Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
  • Welcome
  • Blog
  • Mailing List Sign Up
  • Contact Mary
  • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
  • Holiday Books
  • Two-Five Ranch Outlaws
  • Double Dutch Ranch Series
    • Visit Canyon Junction
  • Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love
  • Bull Rider Series
  • Character Family Connections
  • Reading Order
  • Meet Our Heroines
  • About
  • Tag: howdy

    • #MFRWhooks Book Hooks: Hard to Refuse

      Posted at 2:15 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 25, 2020
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books, western romance author, Bull Rider Series boxed set webpage

      Book Hooks Blog Hop

      ~*~

      Howdy, Ma’am

      Bull Rider Series #1

      Sparks will fly!

      This snippet is from Chapter Two. The cowboy has a proposition any photographer would find hard to refuse. This is a three book series featuring the same hero and heroine. Readers have asked for another book in this series. It’s possible there will be a fourth book. Note: This is another book that has been through multiple revisions since its publication in 2012. My writing has changed and this book deserved a new chance. I had new covers made for the series too.


      “It pays a lot of money. Can you handle a nice income?”

      “I can… But why would I have to leave?” How good was his hearing? She had to ask twice.

      “You need to travel with me. You’re apparently used to traveling.”

      “I have prior engagements to take care of. I’ve already been paid half of my fee for some upcoming shoots. I’d have to take care of things before I do anything.” She twirled some ringlets of hair around her finger. “What are you thinking? I can pick up and ride off with you?”

      “Well, ma’am, it might be kind of nice if you rode off with me. You know what they say about riding off into the sunset?” He snickered. “You have to admit, the sunsets here are pretty nice.” He swept his hair back from his eyes and grinned.

      Humph! Velia rolled her eyes then cleared her throat. She stood.

      “Seriously, the season starts in February. I’d expect you there throughout the season which runs to November.”

      “Almost a year?” Could she have sounded any more shocked?

      He stood beside her and plopped his hat atop his head. “Yep. Nine months, almost a year if you count now.”

      Velia appraised him. Lord, to imagine photographing this man for a year. Her mind whirled; her imagination running wild with anticipation, with, with… She pictured his bulging pectorals sweaty and pumped. “Umm…can I think about it for a few days?”

      “You got time.”

      She tilted her head in question. “How’d you find me? I mean, for the record.”

      “Hey, stopped to get a tire fixed on the way to the Catalina Foothills. Saw your sign. It’s a whim.” He smirked. “Or destiny.”


      mary j mccoy-dressel, western romance

      About the Book:

      Bull rider Caulder McCutchen has a good chance of winning the converted buckle this year, 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. 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 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 but that doesn’t mean she’s free of him. She moves from Chicago to Tucson, Arizona and opens her own photography studio. Six months into her well-ordered life alone, a hunky cowboy saunters in with his howdy, ma’am and flame blue eyes, offering a job any photographer would find hard to refuse. She accepts his offer and discovers they both have their own obstacles to overcome. While trying to resist his heated embrace and gentle nature, she hopes to find the right answer before the season ends—to remain in her self-appointed exile, or give in to a happily ever after.

      When the season ends, who wins the real prize?

      Night Owl Reviews, Top Pick Review, Howdy, Ma'am, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance Bull Rider Series Website Page

      Amazon Purchase Link

      Universal Link

      Authors, have you written a series featuring the same hero and heroine?


      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. Please join participating authors at this LINK.

      Thank you for visiting!

      #StaySafeStayHome

      Posted in #MFRWhooks, Bull Rider Series, Howdy Ma'am | 17 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks: Hard to Refuse, bull rider series, howdy, Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel
    • Interview With a Book Heroine- Howdy, Ma’am Book #1

      Posted at 1:22 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 5, 2013

      Meet Velia Armano

      dreamstime_s_10837833_thumb.jpg

      I feel so attached to Velia Armano, the heroine in Howdy, Ma’am. Spunky, feisty, beautiful…an Italian photographer hired to do a job for a season. Yet, there’s a side to her that holds tight to her wall of protection. Her heart isn’t ready; she still harbors pain and fear.

      Recovering from an abusive relationship from her ex-husband, she had to learn how to trust. But in six months time, she learned to live again, regained her self-worth, and found confidence. Still my heart cried for her many times, both for good and bad reasons. Little did I know book two would bring…another round of emotions. Book three shows a whole different side to Velia. (and Caulder.)

      I reached out and hugged Velia Armano when she walked in the room. My heart feels her silent pain, and I almost teared up.

      Me- Velia, I just wanted to hug you because I know the hell you’ve been through.

      Velia I try to keep that in the past now. One day I’m sure I won’t even remember it anymore. But…

      I noticed the far off look in her eyes, and I know what she saw in her memory.

      Me- I know it isn’t easy to talk about, hon, and you don’t have to.

      Velia Maybe it will help someone else if I talk about it—and how it all started so gradually. First, a shove here and there, a slap, name calling, and it all led to full blown abuse. I

      Don't take it.

      allowed it to go on for too long. Unfortunately, it took the death of my aunt for me to realize the horror of Justin’s abuse toward me. I left to save myself.

      Me- One day, it will only be a brief thought, and you’ll move on and be happy again. I saw a smile and it made my heart soar.

      Velia Yes, maybe being distracted with that hunk of a bull rider can help me forget. I’ll be too busy for the next nine months to remember, at least that’s what I’m hoping will happen.

      Me- Yes, I’m so glad you accepted his offer. You missed your traveling job.

      Velia nodded and acknowledged that was true.

      Velia I looked into those flame blue eyes. You know? It helps me to realize there’s a future and the past is, well…the past. Starting my own photography shop those months ago when I moved to Tucson—helped me—to find me again. Dear Alice and Edward have been such a help. Thank you for them.

      She fluttered her eyelashes and diverted her eyes. She glanced back up at me.

      Velia But when he walked in and offered that job, what could I do when I looked into his eyes? He brought out feelings I had forgotten. But, I’m afraid to let go. I don’t want to get involved with anyone right now.

      She seemed embarrassed, looking away into her own vision. I know she needed that elderly couple in her life to act like surrogate grandparents.

      Me- Yes, I can imagine your dilemma. And your father approves of your job.

      Velia Si, mio padre knows I love to travel and use my camera. He understands me.

      Me- You kept such a horrible secret from him.

      Velia I had to, or… When my father found out, he wanted to… um, I can say my padre had to be held down, and I told him I’d never see him again…if something…happened to Justin, maybe an unexplained… No, I can’t say more.

      Me- I understand, and I also know the reason, and I won’t get into questions about it.

      Velia Grazie.

      Me- Let’s talk a little about your job now. Photographing cowboys? A professional bull rider? A dream come true for some of us lonely women. She laughed, almost a giggle, but not quite.

      Velia I must admit it’s pleasant. But, it’s dangerous. Those bulls are so big. She waved her hand across her face. And so smelly! I like to take a shower as soon as I get back to my room, but then after awhile I don’t notice as much.

      Me- And sometimes you relax in a hot bubbly Jacuzzi with one cowboy in particular.

      Velia Um, yes… he needs to relax his muscles and stiff joints after a show.

      Her cheeks pinked.

      I smiled, but had to move on.

      Me- Velia, you are still in hiding from Justin, your ex-husband.

      Velia Si, but I am not afraid of him anymore. This is why I now carry a handgun.

      Me- I know your inner struggle about that. Could you—

      Velia To protect those I love or myself… She took a deep breath and glanced to the floor. I will make the decision when and if the time comes. She smiled. For now I have a whole team of cowboys to protect me. They treat me like I’m their bambina or something.

      Me- And Nero and Roy. We can’t forget them, right?

      Velia Yes, and I prefer not to talk about my father’s…men.

      I noticed she got fidgety and it was almost time for the show to start. It took some time to set up her cameras and get situated.

      Me- I’d love to spend a day with you cooking. Your food sounds so delicious. Have you always enjoyed cooking? Oh, and I’d love to meet your mother! She seems like such a nice mom.

      Velia Hey, I’m Italian what else I can tell you? Si, I love cooking, especially with madre and for those I love. Si, yes, mamma is fantastic.

      Me- I can see it’s time for you get to the chute area. There was a knock on the door. She glanced toward it, and the look on her face changed—bright, happy, and a smile played at the corners of her mouth.

      I went to open it and in walked a hot looking cowboy with a black cowboy hat on his head, dressed in a yellow shirt, denim jeans, and black chaps with yellow scattered throughout the fringe. I had to do a double take—tall, sexy, strong looking… Whew! Si, bambino, amore mio!

      Bull-Rope-2_thumb.jpg

      “Howdy, Ma’am,” he said to me, but his eyes went to the cute Italian. Oh, his eyes! I glanced back at Velia and saw the warm look on her face. Her body language shifted from sadness to joy. Maybe she hasn’t figured it out yet, but something is brewing.

      When he walked over to her, she rose. “I’m here to escort you to the show like I always do. Ready, ma’am?”

      OMG, am I ready ma’am? YES! Wait, he wasn’t talking to me. Oops. I created these people. Did I say, me? What I mean is Velia, our heroine, is she ready for this? The look in his eyes about swept me off my feet, and I can only imagine what it’s like for her to watch him through the camera lens. But, I see hesitation… If only she doesn’t make a big mistake and sink back into her self-appointed exile. If only…

      He took her hand, and when he reached the door, he smiled at me and touched the tip of his hat. “Later, ma’am…”

      I nearly fell to the floor. Later, ma’am he says…

      Velia shook her hand free and came back to me. She took hold of my hands and her brown eyes with that unique green sparkle, stared into mine. Grazie, she said, Thank you.

      I must have been wide-eyed or had some weird expression on my face. Thank me for what? I had to ask.

      “For saving me.” She glanced back at Caulder and he smiled then winked at her. His eyelashes are so long! He held out his hand. Velia hugged me tight before turning back to him. She took his hand and smiled at me before the door closed. He caught it with his foot and glanced back again, nodded. A little bit of a smile appeared on his lips before closing the door.

      I shall not have to worry about her. She’s in very good hands.

      For an interview with Mr Hotness McCutchen, click HERE. Bring a fan.

      Mailing List Sign Up is at the top right of the page, or menu. Be one of the first to be notified of a new release or important book update. Thanks in advance.

      Visit the Bull Rider Series Page. ❤

      Posted in Bull Rider Series | 4 Comments | Tagged bull rider, character interview, heroine, howdy, interview, Interview With a Book Heroine, Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel, Photographer
    • Come Talk to me Today at Musings Of a Dreamer Blog

      Posted at 9:30 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 22, 2013

      Update: Of course this interview is over, but the post will still be on Rhonda’s site. Feel free to contact me if you have a comment or question.

      Like the title says, come on over and talk to me today at Musings of a Dreamer Blog. Rhonda Laurel, an author herself, invited me to be her guest.

      2769140byzflt8avm.gif

      Stop by and say hello.

      Read an excerpt for Howdy, Ma’am, too.

      And, hey, it’s the weekend!

      Posted in #AmWriting | 0 Comments | Tagged excerpt, guest post, howdy, interview, ma'am mary j mccoy dressel, musings of a dreamer, rhonda laurel
    • News, Updates, and NaNo 2012 Bites the Dust

      Posted at 8:58 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on December 3, 2012

      Winner-180x180Another year of NaNoWriMo bites the dust. This was my third win. I finished with 56,392 words. Since I was a rebel this year, I can take those words and add to my original manuscript for a total word count for Book Two in the Bull Rider Series of 73,060 total words. After major editing and revisions, I think this will still be longer than what I’d hoped for, but I won’t cross that bridge, yet. Sorry for the cliché. NaNoWriMo 2012 is over, and I’m done talking about the days and nights of literary abandon.

      Next

      Do you ever get burned out when you do so much of something, and you just want to take a break from it? I’m that way with marketing and promoting right now. Of all times, why does it have to be now when my book could be out very soon? Weird how Murphy’s Law comes into play. Maybe I should say— busy learning as much as I can about marketing and promoting. Tons of research, reading, visiting blogs, webinars, videos… The take-away-from-writing kind of research. Yeah, maybe break time is needed, for at least a couple days.

      More

      Even though this burned-out feeling has crept over me, I am excited about some future guest spots on blogs. I will do something similar here one day. I’ve hosted a few interviews with other people, but they’re tucked back in the archives. Yes, I’m looking forward to talking about my book.

      If you haven’t checked out my book page, there is a new blurb there. It’s kind of a long blurb, but my book is full length—okay—long. How can I create a short blurb for a long novel? (I do have a twenty-five word blurb) I cut almost a thousand words out of my novel before sending it back to my editor the last time. I wonder if she noticed. I wish I could post my editor’s first paragraph about my story in her last email. It almost made me swoon to see my story in someone else’s eyes. (Swoon is my new word, by the way. I have used it a lot lately.)

      For You

      For your pleasure, I will enclose a short excerpt from Howdy, Ma’am, Book One. Keep in mind this was edited, but in the final round, my editor might have suggested some changes that I haven’t seen, yet. Set up: My heroine is a photographer and is having dinner with her new, ahem, client…the bull riding hero. (Could he be the reason I use the word swoon?)

      <><>

      She saw innocence and shyness, but still something strong and sexy. His sexiness seemed natural and the strength had to come from hard work. There was so much she’d like to learn and know about him.

      She watched the hostess and female wait-staff examine his looks behind his back. She wondered if women at the shows did the same thing. Velia vowed to figure out this man and his personality, and how he fit into his world. If she did, she could capture it in her photos. Once she knew him, her photographs would be even better. She wanted to capture the real man, even the sexy part, but maybe she would keep some of those for herself.

      “Hello? Got your tongue wrapped up in a rope?”

      “Oh, no, I’m sorry.” Velia caught herself smiling while gazing into his eyes. “You caught me lost in my personal thoughts.”

      “I’d love to know what you were thinking with a smile so sensual on your face.”

      “Hmm, I give myself away too easily.” She dug into her salad when it arrived with her meal. “We’ll have to get to know each other better. I think you’ll like my photographs when we do.”

      “I hope to like them before we get to know each other because you’ll start right out on day one at the opening ceremony. It’ll be crazy and we’ll get through introductions and stats. People will be excited because the season is starting.”

      “Girls will be wishing to crawl all over you.”

      “Shucks, ma’am. They already want to. I can’t seem to shake it off. They want to get my attention any way they can. I’ve been flashed before getting on a bull. You have no idea.”

      “Should I be photographing those stunts as well?”

      “Sure, but keep those parts out of the public eye. I want some for myself.”

      Posted in #AmWriting | 0 Comments | Tagged author romance, book page, Christmas in July, dog mary j mccoy dressel, excerpt, howdy, Ma'am, nanowrimo bites the dust, other news, works in progress
    • This Site is Not Intended for Children Under the Age of 13.

    • COPYRIGHT 2007 – 2023 by Mary J. Dressel All Rights Reserved

    • Follow Mary J. McCoy-Dressel on WordPress.com
    • Click to sign up for Mary’s Newsletter. Powered by MailChimp.

      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Link
    • THANK YOU READERS!

      I appreciate your support.

    • Search this Sight

    • Bull Rider #1
      Bull Rider #1
      #2
      #2
      #3
      #3
      Heartbreak's Reward, Mary J McCoy-Dressel
      #2
      Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Blog post snippet
      #3
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance, book cover, cowboy, barn, two horses
      #4
      New Release, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, western romance, small town romance, first love. second chances
      Spin Off Series #1
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Secret Santa's Rundown Sleigh A holiday romance novella, New Release, Book Cover man and woman embraced at dark with snow falling, blog post Mighty Mac the Mackinac Bridge
      Single Title
      BlueSnowintheMoonlight_MED
      #3
      #3
      #2
      #2
      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
      #5
      #1 Double Dutch Ranch
      #1 Double Dutch Ranch
      #1 Two-Five Ranch Outlaws
      #1 Two-Five Ranch Outlaws
      Book #2
      Book #2
    • Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, cowboys, series romance
    • Top Posts & Pages

      • Daily Prompt: Canopy Walk
        Daily Prompt: Canopy Walk
      • Writing Prompts at Your Fingertips
        Writing Prompts at Your Fingertips
      • Let's Get Real
        Let's Get Real
      • Whatever it Takes
        Whatever it Takes
      • Snippet Saturday: Of the Cowboy's Own Accord
        Snippet Saturday: Of the Cowboy's Own Accord
    • Follow Mary J. McCoy-Dressel on WordPress.com
    • Website Last Updated February 1, 2023

      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Link
    • Updated Mailchimp Newsletter Privacy Policy 2022

      Privacy Policy

      Terms of Use

    • Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    • © Mary J. Dressel, Author Mary J. McCoy-Dressel and Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books 2007 – 2023. All Rights Reserved.

      Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and prospective copyright holders, e.g., guest posters, is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Mary J. McCoy-Dressel and Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Books and/or the author of guest posts with appropriate and specific direction to the original content with this Site’s URL.

      Read additional Terms of Use.

    • Terms of Use & UPDATES FOR MAILCHIMP NEWSLETTER Privacy Policy

      Terms of Use

      Privacy Policy

       

    • Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Privacy Policy Link is in the Menu.

      Join 6,050 other subscribers
    • Blogroll

      • a) Professional Bull Riders (PBR)
      • Apache Trail
      • Automattic Inc.
      • Bloganuary 2023
      • Chicago Manual of Style
      • Marketing for Romance Writers Blog MFRW
      • Military Working Dogs: Facebook
      • MockupShots
      • Romance Writers of America
      • South Mountail Park Stables
      • Suguaro Lake in Arizona
      • Superstition 1 Arizona State Parks, Lost Dutchman State Park
      • Superstition 2 Superstition Mountain
      • Superstition 3 Apache Junction Public Library
      • Superstition 4 Welcome to the Superstition Wilderness Trails
      • Superstition 5 Superstition Search & Rescue
      • Superstition 6 Hiking Flatiron
      • Superstition Mountain Trail Rides
      • The Writer's Forensic Blog by D.P. Lyle, MD
      • Tonto National Forest, Arizona
      • WordPress.org
    • Follow Mary J. McCoy-Dressel on WordPress.com
    • Meta

      • Register
      • Log in
      • Entries feed
      • Comments feed
      • WordPress.com
    • Mary’s Publishing Imprint

    • Follow Mary on BookBub

      western romance, series romance, mary j mccoy-dressel, cowboys
  • Click to Subscribe to Mary’s Newsletter. Powered by MailChimp.

  • © 2007 – 2023 by Mary J. Dressel, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

    © Mary J. Dressel, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, and Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Books, 2007 – 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Mary J. McCoy-Dressel and Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Books with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

    • Daily Prompt: Canopy Walk
      Daily Prompt: Canopy Walk
    • Writing Prompts at Your Fingertips
      Writing Prompts at Your Fingertips
    • Let's Get Real
      Let's Get Real
    • Whatever it Takes
      Whatever it Takes
    • Snippet Saturday: Of the Cowboy's Own Accord
      Snippet Saturday: Of the Cowboy's Own Accord

  • Follow Following
    • Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
    • Join 326 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.