Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
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  • Tag: Lassoing the Last Dance

    • Featured Book ~ Lassoing the Last Dance: A Man Like Randy

      Posted at 10:11 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 19, 2019
      fresh fruit in wicker basket, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, image used for excerpt on website, featured image,

      Lassoing the Last Dance is my featured book this month. Enjoy a rather long excerpt.

      Terms of Use


      Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight™ #4

      To set it up for you:

      Previously, Randy and Roxanne shared a long-distance relationship. Roxanne had cut it off after a year with no explanation, and their mutual friends, Nora and Tristan remained tight-lipped. Now, Roxanne has moved back to Canyon Junction™ without telling Randy. His heart has never healed from losing her, but when he finds out she moved back, he can’t stay away.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance, book cover, cowboy, barn, two horses

      He slowed down a bit when he neared her house. Indeed, her pickup sat in the driveway. A decal of sparkly red cowboy boots had remained in the rear window. He got out and went to the other side for the basket, but now the idea seemed silly again. He left it. Albeit, he trudged up the steps, knocked on the door. Hoped for the best. Sighed. To his surprise, a guy opened. Well, hell, this is uncomfortable.

      “Yeah?” was all the stern-faced, square-jawed guy said when he pushed open the outside door.

      “Is Roxanne around tonight?” He held eye contact with the man, having no clue who he was. Of all people, it better not be her ex-husband. If so, Randy might deck him right there just for the reason of all the things he had done to Roxanne in the past. Then he’d be disappointed in her for having him here. Was this guy her so-called story?

      “I’ll get her. Hold on.”

      All he did was yell for her, not go get her. Asshole.

      She emerged with widened eyes and a gasp. “R-Randy.”

      He tapped his heel against the porch and his breath caught when she appeared. He was right about her hair. It was darker blonde than it used to be. Straight now, not wavy like before. Her eyes remained fixed on him as she stood there. Spectacular light blue eyes. A long skirt with vertical stripes looked great on her, making her appear taller than he’d remembered.

      Finding his voice, he began, “I stopped by to welcome you back to Canyon Junction.”

      She turned to whoever was inside, “I’ll be right in.” Roxanne stepped out the door, waited a moment, then strode to the glider to take a seat. “I’m rather shocked to see you here, Randy.”

      Had she limped? “I bet. You didn’t tell me you were coming back. Hard to hide things in a small town.” Gulping, he nodded toward the door. “It’s not like you had to let me know. I’ll take off. I didn’t know you had company.” He stepped down two steps and removed keys from his pocket. “You take care, Roxanne. Nice to see you again.”

      “Randy? Wait.”

      He peered at her while trying to get his heart back in its place. A painful look appeared on her face—something between a scowl and shooting daggers. He gripped the handrail and didn’t make an attempt to move. Was she about to lambaste him? Well, he had a few things to throw right back.

      In a soft voice, she asked, “Will you come back and have a seat?”

      Randy nodded toward the door again. “Maybe another time if you don’t mind.”

      “That’s my cousin inside. He’s always been like a brother to me, and he drove my vehicle here from Broken Arrow while I flew to arrive early. He was here when I got back from Nora’s tonight. I mentioned Brett to you before.”

      Yeah, so long ago that he’d forgotten. He went up the steps and took a seat beside her. Her subtle yet sensual fragrance brought back the memory of her in his arms. So much so that he wouldn’t mind taking her into his arms and closer to her perfume. “Where’s your cousin live?”

      “Near my dad’s new condo outside of town, but he was kind enough to help me out by doing the driving himself. Tonight, he’ll be staying and helping out tomorrow here at the house. There’s so much work to do to make it mine.” She glanced down at clasped hands in her lap.

      Tension lay thick between them. Something was different about her. Roxanne looked frail, downtrodden. He wanted to hold her, or at least pick up those clasped hands. “My place too. It is how it is, and I don’t know what would make it mine. I see it as my parent’s home.”

      “The Circle D Ranch was theirs a long time ago.” Her hands wrung, then she clenched them together again. He must’ve made her nervous, or angry. “Well, Nora’s mom, Sandy, was nice enough to sell this house to me once she realized she wasn’t able to move back home from her son, Brody’s. She was happy it was me who bought it. Everything worked out.”

      She stared at him straight on, a slight tilt to her head. It made his heart race even faster because she was in the right position to be kissed. “It’ll be a good place for you.” He shifted sideways and used his foot to make the glider move in a slow glide. He lowered his hand over hers in her lap. Her soft skin felt nice next to his, but her hands were cold. “I better go. It was great to see you again. Maybe I’ll see you around town, huh?”

      Her throat tightened then her lips parted. Had she wanted to say more? His own words didn’t come out right away. He stood. “Have a nice night.” She took his hand, pulling on it quite hard to stand. “You okay, Roxanne?”

      A car driving past grabbed her attention for a moment. “Yeah, sure.” She clenched his hand tighter and made eye contact, their gazes holding beneath a muted sky. “Nice seeing you again, too. I suspect we’ll see each other around. Small town living, you know.”

      “Yup. Rox?” He hesitated and couldn’t, shouldn’t ask why she seemed so different. “Night.” Randy rushed off the porch and got in his truck. He breathed like he had run a mile down the road. She stood there with both hands on the railing. Was it that simple for her to just say good-bye without as much as a reason? Shit. He opened the door, grabbed the fruit basket from the seat, and took it up the steps. He set it on the glider since she didn’t seem prepared to take it herself. “Night.”

      Down the steps and back at his truck, he shifted into gear and pulled out of the driveway feeling more like an idiot than anything else. On the way home, he observed the mountain standing in the glow of the moon, which had slipped out from an opening in the clouds. Maybe love wasn’t meant for a man like him.

      End of Excerpt.

      Thank you for reading.

      Available:

      Apple, Nook, Amazon, Kobo

      Universal Buy Link if interested: https://books2read.com/u/4N1BlY

      graphic with cowboy in corner of squar graphic, girl with red dress dancing pose, book cover cowboy two horses barn, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, image to accompany blog post snippet

      Now, the business stuff…
      First Digital Edition, April 2017 United States of America
      Lassoing the Last Dance © 2017 by Mary J. Dressel

      EXCERPT / Website Information:
      Copyright © Mary J. Dressel Author Mary J. McCoy-Dressel and Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and owner Mary J. Dressel, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel is strictly prohibited.


      Fruit Basket Credit: diapicard at Pixabay

      Book Cover Copyright Dawné Dominque

      Posted in #AmWriting, Excerpt | 6 Comments | Tagged amazon, Apple, Arizona, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, eBook, full-length novel, Kobo, Lassoing the Last Dance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Nook, sensual contemporary western romance, small town romance
    • #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
    • Short Snippet Saturday on Wednesday…And Then Some

      Posted at 12:46 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 28, 2017

      western romance, contemporary romance, Mary J McCoy-DresselNope, this isn’t Saturday, but it’s a snippet. Read down far enough you’ll find it after a bit of whining. I’ve attempted to write a post all week, but I’ve been living in pain since last Friday, and each day seems worse than the one before. Due to my own stupidity, I injured my back and hip by doing something, well, stupid. The worse part is I knew better than to lift the two extremely heavy blue shopping bags at the same time. I knew better than to try to move a huge, filled ceramic planter on my patio. I rolled, not lifted it, but the bending over position while moving it did me in, I guess.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romanceIt feels like it did when I ruptured two disks in my back and suffered from Sciatica some years ago and missed six months of work. It wasn’t until I had a steroid shot in my back, that I found relief and life began again. At this point, I can’t stand and/or walk for even five minutes without pain, and I have to sit down, which means I can’t walk into my doctor’s office, which is a long walk from the parking lot.

      I’ve tried ice and heat. Aleve and Tylenol. I don’t know what to do at this point other than moan and complain to avoid crying and cursing. My doggie is suffering from pain in her hips, legs, and now it seems, a foot. Sometimes she can’t get up. Now, I can relate to what she must go through 24/7. And tomorrow, the 29th, is my birthday. It’s okay, I stopped counting them a while ago. Unfortunately, friends and family haven’t. It’s better than the alternative, and I appreciate their thoughts and wishes.


      UPDATE: What’s happening with Finding Kimber, #2 in Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series? Remember the challenge I had with this book? I changed the genre when it was about 3/4 finished? Well, I also had to change part of the plot because I drove myself crazy while trying to work with something that wouldn’t have worked. Once I changed it, I sailed to the end. It’s been through three revisions with thousands of words cut, and now I’m trying to let letting it sit for a while. I hate to plan too far in advance these days, but it looks like this book is on track for a 2017 release. Lord willing…


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romanceToday I decided to post a snippet from Lassoing the Last Dance. I’m proud of this fourth book in the series–my newest release.

      Set Up: This evening, Roxanne is headed to the Double Dutch Ranch to help her best friend Nora set up for an important dinner the next day. She’s feeling on-top-of-the-world, if you’ll excuse the cliché. But…

      Modified to avoid spoilers. Enjoy…

      He rammed her again. She gripped the steering wheel even tighter. Fear she had lived with until last month returned to the forefront. Enough of this. She stomped on the gas pedal and took the speed up to sixty, and she wasn’t comfortable driving like this on rutted Rocky Road.

      Another glance into her mirror as she increased her speed, showed the car continuing close behind. She peered back at the road in front of her with barely enough time to avoid hitting a dog, or some animal of the night. Roxanne swerved and ran off the road. She hit the brakes and her front tires settled into a dip. She took a deep breath then lifted her eyes to the rear view mirror.

      Was this going to be where she died?

      She slammed one palm against the wheel and pressed on the accelerator. Nothing. Roxanne searched for her phone. The car behind stopped. A man got out and raised a rifle to his shoulder and just stood there. Without a doubt—her nightmare began all over again. No. No. This can’t be happening. A cold fear swept over her. This only happens in freaking movies! She dialed Randy.

      Glass shattered as he busted the window with the butt of the rifle. Glass covered her. Her cheek stung. “Get your ass out of there, Roxanne.”

      No way! Fear choked her. Leaning forward to block his view, she attempted to stick her phone into her pocket, but he yanked her out. She wiped at the blood on her face. “What is going on? I t-thought you didn’t have anything to do with w-what h-happened to m-me.”

      He slammed the door then shoved her against it and held her there with his hand against her throat. God, help me! Please. Not this again. As quickly as he held her, he released her. How far would she get if she ran? “Leave me alone, you jackass. What’s this about?”

      He leaned the rifle against his shoulder. His knee pressed into her thigh. “I’m not done. You’re still breathing.”

      “What? You were involved after all.” She damned herself for letting her guard down. Any minute her stomach would heave. Where could she go? Her thoughts of escaping were out of control. She didn’t know if the call to Randy went through.

      “I had nothing to do with what happened to you. I sat back and let the other ordeal play out. How lucky can one man get to have someone else take the blame?” A low and demonic snicker snarled from his throat.

      If she had learned anything about survival, this time she wasn’t going down without a fight. She had the flat heeled shoe today. “You’ll have to shoot me in the back,” she said, as she kneed him with all her might and took off running.

      End of Excerpt. Thanks for reading.

      Universal Buy Link

      Savvy horse trainer Randy Drake never loved a woman like he loved Roxanne, but after more than a year of a long-distance relationship, she cut off communication without explanation and broke his heart. Now she’s moved back to Canyon Junction without telling him, proof she’s not interested. But his stubborn heart can’t seem to let go.

      Professional dancer Roxanne Connor has a good reason for not letting Randy know she’s back. An accident nearly destroyed her, and she’s not the same person Randy knew. Avoiding him, she chooses to live in a self-appointed exile, if she can ignore the craving for his touch and the memory of his kisses.

      But secrets in a small town are never truly safe. When Randy learns the reason Roxanne cold-shouldered him, he’s willing to give their love another try, but someone else is determined to keep them apart. Will their rekindled love be strong enough to withstand the obstacles mounting against them, or will the embers that glowed in their past grow cold under the pressure?


      © Mary J. McCoy-Dressel and Author Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books 2007 – 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Mary J. McCoy-Dressel is strictly prohibited.

      Photo Credits: Road: Pixabay. Window: © Khajornkiat | Dreamstime.com

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Excerpt | 12 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Arizona, Back pain, contemporary romance, cowboy, full length novel series, hip pain, Lassoing the Last Dance, mary j mccoy dressel, romance series, Short Snippet Saturday, Short Snippet Saturday on Wednesday, western romance
    • 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
    • #Reader Giveaways! Gratitude

      Posted at 10:47 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 10, 2017

      This giveaway has ended. Thank you for participating. You’ll find a new one in the sidebar.

      Welcome to the Reader Giveaways Page at The Kindle Book Review!

      Howdy, Folks! This will be my last post about my new release for a while. Thanks for bearing with me!

      To show my gratitude to my readers for helping my new release, Lassoing the Last Dance, rank in the top 20 in Contemporary Western Fiction and to rank in two other categories on Amazon. Com and Amazon UK, plus hit the Top Ten in Hot New Releases, I’m sponsoring a $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway via The Kindle Book Review Website–Weekly Giveaways.

      This contest runs from May 8 – May 14. No purchase necessary.

      I’ve used this site to promote all of my books more than once, but I’ve never participated in one of their Weekly Giveaways…until now. There are two other offers from authors in this week’s giveaway. Hop on over there to enter for a chance to win.


      From The Kindle Book Review Website:

      “This is where our 19,000+ subscribers find Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romanceour amazing Reader Giveaways. Our weekly giveaway sponsors are extremely generous, so your support is greatly appreciated.”

      WIN a $25 Amazon Gift Card compliments of Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, author of Lassoing the Last dance.

      Randy believes he and the woman he meets at the Double Dutch Ranch can survive a long-distance relationship. Then she cuts off communication with no explanation. Moving back home without telling him is proof she’s not interested.  He learns the truth about why she cold-shouldered him, and he’s willing to give their love another try. Will Roxanne’s pride allow the sparks to reignite and burst into a full-blown blaze, or will she let the embers that glowed in their past grow cold?

      Find out in Lassoing the Last Dance! It’s ONLY 99¢ for a limited time and by entering Mary J’s giveaway you could win a $25 Amazon gift card. Enter today and every day!

      NO purchase necessary.

      Good Luck!


      Are you interested in learning more about the Double Dutch Ranch Series and the new spin off series? Lassoing the Last Dance is Book Four out of Five to date. Read more about the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight and Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series HERE.

      Enjoy the rest of your week!

      Posted in Double Dutch Ranch Series | 8 Comments | Tagged Arizona, Contest, cowboys, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Lassoing the Last Dance, mary j mccoy dressel, series romance, The Kindle Book Review, Weekly Giveaway, Whispers of Forever, Win
    • Get Hooked Wednesday~ Nothing is the Same ~ #MFRWHooks

      Posted at 7:14 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 3, 2017

      Short Snippet from my new Release!

      Well, hello I haven’t done Book Hooks for a long time.

      Join me and the other authors at Marketing For Romance Writers Blog who would like to hook you on their book with only a few lines… Since I have a brand NEW RELEASE, I’m posting more than a few lines from:

       

       

      Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight #4

      Lassoing the Last Dance

       

      She’s too proud to ask him to change his life for her. He’s too stubborn to let her give up.


       

      Set Up: Roxanne recently returned to Canyon Junction. She and her best friend, Nora, are having a discussion before getting out of Nora’s truck. Nora is planning a get-together. Modified from the original.

      “While you’re at it, drop the hint we don’t want Randy there.”

      “No, Roxy, you’re the one who doesn’t want Randy there. We all like him. He’s a nice guy. How soon you forget how you lost your mind the day you met him.”

      It was true, and she’d lose her senses upon seeing him again if she allowed it. His longer ebony hair, those damn eyes. Roxanne chuckled to herself. Upon meeting him, she had visualized his eyes as blue, but they couldn’t be further from blue. How did she make such a mistake—missing those sexy brown, long-lashed orbs? She had been blinded to his handsome face, that’s how. “I admit he’s a nice guy. I never said he wasn’t. You aren’t making it any easier.”

      “I don’t intend to, either. I saw the way you two were with each other, and how content you looked around him.”

      “The past.” Roxanne held Nora’s sleeve, and her eyes misted. “I mean it. The past. Nothing is the same. Please let it go. I’m destined to be alone now.”

      End

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance

      About

      Savvy horse trainer Randy Drake never loved a woman like he loved Roxanne, but after more than a year of a long-distance relationship, she cut off communication without explanation and broke his heart. Now she’s moved back to Canyon Junction without telling him, proof she’s not interested. But his stubborn heart can’t seem to let go.

      Professional dancer Roxanne Connor has a good reason for not letting Randy know she’s back. An accident nearly destroyed her, and she’s not the same person Randy knew. Avoiding him, she chooses to live in a self-appointed exile, if she can ignore the craving for his touch and the memory of his kisses.

      But secrets in a small town are never truly safe. When Randy learns the reason Roxanne cold-shouldered him, he’s willing to give their love another try, but someone else is determined to keep them apart. Will their rekindled love be strong enough to withstand the obstacles mounting against them, or will the embers that glowed in their past grow cold under the pressure?

      UNIVERSAL Buy Link: books2read.com/u/4N1BlY


      First Amazon Customer Review:

      5.0 out of 5 starsLoved it!!

      By Amazon Customer on May 2, 2017
      Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
      Love this book and all the ones before it!!! Can’t wait for more from you Mary!!!

      Thanks for visiting today. Enjoy your week!

      Remember this is a blog hop so please pop over to the Marketing for Romance Writers blog to read more.

      1.
      Daryl Devore
      2.
      Get Hooked Wednesday~ Nothing is the Same
      3.
      Rebecca’s Lair
      4.
      Iris Blobel
      Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Excerpt | 12 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, excerpt, Full Length Novel, Lassoing the Last Dance, mary j mccoy dressel, New Release, romance series, Snippet, western romance
    • #NewRelease ~Western Romance~ Lassoing the Last Dance is Live!

      Posted at 11:23 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 27, 2017

      It’s been a tough week and even more so as the week goes on, but it’s time to let you all know of a new book release. It’s already been doing well in my categories on Amazon and Amazon UK and not too bad at other retailer sites, so thank you to those of you who purchased early.


      A post similar to this appeared in my newsletter.

      I’m Proud to Present to you:

      Double Dutch Ranch Series:
      Love at First Sight #4

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance

       

      About the Book

      Savvy horse trainer Randy Drake believed he’d met the woman of his dreams the day Roxanne strolled down to the barn and into his life. When she left town and broke off communication with him well over a year later, he was devastated. Now she’s moved back to Canyon Junction without telling him, proof she’s not interested. But his stubborn heart can’t seem to let go.

      Professional dancer Roxanne Connor has a good reason for not letting Randy know she is coming home. Struggling to pick up the pieces of her life, she swears their mutual friends to secrecy about an accident that nearly destroyed her. She chooses to live in a self-appointed exile, if she can ignore the craving for his touch and the memory of his kisses.

      But secrets in a small town are never truly safe. When Randy learns the reason Roxanne cold-shouldered him, he’s willing to give their love another try, but someone else is determined to keep them apart. Will their rekindled love be strong enough to withstand the obstacles mounting against them, or will the embers that glowed in their past grow cold under the pressure?

      Sensual Contemporary Western Romance.

      You can find an excerpt here from a recent blog post.


      UNIVERSAL BUY LINK: books2read.com/u/4N1BlY

      Available at Amazon Internationally, Nook, Apple, and Kobo.

      New Release Introductory Price for a limited time.


      Add on Goodreads.

      Check out the other Double Dutch Ranch Series Books and the new spin off series to the Double Dutch Ranch Series  —  Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series.


      Theme Song for this Book:

      “Thinking Out Loud” by Edward Sheeran. Find it on You Tube.

       

      Book Cover Details:

      Cover Designer: Dawné Dominique. Cover Model: Vikkas Bhardwaj. Photography: Period Images. Dreamstime: Superstition Mountains ©Donaldford; Barn: ©Donna Kilday

      Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, New Release | 15 Comments | Tagged Arizona, Arizona horse ranch, contemporary romance, Cowboy Romance, Full Length Novel, horse trainer, Introductory Price, Lassoing the Last Dance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, New Release, readers, Sale, series romance, small town romance, western romance series
    • #AmWriting ~Western Romance Teaser~ Lassoing the Last Dance

      Posted at 5:19 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 26, 2017

      It’s been a hectic week but I still have to work. Here’s a little teaser for y’all. Roxanne  has strolled down to the barn with Trista Rose, a toddler and runs into Tristan, and eventually Randy. Do you remember Nora and Tristan from earlier in the series? Nora is Roxanne’s best friend. This excerpt is slightly modified from the original.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance


      “How you doing, Tristan?” Roxanne smiled to think of Nora with this handsome, good-natured cowboy, and she couldn’t help but smile at him.

      “Pretty good,” said Tristan. “Nora said you might want to ride. How about taking Betsy? You’ve ridden her before. She’s good to go.”

      “Sweet!” Roxanne had an attachment for this horse from the earlier times she had visited and rode with Nora. “I’d love to ride her.” Roxanne put her hand on his arm. “I appreciate you and Nora so much. Thank you.”

      “I’ll saddle her for you—”

      “No, I need to do it myself. If I’m going to start living… Well, you know what I mean. It’s something I have to do, Tristan.”

      “All righty, if you’re sure. Remember, the mounting block is right outside the barn if you need it.” Tristan wiggled his daughter’s hand. “Tell Roxanne you’ll see her later.”

      “Bye!” She waved like a little child actress.

      “I love you, Trista Rose. See you later. Tristan, tell Nora you have her now?” Tristan nodded. “I’ll text her.” She entered Betsy’s stall. “How you doing, girl? Ready for some fun? I’ll be right back.”

      Mary j McCoy-Dressel, western romance, lassoing the last danceInside the tack room, she eyed the saddles, bridles, and blankets. Hmm, maybe she should’ve let Tristan put it on for her. Setting that old sissy idea aside, she gathered the blanket and placed it on the post near Betsy. “Hold on.” Running her hand over her long, black mane, she left for the tack room again. While reaching for a saddle, hands clenched her shoulders, and slid down her arms to entwine their fingers. She was bathed in heat as the weight of his strong body pressed against her. “Mmm…”

      “Let me do it for you this time, darlin’.”

      His hot body remained against her and his lips went to her neck. For sure, she wouldn’t mind having him right here in the tack room, if there were a guarantee Tristan’s ranch hands wouldn’t walk in. Her heart went thumpity, thump, and if she had doubted sweating earlier, now it was obvious. She leaned her head against him and squeezed his hands. The fact he cozied up like this excited her. “Hi, Randy. I saw you busy out there.”

      The scent of him wafted through her nostrils, and whatever it was in his makeup, it sucked the sense out of her. Her heart almost matched the cadence of his beating against her back. She turned in his arms and their lips immediately connected in a sensuous rage. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and gave the kiss everything it deserved. Roxanne wanted more when it came to an end. She peered up into lustful eyes. “What a nice surprise.”

      “Yeah, imagine that.” Randy glanced around the tack room, then rested his gaze on the opened door. “How bad do you want to ride?”

      “Oh, very, very badly, cowboy. You have no idea.”

      “I’m talking about Betsy. What are you talking about?”

      End of Excerpt


      Whew! I feel the same way about Randy…

      This might be the longest excerpt I’ve ever posted. If you got through the whole thing, thanks for reading. It could’ve been longer, but I deleted some at the beginning. Twice.


      Couple: Vikkaszone.com Vikkas and Anna.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Excerpt | 7 Comments | Tagged book, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, full length love story, horseback riding, Lassoing the Last Dance, novel, Romance, saddle, sensual romance, series romance, tack room
    • #AmWriting This and That and a Short Snippet Saturday Peek~ Plus A Spring Fling Contest!

      Posted at 12:29 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 8, 2017

      Hello to you all. It’s the weekend!

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance

      Oh, you want to know where I’ve been? I’ve been far away from my blog, that’s for sure, but when I have a book ready to come out, I’m totally consumed by the process. I’m doing the final read-through on my Kindle. It’s amazing what you hear when Kindle reads your manuscript to you. Anyway, I’m on the countdown now to my formatting date…ten, nine, eight…actually it’s only two more days. Lassoing the Last Dance is in the very final stages.

       


      But today I bring you a not-so-short excerpt from Heartbreak’s Reward. I’m choosing to provide an excerpt from this book because the book is on sale and I’m one of the authors participating in The Kindle Book Review Spring Fling.

      💥 Enter the SPRING FLING Giveaway and WIN 1-Year #AmazonPrime, Kindles, or gift cards. https://wp.me/P2H01p-6xF


      Jase Carlson is the oldest brother at the Double Dutch Ranch. He’s a favorite hero, but Randy Drake from Lassoing the Last Dance is giving him a run for the money. Good thing they’re good friends.  🙂 Jase’s cousin Caulder from my Bull Rider Series makes his appearance in this book.

      western romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      This excerpt comes from Chapter One. Jase and his brother Tristan left the courthouse after Jase was awarded soul custody of his two kids. Jase has a good reason for not trusting his ex-wife to return the kids to him on the following weekend.  Enjoy. (A bit of cursing is involved in the excerpt.)

      western romance, contemporary romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      Once they rolled into the neighborhood, Tristan checked the number on Jase’s phone. “It should be right up here, according to the GPS.” He checked each address as they passed. “There,” he said, pointing to the left.

      “There’s no curtains on the windows, Trist.”

      “Sonofabitch.” Tristan flung his seatbelt off and hit his palm against the dashboard.

      “She doesn’t even live here?” Jase released the clutch and jumped out, ran up to the windows, and peered inside. “There’s nothing in here. Not a damn thing.”

      Tristan followed him to the house, shaking his head. “She either moved before court, or lied to her lawyer again. You sure you got the right address?”

      “I got the right address.” He went back to the truck for his phone. “I have to call Tom.” He paced in front of his truck, and said to Tristan, “She lied about everything, and has no intention of bringing the kids back.”

      Jase left a message for his lawyer and hung up. A neighbor walked from across the street. “You all looking for somebody?”

      “Yeah, the woman who lived here.” Jase sauntered up to the man and pointed back at the house. Either a nosy neighbor or someone who might be able to help.

      “Ah, she’s gone. Packed up last weekend and moved out. Can’t say I was sorry to see them go.” The man pointed across the street to another house. “I stood right there and watched.”

      “A woman with two kids?” asked Jase, his voice already quivering.

      “That’s right.” The neighbor turned to go.

      Tristan called after the man. “Wait. How many people lived here? I mean…did the woman have a man with her.”

      “A couple guys. Well…” The man hesitated.

      Jase took a step forward. “They’re my kids and that was my wife.”

      The neighbor folded his arms and stared at the ground. “Well, she lived there with her husband…or so I thought. The other guy…well, he just lived there.”

      “I was her husband,” said Jase, “until today. What about the kids? Two of them…a boy and a girl.” He held his palm flat to indicate their height.

      “Nope, they all moved out. Cute kids, too. Well-behaved. Their dad—sorry. The guy watched them sometimes.”

      Tristan asked the man, “You don’t happen to have any photos, do you? Maybe of the asshole pretending to be their dad?”

      The man shook his head. “No, nothing like that.”

      Jase weakened. Shook his head. Diverted his eyes. “Thanks, man.” He headed for the truck and got in the passenger side. He waited for his brother and handed him the keys. He slouched down in the seat and lowered his hat over his eyes.

      Tristan backed out of the driveway in Tucson and headed back home toward Canyon Junction. Most of the trip was spent in silence until they stopped to eat. He turned to Tristan. “Some asshole I don’t know watched my kids. I’ll find them…and him. I swear I will. Not even God can help him if he hurts my babies.”

      End of Excerpt. Thanks for reading.


      Keep an eye out for Lassoing the Last Dance. It’ll be live and available soon.

      Western Romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      Want to know about new releases before anyone else? Sign up for my mailing list to be notified first.

       

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Short Snippet Saturday | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, bull rider series, Contemporary #western romance series, Cowboy Romance Series, Double Dutch Ranch, Full Length Novel, Heartbreak's Reward, hero, Lassoing the Last Dance, Mary J McCoy-Dresel, sensual western romance, series, Short Snippet Saturday, The Kindle Book Review Spring Fling, western romance
    • #AmWriting Short Snippet Saturday: No Guarantees

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

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

      western romance, contemporary romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      End of Excerpt

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance


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

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

      I appreciate your visit. Thanks for stopping by today.

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

       

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