Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance

Tag: #MFRWhooks

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

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

  

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

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

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

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

  ---

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Jase blurted it out…

  ---

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

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

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

  

  As always:

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

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

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

• #MFRWhooks Book Hooks: Farewell

  Posted at 2:13 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 22, 2020

  

  Book Hooks Wednesday.

  Hi, I hope you don’t mind another snippet from Whispers of Forever, but I’m continuing with a post taking place a few days later from last week’s post. Jake had invited Paige to dinner before she left them. Before she and her boyfriend flew across the country to their new home. It had been a pleasant evening between, Jake, their son Trace, and Paige. Jake faced his true feelings about losing her.

  ---

  His heart beat fast and strong. It took all the strength he had to stand there straight-faced, feigning calm as if he didn’t care. He cared. Even if he had wanted to hate her, he couldn’t, but it slowly brewed in his body and mind, especially after seeing the pain in his boy’s eyes—pain she had caused. He wanted to tell her she didn’t have to do this, but it would be worthless. She loved the other guy enough to have his baby. To give everything up for him. Yep, hate began to boil now. “Take care of yourself, Paige. I’ll take good care of our boy.”

  “I know you will, sweetie,” she said softly with a tenderness in her eyes he hadn’t seen in ages. Paige released Trace and hugged Jake, whispering, “A part of me will always…well, you know.”

  “But not enough.” Jake took a deep breath and left her embrace. “Come here, bud.” He lifted his son who was more than half of Jake’s height, and carried him outside to see her off. Trace didn’t object, now crying on his shoulder as Paige drove away.

  “Daddy?”

  “What, son?” he gulped out as the taillights faded.

  “Will Mom come back?”

  Trace’s heart beat as hard and fast as his did. He hugged him tighter, a desert-sand dryness blocking a normal swallow. “She said she would.” Jake gulped again. “Let’s take a walk through the barn.” He started to put T.J. down, but he tightened his hold around his dad’s neck.

  “No.” He cried and Jake stood right there holding him and he cried internally.

  ***

  After feeding and watering their horses, they came in from the barn. Trace got a bath and then Jake took a shower while his boy ate ice cream in front of the TV. He stood at the mirror in the small bathroom downstairs about to put shaving cream on his face.

  A shattering scream ripped from Trace’s throat, “Daddy! Daddy? Dad…”

  What the hell? Jake dropped his razor and rushed into the living room. “What’s the matter? Why are you watching the news, bud?” He glanced at the screen. Breaking News. “What happened?”

  Trace stood in front of the TV pointing. He didn’t say anything more, but his chin dimpled and quivered.

  Jake’s feet had been knocked out from under him. He dropped to the sofa. Blood drained from his face, and it all dropped to his feet. His head spun. He was unable to believe what he saw. Oh, my God. “Come here, T.J.” He reached out to bring him close, to hold him, to embrace him.

  ---

  

  Next week, Lord willing, you’ll meet Beth. Then we’ll be finished with Whispers of Forever for a while. <grin> Find information about the book and the series on the series page.

  Visit participating authors HERE. Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

  I appreciate your visit. Stay well.

  I’ve been under the weather for the 4th day now. Ugh. Super scary!

  Featured Image at top: Pixabay – 272447

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series | 13 Comments | Tagged #MFRWhooks, A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off novel, Book Hooks, Book Hooks: Farewell, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, mary j mccoy dressel, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas

• #MFRWhooks Book Hooks: How Would You Feel?

  Posted at 12:29 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 15, 2020

  

  For today’s Book Hooks post, I’m continuing with Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas. I’ll reiterate that this book takes place from October to past Christmastime, but it isn’t considered a holiday story. Last week’s post can be found HERE:

  We’re picking up after last week’s snippet. Tom Brandt is Jake’s new lawyer hired to fight to keep his son in the state. Jake recently found out a truth he’d suspected. He may sound hardhearted in this snippet, but how would you feel?:

  ---

  

  Numbness enveloped his body. Fuzz filled his brain. None of this had come out in court. He took his phone out to call Tom Brandt. “You won’t believe this,” he said to his lawyer. “I have something for you to add to your notes.” Jake proceeded to tell Tom the newest bit of information.

  “This changes everything, Jake. I’ll be in contact with you soon.”

  She was having another man’s baby, but it wasn’t the guy he had seen her with last night. A ball of confusion settled into a corner of his brain to figure out later. He checked his watch. It was almost time for Trace to get out of school. Jake went back into the tack room to wash his hands, then into the house to brush his hair and put on a clean shirt. His dirty jeans would have to do. Tonight, his son was moving back home. Let her try to stop him.

  Pulling onto the 60 toward school, he called Paige. “Have Trace’s things ready. Leave the door unlocked, then find someplace to go,” he barked out when she answered. “My boy is coming back home with me, and I don’t want to see your face when I get there in a couple hours—”

  “But—”

  “Don’t try to fight me on this, Paige, because there’s no way you’ll win. You did this to yourself, lady. Nothing left but to accept it.” Let that sink in. Remaining calm now was important. Name calling would solve nothing and would only get his blood to boil and steam to shoot from his ears.

  “All right. Tomorrow I’ll file to dissolve our marriage.”

  “You’ll get no argument from me this time.” At the school, he parked and then sat a minute until his breathing got back in check. He went inside to the office to ask for a meeting with the principal. A few minutes later, the secretary escorted him through a narrow walkway to his office.

  ---

  Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas

  Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series

  A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off

   

  What can stand in their way this time?

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

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

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

  Thanks for reading.

  Universal Buy Link

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  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.

  

  Participating authors can be found Here, and there are a lot of them doing Book Hooks. At least they get signed up on time. I missed it again this week.

  See you all the next time.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series | 5 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks Blog Hop, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off Novel, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas

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

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

  

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

  Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series

  A Double Dutch Ranch Spin Off Series

  Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas

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

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

  

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

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

  “The rumors about her never stop—”

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

  “Because you had to.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

  ---

  A few Amazon Reviews:

  Best ending ever!

  This book did not have any boring stretches!!!

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

   

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  About the Book:

  Second Chance Romance.

  What can stand in their way this time?

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

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

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

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

  

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  Visit the other authors in the Book Hooks Blog Hop HERE.

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

  Thanks for your cyber visit this week.

  Stay home. Stay safe.

   

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

• #MFRWhooks Book Hooks ~ Who is Knocking?

  Posted at 2:22 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 1, 2020

  

  I almost didn’t participate in Book Hooks this week. Then when I realized it was Tuesday instead of Wednesday, I had plenty of time and no excuse. Do you mix up your days?

  BOOK HOOKS

  Two-Five Ranch Outlaws series.

  

  Featuring Cade Outlaw and the rest of the family.

  That evening at the auction, Cade received a text from Faith. He left the sales barn, reading on his way out: Leftovers tonight? Remember, it’s your favorite. Nadia will eat this again.

  Cade replied: Don’t count on me for dinner. I’ll be late. After Nadia’s bedtime if things don’t pick up speed here.

  I’ll save you a plate to warm up in case you’re hungry or save it for the ranch?

  He sighed. How could he take Faith’s leftovers to the ranch? Ah hell. His dad, sister, and one of his brothers were all in one place. This was his chance to tell part of the family at once. The ride home might be hell, but he had to get it out in the open before Nadia spilled it tomorrow. He answered: Sure. Appreciated.

  Cade put his phone in his back pocket and sauntered inside with his hands sweaty and his stomach churning. He could sit no longer than a few minutes. “I’ll be right back,” he said to his dad who hadn’t looked away from observing the goings on with their cow up for bidding. Outside, he headed to his truck, turned on the radio, and did some deep breathing. Chaos sucked life from his soul.

  Fear wasn’t what it was that made him doubt telling them. Nothing would change his mind now that it’s come this far. The transformation of the family makeup is what bothered him. The bond with his siblings would disintegrate, and he’d live with the daily bullshit he’d hear all day at work. He’d never let them push him out of the business. Weighing the options again, he knew what he had to do, and do it tonight. He jerked at a knock on the tailgate.

  ---

  I have no pre-order links or even a blurb written for this book, and a tentative title. It isn’t finished yet. However, book #1 is available. Book one hints at the issue Cade is having with the mother of his child and his family. Cade’s feelings may have never died. Had Faith’s?

  ---

  Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart, Book #1.

  

  #1

   

  Universal Buy Link

  Amazon Review:  A very good read.. Loved the characters in the Outlaw family plus the drama within a drama. The details of my birth state was amazing.

   

   

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  Thanks for stopping by on Book Hooks Wednesday. Participating authors can be found HERE.

  Keep the ones you love, and yourself, safe and well. Stay Home. Stay Safe.

  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.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, #WritersLife, Book Hooks | 12 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, mary j mccoy dressel, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws

• #MFRWhooks Book Hooks: Hard to Refuse

  Posted at 2:15 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 25, 2020

  

  Book Hooks Blog Hop

  ~*~

  Howdy, Ma’am

  Bull Rider Series

  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.

  

  Bull Rider Series 1

  “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? Had she turned into a dimwit?

  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.”

  

  ---

  

  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?

  

  Amazon Purchase Link

  Universal Link

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

  

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  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

• #MFRWhooks Book Hooks Wednesday: Conference Room

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

  

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

  Cowboy Boss and his Destiny

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

  ---

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

  UNIVERSAL BUY LINK

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

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

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

  ---

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

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

  

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

  Image credit – Father and Daughter: Pixabay – platinumportfolio

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

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

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

  

  Welcome to Marketing for Romance Writers Book Hooks Blog Hop.

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

  ---

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

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

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

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

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

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

  She questioned. “Lost?”

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

  ---

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

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book. By sharing samples of your writing in a meme, readers will have the chance to jump from one author to another. Here’s your opportunity to hook some new readers!

   

   

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

  

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

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

• #MFRWhooks Broken

  Posted at 1:03 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 4, 2020

  Welcome to another Book Hooks snippet.

  Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love series #2

  A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin off Novel.

  Finding Kimber.

  No, no. “NO. I love you all!” she shouted out to a closed window. “I’ll miss you…” Tressa scooted over and held her hand up to the dark window. She sobbed in painful gulps. What she saw out the window was like watching a movie play out before her eyes. A movie with a sad, sad ending.

  From here, they’d leave Oregon and go to Boise, Idaho to have her mole removed, change her hair color, and wait for the credentials with her new name of Kimber Kay Sinclair. Then, it’d be onward to Arizona. “It’s time to go,” Melinda said to the driver.

  “No, not yet,” cried Tressa.

  He drove away. She couldn’t remove her eyes from what they left behind. Firetrucks passed them by. Jerry would meet them later. Never in her life had she known he had connections to do such a feat. But being a retiree from law enforcement, he pulled the right strings to set up her death—to protect her and her family—all under the table and for a large fee to some of the connections he’d made throughout his career.

  To the world, Tressa Garnett had died in a revenge killing. Sam would have no reason to search for her now. Jerry had vowed to take care of her from the day he had become her godfather. He had promised to protect her. To keep her safe. And he had. She, on the other hand, would never see her family again and would remain broken for the rest of her life.

  ---

  

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

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

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

  Universal Buy Link

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  #MFRWhooks

  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.

  Come along! Check out participating Book Hooks authors at this LINK.

  Posted in #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks | 16 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks, Broken, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch: Love at First Sight, Finding Kimber, Marketing for Romance Writers, mary j mccoy dressel

• Book Hooks Wednesday: A Seasoned Romance WIP~ Be Careful #MFRWhooks #MFRWauthor

  Posted at 12:03 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 26, 2020

  

  We’re into another week of Book Hooks. I nearly mixed this post up with the 52-Week Blog Challenge post.

  ---

  Today’s snippet features my ranch matriarch of the Double Dutch Ranch. This is book #5 in the series. Enjoy a snippet from my work in progress (WIP). I’m waiting for this book to come back from the editor any day now.

  ---

  What’s an aging cowgal to do when two men stand in line to park their boots beside hers at the end of the day?

  

  “Love ya, Mom, behave tonight.” Dane, her youngest and a protector of everything, gave one of the smiles he’d used to get his way as a boy. She couldn’t help but return it.

  Selva trailed through the kitchen behind them all, holding up at the door. He met her gaze. “You look nice tonight. Is it Dale Connor who you’re dating? Roxanne’s father?”

  “Yes, but I wouldn’t say dating. He’s been gone. Do you remember him from the wedding a few years back?”

  “Yes ma’am, and for other reasons. Be careful, Judy.”

  Judy tilted her head inquisitively. “Whatever for? Is there something I should know?”

  He put on his hat, opened his mouth as if to speak, but nodded, then left.

  Hmm. What had that been about? Judy eyed his tall frame and muscles a senior personal trainer might die for until he entered the barn ahead of Tristan. She padded over to lock the back door. Sighing, she wrung her hands at her midriff. Her mood lightened upon spotting the flowers on the island. She picked up the mixed spring bouquet, got a vase from the china cabinet on the far wall, and arranged them in water. Tonight, Selva wore the familiar cologne. His beautiful flowers were what she needed to bring a calm over her, but it didn’t last long. Dale’s car rolled into the driveway three years too late.

  ---

  Information about the book and the rest of the books in the series, can be found on the Double Dutch Ranch Series page.

  

  ---

  Thank you for reading. Check out the other Book Hooks authors HERE.

  Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It’s a chance each week to hook readers on your current WIP or any previously published book.

  

  Hey, authors? Do you use Trigger Warnings in your books if you think it’s necessary?

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks | 16 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks, contemporary western romance, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Seasoned Romance, senior citizen

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