Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance
  • Welcome
  • Blog
  • Mailing List Sign Up
  • Contact Mary
  • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
  • Holiday Novella
  • Two-Five Ranch Outlaws
  • Double Dutch Ranch
  • Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love
    • Visit Canyon Junction
  • Bull Rider Series
    • Bull Rider Series Boxed Set
  • Coloring Book
  • Works in Progress
  • Reading Order
  • Meet Our Heroines
  • Character Family Connections
  • About
  • Seasoned with Destiny: A Gift of Love
  • Tag: Seasoned Romance

    • Short Snippet Saturday: Firstborn

      Posted at 7:24 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 17, 2020

      Howdy! Welcome to another Short Snippet Saturday post. Sure has been a while, huh? Finally, something different from my #WordlessWednesday posts of late.  Here’s a snippet from my upcoming release.

      I titled this snippet Firstborn. Today is my firstborn child’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Chris! It finally happened. He’s now older than me. 😀  Below, Judy mentions her firstborn. When I began this series, I didn’t know her secret until later on in the series.

      Judy has two men interested in her. Which one will she choose?

      This snippet features our ranch matriarch Judy Carlson. She’s leaving the home of one of the men after a pleasant sunset walk together. However, before leaving, he revealed information she didn’t want to know. She’s disheartened on her lonely ride home. I changed one of the lines to avoid spoilers.


      “Get home safely.”

      It had been her intention. Her shoulders shook due to the uncanny chill that had passed over her. She drove away. No, no, no. She couldn’t deal with his issue. Bill. Why’d you have to die on me? Tears slipped from her eyes, but she cowgirl’d up and swept them away. Grown women didn’t cry. No matter how much she swiped, they continued to fall.

      Judy started the CD, turned up the volume, and blasted Alan Jackson’s tunes. “Chasing That Neon Rainbow” came on at the perfect moment. Thank you, Bill, darlin’. Time flew by too damn fast for her. All she wanted to think about now was the happiest moments with her Bill. Their wedding day, the birth of their boys, and buying the Double Dutch.

      How handsome and gallant a young man Bill had been standing at the alter in a rented suit, his blue eyes twinkling in the little church near their college campus. He wore his dark hair on the longer side, kind of how Jase wore his now. How the two of them had said I do. Eight months later, their firstborn had arrived in the world. They knew how it looked, but Jase had been born a month early. That was her story, and she stuck to it to this day.

      She took the long way home to allow for a good cry because she couldn’t deny, grown women did cry. By the time she’d arrive home, her eyes would’ve lost the redness surely to be there. At the Double Dutch, one never knew which family member would be at her home. Tristan could be in one of the barns doing his own evening chores.


      This is book #5 in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight. See the other books in the series at this LINK.

      Begin the series with Book One now.

      Stay safe and well. Thanks for reading.

      Sunset image: rauschenberger at Pixabay. Judy in a field of flowers: Created by me at PicMonkey – Image from PicMonkey.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 2 Comments | Tagged Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Seasoned Romance, senior citizen, western fiction
    • 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
      Book Hooks Blog Hop banner used as featured image on Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books Book Hooks Blog Post

      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.

      Book Hooks Blog Hop banner used as featured image on Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books Book Hooks Blog Post

      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
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Moving On ~ Our Ranch Mom Makes A Decision

      Posted at 10:00 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 11, 2020
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Howdy! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas or holiday that you celebrate and a Happy New Year. Welcome 2020! 🎉

      “You’re off to Great Places!
      Today is your day!
      Your mountain is waiting,
      So… get on your way!”
      ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!


      Here’s a rare short snippet from a work in progress. I’ve lived with these characters for eight books now. Three of those are from the spin off series books. Nine, if we count Judy’s presence in Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude–the Bull Rider Series–a crossover book where she and Jase visit her sister-in-law, Dolly for the holidays.

      Today, I’m featuring our ranch matriarch Judy Carlson. The book is finished and ready to go to the editor depending on her schedule. Oh, it has a title I love!

      Judy has pined for her husband Bill since the day she’d lost him, so moving on wasn’t part of her life’s agenda. However, one of my favorite parts in this book is when Judy makes a particular decision.

      I say one of my favorite parts, but there are lots more.

      She had many to make in the book. Indeed, I once had to make the same decision and some others that Judy had to make.

      It’s been a long time coming, so those of you who are waiting patiently, please hang in there a while longer.

      Snippet:

      In her bedroom, she sat at the vanity and peered into the oval mirror. Hadn’t she done this a lot lately? This time, she opened her worn wooden jewelry box with the rose inlay on the top, given to her by her grandmother. The creaky hinge evoked memories of her. She removed the gold band from her finger and peered at the empty spot—the tan line a reminder—on her hand. Judy sighed as she sought a name for the emotions washing over her. Sadness. Gladness.

      Bittersweet tears welled in her eyes as she recognized contentment over her decisions of late. She gently lowered the band into its faded white cushioned spot. She smiled, closed the lid on the box, again with the squeaky hinge, and tucked it into the bottom drawer. Judy laid her hand over the box a moment before closing it in and out of sight. Staring at herself in the mirror, she whispered, “It’s a new day.”

      I can relate to Judy in many ways. I’ve been through some roller coaster emotions of my own while writing Book Five. Like Judy, I wanted my grown boys to approve of me remarrying. Neither my boys nor I had to deal with most of what Judy had/has to deal with–one is choosing the right man out of two.

      You didn’t think I’d give my ranch mom and easy time of it, did you? I’ve apologized to her a few times.

      I know if my situation was the same, my boys would’ve jumped in like Tristan, Jase, and Dane. I do remember my youngest son stepping in and asking me to ask myself a question before I said “I do” the second time. In addition, he asked several times if I was sure.

      Judy’s guy: Showing more of the picture would give too much away for readers of the series. In real life, the model is a personal trainer, so you know I had to run with that in the book. Judy didn’t mind a bit. 💕

       

      Book character Portrayal.

      Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, Western romance, book heroine, mary j mccoy dressel books

      My vision of Judy Carlson. Character Portrayal is not to be confused with the real model.

       

      Thanks for stopping by today. Sorry my jibber-jabber is longer than the excerpt.

       

       

       

       

       

      I’m praying we’ll get through this mess of a storm coming my way this weekend. You know it’s going to be bad when your energy company sends an announcement about being prepared and how they are gearing up, not if, but when, power lines are down all over. Ekk!

      Enjoy yours.


      Image credits-

      Judy: Dreamstime

      Jewelry Box: Pixabay Public Domain Pictures

      Judy’s guy. I personally purchased the image from a cover model.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Seasoned Romance | 15 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Romance, Seasoned Romance, Short Snippet Saturday: Moving On ~ Our Ranch Mom Makes A Decision, western romance
    • Seasoned Romance: Young at Heart Heroes and Heroines

      Posted at 11:54 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 26, 2019
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Seasoned Romance Blog Post, senior couple, beach, man drawing a heart in the sand with a stick

      TODAY I’M POSTING something completely different from a regular Friday post. Writing books—romance books—featuring mature couples because I have a book coming up with a mature heroine. I suggest pouring a beverage if you plan to stick around. This is long. I wrote this post at least a month ago to fill in for a Friday post. Today is the day.

      When I say “couple” as female and male in this post or on my blog, I do so because it is what I write so it fits my blog. We all know romance and falling in love can happen to anyone and everyone no matter who you love.

      I’ve been researching the genre called Seasoned Romance. Here’s an example.

      Some websites write that the characters in this genre/sub-genre are over forty and up. Some even say thirties.

      If thirty is the case, all of my books are Seasoned Romances because none of my main characters have been under thirty except for Natale in Christmas at Love House, A Bittersweet Interlude.

      She isn’t really a main character but an important secondary character because the story is partially about her too.

      Now, at this point in my multiple series, the heroines and heroes are in their mid-thirties and beyond. My brand-new upcoming series hero in book one is forty. His sister is older than him by two years. There are three younger brothers.

      In searching Amazon, numerous books came up under Seasoned Romance. I noticed some “sponsored products” or “advertised products” showed a short description specifying the main characters as forty in those books.

      I guess I write seasoned romance. Who knew? Ha-ha.

      I’m mentioning this because my upcoming heroine is in her sixty’s. That’s right Double Dutch Ranch readers. Through the progress of the series, Judy Carlson has slipped into a new decade and a few years beyond. She’s far from old. To avoid the idea that she may be lonely, she distracts herself with her grandkids, the horses, and the ranch because she still pines for her first love, Bill Carlson.

      Nonetheless, Judy discovers much about herself while rediscovering what she’s missed for well over a decade. This lady is not beyond eyeing a hard body, or a worn ranch foreman’s strong arms from tossing bales of hay for a lifetime, or sexy eyes on a distinguished looking man with salt and pepper hair.

      My goodness, she isn’t dead! Once accepting it, she’s thrilled about her new internal and external revelations.

      My debacle is in questioning whether I can call this book a Seasoned Romance because my cowboys get a say throughout the story in their POVs.

      I can’t write her story, this story, without letting her family talk and share their own thoughts, and they have many. It’s because of their ages and their role in the story, that made me think I couldn’t call this book a Seasoned Romance.

      Research has told me it’s okay.

      This one is about Judy as the main character, but they all have their own little stories with updates about their lives going on—in their words.

      However, I don’t consider my other books to be Seasoned Romance and haven’t promoted them as such. Maybe I should.

      A year ago or more, when I mentioned writing this book to a woman some years younger than me, but still a senior, she told me she could never read about an older couple and especially an older couple having sex, so she wouldn’t buy a book in my character’s age group—my sixty-some-year-old heroine. She’s an author of steamy romance, so she isn’t against reading or writing love scenes, but this thing called Seasoned Romance would not appeal to her. I bet she isn’t alone in her thinking.

      Let me tell you…

      Like Judy, I had become a dating senior woman with two men younger than me, and then I became a wife. Honey, I’m not dead or blind, either.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Seasoned Romance Blog, writing in the sand Marry Me?

      No, I didn’t date them at the same time! One relationship lasted for five years. The other one I married six months after meeting. I’ve lived through my own seasoned romances.

      Regroup. Ah, there we go…

      I can’t speak for all, but women in Judy’s age group and older, still crave passion and desire and have a lot to give in that department. Match that up with a lifetime of experience while still having the ability to keep on learning. I learned some new things. Whew! We’ll stop there.

      I hope this leaves you–dear Double Dutch Ranch reader and new readers–curious as to how I handled sensuality in the book—referring to Judy, of course. I wondered how I’d write it too. Once I followed the characters wants and needs, I had no problem.

      Her sons are still hot-blooded-sexy and their heroines are sexual and sensual even in their late thirties and forties. This doesn’t change in my upcoming book within their POVs. I can’t believe I said “even” in their late thirties and forties. To me, that age group is not…uh, um…for lack of a better word, senior.

      I use the words steamy, sexy, sexual, and sensual, but I don’t write erotic romance.

      To some, my books are more sensual than they’d like. To others, it isn’t enough. So, I write what is right for me and my characters.

      Most of you following my blog don’t read romance, or my romance, I should say. For those of you who do read romance whether sweet, steamy, or anything in between, would you read a romance about a couple in their sixties and beyond? Maybe, like me, you wouldn’t know until you read one.

      Sand Writing I love you, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, seasoned romance blog post,

       

      Any thoughts?

      Yes, even though I do LOVE COWBOYS and the whole western environment, I’ll read other books. Most of my Kindle and iPad books are western unless I have purchased books by fellow author friends who write different genres of contemporary romance.

      I, as a writer, still need to slip into other worlds now and then.

      At the time I read those books, I never gave a thought to writing a seasoned romance until readers asked me to write about older couples. It wasn’t called seasoned then. Maybe mature romance? Unfortunately, in a search for mature romance, what came up wasn’t what I had expected. <eye roll>

      You might find this website interesting. It features Author Nan Reinhardt. Is Seasoned Romance a Real Thing? Coincidentally, Jacquie Biggar, hosted Nan Reinhardt on her blog today.

      I have read a couple of Nan Reinhardt’s books and thoroughly enjoyed them.

      A couple of the authors at these links might be members of Marketing for Romance Writers group, but we’ve never corresponded. I came across these links while searching the topic of seasoned romance and recognized names, but I didn’t post the links because of recognizing them, but because it gave you a couple sites to take a peek at if you’re curious. Maybe you’ll take a chance on reading a seasoned romance with mature couples.

      Maybe when Judy’s book comes out, you’ll take a chance on reading one of mine.

      UPDATE: The two books mentioned in this post are now published and can be found on their own pages by clicking the LINK below. Judy’s book will be available this spring 2020.

      Find information about Judy’s upcoming book on the Double Dutch Ranch Series Page.

      New:

      Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart, #1

      Single Title Holiday: Secret Santa’s Rundown Sleigh: A Holiday Romance Novella.

       

      Thanks for sitting through this. Enjoy your weekend. 💙

       

       

      Images from Pixabay.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Seasoned Romance | 6 Comments | Tagged Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Seasoned Romance, Seasoned Romance: Young at Heart Heroes and Heroines, works in progress
    • This Site is Not Intended for Children Under the Age of 13.

    • COPYRIGHT 2007 – 2021 by Mary J. Dressel All Rights Reserved

    • New Release

      romance novel, seasoned romance, promo graphic, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
    • Search this Sight

    • THANK YOU READERS!

      I appreciate your support.
    • Sign up for Mary’s Newsletter. Powered by MailChimp.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, mailing list
    • Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, adult coloring book,
      Coloring Book
      Double Dutch Ranch #1
      Double Dutch Ranch #1
      Heartbreak's Reward, Mary J McCoy-Dressel
      #2
      Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Blog post snippet
      #3
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance, book cover, cowboy, barn, two horses
      #4
      new release Seasoned with Destiny: A Gift of Love Book #5, Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, book announcement on Series page
      #5
      New Release, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, western romance, small town romance, first love. second chances
      Spin Off Series #1
      #3
      #3
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Secret Santa's Rundown Sleigh A holiday romance novella, New Release, Book Cover man and woman embraced at dark with snow falling, blog post Mighty Mac the Mackinac Bridge
      Single Title
      #1 Two-Five Ranch Outlaws
      #1 Two-Five Ranch Outlaws
      Bull Rider #1
      Bull Rider #1
      #2
      #2
      #3
      #3
      #2
      #2
    • Social Media

      • Facebook
      • Twitter
    • Top Posts & Pages

      • Short Snippet Saturday: On the Run
        Short Snippet Saturday: On the Run
      • Welcome Hi, I'm glad you found your way here where…
        Welcome Hi, I'm glad you found your way here where…
      • Short Snippet Saturday: Guest Debra Andrews Stops by with One of Her Dangerous Millionaires
        Short Snippet Saturday: Guest Debra Andrews Stops by with One of Her Dangerous Millionaires
      • Top 10 Herding Dog Breeds for Active Families
        Top 10 Herding Dog Breeds for Active Families
    • Featuring Cade & Faith

    • Follow Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance on WordPress.com
    • Privacy Policy

      Terms of Use

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

    • Follow on BOOKBUB

    • © Mary J. Dressel, Author Mary J. McCoy-Dressel and Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books 2007 – 2021. All Rights Reserved.

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

      Read additional Terms of Use.

    • Terms of Use & Privacy Policy

      Terms of Use

      Privacy Policy

       

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

      Join 6,398 other followers

    • Website Last Updated April 15, 2021

    • 2021 Monthly Blog Hop

    • 2021 Book Hooks

    • Blogroll

      • a) Professional Bull Riders (PBR)
      • Apache Trail
      • Automattic Inc.
      • Chicago Manual of Style
      • Marketing for Romance Writers Blog MFRW
      • Military Working Dogs: Facebook
      • Romance Writers of America
      • South Mountail Park Stables
      • Suguaro Lake in Arizona
      • Superstition 1 Arizona State Parks, Lost Dutchman State Park
      • Superstition 2 Superstition Mountain
      • Superstition 3 Apache Junction Public Library
      • Superstition 4 Welcome to the Superstition Wilderness Trails
      • Superstition 5 Superstition Search & Rescue
      • Superstition 6 Hiking Flatiron
      • Superstition Mountain Trail Rides
      • The Writer's Forensic Blog by D.P. Lyle, MD
      • Tonto National Forest, Arizona
      • United States Army 75th Ranger Regiment
      • United States Army Rangers
      • WordPress.org
    • Follow Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance on WordPress.com
    • Night Owl Reviews Top Pick Review, Howdy, Ma'am, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance author
    • mary j mccoy-dressel, western romance
    • Meta

      • Register
      • Log in
      • Entries feed
      • Comments feed
      • WordPress.com
    • Follow Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance on WordPress.com
    • Social Media

      • Facebook
      • Twitter
    • Mary’s Publishing Imprint

  • © COPYRIGHT 2007 – 2021 by Mary J. Dressel ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  • MENU

    • Welcome
    • Blog
    • Mailing List Sign Up
    • Contact Mary
    • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    • Holiday Novella
    • Two-Five Ranch Outlaws
    • Double Dutch Ranch
    • Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love
      • Visit Canyon Junction
    • Bull Rider Series
      • Bull Rider Series Boxed Set
    • Coloring Book
    • Works in Progress
    • Reading Order
    • Meet Our Heroines
    • Character Family Connections
    • About
    • Seasoned with Destiny: A Gift of Love
  • Click to Subscribe to Mary’s Newsletter. Powered by MailChimp.

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
  • Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Our Cookie Policy