Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Books

Tag: Romance

• #AmWriting True Love? #MFRWauthor #WritersLife

  Posted at 8:07 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 7, 2019

  

  Week 23

  True Love: Do you think it really exist?

  Well now. Interesting topic for this 52-Week Blog Challenge Blog Hop. Do I think true love really exist? Darn right I do. I believe it with all my heart. How do I know? Simple answer. I’ve experienced true love. What kind of romance writer would I be if I didn’t believe true love existed? Songs are sung. Classic and modern-day novels and poems are written about true love.

  

  *This way to my son and daughter-in-laws wedding reception almost two years ago to the date.

  How could I create a hero and heroine falling in love on the page and in my head and heart if I didn’t believe it existed? (Yes, in my head and heart.) True love comes in many shapes, sizes, ages, genders, species, but no matter who you love, I don’t only think, but I know true love exists. My heart tells me so.

  To this day, my heart still experiences (and pines) for a special true love. The ache in the pit of my belly, the extra beat of my heart, tears behind my eyes, and a knot in the throat—the yearning—at the…memories. Sometimes we don’t realize how true a love is/was until it’s gone.

  I see true love when I observe how my youngest son and daughter-in-law look at, speak to each other, and laugh together.

  True love, comes in many forms. We can experience a true love with our Lord, a friend, lover, our child/children, or other relative like an aunt or an uncle, sister or brother, grandma or grandpa… Our parents. Our dogs, cats, horses, etc.

  Our partners. If the kind of emotion we feel upon experiencing love, isn’t true love, what else would you call it?

  

  Have you ever had a best friend? Did you love the person—truly love them? Mine passed away a little more than two years ago. We were best friends since I was eighteen. I wrote about her in my first Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge post. This kind of true love is a different kind of love than how you love a spouse or partner, but it’s true love, nonetheless.

  What about chocolate? Ha-ha. Thought I’d throw that one in to see if you were paying attention.

  

   

  I could go on and on about this topic. Don’t worry. I won’t. Since I’ve poured my heart out, let’s see what other authors in the Marketing for Romance Writers Group have to say on the topic. Find out HERE. #MFRWauthor

   

   

  Have a wonderful weekend.

   

  Image Credits: Pixabay

  Happily Ever After Sign: Copyright Mary J. Dressel.

  *This sign was also used recently for my #WordlessWednesday post.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #WritersLife, 52-week blog challenge | 12 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #WritersLife, 52-week blog challenge, best friend, heart pounding emotion, love and romance, Marketing for Romance Writers, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, partner, Romance, spouse, True Love

• #AmWriting Book Talk: Farewell My Lovelies #MFRWauthor

  Posted at 8:41 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 19, 2019

  

  It’s Friday. Join us for another Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge post. However, I must tell you this is a copy of a post written for this topic in a previous year. Wait, don’t leave.

  I’ve written The End on new books since then so a little has changed in the celebrating department. I have revised this copied post in brief to update and add changes. The first change is rewriting the topic as given to us this week in 2019.

  Week 16: The End: A Time for Celebration?

  Yes, I celebrate but in subtle ways. When I finish my work and it’s ready to go, I’ll smile and tell my hero and his heroine they are free to go out into the world. I will miss them when it’s over. This is another reason I write a series. I get to see them again and again.

  I don’t celebrate like I should or have a big to-do (outside of my mind). I take little down-time after finishing a book either in a draft or a true ending. Another thing I do is give myself a silent praise or a pat on the back.

  I wrote an ENDING to a new book within the last two weeks. Yay! YAY! Bringing this book to an end had been a struggle to find the perfect ending. If any of my endings deserved a celebration, this one did. The book still has to see the editor, so I will revisit this book. It isn’t due out until November, but I might push it up to October.

  At writing the ending, I shouted it on social media and celebrated with their Likes and Comments. I told my close friends. Many of them have heard a little about the story, so I relished in their pride for me. Then, alone with myself, I stepped away from the book wondering what the heck to do now. I already missed my hero and heroine, the setting, and I wanted to go back to them. Albeit, in the coming days, I subtly celebrated with Netflix, watched movies, enjoyed a couple lunches with friends as we talked about the book, and I finished “reading” a book I had started a while ago.

  I breathed.

  ---

  Well, it had been a short-lived break. Another book waited. Knowing me, I will celebrate the same way when this book is published, but my heart will be pounding and nerves-a-shakin’ because it will have been sent into the world.

  In the meantime: 

  It was time to get back to work. I stuck my hands back on my keyboard.

  Previous to writing the end to said book, I had another book started, as I usually do though this time I took more breaks than usual and shopped for a couple new outfits. I allowed myself to breathe with time to myself away from the keyboard, before taking the next book to its own ending, which I’m doing now.

  

  Thanks for reading.

  ---

  This is the time to hop on over to check out the #MFRWauthor Blog to find other participating author links. This year there are new authors participating. Not new as in “brand-new authors,” but new to the 52-Week Blog Challenge.

  See ya next time.

  

  NOTE: Authors and readers? Do you think pushing up my release date to October is a bad time because of Halloween and other paranormal books being released? I don’t want my release to be buried. Hah, pun intended. 👻💀

  Happy Writing and Reading.

   

  Photo credits: Pixabay.

  Posted in #AmWriting, 52-week blog challenge | 15 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #WritersLife, blog hop, Celebrating in Stages: Farewell My Lovelies, Farewell My Lovelies, Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, relaxing my way, Romance, western romance

• Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse: Group Projects

  Posted at 7:19 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 6, 2019

  

  Group Projects

  Here we are at Tuesday again. Can we pretend this got posted on Tuesday? I fell behind yesterday and forgot to go back to proof this post. I need to plan better. LOL.

  Yesterday’s idea originated when I visited one of my Facebook groups. This group came together months ago. We’re authors who write in a variety of genres. We’re self-published, hybrid published, and traditionally published. We write with different heat levels from sweet to spicy hot. Why am I telling you this? Well, because there are over one hundred of us taking part in a group project. Sorry for being vague, but we aren’t saying a lot about this project yet.

  My point for using Group Projects for my title and inspiration for my muse is because working on a project with a group can be fun and beneficial. (And maybe a little stressful.) Think of the exposure a group of authors can provide. For my November release, imagine the promotion with this large group of over one hundred. I’m looking forward to publishing this book. No, I’m down-right excited!  ❤

  It’s inspirational and exciting when a member will post a cover image of their book, or tell us they finished their book. You know they’re champing at the bit to release it. They inspire me to have my cover made.

  When this project came into existence, it inspired me to breathe life into a book I had started many years ago in a different genre than what I write now. However, nothing is the same except the hero’s name. LOL. The original idea sits back and waits for me to, one day, use that storyline.

  I’d like to take part in more group projects because of their inspiration and encouragement.

  Multi-author anthologies and boxed sets usually entail writing shorter stories, and we all know I struggle with finding the time to pull away from a current work in progress, and writing short. This project allows us to write whatever length we want. We aim to please. 💙

  Of course, we’ll have a logo on the books to make them easy to find and to stand out as part of the group, and we’ll have a website.

  Authors, how do you feel about taking part in an anthology, boxed set, or group project? What inspires you to do this?

  ---

  Instead of coming up with ideas for weekly Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse posts, which I’m not good at, anyway, I’ll start posting for this topic monthly. I’ll have to brainstorm ways to fill in this spot so there isn’t a long gap between my posts. I won’t make promises because, hey, I have books to write and a business to run. Thanks for reading.

  Images are from Pixabay. Inspiration for the Muse graphic is my creation using a Pixabay image.

  Obviously, the two western looking images are hints at the location for my setting in the aforementioned book.

  Posted in #AmWriting, Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse | 9 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, anthology, anthology and collection, Group projects, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, multi-author boxed set, Romance, Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse, western romance

• Short Snippet Saturday: Jase and Brenna

  Posted at 11:24 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 26, 2019

  

  Hi, everyone. Technically, it’s still Saturday, and after all day of busy work, I remembered this post had been ready to go. I should change my topic to Occasional Short Snippet Saturday. This isn’t something I post each week. Here’s a snippet for my featured book this month.

  Featuring one of my books in my website header is something I recently started. I don’t know where I got the idea, but it’s fun making the banners. If things work out like I hope they will, by December, I should have enough books to have filled 2019, with one left over, starting with Jase and Brenna in Heartbreak’s Reward.

  Jase was introduced as Tristan’s oldest brother in the first book in the series. This is book two–his book.

  ---

  Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight

  

   

  Blurb:

  Rancher Jase Carlson doesn’t understand the ache in the hollow of his chest since his ex-wife ripped his heart out. She doesn’t follow the court rules where his children are concerned, making him even more pissed off when she steals them away from him. Harboring a bad attitude, and dedicating his life to finding his kids, he wishes he wasn’t a gentleman when he comes to the aid of a quick-tempered, sexy blonde. He can’t allow her tight jeans and sweet smile to sway him, even after he’s coerced into spending time alone with her. Fighting the torturous battle going on within his own mind and body, he can either deal with it—or succumb to the woman who appears to be everything he didn’t know he needed.

  In an attempt to save her rebellious teen sister from herself—as her guardian, Brenna Page leaves everything behind and moves to Canyon Junction, Arizona. When she unexpectedly meets a hot-headed cowboy with intense blue eyes and muscles to die for, the first thing she wants to do is get away. Since she can’t seem to shake him, Brenna wonders if that same grudge-filled cowboy is worth taking on. But still dealing with painful memories, a nightmare behind her eyes she can’t forget, and a sister who wants nothing to do with Arizona, the last thing she needs right now is a horse ranching cowboy interfering.

  One wrong turn. Two broken families. Brought together by chance and need.

  ---

  In this snippet, Jase is having dinner with Brenna Page. Though their relationship is fairly new, and he’s on the fence about getting involved, tonight his heart isn’t as broken as it has been. Modified slightly from the original:

  She turned back to the sink. Jase stood behind her while reaching into the cabinet. Leaning into her wasn’t an accident. He placed his right hand on her shoulder and removed two plates and then bowls to set on the counter beside her. He lowered his other hand to her shoulder. She rested against him, and he dropped his hands to her waist. He closed his eyes to savor the sweet scent of her hair.

  “Mmm, this is better’n food.”

  “Uh huh.” Jase brushed hair away from one side of her neck, eyeing the rapid throb of her pulse beneath her fair skin. He closed his lips over the area, gingerly touching the tip of his tongue against it. The pump of her pulse against his mouth shot an arc of heat straight to… He cleared his throat.

  Brenna stood straighter. Turning to face him, she pressed her palms against his chest. “I thought you were hungry?”

  Jase tossed his head back and released a low groan. “I am hungry.” He lowered his eyes. “Uh, for lasagna. I love Italian food.” He turned around and sauntered to the window to look down at the parking lot to distract himself.

  Hungry.

  Yeah.

  Okay.

  ---

  Check out the other books on the series page HERE. Book Five is planned for this year. Fingers crossed.

  Thanks for stopping by today.

  Have a great weekend.

  I hope it’s warmer where you are. We’ve had it all this week: Six inches of snow, freezing rain, sleet, ice, below zero double-digit wind chill temperatures, then up to forty degrees for almost a full day. Now, a new winter storm and below zero temps and -35 degree wind chills are on the way as I write this.

    🛷⛸☃❄

  Thanks for reading.

  

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Short Snippet Saturday | 10 Comments | Tagged #Nookbook, Apple Books, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Heartbreak's Reward, Kindle ebook, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Romance, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance

• #WritersLife ~ Comfy Works For Me~ #MFRWauthor

  Posted at 8:03 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 5, 2018

  

  Week 40 – MFRW 52-week Blog Challenge #MFRWAuthor

  Week 40: What I wear when I write

  Isn’t that kind of personal? Ha-ha, just kidding. Hi, I’m back after a long hiatus from Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge. This is a blog hop, baby. #MFRWauthor

  Since I’ve been away, I moved, got settled in, wrote a couple blog posts and a newsletter, published a new book, and I’m nearly at thirty-thousand words in the new one I’m writing that is due out in November 2019. I’m procrastinating on another one. Oh, I can’t forget… I also published a Boxed Set.

  I looked at today’s topic and thought: Hmm, I can answer this one. What do I wear when I write?

  Admittedly, it’s kind of creepy to know others know what I wear when I’m lost in another world. I’m lucky enough to be a full-time writer at home. I’m a romance writer and sometimes the romance is steamy, well, warm. What do you expect me to wear while I write those sexy scenes? Do you think I have candles burning? Chocolates within reach? Wine chilling? Music? A cowboy with a lasso to keep me on task? Do I wear something sexy and silky? A short little nightie?

  You’d be wrong if you imagined me writing in something other than Jammies or fully dressed. Romantic scenes with candles, wine, and soft music aren’t all I write in my romance, so there is no need for a silky or a short little nightie to inspire me. Sometimes I have candles burning and soft music playing. For me, it’s all about being comfortable.

  

  Ninety-five percent of the time, I wear jeans and some kind of top depending on weather. My computer comes on early in the morning and I’m usually in my PJs (or gown in the summer) for the first couple hours, or four, but then I get dressed. I can’t deny there have been a few days when I didn’t get out of PJs, especially if I’m staying home or still writing in bed, and when I lost my doggie.

  Since I retired, I have been putting on regular clothes. I moved into an apartment and had to take my dog out on a leash, so I had to get dressed. Now, I no longer have my sweet fur-baby, but I still dress.

  I walked for exercise at my old apartment, but I could bounce out the door and drive to the park seeing no one. In my new apartment, I not only get dressed, but I get myself ready with hair and makeup, and go for a morning walk. In this apartment, I have to go into a hallway where there are four apartments on this level, including mine, and four upstairs. Chances are, I will run into someone, and I want to look presentable to new neighbors. Oh, don’t I sound so vain. Don’t judge. Ha-ha.

  If I was twenty I wouldn’t have to worry about looking good, because, you know—twenty!

  The day may come when the snow falls and I don’t leave my apartment, I will stay in those Jammies all day. Though regular clothes are warmer when the temperatures outside are blustery and cold. However, I might remain in those comfy flannel pajamas and thick socks more often this winter.

  Now see? As I type this, fully dressed, who shows up but the guys who are replacing the windows in the basement, and my storage unit down there has a window in it. Off I go to make sure they have enough room to work.

  

  How about you writers? Are you ready to tell us what you wear while writing? How about while reading? Oh, that’s a whole different story!

  This is a Blog Hop. Let’s see what other authors wear while writing. I’m curious myself. Click on over.

  I’m going for a walk. Catch you all later.

  

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #WritersLife, 52-week blog challenge | 7 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #AuthorsLife, #WritersLife, Alpha hero, blog hop, Comfy Works For Me, Cowboy hero, Hooked by Sundown, Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, New Release, nightwear, pajamas, Reading, Romance

• New Release: Bull Rider Series Boxed Set

  Posted at 10:53 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 29, 2018

  

  💕 Announcing My Newest Release 💕

  Bull Rider Series Boxed Set

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

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

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

  Amazon

  Universal Buy Link

  

  

  Boxed Set Cover for Apple.

  Includes Three Full-Length Novels

  Howdy, Ma’am #1

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

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

  Hey, Cowboy #2

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

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

  Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude #3

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

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

  Universal Buy Link

  ---

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

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

  UPDATE: Hooked by Sundown has been released.

  Thanks for visiting!

  Cover Design: DusktilDawn Designs

  Posted in Bull Rider Series, New Release | 14 Comments | Tagged Allegheny Mountains, anthology and collection, belt buckles, Book Bundle, Bull Riding, Christmas at Love House, contemporary romance, cowboy, Hey cowboy, holiday, Howdy Ma'am, Log Home, Romance, Rull Rider Series Boxed Set, three-book series, western romance

• Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse: Opinions of Others

  Posted at 2:40 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 24, 2018

  

  Today is Tuesday. Wow, it’s been awhile since I posted using this theme.

   

  Today for my Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse post, I choose to post a handful of good reviews. I’d be crazy to sabotage myself by posting the bad ones on my own blog. I’d love to be able to please everyone, but I can’t.

  To protect their privacy, I’m not posting names of the reviewers in this post. You can always check them out on Amazon. Just know that these reviews, and many others, leave me smiling.

  I’m about to post a handful of review snippets for books in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight.

  It might be unfair to post only the good reviews here today, but this is my blog and my inspiration. A few weeks ago, I wrote a Blog Challenge post and talked about–You Can’t Please Everyone. Maybe you’d be interested in visiting the post, too, if you haven’t already.

  I read a lot of book reviews online and on blogs. Why don’t I post reviews of my own books? Well, I have in the past but stopped doing it. I admire those of you who proudly post your book reviews.

  Don’t worry, I limited the number of snippets I added today. Altogether they’re probably as long as some single book reviews.

  Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to leave a review. Regardless if you left a review or not, thanks for buying and reading.

  Happy Tuesday.

  

  Pixabay

  These review snippets are from Amazon US:

  Cowboy Boss and his Destiny #1 (Sorry for posting more on this book.)

  • I truly enjoyed the characters and the small town feel. The romance was not disappointing between Nora and Tristan. I also recommend reading the books in order.
  • Romance love and suspense. You get it all at its best in all Mary J. McCoy-Dressel books. These books are amazing, the tears, laughter, suspense and love will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait until the rest of the serious comes out. It will be well worth the wait I am sure.
  • Gave five stars and would have given more if available…this was a really good read. I enjoyed the storyline & the characters… Really got into the story because the characters seemed so real. Thanks to the author for a beautiful love story!! Will recommend to others.
  •  I am new to Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, but won’t remain that way. A sweet, heartwarming love story with just the right amount of hot scenes!! Highly recommended!!!
  • Author Mary J. McCoy-Dressel soundly convinced me of her storytelling abilities when I read Howdy, Ma’am, a contemporary western she peppered with heart, heat, excitement and drama. But in COWBOY BOSS AND HIS DESTINY, Ms. McCoy-Dressel shows she has the writing strengths and versatility to change things up and produce an equally enjoyable contemporary romance that focuses on the everyday matters of work, family, home, and, once again, the heart. I never grew bored with this unfolding tale of love that developed at a pleasing and natural pace, nor the quiet revelations that were revealed about two hearts destined to find one another and set a course for the future. Angie Just Read. The Romance Reviews. Click link for full review. (The Romance Reviews requires us to mention the reviewer when we post snippets.)

  Tristan’s Destiny (No longer available on its own). Now this story is the majority of Cowboy Boss and his Destiny and combined into one book.

  • Absolutely AWESOME read. the most beautiful love story I have ever read. I fell in love with TRISTAN and Nora and little Destiny. I felt sad when the story ended because they became real. This is a must read. First read by this author, but there will certainly be more.
  • The Double Dutch Series books are wonderful. Tristan’s Destiny is one of the best books I have read. It’s got love, family, and a lot of heart.
  • I enjoyed this whole series. I read all of them. The men are alpha & the women are strong.

  Heartbreak’s Reward #2

  • I loved the story. The two main characters were wonderfully portrayed. I see a fantastic story developing for the youngest brother.
  • I love the story of Jase and Brenna it has everything, to keep you up late at night wondering what will happen next. Highly recommended to all.
  • Besides the steadily growing sizzle between the cowboy and the teacher, there’s an added benefit of revisiting the charming cast from the previous book, as well as the timely introduction of several new characters and a first taste of the third Carlson brother, Dane. Cowboy junkies everywhere will want to add this author to their favorites list! You can read the entire review at the Link. Angie Just Read. The Romance Reviews.

  Of the Cowboy’s Own Accord #

  • Great insight to PTSD and the struggles that follow, dogs as well as men & women. Very enjoyable read.
  • This is what I would call a sweet romance story. Not overly descriptive of the sexy parts. I found it very enjoyable.
  • I believe in love at first sight because it happened that way in my life. This story is interesting since it deals with PTSD syndrome. The dog adds an extra dimension.
  • Love at First Read is what I say about this series and Dane and Grace were no different! Mary J McCoy-Dressel has a way of catching your attention in the first paragraph and keeping it throughout the story. From Danes description of Graces eyes to Graces description of Danes tattoo, I could visualize every moment in between. I love the Carlson family.

  Lassoing the Last Dance #4

  • A true love wins out story for Roxanne and Randy. Lots of danger, action, romance and mystery. Loved reading this book.
  • This book had every thing, mystery, people who you never guessed doing things. But a great outcome. I hope they get to have children.
  • This was a good western romance – I enjoyed it. Well-written, likable characters. I’ll read others by this author.

  ---

  

  Yeah, no doubt this is a different kind of post for me. I hope I didn’t shoot myself in the foot. It’ll be awhile before you see another post like this one. I might be brave again one day and post reviews from Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series and the Bull Rider Series. Or, you can check them out yourself…the good and the bad.

  Thanks for reading.

   

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife | 5 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #AuthorLife, #WritersLife, blog, cowboys, inspiration, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Romance, The Romance Reviews, Top Pick, Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse, Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse: Opinions of Others, western romance

• #AmWriting Update and Snippet

  Posted at 4:21 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 17, 2018

  

  What the heck have I been working on since the major revision of Cowboy Boss and his Destiny? Well, folks, for those of you who are interested, I’m back to working on book three in the spin off–Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series–Wade’s story. No, Wade’s story isn’t the title. The title is a whole other deal going on here in my head.

  I have three titles sitting at the top of my manuscript in fancy font looking as pretty as can be, but I can’t select the right one. They’re okay, but they don’t feel like “the one.” The other night I typed a good line… “Hmm, well, now,” I said to myself . “This could be my title.” It’s growing on me.

  By the looks of things, this might be the only book I publish this year. I had a goal of two. Of course, I’m not giving up on the goal yet, but with all the medical stuff going on in my life right now, I’m not sure what lies ahead besides more tests.

  Anyway, for readers of my spin off series, you have met Wade Emory in the first book. He works with Jake Lawton as a foreman and now owns part of Jake’s ranching supply business. However, his luck with women sucks. Isn’t it awful for a romance hero’s love life to suck? In all fairness, he hasn’t been a book hero, but I’ve had so much fun turning him into one. Wade is worthy of being called a romance hero now.

  As a secondary character in Whispers of Forever, Wade began a serious relationship with a woman in the Air Force who lived in Las Vegas, but nope, luck evaded him. In Finding Kimber, his buddy, and best friend, Dane Carlson, set him up with a, well, ahem, let’s move on, and say Wade wasn’t big on dating someone recently out of college who had a drinking problem. In this case, he made sure there wouldn’t be a second date. Oh, and then… Blah, blah,  this is the story of his life.  In his book, he takes a trip, but it isn’t for a vacation. It all boils down to… Will he have to travel four hundred miles from home to meet “the one”? Coming in 2018.

  Here’s a little tidbit from my draft:

  

  Wade hurried down the stairway, taking two steps at a time, through the lobby, and out the door. He caught the guy getting into a shuttle bus and yanked him off before he got to the second step. “You’re not going anywhere.” The smell of alcohol filled the air between them. Wade held his arm and dragged Clay back up the stairs without anything more than a missed swing from the drunk, and a few eyes from hotel patrons. Wade pounded on her door, and when she opened it, he shoved the guy inside. “Give the lady her money, or you won’t leave here walking.”

  She shoved Wade in the chest. “What in the hell are you doing?” She clasped her hands together and faced her brother. “Give me my money, Clay. You didn’t even care how me and Tanner got home. Do you think I’ll forget this?” She reached into his pocket for her money. “Get out of my life.”

  Her brother glared back and forth at her and Wade. “You’ll be sorry.”

  “I was sorry when I came to get you out of jail. Oh, if Dad were here, he’d beat you silly.”

  “I can do the job.” Wade shifted his stance and smirked.

  “You? Who are you? No, never mind.” She flipped her hand toward the door. “Would you get out of my room?”

  Wade held his stubborn ground. “Not until he leaves.”

  She glared at her brother. “You heard the man.”

  Wade shoved him toward the door and watched over the balcony railing until he staggered out of the hotel. He peered at her and shook his head, then left for a dinner he didn’t feel like eating.

   

  ---

  “Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.” ~Author unknown

  Thanks for sticking around to read. 🙂

  #TuesdayThoughts

  Solitude coaxes magical things from our souls. ~Terri Guillemets

  Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Arizona, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, contemporary western romance, first draft, hero, mary j mccoy dressel, Romance, series romance, Snippet, spin off series

• #AmWriting Celebrating in Stages: Farewell My Lovelies #MFRWauthor

  Posted at 7:30 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 13, 2018

  

  Here we are again. Welcome back. It’s Friday and time for another Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge post. It’s a blog hop, baby!

  Week 15: How I celebrate completing my manuscript

  I’m not sure if this means after completing a draft or after it’s been edited and ready to go. Either way, I don’t celebrate like I should, but for now it works for me, and gives me a period of down time after finishing a book.

  Upon completion of a manuscript, I’ll take a few days or a weekend to get away from the stories and relax with Netflix, movies, dinner with friends, or take time to read someone else’s book. To breathe.

  I don’t celebrate outwardly, but I do celebrate internally at different stages. A sense of pride overwhelms me once I:

  • Finish a first draft.
  • Send a manuscript to my editor.
  • Finish the final edits.
  • I RELAX and enjoy the moment after sending it to my formatter.
  • FINALLY I’m thrilled yet celebrating subtly after I upload and hit publish.

   When my work on a book is finished, I’ll smile and tell my hero and his heroine they are ready to go out into the world. I will literally miss them when it’s over. This is why I write a series. I get to see them again.

   

  

  One thing I do is give myself a silent praise or a pat on the back when I finish the first draft. I mention it on social media, email or text my friends and family, but other writers understand it better than even best friends. However, family and friends are happy for my accomplishment. After publication and while out, I want to scream, “I published another book!”

  Celebration is simple because I feel like I’m on a timeline and need to get the next book started and written as soon as possible. Book sales are my survival. Book writing is my sanity.

  With my next book, which is the third book in a spin off series, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, I DO PLAN on gathering my friends and celebrating together. Oh, and to get a mani-pedi.

  

  Thanks for reading.

  ---

  This is the time to hop on over to check out the #MFRWauthor Blog to find other participating authors. See ya next time.

  

  Photo credits: Pixabay.

  Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor | 12 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #WritersLife, Authors Life, blog hop, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Celebrating in Stages: Farewell My Lovelies, editor, First drafts, formatting, Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge, publiching, relaxing my way, Romance

• Snippet: Finding Kimber: An Unexpected Encounter

  Posted at 1:10 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 25, 2018

  

  For this excerpt, Kimber meets her dog for the first time. It doesn’t sound like an interesting excerpt to read about Kimber meeting her dog, but there’s more going on here, especially after what happened earlier in this scene. Now, after this second revelation, she’ll have some explaining to do in the near future. It isn’t an explanation she ever wanted to give to anyone. Picture Kimber leaving the barn after turning out the horses this early morning. She hadn’t expected to see Zach standing there, and especially hadn’t expected to meet his brother for the first time. She’s standing in a knee-length cotton robe with a thin gown underneath. Introductions happened earlier in the scene. The guys are getting ready to leave.

  ---

  She’s wary of her future. He’s burdened by his past.

  Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series

  A Double Dutch Ranch Spin Off Series.

  

  At that moment, a dog whined. Kimber widened her eyes. “I didn’t know you had a dog, Zach. Tyler?”

  “We don’t here in Arizona.” Zach headed to his truck. He opened the door and brought out a mid-size, long-haired dog. “You do.” He plopped the dog into her arms.

  Tyler chuckled. “I found her on the road between here and Boulder City. The poor girl has no tags, and she looks like she’s been neglected. My mama would whoop my behind if I left her there. I took a picture and left my phone number at the nearest rest stop.”

  “But—”

  Zach cut in, “You said you were lonely at night. Now you don’t have to be. I can’t keep her in the loft all day while I’m working, and she didn’t take kindly to Jake’s dog, Kasha.”

  “You’re giving her to me?” Kimber’s gaze followed Tyler out the back door and down toward the fence where she took the horses.

  “Maybe. You’re not allergic to dogs, are you? If it isn’t a problem, can you keep her here for me? It’s better for her here than locked up in the loft.”

  Kimber put her down before dropping her. She tickled the dog under her white chin. “She’s so cute, but she needs a bath and a good brushing. Have you named her?” She kept one hand on her in case she bolted. “You could bring her here daily with you, but I’ll keep her here. I hope she likes horses.”

  “She acted like they were no big deal over at Jake’s. I haven’t named her.” He called Tyler to leave. “Naming is your job, Red.”

  The dog rolled over, and Kimber patted her gray belly. “I can’t tell what she is. Part border collie? But the gray—”

  The pooch got up and shook sand from her stormy gray and white coat. “Looks a little like one. We have a couple on the ranch. She’s mixed though.”

  

  “I’ll have a name for her by time I see you for dinner tonight. Do either you or Tyler have any food allergies?” She got a dumbfounded look from Zach.

  “The reason I ask is because I’m allergic to turmeric. Weird, I know. I don’t know anyone else allergic to it. It can be a problem, but I carry an auto-injector with me.”

  Zach blinked. His Adams apple got stuck trying to swallow, it seemed. He chewed at a corner of his bottom lip, snapped his fingers and pointed at her. Then he closed his hand, bringing it to his chest.

  She repeated, “Do you or Tyler have food allergies?”

  He cleared his throat, came closer then lowered his gaze to her lips. His eyes flicked back to hers. Usually, his dreamy orbs sparkled in the sunlight, but not now. They darkened like grass in an oil spill. Tyler headed toward them.

  “Zach?” She asked again, nervous now due to his menacing glare, and she wished to be somewhere else. On the other side of the planet would work. Had he figured it out?

  “Uh uh.” Zach crouched and lifted the dog, squeezing her in a gentle hug.

  She looked small in Zach’s strong arms. Kimber stroked her fur, but Zach fell back a step. “Thank you for this. I’ll take good care of her for you.”

  His voice changed to a somber tone. “There might be something in the tack room to tie around her neck and a rope to keep her from running off until she gets to know you.”

  “I hope she’s housebroken.”

  “I’m positive she is.” Zach carried the dog with him. He glanced back at her with a frown, then he and Tyler entered the tack room.

  Kimber trembled as he walked away. She folded her arms, squeezing them. Something happened. A wrinkle interrupted their… Their what? Their working relationship that finally worked for a short time? The fact he was kind to the dog said something about him, but his instant melancholy veneer said the opposite.

  She rushed to her bedroom to dress for the day. She’d love to have a new dress to wear tonight, but now dinner was the last thing she wanted. Tonight, she wanted to be alone, but dammit, she’d blurted out the invitation. She couldn’t back out. This business meeting was her future. Hurriedly, she put in her contacts so he didn’t have to stare at her blue eyes any longer when he brought the dog up to the house.

  

  My dog Kasha is on the cover of Whispers of Forever. I suppose the other books in this series will have to have a dog, too.  🙂  ❤

  If you made it this far, thanks for reading.

  Posted in #AmWriting, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series | 4 Comments | Tagged #Cowboy series, #WhatToRead, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, dogs, Dogs in books, Finding Kimber, full-length novel, mary j mccoy dressel, Romance, series romance, Snippet, Snippet: Finding Kimber: An Unexpected Encounter, western romance

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