love House for Christmas this year. Jase is who Caulder is talking to in the first paragraph.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      In this scene, a fun outing turned to devastation in an instant. Bull rider Caulder McCutchen is a brave, strapping guy, but not so much when he’s in fear of losing everything he loves. Again.

      Modified from the original to avoid spoilers. 

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, blog post Christmas at Love House, Bull Rider Series 3,

      See you all when I see you! Enjoy the weekend.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 10 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, bull rider series, Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance
    • #AmWriting New Year = New Goals = Big Job Accomplished!

      Posted at 10:00 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 29, 2018
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      This will be fairly short to announce:

      I republished Cowboy Boss and his Destiny on March 26th.  Amazon was the last retailer to update the new cover, so now we’re good to go. I didn’t want to promote this book without the new one since it fits the revised edition so much better.

      I published over the old file. Those of you who have the original version won’t be able to purchase this version unless Amazon will notify readers of a new update. Then you can update the book via your Amazon account under Manage Content and Devices. I have to ask them to do this and I will, but they don’t always do it unless they think it’s necessary. If you read Tristan’s Destiny, then you are familiar with most of this new version, but there have been many rewrites in the original Cowboy Boss. I rewrote the beginning, too. This project was fun to take on but sure wasn’t an easy task.

      Visit this LINK for the new blurb, now a combination of Cowboy Boss, Tristan’s Destiny, and more to reflect new goings-on.

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Newly Revised Edition

      As soon as I saw this couple, I knew this had to be my Nora and Tristan. I enjoyed revisiting them during this revision and learned some new things from a few of the characters, including Tristan.

      Cover Design by DuskTilDawn Designs. 

       


      I’ve had a rough time the past couple weeks, continuing into the third, but I’ve done my best to stay upbeat and positive. I have medical tests coming up in my near future, a blood test today, and had two doctor appointments this week. Bah humbug. At least with this posted, and the book republished, it’s one more thing off my mind. I mustered up the “feel good” long enough to get Friday’s post ready.  Yesterday my computer started acting up. As Gilda Radner says, “It’s always something.”

      Again, here’s the link to the Double Dutch Ranch page if you want to check out the new blurb. Thanks for reading.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series | 9 Comments | Tagged Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight #1, DusktiDawn Designs, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Newly Revised Edition, western romance
    • #AmWriting Book Excerpt~ Heartbreak’s Reward: The Short Way Home

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

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

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

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


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

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

       

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

       

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

       

      Featured Image credited to Pixabay.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Excerpt, Heartbreak's Reward | 4 Comments | Tagged #AmReading, #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Arizona, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Heartbreak's Reward, Horse rancher, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Matchmaker, Matriarch, romance series, western romance, Whispers of Forever
    • #AmWriting Short Snippet Saturday: A Brief Glimpse

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

      Western Romance by Mary J McCoy-Dressel

       


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

       


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

       

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

       



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

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

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

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

      Thanks for visiting.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 0 Comments | Tagged #AmReading, #AmWriting, Arizona, contemporary romance, cowboys, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Full Length Novel, Gentlemen Cowboys, Lassoing the Last Dance, mary j mccoy dressel, Proud women, rancher, series romance, western romance, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas
    • #AmWriting Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse: Inspiring Research

      Posted at 10:30 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 5, 2017

      Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse: Research/Images

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books

       

      My muse is a researcher, which is a good thing because I love researching the settings for my books. One of these settings is the Sonoran Desert. I’ve grown fond of this location. Therefore, images of the area inspire me. This is where my cowboys and their heroines live from the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight™ and the spin off Canyon Junction: Hearts in love Series™.

      Canyon Junction is a fictitious name for my town, and if you can picture Apache Junction, about thirty-five miles from Phoenix, you know you’re close to my town. Some of my heroines are new to the Sonoran and one of the first things they notice are these tall cacti and Superstition Mountain.

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      For today’s Tuesday Inspiration post, I chose to post a few photos from the Sonoran.

      Do you know the Saguaro Cactus only lives in the Sonoran, but not in all parts of the Sonoran? The link above is from the U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service, and it shows where the saguaro lives. Here’s another link you might like with facts about the columnar cactus types from: Cactus and Facts. At this sight, I also learned this cactus is vulnerable to poachers.

      The saguaro fascinates me. They remind me of guards standing watch over the desert. I found this fact interesting about the saguaro: An adult saguaro is generally considered to be about 125 years of age. It may weigh 6 tons or more and be as tall as 50 feet. The average life span of a saguaro is probably 150 – 175 years of age. However, biologists believe that some plants may live over 200 years. Source.

      Going forward, let’s begin in Tucson, Arizona where this video takes place with the night-blooming cereus Queen of the Night cactus flower, which blooms one night a year, but not every year. The video has an advertisement at the end for a fragrance inspired from this flower. No affiliation.

      Saguaro National Park is in Tucson, AZ. Caulder and Velia from the Bull Rider Series met in Tucson.

      Cactus in bloom.

      This saguaro must weigh a lot.

      Superstition with a rare dusting of snow.

      Driving toward Superstition Mountain. © Phartisan | Dreamstime.com

      Here’s a cool link from Ultimate Guide | Apache Trail Scenic Drive for readers familiar with the two series mentioned above. Jake, in Whispers of Forever, took his boy on a drive along the dirt section of Apache Trail. Trace bragged to Beth about the trip with his dad, but Beth told Trace a story about daredevil Jake as a teen on the Apache Trail. You might also remember the Desert Belle at Saguaro Lake where Tristan took Nora in Cowboy Boss and his Destiny. See how much fun research can be!

      This is all I have for now. Wow, I’m inspired to get back to writing my next book. Who gets the next one? If you are a reader of both series, you’ve met him. Our heroine is new to the series. This hero has a bad habit of falling too fast for the women he meets. This could be why he and Zach butt heads in Finding Kimber (coming soon).

      Thanks for visiting today.

       

      Posted in #AmWriting, Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse | 8 Comments | Tagged #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series, National Park Service, night-blooming cereus, Queen of the Night cactus flower, Saguaro National Park, Sonoran Desert, Superstition Mountains
    • 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
    • Short Snippet Saturday & National Drink Wine Day!

      Posted at 3:08 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 18, 2017

      western romance, contemporary romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      Greetings! It has been eons since I’ve done a snippet on Saturday. Well, this headline is fitting in two ways. For today’s snippet, I planned on doing an excerpt from Dane’s book because I have two promos going on. One at Bargain Booksy and one at Robin Reads. And, the book is on sale! The book sits at #16 right now in Contemporary Western Fiction at Amazon. Wahoo.

      mary j mccoy-dressel, western romance

      Another reason Dane’s book is fitting is because it’s National Drink Wine Day. Gracelyn, the heroine in this book, is a Guild Wine Master. Cheers!

      Today my snippet comes to you in the form of a graphic. I checked to see if I posted this before, and I didn’t find it in my search. My apologies if you did read this in a previous post or my newsletter. Settle back with your favorite wine and sip as you read.

       


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      Gracelyn enters at the perfect time. She thinks she’s pulling a fast one over on Dane about her choice of wine. Sometimes Dane speaks before he thinks. A couple more beers at this meeting with Gracelyn, he might’ve said more. Yes, he’s drinking beer after his flight to Ft. Benning is delayed. Delayed all right. Delayed until the next day. Need I say more?   ❤ ❤

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romanceThem song for this book: “Once in a Lifetime” by Clay Walker.


      I have an opened bottle of Prosecco, a sparkling wine, for later. If you drink wine, do you have a favorite you’d like to recommend? Remember– “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.” Salute!

      I appreciate your visit today. Thanks for taking the time.

      Posted in Double Dutch Ranch Series, Of the Cowboy's Own Accord, Short Snippet Saturday | 4 Comments | Tagged #NationalDrinkWineDay, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Full Length Novel, iBooks, Kindle, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Nook, novel, Of the Cowboy's Own Accord, Sale, series, small town romance, western romance
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