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: Hey cowboy

    • A Book Title, BINGO, and a Snippet

      Posted at 4:26 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 24, 2020

      I missed Book Hooks Wednesday again. The post almost made it, yadda yadda yadda…

      This isn’t the snippet I had written for Book Hooks. Instead, this one stemmed from an upcoming post I trashed about Book Titles, which included Hey, Cowboy. The scene you’re about to read is why the title for Hey, Cowboy, Book two is what it is. However this scene is from Howdy, Ma’am, Book One. The snippet explains.

      In the beginning, I didn’t want either of these titles to be for the books, but in the end, they were the perfect choice. I have no regrets. 💙

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books, western romance author, Website Header New Bull Rider Series Covers


       

      Caulder and Velia got to know each other before the season began. She fought the attraction forming between them, but she only fooled herself.

      Set up: Velia did her best to deny what had happened between them the night before, on their first night on the road, no less. She promised herself and him, it would never happen again. We turn the page to the day after: Modified a bit from the original.

      As soon as Caulder came out to practice wearing Wranglers and a shirt with the sleeves cut out, and pumped muscles filling her viewfinder, she almost choked on her own lust. “Focus, dammit!” He strutted around the arena like he owned each grain of sand. He went to every bull and talked to them. When he came nose to nose with one big, ugly critter, she had it in her sights.

      She videotaped him around the horses, patting them on the back, and sliding his hand down their flanks. Like he slid his hand down my flank. “Focus.” She got him on video when he wandered to the other side of the arena. Yes, she got one fine part of him strolling away from her—his tight and toned, nice-looking, feel good ass. She stomped. “Why, dammit, why?” Her camera dangled from the neck strap as she watched him.

      She followed and caught him inside the doorway. “Hey, cowboy?”

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      He turned toward her with a slow glance over her body, and she was aware of the longing in his eyes. She hurried to him and slid her arms around his neck.

      End of excerpt.

      And that, my friends, is where Hey, Cowboy got its title.

      Thanks for reading. Find more on the Bull Rider Series book page.


      Here’s a cute story about the title for Howdy, Ma’am.

      A while back, a long while back, when this book was new, I sent a gift basket to a reader conference with this book included. Cover models were leading a BINGO game. The card squares had book titles on them. I don’t know which cover model, but I heard from the winner of the basket, that the model had a lot of fun calling my book title for this gift basket. When he drew out HOWDY, MA’AM for a spot on the BINGO cards, he’d repeat the title over and over with his deep voice and drawl. He, and the book, got a lot of attention. It made me glad to have kept the title!

      Enjoy the rest of your week!

      Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series | 5 Comments | Tagged #WritersLife, A Book Title BINGO and a Snippet, Book Hooks, bull rider series, cowboy, Hey cowboy, Howdy Ma'am, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: An Accident

      Posted at 11:28 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 2, 2019
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see the end of winter this year. We’ve had so much snow. It’s hard to believe our snowfall is below average, so far. The whole country is getting slapped with awful weather. What will spring bring? Happy March!

      This snippet comes from Hey, Cowboy, Book #2.

      In the back of this book in my Note to Readers, I stated: Writing this book brought out emotions I forgot I had from joy to heart wrenching pain. I laughed. I cried. I held my breath. I loved.

      In Howdy, Ma’am, Book One, the book opens with Velia returning from Italy after attending her Aunt Dafne’s funeral. Torre is Velia’s cousin and Dafne’s son.

      At the end of this snippet you’ll see the word zio. This means uncle in Italian. I was told by the person who checked my Italian in this series, that words like zio, zia, mamma, papà aren’t capitalized like they are in English. At first, it was hard to get used to writing them without capital letters, but I wanted to be true to my heroine’s use of her language.

      A name has been changed, and a scene has been modified so nothing is given away.

      Sorry for the long introduction.


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Bull Rider Series 2

      “We have to get things straightened out here.” They backed Roy and Caulder against the wall while the sheriff handcuffed Rosemary. He nodded toward Caulder and said to a deputy, “He’s the homeowner, set him free.”

      “Get the handcuffs off him, he’s family.” Caulder tilted his head toward Roy.

      Sheriff Dawson instructed the deputy to release him, too.

      Velia scanned the room. Two had been shot and there were men with guns. She understood their need to secure the place.

      “Anyone else in the house?” asked the deputy who had been there previously to take a report.

      “My cousin? No!” She turned to Caulder. “Is Torre in the…safe room?”

      He gave a short nod.

      “We’ll have to get him, ma’am,” said the sheriff. “Show me where he is.”

      “But my father. Let me remain with him.” Her shoulders shook from sobbing. “My cousin is s-safe for now. He’s only a boy. Please…I don’t want him to see this.”

      “Everyone needs to be in one place until we figure out what’s going on here, and to make sure he’s okay.”

      “I’ll go,” Roy said. He directed the sheriff toward the safe room.

      The EMTs arrived, and they attended to her father while two other techs attended to the second intruder.

      Caulder picked Velia up from the floor. “Come on, baby, let them do their job.” He wrapped his arms around her and held tight.

      One of the techs worked on her father. “We have to move him now.” They rolled his listless body over and prepared him for the trip, then lifted him to the stretcher and adjusted the straps around his body.

      The sheriff returned and spoke to Velia. “Your man is in the other room with the boy and a deputy. I’ll get you to the hospital. You’ll bring the boy with you. We have to question Mr. McCutchen and Mr. Bianco before they can join you.”

      Velia placed both hands on her head. “Are you arresting Caulder and Roy?”

      “We need to question them, ma’am. This is an obvious home invasion, and it looks like you all did what you had to do to protect yourselves.”

      He directed Caulder to remain with a deputy and another one stayed with Roy. Sheriff Dawson took Velia by the elbow and got Torre from the other room. He escorted them to his vehicle.

      Velia held her cousin close against her as they walked outside. The sight of flashing lights and ambulances shattered her heart into tiny pieces. To think this boy had to go through something so traumatic once again in his life. She dropped into the back seat of the sheriff’s SUV, never removing her arm from around Torre’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Torre,” she said sobbing. “Oh, honey, I know you were frightened.”

      “Roy and Caulder told me to stay hidden. Those people wanted to hurt you. I heard gunshots.”

      Velia pulled back. “And you listened. I’m so thankful you listened to them. I’m proud of you.” She released him yet smoothed hair away from his face. His dark eyes held fear and questions.

      “What happened to your face?”

      Her face must have looked a mess. “An accident.” How many times had he heard that excuse from his own mother before she died?

      “Will zio Ric be okay?”

      “I don’t know.” She swiped at tears then embraced him. This must have brought back horrid memories for him. “Torre, I’m just so sorry. So sorry.” Please, let my father be okay.


      I switched the featured book I had started with this month back to the Bull Rider Series. Mostly, because I’d like to expose the new covers as much as possible. The series is also available in a boxed set.

      Thank you for reading. Enjoy your weekend.

      Stay warm and dry.  

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 8 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, Hey cowboy, Howdy Ma'am, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance
    • On Rebranding Covers for a Book Series

      Posted at 8:37 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 8, 2019

      I’m stealing this Friday spot from my 52-Week Blog Challenge #MFRWauthor spot to write about and introduce you to my new rebranded book covers.

      Now, for today’s post:

      Hey there. I’m dropping in to say in way too many words, that I have rebranded my Bull Rider Series book covers and Boxed Set. My wonderful cover designer did all the work, but I chose my hero and heroine, along with the additional cover images for books two and three.

      Before I get into what I went though, please know, if you’re only switching out covers it’s simple. All you do is upload the covers. Click publish. You’re done. Unless you have a boxed set with images inserted within the book file itself. Then you need to switch covers out in your book file.

      Some Reasons Why I Rebranded:

      • It was time for something new. Howdy, Ma’am, my first indie book, needed an update.
      • Howdy, Ma’am has been around since December 2012. It was the first book where I had control over the cover. Since then, I’ve learned a lot. I’m more in tune to what I want my covers to look like and what I can and can’t do. Since it was my first indie book, it has been revised more than once. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge since publishing Howdy, Ma’am, so hopefully, revisions reflect that.

      Contrary to what some people think, stock photo images CAN be used over and over unless they are purchased exclusively, which I do now when I can.

      What Did I Know in 2012? Nothing Much About Covers.

      Nope, I knew nothing about creating a cover or what I wanted, so I found someone who did. However, I did choose the images and still choose my hero and heroine and some of the additional images for each and every cover.

      About the Original Covers:

      The original couple image for Howdy, Ma’am wasn’t a rare image and has been seen on many other books. My designer gave this series a grittier look to let it stand out both in the before and after look.

      OLD original covers

      The cover for Hey, Cowboy wasn’t a cover you’d see because I chose the images separately. One image on the cover was popular and made its rounds in the western romance genre.

      The image of my couple on the third book was purchased as an exclusive image. However, the model selling the image told me the same image had been purchased once, so somewhere out there, is the same image, but I doubt it has the same background. Per license specifications, I can always use this exclusive image again for another book, and I will. None of that matters now.

      You might recognize my new Caulder as the model for Jase in Heartbreak’s Reward. I knew one day I would have him… Oh, um, ah…oh my. I mean have him on a cover again.  ❤  When it came time to rebrand, his stock photo company was where I headed.

      The Thing About Rebranding with a Different Couple:

      I have the image of couples in my head from the get-go. All of a sudden, after three books, I now had to visualize someone else as my Velia and Caulder. It takes a while, folks. Seriously, as I’ve been going around and deleting the old covers to prevent confusion, my heart twisted a little lot. For years and three books, these characters shared a part of my brain and muse. Regardless, I wanted a change, and the change was good. My new covers work for me!  ❤

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Book #1

      I sent a picture of the new hero to a close friend and asked her if he could pass as Caulder because she loves Caulder. Not one of the pictures you see here. I purchased six stock photos.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Book #2

      Ha-ha. I thought I might have to go over there to wipe the drool off her mouth after she replied, that yes, he was “definitely Caulder McCutchen.” Then I sent her a picture of them as a couple. She approved!

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Book #3

      I hope readers do, too. Everyone has their own opinions, and some of you might like the old better, but this is what I had to do.

      This Could Happen to You:

      Now for my dilemma. What about my boxed set? The old images were in the interior of the manuscript! Oh, no.

      I emailed Draft2Digital (D2D), an aggregator I use to distribute my books to Nook, Apple, and Kobo with a round of back and forth questions and answers about inserting covers internally into a document.

      Now the new problem had been solved. Deep breath. Exhale. Again.

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books, western romance author. New covers for boxed set website and retailers.

      3D cover for most retailers.

      “Apple” will only accept a Flat (2D) cover upload.

      *Some authors create one boxed set cover as a 2D with images of the books or one common image on the cover instead of a 3D like my Bull Rider Series cover. See an example at the end of this post. Maybe this is what I’ll do the next time I make a boxed set.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel books, western romance author. Image for website and retailers.

      Boxed Set Cover for Apple.

      All in all, I’m happy with my decision to rebrand this series.

      With another unexpected project out of the way, I’m ready to move forward to brand-new covers for brand-new books.

       

      There is always something new to learn. Learning is the fun part.

       

      Velia and Caulder thank you for viewing their new covers. Yeeha. Let’s ride.


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance author website page for the series

      Enjoy your day!

      *Here’s one example of a flat or 2D cover with a book cover by one of my favorite western romance authors and my inspiration to finally put pen to paper. Her omnibus includes four books, but this type of cover can be added to all the retailers.


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance author, example of Linda Lael Miller's Ombibus to add to my blog post about boxed set covers

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Bull Rider Series | 10 Comments | Tagged #WritersLife, bull rider series, Christmas at Love House, formatting, Hey cowboy, Howdy Ma'am, la vita e bella, mary j mccoy dressel, On Rebranding Covers for a Book Series, Rebranding covers, western romance
    • New Release: Bull Rider Series Boxed Set

      Posted at 10:53 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 29, 2018
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Blog Post New Release Bull Rider Series Boxed Set

      💕 Announcing My Newest Release 💕

      Bull Rider Series Boxed Set

      I’m sorry to say the Boxed Set is unavailable for now. The individual books ARE available.

      When you have an adrenaline-charged bull rider, then mix in a classy, feisty Italian photographer, sparks will fly…and sizzle.

      Caulder McCutchen, our hero in this three-book series to date, hires photographer Velia Armano to follow him on the circuit in a sport that won’t let him go. Come along with them as they chase after the coveted gold buckle.

      Journey with them through romance and passion and danger and excitement. Through the sad times—their worst times. The happy times—their best times. With the last buck off of the season, retirement looms closer, but will Caulder hang up his spurs and accept that chasing gold buckles can’t last forever?

      Amazon

      Universal Buy Link

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books, western romance author. New covers for boxed set website and retailers.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel books, western romance author. Image for website and retailers.

      Boxed Set Cover for Apple.

      Includes Three Full-Length Novels

      Howdy, Ma’am #1

      Six months into Velia Armano’s well-ordered life alone, bull rider Caulder McCutchen saunters in with his howdy, ma’am and flame-blue eyes, offering a job any photographer would find hard to refuse—to travel the circuit with him for a season and photograph a year in his life. On the journey, they discover they both have their own obstacles to overcome. Staying out of each other’s arms is only one of them. When the season ends, who wins the real prize?

      Review: A contemporary western peppered with heart, heat, excitement and drama. Amazon Reviewer

      Hey, Cowboy #2

      A break in the season finds Velia Armano and Caulder McCutchen back in Tucson, Arizona. Family, friends, and rowdy cowboys are brought together to share in their joy…and sometimes their pain. The last year with Caulder has given her trust and strength like she’s never known. But, her strength is weakened. Enemies harbor a vendetta against her and her family…and anyone who gets in their way. Caulder vows to protect Velia, yet little does he know the lengths he must go. He learns that sometimes a hero has to prove he is one.

      Review: I recommend reading this in order of the book series. I love Velia using her Italian language in both books. Also Caulder being strong but gentle at the same time. These two show what passion they have not only in each other but in their interest as well. I enjoyed how they brought both families together. I can not wait for the next book in this series. Amazon Reviewer

      Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude #3

      Four years later, Velia and Caulder finish up another year of bull riding. They settle into their comfy abode on the McCutchen Ranch in the snowy Allegheny Mountains to celebrate the Christmas season with a houseful of guests. La vita è bella! But why does their happily-ever-after have to come with an expiration date? Without warning, their most chilling nightmare comes true. A misunderstanding, and a startling realization discovered too late—puts their contented little family at risk.

      Review: The plot was well done and the love of his family for the best future. The author captures your imagination and runs with it happily to the end. Amazon Reviewer

      Universal Buy Link


      This boxed set came out of the blue. It had been on my mind for a couple years, but I wasn’t all that serious about it. While waiting on my upcoming new release, which is still with the editor, I figured it had been long enough without a new release. As if I didn’t have enough to do with moving and packing and working on a brand-new book, I couldn’t think of a better time to put together this boxed set.

      Everything else fell in line like lining up my formatter and cover designer and figuring out exactly how to create a boxed set. It wasn’t as easy as it sounds, but here we are. You can find the same thing as above on the Bull Rider Series Page Here, but I wanted to do this announcement up right and the page will remain while this post will eventually get lost in the shuffle. You can read longer blurbs on the Bull Rider Series page with the individual books. 🤠🐂

      UPDATE: Hooked by Sundown has been released.

      Thanks for visiting!

      Cover Design: DusktilDawn Designs

      Posted in Bull Rider Series, New Release | 14 Comments | Tagged Allegheny Mountains, anthology and collection, belt buckles, Book Bundle, Bull Riding, Christmas at Love House, contemporary romance, cowboy, Hey cowboy, holiday, Howdy Ma'am, Log Home, Romance, Rull Rider Series Boxed Set, three-book series, western romance
    • #AmazonGiveaway Enter For a Chance to Win Hey, Cowboy, Bk #2 in the Bull Rider Series

      Posted at 11:45 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on December 5, 2016
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Bull Rider Series 2

      The Amazon Giveaway has Ended. Congratulations to the winners. Thank you all for entering!

       

      Hey, Folks! I hesitated posting this here, but what the heck. I’ve decided to create an Amazon DIGITAL Giveaway. This is the highest priced and the longest book of all my books, so if you plan on reading the Bull Rider Series in the not-so-distant future, books #1 and #3 are on sale, and you can enter for a chance to win in a giveaway for BOOK TWO. What a deal, huh?

      See this #AmazonGiveaway for a chance to win: Hey, Cowboy (Bull Rider Series Book 2) (Kindle Edition). https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/2d8d8fe17cd6c780 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends the earlier of Dec 9, 2016 11:59 PM PST, or when all prizes are claimed. See Official Rules http://amzn.to/GArules.

      If you’re a newsletter subscriber, then you already saw this.

      Good luck!

      The Bull Rider Series 

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance author website page for the series

       

      Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Hey Cowboy Bk 2 | 2 Comments | Tagged Amazon Giveaway, bull rider series, Giveaway, Hey cowboy
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Time to Live Again

      Posted at 8:25 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 29, 2016

      Short Snippet Saturday posts will be less frequent. I’ve decided to post to this theme no more than once a month.

      western romance, contemporary romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      You’ll still see a snippet now and then, especially with a new book coming out. Today, I’m posting an excerpt from Howdy, Ma’am. This is book one in the Bull Rider Series. The book was revised at the end of 2015. In fact, so was Hey, Cowboy, Book Two. All the back matter had to be updated, too, so I took the opportunity to revise and hire a new editor for both books.

      Book Three is with said editor as we speak and I’m expecting it back at any time. A cover reveal could happen this week.

      In fact, my newsletter is ready to be sent to subscribers, but I’ll wait until after Memorial Day. It’s never too late to get signed up to be notified of new releases and important book updates.

       


      For an overview of what Howdy, Ma’am is about, and to give you an idea of why Velia ended up in Tucson in this snippet, I’ll include the Blurb.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Bull Rider Series 1

      Bull rider Caulder McCutchen wants to start living again. But this year he has a good chance of winning the coveted gold buckle, knowing he has to ride harder, go bigger, or go home. Winning consumes him, but it doesn’t take away the pain from a tremendous loss less than two years ago. On a whim, he hires a feisty photographer to travel the bull riding circuit with him for a season. A little extra publicity can’t hurt, and she’s easy on the eyes.

      When he finds himself passionately attracted to her, will this sassy little Italian photographer prove to be just what his claim to fame needs—or a disastrous distraction?

      Velia Armano had the strength to walk away from an abusive husband. After throwing a dart on the map, she moves from Chicago to Tucson, Arizona and opens her own photography studio—at the cost of leaving behind her close-knit, prominent Italian family. Six months into her well-ordered life alone, a hunky cowboy saunters in with his howdy, ma’am and flame blue eyes, offering a job any photographer would find hard to refuse. She accepts his offer and discovers they both have their own obstacles to overcome. Staying out of each other’s arms is only one of them.

      Before the season ends, they both hope to find the right answer—to remain in their self-appointed exiles, or give in to a “happily ever after.”

      When the season ends, who wins the real prize?

       

      Just thinking of Howdy, Ma’am (The Bull Rider Series) makes me smile. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would be hard-pressed not to as a serious cowboy lover. Amazon Reviewer from Night Owl Reviews.


       

      Here we go:

      Velia waited in front of her new home while the movers unloaded file000695143241the last of her belongings. This place would be home for now. Home until she was ready to go back on the road with her camera. In a couple days, she would sign the lease on the small building in town to start her new photography business.

      Home, until her life began again.

      She tossed her hair over her shoulder and stepped out of her car. Removing sunglasseArizona sunsets, her eyes narrowed against the bright Arizona sun. She swiped roseate-colored lipstick across her full lips and blotted them against each other. When the movers finished, she paid the balance with a money order. Glancing around at the dry desert environment, she took a deep breath and wiped sweat from her brow.

      She stomped sand from the bottom of her flats then took a step forward, stopping in front of the broken-down steps. With a mournful sigh, she whispered, “Home.” She placed her purse strap over her shoulder and looked to the second level. Standing straight, she pulled her shoulders back and headed inside, careful not to catch a toe in the cracks of the damaged steps.

      Time to live again.

      When she went inside, Alice Smith, her landlady, met her at the door.

      “Please come and have some tea, dear, before you get started upstairs.” The elderly lady escorted Velia to the kitchen. “You try to get used to living here if you can. I hope a couple old fogies don’t bother you too much.”

      Velia gave a subtle smile. “I’m happy to be here.” This was peace. This was what she needed.


      Thank you for reading.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books, Western Romance

      Images: Pixabay

      Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 9 Comments | Tagged #Cowboy series, Arizona Sunset, bull rider series, contemporary romance, full length romance novels, Hey cowboy, Howdy Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel, series, Short Snippet Saturday, sports romance, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Novel Lines~ When a Bull Rider Takes a Break

      Posted at 1:10 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on November 21, 2015

      This coming Thursday in my country, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving. Bull riders enjoy holidays, too. Caulder and Velia hosted Thanksgiving and you’re invited to sit at the table with their families. You’ll meet Ric and Lidia Armano, Velia’s mom and dad. If you’re familiar with the series, you know Ric couldn’t leave Chicago without Roy and Nero in tow. Don’t worry, they’re harmless. *cough* Caulder’s parents Aiden and Dolly flew in from the McCutchen Ranch in Pennsylvania. Grab a chair, a glass of wine, and join them. Salute! Stick around for dessert and you might hear some interesting family secrets, or not. La Vita e Bella

      This short snippet comes from Hey, Cowboy, Book Two in the Bull Rider Series. Both books in the series have recently been updated. Look for book three in 2016.

      bull rider series NEW collage3 ResizedVelia Caulder Christmas will return3

       


       

      At 3:00 p.m., Velia stood back and admired the lavishly set table.

      Lidia kissed two thanksgiving table 2fingers and splayed them out in front of her. “Perfetta.”

      After rounding everyone up, and they waited at the table, Velia carried the platter with a golden brown turkey to the dining room, placing it in front of Caulder. He stood at the head of the table and picked up the knife. First off, he glanced at her father and held the knife out to him. “Will you do us the honors?”

      Ric peered at Velia and back to Caulder. He stood. “Is your home, Caulder. The honor is yours.”

      Velia choked up then and there, her heartstrings tugged to their limit. Her mother patted her hand.

      Caulder took the knife and made the first cut. He said, “To every one of you—thank you for coming to our home. I’m thankful, and lucky, to have both our families here together.”


       

      Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate the holiday.

      Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Books © Arinahabich08

      Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Books
      © Arinahabich08

      Cosy fire a-burning bright,—
      Cosy tables robed in white,—
      Dainty dishes smoking hot,—
      Home! And cold and snow forgot!
      ~Louise Bennett Weaver and Helen Cowles LeCron, “November,” A Thousand Ways to Please a Husband with Bettina’s Best Recipes, 1917

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      Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 10 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, American holiday, bull rider, bull rider series, cowboy, Full length romance novel, Hey cowboy, Howdy Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel, November, series romance, Short Snippet Saturday, Thanksgiving 2015, western romance, western romance series
    • 13 Songs from a Book Series Playlist~ Thursday Thirteen

      Posted at 9:40 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 13, 2014

      13 Songs from the Playlists for Howdy, Ma’am and Hey, Cowboy

      BULL RIDER SERIES Playlists

      Chris LeDoux ~ 8 Second Ride

      Vittorio Grigolo ~ One of my favorite tenors (as well as Velia’s) Arrivedeci Roma

      Enya ~ Paint the Sky with Stars

      Dixie Chicks ~ Cowboy Take Me Away

      Kenny Loggin ~ Danger Zone

      Garth Brooks ~ Shameless

      Dustin Lynch ~ Cowboys and Angels

      Bob Seger ~ I’ll wait for you

      Gary Allan ~ Get off on the Pain

      Garth Brooks ~ Rodeo

      Yanni ~ Reflections of Passion

      Vittorio Grigolo ~ You are my Miracle

       

      And Number 13 Chris LeDoux ~ Look at you Girl

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      Posted in Bull Rider Series, Hey Cowboy Bk 2 | 12 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, Hey cowboy, Howdy Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel, playlist, Romance, western romance
    • The Missing Author (Mary) Is Back

      Posted at 11:47 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 21, 2013

      Waving! Hello out there. Remember me? Where have I been? Drowning in book writing and editing. You writers know what I mean. Not to mention a total blog-block. Try saying that fast. Let’s change it to blog-writing block.

      So, if I’m so busy writing, how come you don’t see anything new published?

      You had to ask?

      • What’s going on with the Bull Rider Series: Still waiting on more edits on Hey, Cowboy. The first twenty chapters have been edited, fixed, and returned to the editor. Still hoping for a release this year.

      FYI: I had an early review on Hey, Cowboy. A fabulous review I must say. I’d rather wait and have her post the review when the book comes out before saying more.

      While I’m on the subject of the Bull Rider Series, I can say I’m considering rearranging the entire beginning of Howdy, Ma’am. More on that later.

      • Cowboy Boss and his Destiny. This is book one in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: (Love at First Sight.) It’s been through the first round of edits and my new editor sent the complete manuscript back to me, and I’m working on that. I’m also expecting this to be released this year. Expect a cover reveal for Cowboy Boss and his Destiny real soon. I want you all to meet Tristan and Nora. (I hope you love Tristan’s little girl, too.)

      If you happened to see that blunder blog with the cover reveal about a month or more ago, forget you ever saw that, okay. It was a mistake and I hit publish instead of preview. Boggled brain at the time. I need a break. I have a draft ready for the cover reveal, but I’m waiting for the right time.

      A short poll on Facebook told me most people like to see a cover reveal no more than a month out, some said two months, no more. A few said it didn’t matter. Some said less than a month. (I blew this whole idea by doing a cover reveal for Hey, Cowboy too soon. I expected it to be published by now though, or close.)

      Your opinion?

      • Yes, I’ve also skipped My Sexy Saturday for two weeks. This week I totally forgot about it. File this under needing a break.
      • NaNoWriMo: I am going to fit this in somewhere…when I can. This is my fourth year and I have to challenge myself. My edits come first of course. The novel for this year will be the second book in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: (Love at First Sight).

      I’d like to invite you to follow or sign-up for email updates to stay informed of updates and news. Thanks!

      One of these days I’ll be making an announcement for a new release.

      Posted in Bull Rider Series, Hey Cowboy Bk 2 | 2 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, Cowboy Boss and his Destiny, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Hey cowboy, Howdy Ma'am, nanowrimo, Updates
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