Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
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  • Tag: series

    • Short Snippet Saturday: Heartbreak’s Reward

      Posted at 3:13 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 15, 2017
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      It’s been so long since I’ve done a Short Snippet Saturday post. Today I’m giving you an extended snippet from Heartbreak’s Reward. This is too long to call a snippet, but I hope you enjoy. Jase Carlson is one of my favorite heroes. We’re in his POV.  ❤

      Don’t laugh that I put this out on Friday. I got my days a little mixed up. LOL Or, maybe I hit the publish button at the wrong time. I’ll never tell.  🙂


      Set up: Jase and Brenna met about an hour and a half ago after a rocky introduction. Jase is more or less coerced by his mother into having coffee with Brenna. Judy is known for her matchmaking skills. (She’d like to think so.) Brenna had to get settled into a hotel. Wasn’t it nice of Jase to escort her to her room?  🙂 After all, the restaurant is in this hotel. Modified from the original.


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, heartbreak's reward

      He continued to wait. “What is taking her so long?” Jase mumbled under his breath, forgetting what it was like to wait on a woman. He headed that way but changed his mind. The door opened, and he glanced over his shoulder. She’d freshened her make-up, and her hair had been smoothed back. Gorgeous plump lips the color of a summer sunrise quirked in a smile. “Oh, hell.” He waited where he was and she came to him.

      “Thanks for waiting. It took longer than I expected.” She used her thumb to point back. “It’s a nice room. Shall we finally get coffee?” She stayed by his side all the way to the elevator, but took a step’s distance away from him while waiting for the door to open.

      He inhaled the scent of her perfume. “Yeah, finally. It’s a little late for coffee. How about a beer?” Jase peered into her blue eyes. “Sound okay?” He held his hands up. “You can trust me. If any man ever meant it, I do.”

      “Somehow, I believe you’re telling the truth. I did want to sleep tonight and coffee would kick my ass to wide awake.”

      “A teacher who swears?” It sounded kind of cool to him.

      “Well, not in school. I’m on summer vacation.” She laughed. “Once I walk through those doors, I leave the swearing to the students, the bigger ones that is. Yes, I worked in middle school, too.”

      “Yeah, they have a mouth these days. I’d take my kids behind the barn and whip their backside.” Jase waited to see her reaction. He chuckled inwardly when it was exactly what he expected. “You believe me? I don’t touch my kids that way, ma’am, but I had to say it. Sometimes I can’t control what I say to get a pretty girl’s attention. Right now I wish I could touch them any way… Wait, that didn’t sound right either.”

      “I must warn you that isn’t the appropriate thing to tell a teacher. We have to turn in anything we suspect…”

      When the elevator opened, he held the door and motioned for her to go ahead. There was a couple on with them, and they all held their conversations. They stood outside the elevator door when they got off. “Guess I have to hope you knew I was joking.” Jase removed his hat. In an erratic move, he shoved fingers through his hair. “What I meant was, I’d like to have them near so I could hug them, kiss them good night like I used to.” He gazed into her eyes, not knowing where that all came from.

      She straightened the purse strap on her shoulder. “How many kids do you have?”

      He guessed she only heard what she wanted. He had told her earlier he had two kids. Why did he start this? Dammit, he should be home checking the computer, searching for his kids, not standing here with some hottie he’d just met. “Ah, Brenna, I’ll…ah, head on home.” He pointed toward the left of the desk. “The restaurant’s down the hall there.”

      She opened her purse and removed her wallet. “Then I must pay you at least for the gas, but I’d like to give you something more for your help. Lord knows what might’ve happened if you hadn’t shown up.”

      “Another good-lookin’ cowboy would’ve come by, ma’am. We have a slew of them around here.” He removed his hat again and held it against his chest. “Well, not as good as me and my little brothers but still good enough.” He shook his head. “There I go again. I had hoped you’d crack a smile at least. I was only joking.”

      “Tell me, is this something you do often?”

      “Well, yeah. No.” He peered down the hallway. “Not something I’ve done in a long time.” He took keys from his pocket. “You’ll be okay now. If you need to call the dealership tomorrow, you should find it in the phone book in your suite.” Jase sauntered over to the desk and wrote down his phone number. He went back to Brenna and handed it to her. “If you get stuck and need some help, or directions…give me a call.” He put on his hat then shifted it to the back of his head. “Glad I could help.” He turned to walk off.

      “No, Jase.”

      Stopping, he sighed before glancing over his shoulder. “No, what?”

      “No, I won’t ask you for help again.” She walked toward him. “You didn’t let me pay you for this offer of help. I’m grateful you stopped.”

      The woman looked so fantastic standing there in dark denim jeans on long legs. Her height must’ve been at least five-foot nine. Not to mention the sexy blouse, hugging her curves, and she had magnificent curves. Dammit. He headed back to her. “Let’s get a beer, maybe a burger. Buy if you insist.” Like he’d let that happen.

      western romance by Mary J McCoy-DresselJase took her hand and led her in the direction of the restaurant, but he released it almost immediately. Not that he wouldn’t have minded holding it longer. He took a big smell of her perfume…shuddered. The door from the hotel was blocked. He glanced her way and shook his head. “I don’t know what’s going on. Normally, you can walk through here.”

      Brenna folded her arms across her chest. “You make a habit out of coming here?”

      “What? No!” What’s with her questions? “I’ve lived here for nine years and have reasons to come sometimes. Not for what you may be thinking.” He took a step until he stood inches away from her, narrowed his eyes, and peered into hers. “I have a house with a nice bedroom and comfortable bed. If I need what you’re referring to, that’s where I go, not a hotel where the whole damn town can see what I’m doin’. You understand, Brenna?”

      Brenna cast her gaze to the floor but glanced right back at him and made serious eye contact. She lifted her chin and narrowed her eyes. “I definitely understand. Now I need a cold beer.”

      He took her hand and led the way to the parking lot. Sonofabitch. He liked her.

      “How about slowing it down? I’m wearing heels.”

      Jase stopped when they got to her car. “Get yourself a pair of cowboy boots. There’s a western store in Canyon Junction. They’ll look good on you.”

      She rolled her eyes and huffed out a sigh.

      “Look, all you have to do is follow me around the parking lot, and we’ll run right into the restaurant entrance.” He held the car door when she unlocked it.

      Brenna sat behind the wheel and peered up at him. “Ride with me.”

      Ride with her? He took a step back. “How do I know you aren’t a serial killer?” There he went again blurting out something inappropriate.

      “You don’t,” she remarked, moving her head into a defiant tilt.

      He headed to the other side and grabbed hold of the door handle, but it was locked. He leaned over and peered through the window, taking a deep breath.

      She lowered the window an inch. “You’re going with me now?”

      Jase stomped around the back of the car and to her side again. He raised his hands, agitated. “What the hell?”

      “I’m sorry, the door is unlocked now.”

      “Brenna, I detect a little mischief in those cat eyes. Am I going in your vehicle or not?”

      “If you trust me,” she said, followed by a snicker.

      “Well, that’s debatable, and I don’t know if I can trust you. Keep in mind I have a .357 on my side.” He attempted to close her door.

      “Wait. You have a pistol on your hip?”

      “It’s common here.” He crossed his arms. “Do you have an issue with this? I didn’t have to tell you.”

      sensual western romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      “No issue here. Shooting is my hobby.” Brenna got out of her vehicle and clicked the lock. “Let’s ride in your big ass truck, cowboy.”

       

       

       


      Heartbreak’s Reward is Book Two in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight. Jase is first introduced in Cowboy Boss and his Destiny.

      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. Harboring a bad attitude, he wishes he wasn’t a gentleman when he comes to the aid of a hot-headed, 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. If only he can remember that when he holds her in his arms.

      Brenna Page has too many of her own issues to deal with at the moment. Not to mention being guardian to her rebellious sixteen-year-old sister, and both of them are living with painful memories. The last thing she needs is a grudge-filled cowboy interfering in her life…but his intense blue eyes and muscles to-die-for, say something she’s never heard before.

      One Wrong Turn. Two broken families. Brought together by chance…and need.

      Red pickup credit: © Nerthuz | Dreamstime. Mustang: © Raytags | Dreamstime.com

      Posted in #AmWriting, Heartbreak's Reward, Short Snippet Saturday | 6 Comments | Tagged contemporary romance, cowboys, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, Full Length Novel, Heartbreak's Reward, mary j mccoy dressel, ranchers, series, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance
    • #AmWriting This and That and a Short Snippet Saturday Peek~ Plus A Spring Fling Contest!

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

      Hello to you all. It’s the weekend!

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance

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

       


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

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


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

      western romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

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

      western romance, contemporary romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      End of Excerpt. Thanks for reading.


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

      Western Romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

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

       

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Short Snippet Saturday | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, bull rider series, Contemporary #western romance series, Cowboy Romance Series, Double Dutch Ranch, Full Length Novel, Heartbreak's Reward, hero, Lassoing the Last Dance, Mary J McCoy-Dresel, sensual western romance, series, Short Snippet Saturday, The Kindle Book Review Spring Fling, western romance
    • My Secondary Book Characters Evolve From One Book To The Next In A Series

      Posted at 1:12 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 7, 2017

      Last week I didn’t write a Short Snippet Saturday Post. Instead, I’m giving you a little information about my hero and heroine in my next book—Lassoing the Last Dance—Randy Drake and Roxanne Connor. You will also find details about secondary characters in the Double Dutch Ranch and Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series.

      Readers of the series met these people in previous books. Upcoming hero Randy has been around since book one. So has Roxanne who appeared in Cowboy Boss and his Destiny where she came face to face with Randy and wow did sparks fly.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, Lassoing the Last Dance

      Our Hero:

      Randy Drake started out in a small role as one of Tristan’s ranch hands, but as the series evolved, so did Randy. Readers, you might remember he appeared at Judy’s Thanksgiving dinner in Cowboy Boss and his Destiny. Since I knew he’d have his own book one day, I made sure to mention his name, or to have him make an appearance in each book in the series. He has a non-working ranch bordering the Double Dutch—the Circle D Ranch. Many ranchers around the area depend on him to train their horses. The Carlson’s have a lot of respect for him, and he says, “If I didn’t see my birth certificate, I’d swear I was a Carlson.”

      His buddy calls him a horse whisperer. I wouldn’t go that far, but if Zach Bryson wants to brag on him, fine. They’re best friend and former soldiers. You’ll meet Zach in Lassoing the Last Dance, but he has his own book in Finding Kimber, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series #2, the spin off to the Double Dutch Ranch Series. (I hope y’all are reading the new series.)

      Secondary Characters With Big Roles:

      mary j mccoy-dressel, western series romanceAnother secondary character in my series is Rob Adams. Rob appears in each and every book, and he has already evolved. He’s a bartender in Canyon Junction, and an MC who does parties, weddings, and proms. What is his future in the series? I’m not sure yet.

      Regular series readers love to see how the characters have grown from one book to the next and to find out what is new in their lives, for example: Are there babies? Are they still happy? What’s new in their lives? I like to keep them updated about the heroes and heroines from previous books and also the secondary characters. Sure, this gives away details about previous books, but I realize that readers don’t always read in order. I can’t hold back what needs to be told in the book I’m working on.

      In Whispers of Forever, Wade Emory is an important secondary character. His name was first mentioned in Of the Cowboy’s Own Accord as Dane Carlson’s best friend. No one knew he worked for Jake Lawton at the JL Ranch until Whispers of Forever came out. Will Wade get his own book? Shrugging. I can’t tell all my secrets.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      Sheriff Leon Thompson is another secondary character who appears in each book. Don’t count on him getting a book of his own. He’s happy doing exactly what he’s doing. Feel free to check out Visit Canyon Junction for a bit more on the town. The page is a work in progress.

      And then we have Davy, a ranch hand who gets around to most of the books, if not all of them. Nowadays you won’t find Davy without Chloe, the former teen brat. Anyone remember Lacy, or Beth’s best friend, Lily? I would say they’re minor characters but were necessary in the book they were in. My character profile sheet has grown.

      I love when I create a character, or they create themselves, and their personality and character grow in my mind. Sometimes readers contact me to say they want to see so-and-so get their own book. Oh, so much to write and so little time. I want to please y’all, but I can only write so fast. As it is, friends and family yell at me to get off my computer and to get a life. If they only knew the joy I get from writing.

      Sometimes Randy calls her Foxy Rox.  😉

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, series romance

      #4

      On to Our Heroine:

      Roxanne Conner is Nora Trinity’s best friend. They’ve been friends since childhood, but like Nora, Roxanne moved away from Canyon Junction when she completed high school. Regardless, home is home, and eventually, they both returned. She is first introduced in Cowboy Boss and his Destiny and Nora explains how Roxanne and her dad once helped Nora out of a bad situation. I planned on Roxanne and Randy being a hero and heroine of book four way back in Cowboy Boss and his Destiny.

      Book #5 is coming in Spring 2020. Series to date:

      Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sightdd-ranch-series-5-books


      Thanks for reading. Have a glorious day.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Double Dutch Ranch Series | 4 Comments | Tagged Book Characters Growth, cowboy, Lassoing the Last Dance, mary j mccoy dressel, secondary book characters, Secondary Characters in a Series, series, small town romance, western romance series, western romnace
    • Short Snippet Saturday & National Drink Wine Day!

      Posted at 3:08 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 18, 2017

      western romance, contemporary romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      Greetings! It has been eons since I’ve done a snippet on Saturday. Well, this headline is fitting in two ways. For today’s snippet, I planned on doing an excerpt from Dane’s book because I have two promos going on. One at Bargain Booksy and one at Robin Reads. And, the book is on sale! The book sits at #16 right now in Contemporary Western Fiction at Amazon. Wahoo.

      mary j mccoy-dressel, western romance

      Another reason Dane’s book is fitting is because it’s National Drink Wine Day. Gracelyn, the heroine in this book, is a Guild Wine Master. Cheers!

      Today my snippet comes to you in the form of a graphic. I checked to see if I posted this before, and I didn’t find it in my search. My apologies if you did read this in a previous post or my newsletter. Settle back with your favorite wine and sip as you read.

       


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      Gracelyn enters at the perfect time. She thinks she’s pulling a fast one over on Dane about her choice of wine. Sometimes Dane speaks before he thinks. A couple more beers at this meeting with Gracelyn, he might’ve said more. Yes, he’s drinking beer after his flight to Ft. Benning is delayed. Delayed all right. Delayed until the next day. Need I say more?   ❤ ❤

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romanceThem song for this book: “Once in a Lifetime” by Clay Walker.


      I have an opened bottle of Prosecco, a sparkling wine, for later. If you drink wine, do you have a favorite you’d like to recommend? Remember– “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.” Salute!

      I appreciate your visit today. Thanks for taking the time.

      Posted in Double Dutch Ranch Series, Of the Cowboy's Own Accord, Short Snippet Saturday | 4 Comments | Tagged #NationalDrinkWineDay, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series, Full Length Novel, iBooks, Kindle, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Nook, novel, Of the Cowboy's Own Accord, Sale, series, small town romance, western romance
    • Tuesday Inspiration for the Muse: Friends & Promo, Oh, My! #RLFblog

      Posted at 3:27 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on November 29, 2016

      Hi, Folks! Not long ago, Jacquie Biggar shared my book, Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude. The other day, she shared my newest release, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas. Well, to me, this is Inspiration for my Muse. Thanks again, Jacquie!

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books

      Hop on over to visit Jacquie and see what she has up on her site today. My book was shared on Thanksgiving Day, but I didn’t want to bother y’all with promo on that day. Jacquie is a U.S.A. Today Best-selling Author. Jacquie has a lot of her own work in book bundles with other fantastic authors, plus, she writes novels. She writes Romantic Suspense with Attitude. You go girl!

      Marketing For Romance Writers.org, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romanceI’ve been cyber-traveling! Today I’m over at Romance Lives Forever Blog. This blog was created by Kayelle Allen, who is the founder of Marketing For Romance Writers.org. I think I’ll be here on December 3rd, too, but I’m not sure if that is an error.

      Yep, you got it. Today at #RLFblog I’m showcasing the same book. I wouldn’t mind having you visit. You can see who my favorite book hero is. Not my own, darn it.   🙂 Oooh, but I probably couldn’t choose my own. It was hard enough to choose another one. Guess what? He isn’t a cowboy! But, he probably ended up with a cowboy hat sooner or later.

      I won this award once when I was a guest at Romance Lives Forever. Last month I had a mention as one of the top five bloggers of the month. Goodness, but I’ve done a lot of “tooting” my own horn today. I’m sorry.  I hope I don’t lose y’all for blabbing this much about myself. I embarrassed myself. *grin*

      RLFgemsAward

      Thanks for visiting. Check out the links because Jacquie, and the Romance Lives Forever Blog, share tons of books on their sites.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas | 8 Comments | Tagged #MFRWauthor, #WritersLife, contemporary western romance, Guest spot, Jacquie Biggar, Marketing for Romance Writers org, New Release, Romance, Romance Lives Forever Blog, series, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas
    • #AmWriting Short Snippet Saturday: The Old Red Barn

      Posted at 9:31 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on November 26, 2016

       

      western romance, contemporary romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      Look what I’m back with on Saturday! I know it’s been a long time. Today I bring you a snippet from © Whispers of Forever. Of course, right?   ❤️


      From Chapter Four: (slightly modified)

      With everything fine at home, Beth got in her car and drove the same way she used to drive once she got her license. Outside his ranch, she studied the signposts that led up the driveway. Stretched across the top in large lettering, it said: JL Ranch atop a smaller sign that read Lawton Ranching Supplies. He used to talk about leaving this small town and never coming back. She was proud that he stayed and made a name for himself. Jake had always had the drive to succeed. Dust hadn’t yet settled on the road. Maybe he had arrived this minute himself.

      Driving up the road, she was amazed at what he had done. He took an old house and made it appear brand new—even the front facing had been redone, plus he’d added a large porch. A lump caught in her throat. As she glanced to the right, there sat a small barn, but through a clearing between that and the main house, she spotted the old, red barn—the paint no longer faded. Her throat tightened, trying to push a lump down. “He kept it.”

      mary j mccoy-dressel, western romanceThe front door opened. Jake pushed the screen then skipped down the steps to her car. “Beth. Wow. What are you doing here? I mean, I’m glad you’re here, but… You found my place.” He turned to look back at the house.

      What had she been thinking? She lifted her palms to her cheeks. “I’m sorry I should’ve called.”

      “No, well, my wife is leaving later tonight, and she came to see Trace. The last farewell for a while so to speak, I guess. The boyfriend is waiting for her at her condo. They’re flying out in his little piss-ass plane.” Jake backed up, and his hands sliced through the air. “I can’t believe she actually took my son up in it. I’m sorry, that got away from me. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all while behaving like a sane person instead of a maniac.”

      “Trace?” She peered up into his puppy dog eyes and smiled, saying softly, “You named your son Trace?”

      Jake grinned. “You remembered. Yeah, I named my first kid Trace J. Just an initial. Sometimes I call him T.J.”

      “Of course I remember. The name we had picked out for our first…” She had to get out of there. He never forgot. “I’m leaving. Go have dinner.” Beth put her car in reverse.

      “Wait, Beth. Can you come back tonight?”

      “Umm, I don’t know.” Her heart beat as fast as baby bird wings flapped. Her palms sweat. “I don’t know. I’ll call first if I do.”

      “That’s not necessary.” Jake put his hand on her shoulder. “Come back tonight. I’d love to talk—spend some time…” He backed away as she removed her foot from the brake. “I never forgot us, Beth.”

      Omigod. Omigod. “I’ll call you.” When she backed up, the screen door opened, and his son came out onto the porch. What a memory. It was like Jake had done the last day she had been here. Stop staring. Hit the gas pedal! He had stood there not wanting her to leave—his dad holding him back. But, now she was home. “Bye, Jake.” Tears burned in the back of her eyes. What had she started now? Longing for him only made the sight of him harder to bear.


      New Release, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, western romance, small town romance, first love. second chances

      Hey, Everybody! I hope you enjoyed the snippet, which is a little longer than my normal “short” snippets. This is from my brand-new release, which I recently  announced to the public. I personally love this scene, but I’ve been in Beth and Jake’s head and they’ve been in mine for over a year now, so I’m kind of sentimental. I hope the world is kind to them.   ❤

      All y’all enjoy your weekend.

      This song reminds me of my Jake and Beth. Writing the end of a book is bittersweet for me. I miss them. When I listen to this video, I smile because I know their story, and I’m sad because I know their story. (Country music ahead.)  🙂 Thanks for stopping by.


      Barn image credit: Pixabay

      Young couple image credit: © Nolte Lourens | Dreamstime.com (enhanced by me)

      Posted in #AmWriting, Excerpt, Short Snippet Saturday | 6 Comments | Tagged Christmas Romance, contemporary romance, first love, holiday, mary j mccoy dressel, Romance, romance series, Second Chances, series, western romance, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas
    • #CoverReveal Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas

      Posted at 4:50 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 6, 2016

      Available Now!

      Canyon Junction:  Hearts in Love Series

      Book #1

      First Love.

      Small Town Romance…

      Second Chances?

      What will stand in their way this time?

      Arizona, Goodreads, Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books, western romance


      A brand new spin off series. If you read the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight books, you’ve been to Canyon Junction. Come on back! This time you’ll get to know some of the residents who also live there.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, Hearts in Love Series,


      Models: Ben and Gezzilyn — Period Images

                  My dog, Kasha

      Design: DusktiDawn Designs

      Background: Dreamstime

      Posted in #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Cover Reveal | 4 Comments | Tagged Arizona, Canyon Junction, Cover Reveal, cowboy rancher, Double Dutch Ranch Series, first love, holiday, mary j mccoy dressel, Romance, Second Chances, series, western romance, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas
    • #AmWriting Meet the Heroine: Matriarch of the Double Dutch Ranch Series Books

      Posted at 2:04 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on September 17, 2016
      sunset sky, silhouette of cowgirl sitting, knee up, arm leaning over knee, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance Blog post Meet the Heroine series

      Updated: June 21, 2020.

      Judy Carlson is our Double Dutch Ranch mom. Years ago, her husband packed them up and moved to a rundown ranch in Arizona. She never once regretted it. She’s part of the reason the ranch is named the Double Dutch. Judy’s a strong, independent woman.


      Today, Judy is a grandmother. In fact, she stuck around the Double Dutch Ranch after her husband passed away to help Tristan raise Destiny from infancy. She’s crazy in love with all of her grandchildren.western romance, mary j mccoy dressel, double dutch ranch series: Love at First sight

      • Judy plays a guitar and sings country music with her band of lady friends. Character portrayal image. Not to be confused with the real person.

      It’s no secret Judy caters to her youngest son when he’s around, and her two oldest boys razz her and him about it. He’s an Army Ranger. Most of the time she has no idea where he is in the world. In her mind, it isn’t like she favors him more than the others, but it’s because she constantly worries about him. When he’s home, she wants to do what she can for him because once he goes back to base, she never knows if she’ll see him again.

      • No one likes this about her—she’s a matchmaker.
      • Everyone loves this about her: She’s cool and a good listener.
      • She’s the sister-in-law to Dolly McCutchen, our Bull Rider Series mom to Caulder. These books aren’t connected, but you may see a crossover with characters on a rare occasion. Like Christmas at Love House: A Bittersweet Interlude, Bull Rider Series #3.

      Did I mention she had a guy friend for a number of years? They met in book one but parted ways on good terms in book four. Is Judy ready for love again after more than a decade? HINT: In book five, Seasoned with Destiny: A Gift of Love, two men vie for her heart. Her boys are around to make sure she chooses the right man, whether she likes it or not.

      • Our ranch mom makes molasses cookies for the horses and Christmas cookies for everyone who “needs a cookie.”
      • She’s full of spunk and prefers to be the boss. Hmm, it seems three cowboys are the same way.

      She’ll take no lip from any of those boys who at times have given it to her. They aren’t too old to get a smack now and then!

      • She’ll be the one who gets the whole town together to pitch in to help anyone needing help from a funeral to a barn raising.

      It takes a while for her to trust women who attach themselves to her sons, but once she does, they’re automatically part of the family.

      She treats the ranch hands like family but has a soft spot for their ranch foreman Selva Rosado who’s been with them since before the ranch became a working ranch. They’re all welcome at her table any day of the week. So are you, so get to know the family.

      • She used to give riding lessons but still works with horses on the ranch, including those that are boarded at the Double Dutch. In book five, she has a donkey!
      • Judy likes the look of country in her kitchen and an occasional vintage piece here and there.
      • She likes the look of old things like wagon wheels, buckboard wagons, and homes, but don’t be confused… She is not old-fashioned in her thinking.
      • Judy claims that her life goal is to be the best mother-in-law she can be.
      • She’d give her life to protect her grandchildren if the need arose. Poor Judy may have to prove this one day.

      Judy Carlson’s likeness to date the way I see her, though she’s older than this actual model. Today, her hair is this length, but she has a touch of gray here and there.

      Book Character portrayal image. Not to be confused with the real person.

      *Judy Carlson, our ranch mom is a real heroine! She’s had to be strong but her heart is soft.   ❤

      Meet our other Heroines HERE.


      Thanks for stopping by today.

      Next, you’ll meet Beth Marconi from Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas.


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      Images: Pixabay. Dreamstime. Ranch Mom Image credit: Pixabay Photosforyou.

      *DISCLAIMER: Images depict fictitious book characters, and are not to be confused with the real person in the pictures.

      Posted in #AmWriting | 11 Comments | Tagged cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, mary j mccoy dressel, Meet the Heroine, Meet the Heroine: Matriarch of the Double Dutch Ranch, Romance, series, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Time to Live Again

      Posted at 8:25 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on May 29, 2016

      Short Snippet Saturday posts will be less frequent. I’ve decided to post to this theme no more than once a month.

      western romance, contemporary romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

      You’ll still see a snippet now and then, especially with a new book coming out. Today, I’m posting an excerpt from Howdy, Ma’am. This is book one of three in the Bull Rider Series. The books in this series have been revised more than once since publication. All the back matter had to be updated, too, so I took the opportunity to revise and hire a new editor.

      In fact, my newsletter is ready to be sent to subscribers, but I’ll wait until after Memorial Day. It’s never too late to get signed up to be notified of new releases and important book updates.


      For an overview of what Howdy, Ma’am is about, and to give you an idea of why Velia ended up in Tucson in this snippet, I’ll include the Blurb.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel books, brand-new Bull Rider Series Cover banner 2021, cowboys, western setting, snow

      Blurb

      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. 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 embraces 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?

      Just thinking of Howdy, Ma’am (The Bull Rider Series) makes me smile. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would be hard-pressed not to as a serious cowboy lover. Amazon Reviewer from Night Owl Reviews.


      Here we go:

      Velia waited in front of her new home while the movers unloaded file000695143241the last of her belongings. This place would be home for now. Home until she was ready to go back on the road with her camera. In a couple days, she would sign the lease on the small building in town to start her new photography business.

      Home, until her life began again.

      She tossed her hair over her shoulder and stepped out of her car. Removing sunglasses, her eyes narrowed against the bright Arizona sun. She swiped roseate-colored lipstick across her full lips and blotted them against each other. When the movers finished, she paid the balance with a money order. Glancing around at the dry desert environment, she took a deep breath and wiped sweat from her brow.

      She stomped sand from the bottom of her flats then took a step forward, stopping in front of the broken-down steps. With a mournful sigh, she whispered, “Home.” She placed her purse strap over her shoulder and looked to the second level. Standing straight, she pulled her shoulders back and headed inside, careful not to catch a toe in the cracks of the damaged steps.

      lady in beach silhouette during daytime photography

      Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

      Time to live again.

      When she went inside, Alice Smith, her landlady, met her at the door.

      “Please come and have some tea, dear, before you get started upstairs.” The elderly lady escorted Velia to the kitchen. “You try to get used to living here if you can. I hope a couple old fogies don’t bother you too much.”

      Velia gave a subtle smile. “I’m happy to be here.” This was peace. This was what she needed.


      Thank you for reading.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel Books, Western Romance

      Images: Pixabay

      Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 9 Comments | Tagged #Cowboy series, Arizona Sunset, bull rider series, contemporary romance, full length romance novels, Hey cowboy, Howdy Ma'am, mary j mccoy dressel, series, Short Snippet Saturday, sports romance, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Dane

      Posted at 12:12 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 17, 2015

      Here we are! Another weekend. College football weekend in my neck of the woods. Brr2Two of our big rival colleges are playing each other and this should be good. Tailgating will be cold. This was the first day with frost on the car windows. My cousin in the upper part of the state had three inches of snow. EKK!

      Enough blabbering. Today is also Saturday so you know what that means. Yes, you got it! While doing my Wednesday thing on Twitter this week, I came across a snippet for today in my newest release, an Amazon #1 Best Seller: Of the Cowboy’s Own Accord.

      From the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, a #Western #Romance series with gentlemen #Cowboys (with a touch of bad) and the heroines who know how to handle them.)

      Dane is my military cowboy, and the youngest Carlson brother. He’s home on leave and not necessarily by choice:

      Dane woke with a start and sat up in bed. His heart pounded when he didn’t have a gun. One deep breath led to another. Normal breathing didn’t come easy. Normal? What is normal? No gun. No Army. Not a damn thing was normal. His throat clenched as he tried to swallow while his gut twisted.

      A warm hand touched his back. Closing his eyes again, he remembered where he was…at her place. Safe. “I’m sorry to wake you,” he whispered in the dark. His arm draped over a bent knee. Think a minute. Breathe.

      “Did you have a nightmare?” She sat up and wrapped her arm around his shoulder. “Don’t be sorry. I’ve read about PTSD.”

      That word made him cringe. “I don’t have PTSD. Not a nightmare. I just woke up. Please don’t mention that again. It’s a habit… Wake up to check surroundings.”

      “All right, but you’re safe here.” She laid her head against his shoulder and smoothed her hand over his arm.

      Dane pressed his head against hers. “The nights might get worse,” he said, hesitating before going on. “Especially when there are nightmares…” 

      More about this book can be found HERE.

      Side note:

       

      (You might also remember the struggle I had naming this book.)

      Two or more new books are coming in 2016. If interested in being notified of new releases or important book updates, my mailing list can be found here. Thank you in advance. 🙂

      Have a fantastic weekend. GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!

      Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Arizona, contemporary western romance, cowboy, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, family, iBooks, iPad, Kindle, mary j mccoy dressel, Nook, Of the Cowboy's Own Accord, sensual romance, series
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