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: Short Snippet Saturday

    • Short Snippet Saturday: Listen for once!

      Posted at 3:32 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 16, 2021
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Hello again. I’ve decided to stick to my Short Snippet Saturday posts on an occasional Saturday instead of participating in the weekly Book Hooks Blog Hop.


      Today, I’m bringing you a snippet from Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart, Book One in the Two-Five Ranch Outlaws Series. With this book, I have a clear understanding of why series books sell better to a lot of readers. Book two was supposed to be published in 2020, and book three this year, but book two never made it in 2020. Therefore, I see less sales without another book in the series for a reader to rush into. I’ve heard that readers prefer to buy an entire series, or at least more than just one book. I think low sales on this book proves that to be true. Who knows, really.

      This snippet features Tanyon and Karis, our hero and heroine in this book. Tanyon’s baby brother, Levi, and his older sister, Veronica, or Ronni to family and friends appear in this snippet. Tanyon is speaking to Ronni and Karis. Young punks Logan and Rudy, also make an appearance. They are troublemaking ranch hands, but Logan is bad to the bone. Tanyon has good reason not to like him. Rudy is tolerable. The babies Karis refers to are bottle calves.

      Book Description

      *Plunge into the first book in Mary’s Brand-new Western Romance Series—Two-Five Ranch Outlaws.

      Four knife-piercing words in a frantic phone call from her mother, caused Dr. Karis Sutton to leave her cowboy in Northern Arizona to return home. While grief-stricken over a tragic loss, she’d let the man she loved slip away instead of allowing him to console her in a time of need. Now, a year later, and ready to break free from her world of gloom, she drives north to seek a second chance with the moody yet irresistible alpha-owner of the ranch. But she’s forced back to Phoenix to fight to keep two fatherless kids. While doing so, will Tanyon think she’s leaving him again and give up on any chance they might’ve had? She’s pulled in different directions. How will she make it right with so much distance between them all?

      Tanyon Outlaw never thought he’d see her again. Now, she’s returned as part of the summer crew on the Two-Five Ranch. In her sad eyes, he sees straight through to her pained soul while memories of their past love invade each thought. What will it take for his cold heart to grow warm toward her again? Then, when bad things happen on the ranch, it comes in droves. Karis is called back home. A lawsuit looms over his head. Fences are cut to maim or steal his cattle. Someone else has an eye for the woman he longs to love. He’s running out of time. How can he discover why people are out to get him while figuring out what his heart wants?

      Once again, Karis and Tanyon have separate, life-changing matters to attend to, so how will they keep it all together and still find a way to capture the love they once shared?

      *Heat Level: Rated “R” by movie standards – Steamy


      Book cover cowboy touching his hat, lightning storm in the background, on a larger background of a Sedona sunset on red rocks, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      Logan and Rudy, the double-trouble duo, rounded the barn on horses. Logan glanced their way, waited, then nodded. Tanyon ignored him. “I’ll tell you later. Please, listen to me for once?” He glanced at Karis. “Both of you.”

      Karis responded with a nod. “I’ll saddle Joanie. You better have a talk with Max, as well, Tanyon, because of Brielle.” As she left them, Tanyon asked Levi to go into the barn with her until he finished with the calves.

      “I’ll be happy to kick his sorry ass if he tries anything,” Levi muttered on the way.

      In the barn, she walked past Logan and into the tack room for Joanie’s saddle and bridle. Levi brought his horse, Thunder Bay, a white paint gelding into the cross ties and brushed him. Logan and Rudy did the same with the horses they had ridden, but they finished way too soon to have done a thorough job. No surprise.

      “How do you like feeding those babies?” Levi asked Karis.

      She smiled as she used the round brush on Joanie. “I don’t know what it is… Feeding them with a bottle is remarkable, like I’m their mom!”

      “Maybe one day you will be. I wouldn’t mind having another little niece or nephew around here.”

      Karis gasped. “Shame on you, Levi. What a big assumption.” If she hadn’t left a year ago, maybe she’d be pregnant with Tanyon’s child by now. She shook her head to clear it from thinking of such things that had been out of their control.

      Ronni entered the barn to get her thoroughbred from the stall. Logan strode over to her, offering to brush him down and tack the horse for her.

      Ronni smiled at Logan, and Karis reckoned her smile had been fake. A keep their enemy closer type thing.

      “Sure, you can help me.” Ronni replied, winking at Karis across the way.

      Karis eyed them, hoping for Ronni’s sake it was a fake smile. If something went on with those two, no one would be able to keep the shotgun out of the Outlaw men’s hands, if he had anything to do with the lawsuit, but she couldn’t picture Ronni as a cougar.

      Tanyon came in behind Ronni, frowning when he saw she and Logan brushing the horse together. Karis and Levi exchanged glances as they lifted saddles onto their horse’s backs, but neither said anything. She listened to what Tanyon had to say though.

      “Hey, Logan, I heard you were in the loft with that little girl, Brielle. She’s fifteen years old. Unless you want to go to jail or get shot in the head by her dad, you better wipe that smug grin off your face and listen up. Stay away from her and the others.”

      “You got it all wrong—”

      “No, I don’t. I know everything that goes on around here. Everything,” he said narrowing his eyes. He strode over to Joanie to put her bridle on. “You almost ready, Karis? Fox is feeding the calves.”

      She couldn’t picture hard-nosed Fox feeding any baby. “Uh-huh, but I need to get a bottle of water.”

      Tanyon had taken Joanie out of her stall while Karis was gone and had waited outside the barn. The three of them mounted the horses and left the barn at a slow pace. Karis shifted in the saddle to look back at Tanyon standing in the doorway. He pointed to his watch. She’d be having dinner with him in a few hours. The thought made her tremble inside to think the ranch boss might find it in his heart to forgive her.

      Read now: Amazon or Universal Buy Link

      Thank you for visiting today.

      Enjoy your weekend. Stay safe out there.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 7 Comments | Tagged Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, mary j mccoy dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, western romance
    • #MFRWhooks One Fool and a Weaker Idiot

      Posted at 12:03 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on February 19, 2020

      Hooked by Sundown is book three in the Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off. Meet Wade and Sophie.

      Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series

      A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off

      Hooked by Sundown

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance author, Book Three Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Blog Post Cover Reveal

       

      Setting the stage: Wade and his best friend Dane went to rescue Sophie’s brother from a bar fight not long after Sophie had an argument with Wade which her brother also caused.


      Wade shook his head. “I don’t know. I can’t stand when one fool takes advantage of a weaker idiot. He was incapacitated before he got here.”

      Dane got a bottle of water from his truck. “What will you do with him?”

      You’re an idiot, Emory. “I’ll take him to my place.”

      Sophie grabbed his arms. “No, take him to my house, please. Who knows what’ll happen when he wakes up?”

      Wade gave her a stern glare. “Let go of me.”

      Dane nodded at Sophie. “I’d let go of him if I were you.” She did, and Dane said to Wade, “I’ll follow you back and help you get him inside.” He left for his truck.

      At home, they brought Clay into the house and tossed him on one of the spare beds downstairs. Then someone banged on the door.

      Dane answered it to let Sophie in on his way out. “See ya later.”

      “Thanks, Dane.” Wade narrowed his gaze at Sophie, “Go home. He can sleep it off here.”

      “Why did you get involved?”

      “It doesn’t matter. Go on. I’m going to bed.”

      “I want to stay here with him tonight.”

      “Whatever.” He stepped up one step before she called him.

      “Thank you on behalf of my dad, too.” She rushed toward him and stepped up two steps until she was at his eye level. She draped her arms over his shoulders.

      He continued standing there with his hands at his sides. “Why are you doing this? I know what good-bye means. Let me go to bed.”

      “It was a mistake to tell you what I did tonight. I was distraught.”

      Another mistake like the “my kid” incident? “Of course, it was a mistake. A foolish one. I gotta go to bed. Lock the door before you settle in then put a towel under his head so he isn’t bleeding all over my blanket.” He removed her arms from around him. “You’re welcome to the bed in the other bedroom or the couch.”

      Sophie placed a palm against his chest and clenched his shirt. “I’m sorry. I meant it at the time, before I thought straight, but…I need you.”

      “You’re always sorry after the fact. Think first, Sophie. See me for who I am. This on and off shit has to stop. I expected more from you.” He stepped up two steps but she clenched his shirttail.


      Universal Link:

      About the Book:

      Wade Emory falls fast for women, yet it’s a well-known fact his relationships don’t last. On a trip to the Pacific Coast to visit his ill brother, he slips into his bad habit when he meets a hotheaded mom with a son who spews four-letter words. However, after enjoying nearly a week with them, she and the boy leave early. Before she’s gone forever, he convinces her to meet up again to pick up where they left off on the beach. Then, at home, an unexpected visitor pops in, and he learns the past harbors secrets and lies that don’t always stay hidden. Life’s lessons have taught him that people don’t stick around, so how can he prevent a relationship with Sophie from becoming another failure?

       

      Sophie Price-Daniels needs a change of scenery. The opportunity arises when she flies to California to bail her trouble-making brother out of jail. When he directs his anger at her and her boy, a stranger steps in, but a hero is the last thing she wants. She’s alone and living in her self-appointed prison of grief, until…until Wade steps into their lives. As desires long forgotten force their way to the surface, she’s faced with a dilemma—to give in to her needs and accept a new future is possible for her and her son—or back away and continue to believe she’s betraying a man who is no longer with them.

       

      Two lonely people need to trust each other—and themselves—to overcome their unfortunate pasts.


      What readers are saying about Hooked by Sundown:

      Readers of romance, especially western romance, will find this a satisfying, well-written tale, and I doubt they’ll stop at one. Amazon Review

       I fell in love with the characters right away. Wade and Sophie make you never want to give up on love. Amazon Review

       I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. Amazon Review


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

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

      Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for reading.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWhooks, Book Hooks | 8 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, #MFRWhooks, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Hooked by Sundown, mary j mccoy dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday Oops Redo: Hooked by Sundown

      Posted at 6:32 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on November 3, 2019
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Sorry for the snafu with the last Hooked by Sundown post. At least I didn’t lose it like I lost another draft. Anyway, this ISN’T the post that went out yesterday on the official Short Snippet Saturday correct day. I haven’t mentioned Wade and Sophie much since their book had been released.

      Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series

      A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off

      Hooked by Sundown

      Snippet is self-explanatory without the need for a set-up.


      Excerpt/ Snippet:

      Wade finished breakfast in his room, poured a cup of coffee, then opened the balcony door one last time to sniff the air and enjoy the cool breeze. Hell, he didn’t have to leave here. His thoughts went to sitting with Sophie and her boy last night. She was nice enough, sort of, and damn pretty. Emmett’s physical characteristics resembled Wade’s with brown eyes and the same thick hair like his but a shade lighter from the sun.

      Curiosity about her life filled his musings. He’d come to California only to meet a woman from home? Interesting. His flight left Saturday, if what the nurses said about his brother came true. In his mind he made a pact with himself. If they were on the same plane heading home, he’d search her out in baggage claim in Phoenix to pursue a date.

      “Get in here.”

      Wade glanced toward her voice. “Mornin’.” With her hand holding her son’s arm, she turned toward him and smiled. Wow, what an attractive morning smile. Better than what he’d seen on her face when he’d left them last night.

      “Good morning, Mr. Emory—”

      He corrected her, “Wade.”

      “Are you getting ready to leave?”

      “Yep, one last cup of coffee.” He raised it to her. Leaving this extravagant place wasn’t a necessity. It wasn’t like he couldn’t afford it, but this place wasn’t him. He didn’t need a thick robe to don after getting out of the shower or fancy sheets on the bed with a piece of chocolate on his pillow each night, though the chocolate tasted special.

      She told Emmett to go inside. “Can I talk to you?”

      He nodded then entered his room without hesitation. Wade changed out of running shorts and pulled on jeans. Before he had time to get a shirt to go into the hall, he answered the knock at his door. She and Emmett stood there. He held the door open, sweeping his hand forward.

      Her gaze glued to his chest first off. “No, I don’t want to come in. Y-you didn’t tell me where you were staying.”

      Was he supposed to? “Just a minute.” He nearly jumped up and clicked his heels together. Instead, he pulled on a t-shirt and wrote down the hotel name. “We still watching the sunset tonight?” Damn, how manly had that sounded?

      “Yeah, if you come.”

      “Sounds like a date…I mean, not a date, but a plan. Sorry.” He couldn’t win for losing.

      She gave a shy smile he hadn’t seen before though she’d seemed direct and not shy last night. “I know what you mean.”

      Wade handed her the slip of paper with the name of where he’d be staying. He was surprised and glad she wanted to know. “In case you need anything, do you want my phone number?” He didn’t retract his gaze. Neither did she. Say yes.

      She handed her phone over, and he took no less than a few seconds to enter his number. “Here you go. Well, I better get outta here. Hey, Emmett, don’t forget the cups for your sand castle tonight.”

      The kid had a cute smile like his mom. “I won’t. Mom? Don’t forget.”

      “It’s your responsibility, boy.” She brushed his sun-streaked, brown hair from his forehead then glanced at Wade. “See you later.”

      “Do you swim?” He asked without a thought.

      “Yeah, but I don’t like Emmett to swim in the ocean. Rip currents, you know. We’ll go to the pool later.”

      “All right. I thought it might be a nice night for a swim.” In man speak, he’d like to see Sophie in a bikini.

      “Have fun if you do. We don’t mind watching.”

      He nodded and closed the door. Wade checked the bedroom again, washed the cup, and sat it on the counter to dry. In a way, he hated leaving this nice place, but the other place was four-star, too, however not on the ocean and with no fluffy robes. Maybe he’d have a whiff of the salty air. Admittedly, he missed the dry, baked smell of the desert.

      End of excerpt.

      Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series

      A Double Dutch Ranch Series Spin Off Novel

      HOOKED BY SUNDOWN

      Universal Link:

      Available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Apple Books.


      If you’re in a participating state, don’t forget to turn back your clocks if you haven’t. Ugh, do we have to? I don’t like when it gets dark so early.

      Enjoy your weekend.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series | 7 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series Book 3, Finding Kimber, Hooked by Sundown, mary j mccoy dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, Short Snippet Saturday Redo: Hooked by Sundown, western romance, Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Bad Outlaws Know the Truth

      Posted at 1:03 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 19, 2019
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Hi! Happy weekend. I’ve returned this Saturday with another excerpt from Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart. This one is a fun scene on the Two-Five Ranch between Karis and Tanyon with a couple other family members who make their appearances. Haunted House is mentioned and is one of the Five Common Elements used in the book. The haunted house episode referred to happened earlier which is another scene I love in the book. Oh, Max is an element too!


      Karis went downstairs to wait for Tom and wandered into the kitchen. When had she eaten last? Lunch on the trail? A scrumptious sweet-cinnamon aroma filled the house bringing on an inkling of a memory from childhood. The oven was still warm when she walked by. It must’ve been dessert, so she opened it to see what Max had made. Mmm, apple pie.

      “Where’s the pie,” Tanyon asked, entering the kitchen, soaking wet. “Something smells delicious.”

      She laughed at his wet clothes and hair plastered to his head. Albeit, she didn’t mind his wet shirt hugging his abs. “Maybe you’ll patch your floor in the truck now?”

      “Yeah, I don’t remember until it’s raining. Bring the pie over here. I’m starved.”

      “No way. I’m not dealing with Max. He made this pie for a reason. I know dinner is around here somewhere.”

      “Yeah, because I asked him to make apple or cherry pie.”

      She blocked the oven. “No. I have to hear it from him.”

      He strode over to her, set his hands on her upper arms and attempted to move her. She held her ground, but he hadn’t tried hard, or she would’ve been moved. She giggled. “Stop.”

      Tanyon tickled her in the ribs. “I know how to get you out of the way.”

      She fought off his hands, laughing and protecting her ribs at the same time. “I’m not ticklish, anymore.” Like hell.

      “Hey, what’s going on here?” Max’s big voice roared. “You’re after pie, aren’t you?”

      “Don’t worry, she’s protecting it like her life depended on it.” Tanyon chuckled.

      “It does!” Max bellowed.

      Tanyon raised his hands. “Come on. Didn’t you make it because I asked?”

      “Well…”

      “Ah, ha.” He gazed at Karis with a devil grin on his face then lifted her off the floor and moved her.

      “Get it out and come on over here, you two,” Max called. “I’ll get the ice cream. Tanyon, change your damn wet clothes. Go on. You’re worse than a kid dripping on the floor.”

      “You’re bad, Outlaw.” Karis chuckled when Tanyon and Max said, ‘No, I’m not’ at the same time. “You both know the truth.”

      “I’ll be right back.” Tanyon hurried out of the kitchen.

      Max made the cut. “You get the first bite, and we’ll rub it into his face.”

      “Literally?”

      Max reconsidered. “Ah, better not.”

      She got plates from the cupboard. “You’ll get me in more trouble. He’s already mad at me.”

      “He’s always mad at somebody, but darlin’, he isn’t mad at you. He was worried because you broke down in front of the haunted house.” Max snorted as he sliced the pie.

      “Not you too.”

      Tanyon entered the room with a dry shirt and the same wet and muddy pants, but he’d combed his hair. He raised a brow at Karis. “You two will do good to remember who signs your checks.”

      “Yeah, Ronni signs the checks.” She defiantly held eye contact with him until Max waved a spoon between them.

      “I’m glad you asked for pie this morning, Tanyon. I’ve been wanting to make apple or cherry.”

      She dished out ice cream. “Me too! Cherry would be delicious.” A grumbling tummy wasn’t necessary to know she was ravenous.

      “That’s why I made both. With this bunch, how could I only make one?” Max howled. “I made four.”

      Cade came in, ducking through the doorway with Nadia on his shoulders.

      Karis poured her, Tanyon, and Max a cup of coffee. “Nadia, have you been playing in the rain?”

      Nadia flicked her smiling gaze to Cade. “Me and Daddy danced in the rain.”

      “Sweet!” Karis said.

      End of excerpt.

      I wanted apple pie while writing this scene. Mmm, even I could smell it. No, I haven’t had any yet. LOL.

      I appreciate you taking the time to visit. Thank you. ❤ ❤


      A Common Elements Romance Project Novel

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

      Four knife-piercing words in a frantic phone call from her mother, caused Dr. Karis Sutton to leave her cowboy in Northern Arizona to return home. While grief-stricken over a tragic loss, she’d let the man she loved slip away instead of allowing him to console her in a time of need. Now, a year later, and ready to break free from her world of gloom, she drives north to seek a second chance with the moody yet irresistible alpha-owner of the ranch. But she’s forced back to Phoenix to fight to keep two fatherless kids. While doing so, will Tanyon think she’s leaving him again and give up on any chance they might’ve had? She’s pulled in different directions. How will she make it right with so much distance between them all?

      Tanyon Outlaw never thought he’d see her again. Now, she’s returned as part of the summer crew on the Two-Five Ranch. In her sad eyes, he sees straight through to her pained soul while memories of their past love invade each thought. What will it take for his cold heart to grow warm toward her again? Then, when bad things happen on the ranch, it comes in droves. Karis is called back home. A lawsuit looms over his head. Fences are cut to maim or steal his cattle. Someone else has an eye for the woman he longs to love. He’s running out of time. How can he discover why people are out to get him, while figuring out what his heart wants before he loses her forever?

      Once again, Karis and Tanyon have separate, life-changing matters to attend to, so how will they keep it all together and still find a way to capture the love they once shared?

      Enjoy your weekend.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Common Elements Romance Project, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 4 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Five Common Elements, Haunted House, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, New Release, Short Snippet Saturday, The Common Elements Romance Project, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Karis Returns (Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart)

      Posted at 12:19 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on October 5, 2019

      Pay no mind to the word short in Short Snippet Saturday today. I’m presenting to you the end part of Chapter One in one of my new releases this week. I love this story so much. I’m having withdrawals or I’m homesick for not being on the ranch, or in Wills Bend, and Sedona. This includes being with Tanyon and Karis and the whole crew of characters. Does that happen to you?


      Set-up: Karis had arrived at the ranch tonight a year after suffering a tremendous loss. Grief had destroyed her and during that time, she’d let Tanyon slip away. Now, she’s back seeking a second chance. They came in contact earlier at the campfire. It didn’t go well. Later in the evening, she learned that the cabin she and two of her friends usually stayed in, was no longer available. She also learned some devastating news about Tanyon’s ranch. This excerpt is later that evening…

       

      Two Five Ranch Outlaws, Book #1

      Imprisoned in a Cowboy’s Heart

      Excerpt from the end of Chapter One

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance…Karis went in the direction of her car to gather her luggage. A light came on in a front section inside the barn. She headed that way, dropping her luggage outside the door. Through it, she spotted Tanyon in the front food storage area. She drew in a breath and blew it out before entering. What a devastating blow he’d been dealt. “Tanyon?”

      He whirled. His gaze cruised over her in a quick glance. “What can I do for you?”

      “Since arriving late, I missed out on the updated sleeping arrangements. Is the cabin off the agenda?”

      He spoke as he prepared morning food baskets. “Yeah. I, uh, I had locks installed on the doors upstairs in my house for you three ladies to have privacy. Your seniority amounts to something ‘round here. You ladies have been coming longer than I’ve been here, well, I mean since before I left bull riding and took this place over from my folks.”

      You ladies? That’s all it had amounted to now? You ladies? Tanyon had left the Army years ago, then had a hankering to ride those damn bulls like he’d done before he’d signed up for the military. Now after one too many knocks on the head, and a serious shoulder injury, he had moved back permanently to his family ranch. They’d officially met while he still toured on the circuit and had come home for a visit while recuperating from an injury. It’d been that long ago when she had the first inkling… He was the man she could fall in love with, and then she had fallen hard.

      Tanyon strode to the rear of the barn. The man had thinned, making him look taller.

      Two of his younger brothers, Dusty and Levi, had taken advantage of him when he’d finally retired. They’d dumped their chores back into his hands and returned to their rowdy, carefree ways. However, that changed last year for Dusty when he owned up to his role as a potential ranch owner. Cade though had a business mind from the start and assisted Tanyon with the business.

      Their sister, Veronica, known as Ronni by the family, had remained with the business to do the books after his parents retired. After retirement, his mom and dad had moved from the big house and now lived on a small section of the property near their private lake in a newly built home.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, Book page on website, five siblings upcoming novel series

      Coming toward her, he barely stopped before exiting the barn. “I’ll be right back.”

      Should she stay or go? Go where? She couldn’t walk into his house and upstairs until she knew for sure where she’d stay. Karis sighed.

      Upon his return, he continued his chores. “I’ll have to get your key. Like I said, I didn’t know for sure if you were coming.” He continued mixing the horse’s feed and nutrients. “If I’d seen your application before Carmen, I’d a torn it up. Did you not have dinner?”

      Go ahead, let his words beat her up. She deserved his harshness from walking away from the best man she’d ever find. “I ate on the way. Is there anywhere else I can stay on the ranch?”

      “I don’t think so.”

      “I’ll get a room near Williams.” She took out her phone to search for a number and attempted to leave the barn.

      He caught her arm and placed his hand over hers holding the phone. “You don’t need to stay at a hotel for crissakes.”

      She broke her hand free, continuing to search. “I’ll try the motel I stayed at a few years ago. They have great mountain views there.”

      He shook his head. “Look around, dammit. You have forested mountain views here. Don’t be silly. Stay at the ranch.”

      Karis glanced around at the updated interior. The barn had been organized since he’d returned and had order now. Hay nets hung above short stacks of hay bales. Feed bags had their own place at the rear of the good-sized room. Windows had been cleaned. He took better care of this barn than he had himself lately. “All right. At least for tonight. Need any help out here?”

      “Nope. I hire people to do this when I can’t.”

      She had to get away. The urge to be close to him became too much, and now she longed to feel his touch again. “I’ll wait on the porch.”

      Tanyon called, “Karis? I’ll be over when I’m done here.”

      Her name on his lips was more than she could bear. She shouldn’t have come. This would be hard, and she didn’t need hard right now, at least not that way. Karis picked up the handle of her suitcase, grabbed her backpack, and trudged through the sand over to his moderately sized house with newly painted steps and new shutters on the second-floor windows. In fact, the whole house had been painted.

      She sat on the third step up out of eight. A white railing enclosed the wrap-a-round porch, separated by four white, wood pillars. The house sat high in the front and atop a two-car garage beneath it with an extended storage area. The rear of the home had a slight slope and a fancy patio his mom had designed.

      How dare he assign her to the room next to his. Tiredness settled in, and she leaned back on her elbows to relax. Tomorrow she’d deal with this situation. She glimpsed the star-studded sky, forgetting how black it got up here, and already missed her niece and nephew. Karis moved from the steps and took a seat in a dark-stained Adirondack chair facing away from the lighted porch. Her clothes and hair had captured the smell of the campfire.

      Thinking of her family now, and according to everything she’d learned, and would advise her grieving patients, they shouldn’t have gone through her brother’s belongings yet. Albeit, his house had to be emptied and there’d been no choice but to go through his beloved items—paintings and writings—photographs from around the world, the kid’s toys, their clothes, and bedroom furniture they’d need at their new home with Aunt Karis.

      Later, she jerked when a foot tapped hers. She lifted her sleepy eyes to his. Oh, how she wanted to bring his face down to kiss his lips. Hers had been so needy these days.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, imprisoned in a cowboy's heart, new release excerpt

      “You ready?”

      His voice held no compassion. She’d lost him. Omigod. He stood there looking so ruggedly handsome with that damn old hat, nice-fitting jeans though looser now, a t-shirt that clung to his strong upper physique, and his worn western boots. Karis stood. Tanyon’s released breath couldn’t be unheard. Had it come from frustration or something else? They grasped her luggage handle at the same time.

      “I got this.” He yanked it away.

      She slung her backpack over her shoulder and strode in beside him. His familiar all-male scent and sweat wafted through the air straight to her heart. “Give me a chance to explain what happened.”

      “Out of sight out of mind is the way I see it. A fling that meant nothing.”

      “So untrue! You know better. You certainly were not out of my mind, nor were you a fling. There hasn’t been anyone else. It was my mom and… My brother—the grief.” The word murdered remained unsaid. What had it mattered now whether he believed grief had destroyed her? Because it does.

      At the bottom of the wide polished stairway with a carpeted runner up the middle, he removed a key from the antique table in the foyer, took the backpack from her shoulder, and nodded up the stairs, then right at the top, and down a long open walkway, past her two friend’s rooms and to her door. Tanyon’s suite encompassed the whole end of the upstairs on this end.

      She’d known where it was but had never been in it on a personal basis. However, she and Tanyon had attempted to go in there one night until they were interrupted by two of his brothers dragging each other’s drunk asses up the stairs. All three of their rooms were to the left of the stairway, and Cade had the largest on that end. Ronni had a master suite downstairs next to an office since she had divorced and moved back home.

      She paused outside the door, wishing to see a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Karis spoke softly. “Why did you give me this room?”

      “I don’t answer work-related questions this late.” He unlocked the door and dropped the key into her hand. “Breakfast is at the usual time.”

      He entered his room yet he’d glanced back at her with a frown before closing the door. Good thing she’d slept a half hour in the chair because lying in bed a wall away from him would drive her mad.

      By the time she had changed and settled in the four-poster queen-sized bed with blankets smelling like delicate spring-scented fabric softener, a floorboard squeaked outside her room. Maybe Tanyon had second thoughts, and tomorrow he’d find new quarters for her. Karis gulped as her eyes welled. The floor squeaked again. She wasn’t as ready to confront him as she’d thought.

      Now alone, she had time to recall memories of her brother Rory. Up until now, she’d been so busy caring for others, that she hadn’t taken time to properly accept her grief. Karis closed her book, got out of bed, and opened the curtain to look outside in the dark. This room had a balcony. She stepped out and stood at the wrought iron railing. It was a bit darker on this side of the house. The Milky Way stretched out bright and clear, dotted with a trail of scintillating stars. Forested mountains stood shadowed against the night’s backdrop. A soft breeze carried smells from ranch life from the horse barns and cattle in this direction, and pine.

      Karis closed her eyes a moment, seeking solace, but all she saw was Tanyon’s arms around her as he’d joined her at the lake last fall. How he spoke softly into her ear asking her to stay on after the others left. She wrapped her arms around herself now for comfort. Tanyon, I miss you.

      A sound below snapped her out of the love-sick vision then footsteps faded away. She leaned over the rail to the opening below. A stairway wrapped around the side of the building, which led down from Tanyon’s balcony. Would he mind company tonight?

      End of excerpt.


      Thanks for bearing with the length. That’s why it’s only part of the chapter. The first part up to the cutoff point I had chosen, was still too long to post here–longer than this. You can always use the Look Inside feature on retailer sites or order a free sample. Or, you know, buy the book while the price is still discounted.  ❤

      Enjoy your weekend.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Common Elements Romance Project, Excerpt, New Release, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws | 7 Comments | Tagged #CommonElementsRomance, Common Elements Romance Project, Imprisoned in a Cowboy's Heart, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, New Release, Northern Arizona, Romance, Short Snippet Saturday, Two-Five Ranch Outlaws, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Easy Feeling of Love

      Posted at 9:59 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on June 8, 2019
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Easy Feeling of Love is the title though I could’ve added: But for how long?

      This snippet is from the second book in the Boxed Set. I’m featuring the set this month.

      Set Up: Velia’s first season on the road with the bull rider is over. We’re between season one and the next season, if there is one. Caulder accompanied her back to Tucson where Velia rents an apartment and has her photography business set up, run now by her business partner. Caulder’s SUV had remained at a teammates mansion in the Catalina Foothills where Caulder had lived  for a few months last year before the season had started, and when he and Velia met. In this scene, they’re going to pick up his vehicle, or so she thinks… Until all hell breaks loose not long after, which you won’t see in this short snippet.

      This explanation is almost as long as the snippet! Sorry. ❤

      Steamy romance series. (Not the snippet)

      First, let’s see what the book is about. Shortened Blurb:

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Bull Rider Series 2

      Hey, Cowboy #2 
      A break in the bull riding season finds Velia and Caulder back in Tucson. Family, friends, and rowdy cowboys are brought together to share in joy, and sometimes pain. Happiness is within reach. They need to be strong enough to overcome enemies plotting against Velia’s family—and a possible career-ending injury for Caulder.


      In Howdy, Ma’am, Book One, Caulder hired her for a season. Now, the season is over… What will become of them?

      Beginning of Chapter Three:

      The drive back to the Catalina Foothills at night evoked a sense of smallness, living in an untamed world under an expansive star-studded sky. The sun had already set and the sky changed from deep blue to an intense violet twilight.

      Cacti and palm trees surrounded the highway, standing like guards in silhouetted form. Even being a photographer, she wouldn’t be able to capture an image this awe-inspiring if she used all the photo manipulation tools she had. She grasped Caulder’s hand and was carried away with the moment, overwhelmed with the easy feeling of love for the man beside her.

      He strummed his thumb over her fingers. “We’ll sit on the patio when we get back if you’d like.” Caulder gave a quick laugh. “Kind of like old times?”

      “Yes, I’d like to, but this time with your hand in mine.” Glancing at him, she observed his sexy profile in the dim glow of the lighted dashboard. Good-looking from any angle. What makes me so…so emotional tonight?

      Peacefulness came into her life as slowly as a feather drops through air, but now it was here. She craved it after hardening her heart for a time. They were almost like different people now. Her torment long over.

      She hoped Caulder no longer hurt so much inside, from his tremendous loss. Loving him is what she’d do until he saw it as a beautiful memory. A memory of the time he’d had…with them. Yes, love him forever is what she’d do. He appeared to be nodding off. “Are you falling asleep? Shall I drive the rest of the way?”

      “No, I’m fine,” he said. “I have a dull headache that won’t go away.”


      Thanks for reading!

      Have a nice weekend. 

      Posted in #AmWriting, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 10 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, Arizona, bull rider, bull rider series, cowboy, Hey Cowboy Book 2, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: An Accident

      Posted at 11:28 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on March 2, 2019
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see the end of winter this year. We’ve had so much snow. It’s hard to believe our snowfall is below average, so far. The whole country is getting slapped with awful weather. What will spring bring? Happy March!

      This snippet comes from Hey, Cowboy, Book #2.

      In the back of this book in my Note to Readers, I stated: Writing this book brought out emotions I forgot I had from joy to heart wrenching pain. I laughed. I cried. I held my breath. I loved.

      In Howdy, Ma’am, Book One, the book opens with Velia returning from Italy after attending her Aunt Dafne’s funeral. Torre is Velia’s cousin and Dafne’s son.

      At the end of this snippet you’ll see the word zio. This means uncle in Italian. I was told by the person who checked my Italian in this series, that words like zio, zia, mamma, papà aren’t capitalized like they are in English. At first, it was hard to get used to writing them without capital letters, but I wanted to be true to my heroine’s use of her language.

      A name has been changed, and a scene has been modified so nothing is given away.

      Sorry for the long introduction.


      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Bull Rider Series 2

      “We have to get things straightened out here.” They backed Roy and Caulder against the wall while the sheriff handcuffed Rosemary. He nodded toward Caulder and said to a deputy, “He’s the homeowner, set him free.”

      “Get the handcuffs off him, he’s family.” Caulder tilted his head toward Roy.

      Sheriff Dawson instructed the deputy to release him, too.

      Velia scanned the room. Two had been shot and there were men with guns. She understood their need to secure the place.

      “Anyone else in the house?” asked the deputy who had been there previously to take a report.

      “My cousin? No!” She turned to Caulder. “Is Torre in the…safe room?”

      He gave a short nod.

      “We’ll have to get him, ma’am,” said the sheriff. “Show me where he is.”

      “But my father. Let me remain with him.” Her shoulders shook from sobbing. “My cousin is s-safe for now. He’s only a boy. Please…I don’t want him to see this.”

      “Everyone needs to be in one place until we figure out what’s going on here, and to make sure he’s okay.”

      “I’ll go,” Roy said. He directed the sheriff toward the safe room.

      The EMTs arrived, and they attended to her father while two other techs attended to the second intruder.

      Caulder picked Velia up from the floor. “Come on, baby, let them do their job.” He wrapped his arms around her and held tight.

      One of the techs worked on her father. “We have to move him now.” They rolled his listless body over and prepared him for the trip, then lifted him to the stretcher and adjusted the straps around his body.

      The sheriff returned and spoke to Velia. “Your man is in the other room with the boy and a deputy. I’ll get you to the hospital. You’ll bring the boy with you. We have to question Mr. McCutchen and Mr. Bianco before they can join you.”

      Velia placed both hands on her head. “Are you arresting Caulder and Roy?”

      “We need to question them, ma’am. This is an obvious home invasion, and it looks like you all did what you had to do to protect yourselves.”

      He directed Caulder to remain with a deputy and another one stayed with Roy. Sheriff Dawson took Velia by the elbow and got Torre from the other room. He escorted them to his vehicle.

      Velia held her cousin close against her as they walked outside. The sight of flashing lights and ambulances shattered her heart into tiny pieces. To think this boy had to go through something so traumatic once again in his life. She dropped into the back seat of the sheriff’s SUV, never removing her arm from around Torre’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Torre,” she said sobbing. “Oh, honey, I know you were frightened.”

      “Roy and Caulder told me to stay hidden. Those people wanted to hurt you. I heard gunshots.”

      Velia pulled back. “And you listened. I’m so thankful you listened to them. I’m proud of you.” She released him yet smoothed hair away from his face. His dark eyes held fear and questions.

      “What happened to your face?”

      Her face must have looked a mess. “An accident.” How many times had he heard that excuse from his own mother before she died?

      “Will zio Ric be okay?”

      “I don’t know.” She swiped at tears then embraced him. This must have brought back horrid memories for him. “Torre, I’m just so sorry. So sorry.” Please, let my father be okay.


      I switched the featured book I had started with this month back to the Bull Rider Series. Mostly, because I’d like to expose the new covers as much as possible. The series is also available in a boxed set.

      Thank you for reading. Enjoy your weekend.

      Stay warm and dry.  

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Bull Rider Series, Short Snippet Saturday | 8 Comments | Tagged bull rider series, Hey cowboy, Howdy Ma'am, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, western romance
    • Short Snippet Saturday: Jase and Brenna

      Posted at 11:24 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on January 26, 2019
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      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

      western romance, Mary J McCoy-Dressel

       

      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
    • #AmWriting: Short Snippet Saturday: When Things Don’t Go To Plan ~ Dane

      Posted at 2:17 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on December 8, 2018
      long stem red rose laying on sheet music, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western Romance, Blog Post Short Snippet Saturday

      Hello, folks. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend so far.

      You know, I’ve heard it’s almost worthless to promote other than first books in a series. I don’t have standalone books except for my coloring book. Bet you didn’t see that coming. No, I’m not here to mention my coloring book, but if interested, see the menu at the top.🖍🖍🤠 I’m also not here to promote to you, my blog readers, but if a new reader stops by, feel free to check out my books.  ❤

      I’m here to talk about my youngest brother. Haha, I mean my youngest Carlson brother from the Double Dutch Ranch Series. His name is Dane. You’ve met him unless you’re new to my blog. His book is number three in the series–Of the Cowboy’s Own Accord. He’s an Army Ranger. Book three is far from being the first book, but his story is important too.

      Because of hearing it’s best to only promote first books, I’ve been posting a lot of first book snippet’s lately, plus my newest release. If I continue to publish snippets or excerpts from the same three books, pretty soon you all will have the whole book. LOL. Now you know, I won’t be doing that. After all, I have to pay bills and eat.

      So, this week, I’m giving you a snippet… Wait. Okay, lately they have been excerpts instead of snippets. Honest, I had started out with the intention to post snippets. Maybe next year I’ll go back to posting…you guessed it–snippets.

      Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight #3

      double dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Blog post snippet

      To set this up for you: Dane is deployed and on a mission. Things didn’t go to plan. He hates when things don’t go to plan. I debated on including the curse words in this snippet, but I chose to disguise them instead. It takes something away from Dane’s predicament, but I don’t want to offend anyone. However, it is my blog, and I may choose not to disguise them in the future.

      Early readers of this post got the full words, but after some consideration, I changed my mind about including them. You’ll still find a couple. Some of my faithful readers skip over it in my books, but it doesn’t stop them from reading them.

      Warning:

      • Combat scene–possible PTSD trigger.

      He came to with a foggy head, but the sound of gunfire brought him to reality. Someone keyed up their radio, calling out latitude and longitude coordinates for close air support to clear the area. Shaking his head to rid the blur, he tried to figure out why his right arm was numb—and man-o-man, his gut smoldered from the inside out. Something pulled on his leg at the ankle. The growl told him immediately. Why?

      S&*%^#&$ch, my belly hurts like hell. He scurried to sit upright but couldn’t. His arm was pinned. Nothing but dust and debris was scattered around him. Powdery grit coated his lips and filled his mouth. Sand exploded around them with each grenade launch. The pain in his gut heightened when he breathed in. A scratching sound. Digging.

      “We’re trying to get you out. Stop fighting, Sarg. Dustoff inbound. They’ll get you to the trauma care center.”

      “Get the dog off me. What the F$%@ you doin’? I got enough problems here.” The tan and black shepherd shook and pulled his leg like a rag doll.

      “Saving your life. Your leg’s pinned, too, but coming free. You’ve been hit.”

      Roger that. The voice belonged to Corporal Hanson. Dane lifted his left arm that had lain across his midriff. It was covered with blood. He raised his head to see his abdomen. Lot’s of blood there, too. Then he remembered the explosion. His breath caught as pain riddled his body. S&*%^#&$ch, he hurt like hell. “Damn, I’m dizzy.” He touched around his abdomen. A pressure bandage controlled the bleeding now. He shook his head again, still in a fog. “My right arm is pinned under the rubble up here. It ain’t budging. What happened?”

      “We got hit. RPG’s and mortar rounds. I’ll get you out. You’ll be okay.”

      He’d said the same thing to guys dying. “How about the others? It’s not looking too good in here.” When his eyes focused long enough, he examined the ceiling. “I see light above. Where’s that damn dustoff? The whole ceiling’s about to cave in.” Dane wiped sweat from his face, but it wasn’t sweat. Not unless his sweat turned red. Other than that, his body was soaked in real sweat.

      “Everybody else is okay.”

      Gunfire raged on around them then it stopped. He removed his knife from its sheath and dug at the dirt beneath his arm. Tugging, he attempted to free his body, but he weakened. His arm had been lodged in tight—pinned above the elbow as far as he could tell. He held his breath as pain came in waves. He couldn’t feel his fingers. “This isn’t where I wanna die. Everything’s murky.”

      “We’ll get you out, but you need to be still before you bleed out.”

      More gunfire. A spray of bullets hit the rubble around them. S$%@! “Take cover. That’s an order, Corporal!” Dane reached for his rifle, secured it against his body, and prepared to kill the best he could with his left hand on the trigger. He anchored himself on his side. One spray of gunfire from an AK-47 rang out loud and clear, and the digging stopped. “B#$%@$#@. Get your a$$ up here, Coop.” He lowered his eyes for only a moment. The corporal had been hit—his arm or shoulder bleeding out like a faucet across Dane’s lower leg. His head bled. Coop’s digging had gotten his leg free.

      Dane stretched as far as he could and tried to grab a hold of the corporal’s vest to drag him closer. How long before he’d be screaming out, or maybe he had. Hanson’s body was inches away from his reach, but Dane couldn’t get his arm to budge enough to grab hold of him.

      He patted the ground. “Come here, boy, come on, Boston.” The dog crawled forward but turned to go back to his handler. Dane lowered his rifle and grabbed the dog’s vest. “It’s okay, boy, stay. Grab hold of him.” He shook his head—his thoughts and focus fading fast.

      Directing the dog to the corporal’s shoulder, Boston grabbed hold of his vest strap, pulling and yanking, dragging him toward Dane a half inch at a time until Dane could grab hold enough to pull Hanson up. He removed a tourniquet from Hanson’s IFAK bag—using his free hand to twist it tight on Cooper’s arm, and took a felt pen to write a T on Hanson’s forehead to indicate the tourniquet. He pressed a bandage against Hanson’s head wound.

      Wiping blood from his own face, he picked up his rifle and braced it against his body, pointed it toward the opening, and waited for whatever might happen. “Come on you B$@%#$@. I’m taking a bunch of you out with me. Coop, don’t die on me. Dammit all to hell. Not you, dude.” Dane faded in and out of consciousness. Focus waned. He had to get them out of there…out of there. He had to get them out of there…and then the ceiling crumbled.

      End of Snippet.


      I’m sure equipment has changed since I wrote this book, so what is included here was in use when I wrote this story. I had professional advice  from more than one person when writing. One guy, a lieutenant and an Army Ranger, was actually stationed in Afghanistan when he answered my questions. I’m grateful to him. Since writing to him back then, he seems to have fallen off the planet. I hope he’s okay. Cheers to him wherever he is, and thanks again.


      Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, western romance, blog post Of the Cowboy's Own Accord short snippet Saturday Post

      Thank you all for reading.

      I didn’t know there was a football player with this name when I created my Dane for this book. I certainly hadn’t intended to use a real person’s name.

      Posted in #AmWriting, Short Snippet Saturday | 7 Comments | Tagged Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Of the Cowboy's Own Accord, Short Snippet Saturday, Short Snippet Saturday: When Things Don't Go To Plan ~ Dane, western romance
    • #AmWriting Short Snippet Saturday: Whispers of Forever~ Probability of Paternity…

      Posted at 3:14 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on November 10, 2018
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, short snippet Saturday blog post

      Hi, Welcome back. If you’re expecting Part 2 this week as I mentioned last week when I posted Part 1, you won’t find it.

      I thought about the post and the rest of the scene all that weekend and decided not to extend the scene here. In fact, I deleted the entire post. For one reason, the scene was taken out of context for those of you who don’t know the story. You missed the beginning when Jake went though accepting the changes about to overtake his and his son’s lives.

      In hindsight, it wasn’t fair to the book. Maybe it gave you the wrong impression about the story, when in fact, it is not about what Paige did. It’s about what happens after Paige did Jake wrong. It’s about a first love coming back into a broken-hearted cowboy, and a little boy’s life. That’s what the story should convey.

      Therefore, the quote I included in the post, should’ve started later:

      When one door closes another door opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” ― Alexander Graham Bell

      So this week, I choose to post a different scene from Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas. I hope you don’t hold it against me for not continuing with the scene from last week. If you didn’t catch that post, all the better. LOL.  ❤

       


      In last week’s Short Snippet Saturday excerpt, Paige had mentioned something awful she had done to ensure Jake would let her take Trace to live out of state. If only she could’ve seen into the future. Well, this is Jake dealing with the aftermath of the last cruel thing she had done… 

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, blog post short snippet Saturday

      Beth’s thoughtfulness lightened his heart, but with a shrug, he stood straight. “I want you to be there.”

      Agreeing, she followed him to where Trace watched TV. “We’ll be in my office for a few minutes if you need anything.”

      “All right, Dad. I like this show. It’s a marathon tonight.”

      “Enjoy it.” In the hallway, he stopped and placed his palms against the wall like he needed to hold it up, when in fact, it held him up. His head lowered toward the floor. He closed his eyes, breathing deep. “I’ve been thinking about this moment all evening. I don’t want to know now.” After a few minutes he continued to the office, closed the door, and took his phone out. “I’m sure this message is notification to check my account, not the actual result over voice mail.”

      Beth took a seat in a leather chair near the window that looked out at the front of the property, and she remained quiet.

      Jake dialed. Listened. He played the message with his eyes closed, one hand against the desk to prop himself up. His body felt numb. Disconnecting the call, he nodded and took a seat at his desk. The strength he depended on most of his life dissipated into the hard wood floor beneath his feet. “Yeah. I have a message in my account.”

      Beth came to him and put her arm around his shoulder. He logged in with his computer password and went to his account, again logging in there too. She placed her other hand on his shoulder and spoke softly. Sweetly. “Do you want me to read it?”

      His heart raced faster with each letter of the password, and by time the account opened, he might have a heart attack or stroke. Each move was forced, because this was all done against his will, or his better judgement. Why had this happened? Had Paige hated him that much? “I have to do this myself, but thanks.”

      “Jake, wait.”

      He peered up at her, motionless, his hands still on the keyboard, his little finger ready to hit enter. His voice was sandpapery hoarse. “What?”

      “What will you do… God, forgive me for saying this, but if the result is the same?” Beth stood behind, hugging him, and she leaned down until her cheek pressed against his head.

      “How can I honestly answer? I love that kid, but to know he isn’t my flesh and blood, I don’t know how I’ll respond. Nothing can make me stop loving him…I hope.” Jake leaned his head back against Beth’s body, and she slid her hand over his shoulder to rest against his chest. Yeah, he was glad she was there. “I don’t want to feel any different, but what if I do? What do I tell him if I’m different toward him? He’s already lost his mother, for God sake.”

      “He’s your son. My mom and dad loved me like their own child. I never felt like they didn’t. Honey, Trace won’t know, because I see how you are with him—I can’t imagine you changing. That boy is in your heart, your soul.”

      “Because for almost ten years he was my child. That’s why I’m…” He hesitated.

      “He is your child. You’ve raised him—have loved him through all the ups and downs…and he loves you.”

      “There’s only one way to find out. Either way, he’s never going to know, Beth.” Jake blew out the breath building up inside his body like a gas ready to explode. He had never been afraid of anything, but he was terrified of this. What if the results turned out the same as her rigged test? He dropped his hands to his knees. What if he did tell Trace? Would he want to find his real father one day? “I don’t know if I can do this. I could lose him.”

      “No one would know except you and I. If you want, I can leave the room so only you know.”

      He grasped her hand. “No. You’re a part of this with me.” How could he ask her to love his son if he wasn’t sure himself that he could? Dammit. He was sure. One hundred percent sure. No matter what, that child was his, and he’d love him until the day he died, flesh and blood or not. Jake hit enter and clicked open the PDF attachment. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them. He read: “Child, Trace Lawton. Father, Jake Lawton. Are you reading this, Beth?”

      Still standing behind him, she whispered with empathy in her voice, “Yes,” and squeezed his shoulders.

      Jake scrolled to the bottom of the test, and read: “Probability of Paternity…


      Thanks for reading!

      If you want to know the results along with Jake, you know what to do. This first book in the series is $0.99, and it kicks off the Spin Off — Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series. For new visitors, please know it’s rare for me to write anything with a cliffhanger, but I couldn’t give away the results. 

      A Double Dutch Ranch: Love at First Sight Spin Off Novel.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, Short Snippet Saturday Blog Post

       

      Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I’ve had a whole inch and a half of snow already, and this morning was 24 degrees! Bah humbug.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Short Snippet Saturday | 2 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, DNA test, Double Dutch Ranch Series Love at First Sight, First in a series romance, Full Length Novel, mary j mccoy dressel, Short Snippet Saturday, Short Snippet Saturday: Whispers of Forever~ Probability of Paternity, western romance, Whispers of Forever
    ← Older posts
    • This Site is Not Intended for Children Under the Age of 13.

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

    • New Release

    • Search this Sight

    • THANK YOU READERS!

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

    • #1
      #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
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, cowboys, image used on website
      #2
      #3
      #3
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Western romance, adult coloring book,
      Coloring Book
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance
      Bull Rider Series 1
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance
      #2
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance
      #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
      New Release, Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, western romance, small town romance, first love. second chances
      Spin Off Series #1
      Double Dutch Ranch #1
      Double Dutch Ranch #1
    • Social Media

      • Facebook
      • Twitter
    • Top Posts & Pages

      • Welcome Hi, I'm glad you found your way here where…
        Welcome Hi, I'm glad you found your way here where…
    • 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 6,450 other followers

    • Website Last Updated February 5, 2021

    • 2021 Monthly Blog Hop

    • 2020 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