Colleen Connally's Blog, page 11

SEDUCTIVE SECRETS IS COMING TO AUDIO!

AMAZON   AMAZON UK  BARNES AND NOBLE  ITUNESI'm so excited! I'm doing my first audio book—SEDUCTIVE SECRETS! It should be up within the next couple of weeks. I've had request for my books to go to audio. I didn't realize how easy it was to do. I had the most wonderful experience.

During this time, I listened to my book. WOW! I had never listened to a book before. Now I understand how addictive it can be. I wrote Seductive Secrets and I couldn't stop listening. 

It is my first. I am in the process of creating all my books into audio. It will take time. I will tell everyone when its up as an audio. Keep your eyes...ears...out for it.

Seductive Secrets is still a free ebook!

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
 I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Holiday Season. Putting everything on the back burner for a few days. It's time for family and friends. My family is doing things a tad different this year. My mother-in-law has Alzheimer's. We usually have Christmas Eve over at my in-laws with my husband's family, but this year my father-in-law isn't up for that. So we're on our own for Christmas Eve. Now for Christmas, it will be the same. I cook. The only time of the year I really cook is Christmas. We are having everyone over at our house, which should be a great time. Looking forward to Christmas dinner. Now, though, there is a void on Christmas Eve. So we get to start a new tradition... New isn't bad. It's just different. The most important thing is that I'm going to get to enjoy another year with all my kids and hubbie. My favorite commercial this year is the Apple commercial where the teenage boy goes around filming his family during the holidays. Heart warming. Take a moment and make a memory. I think this year it has hit me that not everything will stay the same. My husband's mother...my mother...both are dealing with health issues. My son moved out of state this year. My daughter wants too... So I realize that it's important to stop and enjoy this moment.  My Christmas present to you is SEDUCTIVE LIES! I've made it .$99 for a few days—only on AMAZON.
SEDUCTIVE LIES

Don't forget to get a copy of Fragmented. You get a great book to read and know that half of the proceeds will go to charity!
FRAGMENTED
 MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

CELEBRATE FRAGMENTED'S RELEASE!!!

 AMAZON    AMAZON UK   BARNES AND NOBLE
It's here! Fragmented!!!! Today is Fragmented's Release day! My first Contemporary Suspense Thriller! I don't think you will be disappointed.

The first in the Boston’s Crimes of Passion Series! A pulse-pounding thriller! Ms Connally’s first murder mystery delivers! Suspenseful…shocking…a psychological thriller— leaving readers on the edge of their seat.  Cameron Quinn is caught in a web of deceit. Protecting her brother from being framed for a murder places Cameron in untold danger. When the real killer diverts his attention to her, she has nowhere to turn, especially not to the man she shared one unforgettable night… who now is trying to put her brother in prison. A “must read” for any suspense lover!

She would do anything to protect her family...
Cameron Quinn watched her father fall into a world of despair after being falsely accused of causing her mother's death. Now, her brother is a suspect in a crime she knows he's not capable of committing. She'll risk everything to save her brother from the same fate as her father, even destroying evidence that implicates him in a series of murders.

He would do anything to win a case...
ADA Darren Kennedy is known as ‘the bulldog.’ He doesn’t lose. When a killer emerges on the streets of Boston, he’s dead-set on putting that killer behind bars...along with anyone that stands in his way.

A killer would do anything to get his heart's desire...
Cameron soon discovers that the police aren't the only ones who suspect her of covering for her brother. The murderer is still out there and he isn't happy his plans have been disrupted. Now, the twisted psychopath has turned his attention towards Cameron and will stop at nothing until he has her in his control.

Praise for Fragmented:
 “Fragmented is a thoroughly engrossing romantic suspense which will have you turning the pages as fast as you can! Author Colleen Connally does a masterful job diving into the demented mind of a serial killer. If you liked Silence of the Lambs, you’ll love this story. Highly recommended!”  ~ S.G. Rogers 
"A gripping, page-turning thriller. You won't be able to stop reading. And you'll sleep with the lights on! Colleen Connally creates evocative words that will send more than chills down your spine. There's also a few scenes that will grip your heart!"~ Elaine Raco Chase

"A fast-paced, sensual romantic suspense with a compelling heroine and a caring, dynamic hero." ~ Lindsay Townsend

Dear Readers,
 I have pledged to donate half of my royalties that I get receive from Fragmented to a charity in Boston. This donation will go to help the victims of the Marathon Bombing. Know this pledge comes from my heart. I wanted to do something that would keep giving. To me, this is not a temporary gift. It is my intention for this to be a permanent arrangement. I hope you enjoy Fragmented .  Thank you from the bottom of my heart,Colleen Connally

DON'T FORGET FRAGMENTED'S RELEASE LAUNCH NEXT WEEK!I'll be giving away lots of goodies!

A Season For Giveaways!

Let's have a celebration!

Join me to celebrate the release of Fragmented, Book One Boston's Crimes of Passion Series. Fragmented is scheduled to be released Monday, December 2. I'm going to be launching the release the next Monday, December 9th!

FACEBOOK      GOODREADS     JERRI HINES
I will be hosting all sorts of giveaways— Books, Gifts, Gift Certificates! I'm so excited! Would love for you to join me.

I'm not done. Over on Romance in Books, Romantic Picks Just For You, I'm having a Christmas Book Blast! Some of the authors I promote during the year are donating books for the event! The details will follow.

ROMANTIC PICKS


Going to be a great holiday season! Of course, my books will be among those donated, including Broken Legacy, former #1 Amazon Historical Romance.

AMAZON      AMAZON UK      BARNES AND NOBLEHave a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Expressing Graditude....A Month of Thanksgiving

The best and most beautiful things in the worldCannot be seen or even heard,But must be felt by the heart.~Helen Keller
It’s November. Time is flying by or maybe I’m just too busy. I need to slow down. It’s important to stop and appreciate everything you have. I’m so thankful. I’m so grateful for my life and the opportunity I have to do what I love.
A few years ago, I would never have had the opportunity to be the writer I am today. Opportunities for writers were limited. I worked hard on my writing for my chance…that one opportunity to become an author. Back then it meant sending query letters and waiting...and waiting... Today, because of the explosion of Indie world, I am an author. For that, I am grateful.
Twenty-eight years ago, I moved up North. I married a Bostonian and now Boston is my home. It took awhile to call Boston home, but it feels that way now. For my husband and home, I am grateful.
I was blessed to have had three beautiful children, numerous nieces and nephews. For the fulfilling feeling encompassing being a mother, I am grateful.

My first grand-nephew! He was going to enjoy the World Series no matter who won!                             
 Not only do I write, but I work at a job I enjoy and allows me the freedom to do the things I enjoy. I live in a country that gives me the freedom to live my life. I am grateful.
This is the month for thanksgiving. Sometimes in this crazy life, I forget everything I have to be thankful for and why. I do need to slow down and enjoy the simple moments. It was great this year to enjoy the Red Sox again, climaxing with a World Series win. It was awesome. More so, I think, because they worked together as a team. We love our sports in Boston. The Red Sox exemplified the meaning of coming together as a community.  After that dreadful day back in April, the day of the Marathon Bombing, Boston was no more a city, but a community.
It was the first time I realized that Boston was my home. I was so proud of the way the Boston reacted to the horrible, horrible bombing. Everyone...everyone came together for the better of the community. I work at one of the major hospitals in Boston. To get into work, I had to pass through a whole squad of law enforcement officers fully armed. I can honestly say I was happy they were there. It was an uncertain time. You just don't think it will happen to you...but it can. My heart went out to the victims...it still does.
Growing up in the South, I was taught you help those in need. I felt the same way about the bombing. When a disaster happens, the spotlight is on that area and people. Help is needed and most of the time, people respond. It is only afterwards that the spotlight fades. Unfortunately, the needs of the victims don't disappear. The injuries of some of these victims of the bombing won't ever vanish. I believe that Boston set up a great fund so the victims won't be forgotten. The people of Boston responded. That's what makes me proud to be a part of this city.
I gave a week's of royalties to a couple of different charities at the time, but I pledged to do more. In December, I'm planning on releasing Fragmented.  I wrote Fragmented with one purpose in mind—giving back. It's something I want to do. I am going to be giving half my royalties to a Boston charity. I have discovered I can't name which charity until I get a co-venture agreement. I will apply for the co-venture after I start donating what I pledge. I just wanted everyone to know I'm keeping my word.

Coming December, 2013Fragmented is set in Boston and wrote for Boston, but I believe everyone can enjoy the story. It's my first contemporary murder mystery. Who doesn't love a good mystery? Giving makes me feel better...gives me a sense that what I do can make a difference, no matter how small. It makes me feel I'm part of this community. For that, I am grateful.
Give this month. Doesn't have to be much. It can even be a smile. What's the saying...pay it forward... 
What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity,These are but trifles, to be sure;But scattered along life’s pathway,The good they do is inconceivable.~Joseph Addison

Haunting Stories!

Everyone has read stories that never quite leave you. They haunt your unconscious with remembrances of something that touched you in some way. Gone With the Wind is one of those stories for me. After becoming so invested in the characters, Rhett left Scarlet. I never got over Rhett leaving Scarlet. I remember as a teenager daydreaming about a different ending.  I read Gone With the Wind well before I saw the movie. In the movie, Scarlet's other children were never mentioned. Only her daughter, Bonnie, with Rhett, but Scarlett had two more children; one with Charles-a boy, Wade, and with Frank- a daughter, Ella. I had this vision that Scarlet's daughter from her second husband met the son of Belle Watling who in my mind was Rhett's. In my version, the two would fall madly in love and with a vivid stretch of my imagination gave Gone With the Wind a semblance of a happy ending. After reading Gone With the Wind numerous times, in my opinion, there really was no way for Rhett and Scarlet to ever have their happily ever after. Think about it. If you stay true to the characters, do you believe that Rhett and Scarlet would ever be happy together? Really, they probably wouldn't be happy apart either, but together...each has character flaws that would keep them from being happy, especially when both wanted the other to be different than who they truly were. That's the reason when I daydreamed in my youth I had their children find happiness together. Strange...I know. I also realize that it's not real, but it felt like it. It haunts me even to this day. Maybe it's the reason Gone With the Wind is a classic—it's a story that lives inside of you. What story that has haunted you? Is there one that you can't forget? Why? 

In the spirit of Halloween, I'm giving a signed of one of my Secret Lives Series.   Comment for a chance to win!

FALL FREEBIES

Everyone loves something for nothing. We all do. We love the feel we are getting a good deal.

Giving away free books is something we Indies' do. It helps us develop a following. It's how I've sold my books. I believe in giving away a sample of my work. There has always been a debate about giving away free books. A lot of authors are dead set against it. I understand. Think about what we do...the time and energy that goes into writing just to give it away. Doesn't make much sense if you look at it one way, but the other...it has helped me sell books.

It calls attention to my books. I had/have been traditionally published, but it was by small and medium size publishers. The large publishers said I needed to show I can sell books. That pushed me into becoming an Indie. Becoming an Indie has had its ups and downs.

Victoria Holt once wrote—  
Never regret. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience.  
I have learned learned several lessons over the last couple of years of being an Indie writer.
One— Never look back. Make a decision and then look ahead.
Second— Accept criticism. Learn from it.
Third— Enjoy the moments.

As a writer, I love each and every story I've written. I've had a purpose behind each one. When I began writing, I wanted others to enjoy my stories. I write what I love to read myself. It has been an endless journey.

From the bad times of being an Indie emerged my free book, Seductive Secrets under my pen name Colleen Connally. There is a long story as to why I first gave away Seductive Secrets. I didn't want to give it away, but in the end it has been the best thing that has happened to my writing career. I love Seductive Secrets. At this moment in time, Seductive Secrets is approaching 400,000 downloads having been free for a little over a year.

A few weeks ago, I went to my cover artist for my next release. I am planning on releasing my first contemporary mystery/suspense book in December under Colleen Connally. It's the first book in the series, Boston's Crimes of Passion. Back when the Boston Marathon Bombing happened I began formulating a plan on how to give back to my community. I donated a week's proceeds, but felt I needed to do more. I decided to begin this series. When Fragmented is released in December, I'm pledging half my royalties of Fragmented to either The One Fund or another Boston based charity. I have to work out all the details, but it's my way of giving back. This is the cover for my new release.

COMING DECEMBER, 2013! Whenever my cover artist, Erin Dameron-Hill, came back to me and told me that I was now considered a best selling author, I was taken back. One of the other things about me being an Indie, I usually don't have a clue about certain things...such as Amazon's best seller list. It's not one of those things that I've ever considered. My focus has always been on writing. When I'm involved in a story I rarely come up for air. It may only be for that moment. I can't write the future...but I can take a moment and say Thank you! I'm truly humbled...truly.

I also realize I have a long way to go on this journey. Along the way, I have met some wonderful people. Some have helped me in ways I can never repay...like Erin. But there are also others such as my new friend, Karen, who is working diligently helping me make my stories the best they can be. I, also, can't tell you how it makes my heart sing to hear the enthusiasm from a reader who wins a signed copy of one of my books. It makes my day. So...my gift to you is my writings.

I have three free books at the moment.

AMAZON       BARNES AND NOBLE

  Seductive Secrets is part of the Secret Lives Series, but it is a standalone book. 
AMAZON      BARNES AND NOBLE

The Cry For Freedom- New revised! The Cry For Freedom isn't a stand alone book...it is part of a series that needs to be read from beginning until the end. The Heavens Shall Fall, Book Four of the Winds of Betrayal Series, is due out in 2014. (I'm hoping the formatting issue The Cry For Freedom was having has been taken care of on Amazon. It should be. If anyone sees differently please let me know).

And then my first free book, Whispers of a Legend, Shadows of the Past. Please be patient with me about the next installment of Whispers of a Legend. I had to push it back at least until 2014...

AMAZON    BARNES AND NOBLE


Enjoy! Have a Great Day!

Sunday Morning Walk

This morning I'm off to walk for Alzheimer's in Boston. My husband has a team every year. His mother has the awful disease. You feel so powerless when you have a love one who has Alzheimer's. My heart goes out to my husband and his family. At least with the walk, you feel like you doing something. Here's the link if you need more information on the walk or Alzheimers- Walk to End Alzheimers.

I've been straight out the last week...Seductive Lies was released! I'm doing a book give away on Goodreads for Seductive Lies...so if you want a chance to win Seductive Lies...here's that link.
Goodreads Give-Away!

Oh...and my giveaway for Broken Legacy. I have the names of the last week of my giveaway! It won't be the last give away for me...I'll be doing another in November and December.




Winners this week—

Monica...Kmarma C.....Lisa L....Heidi P...

Congratulations!

Don't forget to check out Seductive Lies....



Only love can heal a heart betrayed...

Harriet Burke has long been haunted by a family scandal. Abandoned by her mother as an infant, she has grown up in the shadows of the events that led up to that scandal. But all changes when she meets the future Viscount of Daneford. The dashing young Lieutenant Arthur Hammett defies his grandfather. Professing his undying love, he proposes to Harriet. Harriet quickly learns that all is not what it seems. Secrets, lies, and betrayal shatters Harriet's life, leaving Harriet little choice. She has to begin life anew…

They were destined to be together but fate has other plans…

Lord Arthur Daneford made a rash decision years ago that cost him greatly...his biggest regret. Now, though, his past has reemerged. Chilling information has been called to his attention that Harriet's life is endangered. He will stop at nothing to ensure her safety, but will she accept his help before it's too late?

ABOUT:

Family scandal...Forbidden love...Ghosts and Curses

Harriet Burke has been cursed or so says her grandfather. In her youth, a gypsy’s blessing gave Harriet the ability to disregard the boundaries of death. Lord Arthur believes it is total nonsense, but he cannot deny there is no explanation for her knowledge. Haunted by visions of wrongs once done, Harriet fears there will be no escape.

Living in my Bubble World...New Release and Goodreads

Seductive Lies was released yesterday. I'm trying something I've never done. I'm giving away signed books of Seductive Lies on Goodreads.
Goodreads Giveaway! When I joined Goodreads a couple of years ago, I wanted a place to meet other readers and authors. The premise of Goodreads is sound. It was the execution that was off base. What Goodreads allowed was an environment to develop that undermined its original intent.

I do believe in everyone's right to their opinion. Not everyone is going to like what I write. I don't like every book I have read, but this I do know. I have never left an offensive or malicious review even after discovering some of the people behind the attack on my writings. Was it tempting to retaliate with bad reviews against their books? Was it tempting to dispute all the misleading information they said about me? Of course, it was. I'm only human, but it was something my daddy told me growing up. He told me, "If you can get up every morning and look yourself in the mirror, then you're doing okay."

It wouldn't feel right for me. I don't understand the troll attacks against me, but I have tried to handle the attacks as best I can...the right way for me. I lost connections with the attacks against me. Some authors that I was in groups with distanced themselves. I was told it wasn't personal, but a 'business decision.' I haven't lost contact with all of them. I do email them occasionally. It's just in the back of my mind, I don't want to hurt them by being associated with me, either. I understand. I really do. I wouldn't want anyone to go through the year I had in 2012.

But in the same manner I lost contacts, I gained friends. Through it all, there have been some authors that have stood by me. I appreciate that...I will never forget their kindness. There is a person too- that I'm not sure whether she would want me to mention or not -that at one point was the only one I could turn to in this business for help. She told me not to interact with my troll and not to retaliate. Not that she could do much but guide me, but she listened. I want to say thank you.

I don't want to go backwards. I take everything I've gone through as a learning experience. It's life. Life isn't always fair, but life is too short to hold on to the negative. If you do, you will miss out on the good.

I love writing...I love creating stories...and I love meeting readers...and that's what I want to do on Goodreads. I also want to find some recommendations of good reads, new authors... Even though, I knew almost immediately the identity of the main troll against me, it took me awhile to make the connection to Goodreads and the Goodreads Bullies. I was disappointed in Goodreads response to my issue. I was about to write them off when Amazon bought Goodreads...then I rethought my decision.

Amazon made my career in writing possible...it's true. Without an avenue to sell my books, I doubt I would be still writing. Amazon broke open avenue for Indie writers. I sat on the edge of the business for years. I was published by small and medium publishers. Hanging on the words of the rejections of the major publishers...the last major publisher I sent a manuscript to told me in essence said I needed to show more sales. I was never going to do that with my small publisher. Being an Indie has given me that opportunity to show I can sell books.

Becoming an Indie offered me the ability to fulfill my dream of being an 'author.' Along with it, it has also brought with it responsibilities. I am trying my best to deliver high quality books. It is my intent. 

As bad as 2012 was to be as an author, 2013 has given me hope.

In the summer of 2013, Book Bub picked up one of my free books, The Cry For Freedom. Even with the onslaught of negative reviews afterwards...the series really seemed to take off...for the first time since Daughter of Deceit/Seductive Secrets was in the top #50 paid on Amazon- for a blink of an eye and an assault by a group of trolls later-Embrace of the Enemy was in the top #100 of Family Saga for a time...and unbeknownst to me...I'm on some list that considers me a bestselling author on Amazon!

Do you know how I discover this? My cover artist told me. She was just completing a new cover for me...Fragmented...my first contemporary romantic suspense series where I'm going to be donating half the proceeds to either the One Fund or another charity here in Boston. Hope to have it out for Christmas. I'll tell you more about it soon...I'm excited about the project... Anyhow look at the cover—


Besides the great job Erin Dameron-Hill did once again on the cover, notice something— Bestselling Author.
After 2012, it is something I never thought I would see. I can't tell you how humbled I am and appreciative. There are moments when you just have to stand back and soak in the moment. I am still not where I want to be...but that moment told me that I just need to keep doing what I love —writing.
It also told me that the road I chose to go was the right one. The high road is difficult to take, but it's much easier to live with the decision. I'm not out of the woods. My stalker is still out there...but I hope in time she won't be able to the damage she has done in the past. 
The Cry For Freedom has been revised for a third time...I'm expecting Embrace of the Enemy back at anytime on its third revision and Seductive Lies  has been released!
I'm still giving away signed copies of Broken Legacy this week...but know I am on...believe it or not... Goodreads giving away copies of Seductive Lies.
Have a good one!

Seductive Lies, Book Three Secret Lives

NOW AVAILABLE!






AMAZON      BARNES AND NOBLE  
Only love can heal a heart betrayed...

Harriet Burke has long been haunted by a family scandal. Abandoned by her mother as an infant, she has grown up in the shadows of the events that led up to that scandal. But all changes when she meets the future Viscount of Daneford. The dashing young Lieutenant Arthur Hammett defies his grandfather. Professing his undying love, he proposes to Harriet. Harriet quickly learns that all is not what it seems. Secrets, lies, and betrayal shatters Harriet's life, leaving Harriet little choice. She has to begin life anew…

They were destined to be together but fate had other plans…

Lord Arthur Daneford made a rash decision years ago that cost him greatly...his biggest regret. Now, though, his past has re-emerged. Chilling information has been called to his attention that Harriet's life is endangered. He will stop at nothing to ensure her safety, but will she accept his help before it's too late?

ABOUT:

Family scandal...Forbidden love...Ghosts and Curses

Harriet Burke has been cursed or so says her grandfather. In her youth, a gypsy’s blessing gave Harriet the ability to disregard the boundaries of death. Lord Arthur believes it is total nonsense, but he cannot deny there is no explanation for her knowledge. Haunted by visions of wrongs once done, Harriet fears there will be no escape.
Prologue1804 Arthur Charles Francis Hammett, Lieutenant in His Majesty’s Navy, heir to the Viscount of Daneford, rode his horse up the steep hill. He took a path that led to the point where the cliff rose steep and straight from the sea along an indented coastline. He reined in his horse before a scene of breathtaking beauty. Across the cove, his home, Ayercombe Manor, stood on the cliff’s plateau facing the sea, lit brightly under a full moon in a cloudless sky.
This was the last night he would be home for quite a while. He was set to depart for his ship and the war on the morrow. His spirits lifted up on the magnificent sight of the granite mansion, majestic and noble, that towered over its domain and defied all who came against it. Pride surged forth as he soaked up the view.
Ayercombe Manor had been in his family for many generations. The manor had been built during the reign of King Henry VIII. Only once had his home fell out of his ancestors’ hands—during the Civil War. The Hammett had been staunch Royalists. Only after Cromwell’s death and the crown restored was Arthur’s family fortune and estate returned. Since that time, the Hammett name had been held with respect and honor within all of Devon.
His great-grandfather, Charles Tristan, the Baron Sandrow, had been the first Viscount of Daneford. The title bestowed upon his great-grandfather for his service to the Crown as ambassador to Russia. His father, Francis Geoffrey, had served within the diplomatic corp, but his service was cut short on a diplomatic mission to Lisbon when his ship sank during a violent storm. Both his father and mother perished. Though Arthur remembered little of his father, he felt his decision to serve his country against the devil himself, Napoleon Bonaparte, would do honor to his father’s memory.
In his youth, Arthur would never have taken solace upon the sight before him now, but in his youth he had been brash and reckless, quite the devilish rake. Arthur rebelled against most told to him. Acceptance did not come easy to his nature. Resentment gnawed within him and oozed out in his behavior. A rebellious soul against the boredom that being the heir meant to a young gentleman, he gave his grandfather many a sleepless night.
That was before Harriet. Miss Henrietta Burke…Harriet. The woman had changed everything about his life. The daughter of a major in His Majesty’s Army. The granddaughter of the local squire. Most of his life, he had given little notice of the family, much less to Harriet. At a glance, he had thought Harriet plain and dowdy in their previous meetings: her hair pulled back too tightly from her face; her dress ill fitted to her frame. Nothing in her manner demanded any more attention from him other than a polite nod.
His eyes fixated on the cove. That was where he first met her, not a polite formal greeting. He met her…the real Harriet, the one behind the façade of polite society. That was where he was to meet her this night. Where was she?
Surely, she would have been able to sneak out tonight…this night of all nights. He didn’t know what he would do if he wasn’t able to see her one last time. A moment later, his fears eased. He saw her emerge, rounding the bend of the shoreline on her horse.
Arthur whistled and waited only for her to look up in his direction before he began his descent down to the beach. He wasted no time. Every moment was precious.
The cool night breeze greeted him when his mount stepped onto the sandy beach. She smiled at him. How he ever thought her plain! She looked incredibly lovely in the moonlight. Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Her bright eyes sparkled in the moonlight reflecting off the water’s gleam. She had a flawless complexion enhanced by the silkiness of her long eyelashes and full rosy lips. Her golden, almost sunlight color, hair pulled back in a fashionable manner framed her oval face. Her dark brown eyes met his with a mixed expression of annoyance and adoration.
“You are late.”
Arthur had no time to answer. She kneed her mount’s flanks and galloped down the beach. He didn’t know whether to laugh or curse. The race was on! Faster and faster, the two galloped along the stretch of deserted beach. She glanced over at him and laughed.
For a brief moment, his eyes warmed at the sight. The gown she wore gathered up about her knees; her hair, freed of its bounds, blew back in the wind. Gawd! How was he ever going to leave this woman!
Suddenly, she reined back and slowed her pace. He followed suit and rode to her side. In one swift motion, his arms rounded her, pulling her off her horse and into his arms. Off balance, the two fell back into the rolling waves.
Drenched, Harriet coughed. Her soaked cloak hung back on her back, leaving Arthur with a full view of her gown that clung tightly to her figure. The wet fabric left little to the imagination, outlining her round, firm breasts.
She gave little thought to her appearance. She pushed back against his chest, trying desperately to gain her balance. “My horse! Arthur! Look at him! What if he returns to the stables? Uncle Walter will know!”
“I don’t give a damn what Uncle Walter knows,” he said. He held her so his eyes bore into hers. She didn’t back down, but challenged him.
“I do, Arthur. You are leaving. I have…”
He would have none of it. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her up to face him. Swiftly, he bent down and pressed his mouth upon hers. He kissed her before she had time to object and not sweetly either. He took her mouth hard, releasing a swelling hunger within him for this woman.
He seduced her mouth open so his tongue was in her, tasting, exploring, and possessing her. Her gasps spoke her shock, yet he felt her relax in his arms. His hand slid up to her breast, coaxing a cry from her. He kissed her neck as his hand cupped her breast.
“Harriet, my love,” he whispered. “Whatever are we going to do?”
“Arthur, I can’t,” she protested rather weakly.
He broke from her only far enough back to see into her eyes. She would. She would let him ravish her at this moment. He felt her need…his. Bloody hell! He wanted her, but it would never do. He was to leave in the morning and would not be here if there were consequences. He had to suppress his want.
“I know. I know,” he answered her with the greatest reluctance. “It was not my intention to seduce you, but God knows I want to, as do you.”
Harriet nodded, seemingly lost for words. Pressing her lips together tightly, she nodded as tears began to well in her beautiful eyes.
He reached over and caressed her cheek. “I love you, Harriet.”
The words undid her. A dam of tears burst. She fell into his shoulders and wept. He held her then in the stillness of the night with the only sound of the waves rolling in and out.
“I love you, too, Arthur.” She choked back her tears. “I’m so proud of you. You are going to do your family proud. It is only…I’m going to miss you so.”
“And you do not know where we stand. You and I. I have been so thoughtless, Harriet. I should have well proclaimed my feelings before this night. Be strong, my darling. I will return.” He leaned down and brought her chin upward. He kissed her lips, gently this time. “I will return and make you my wife.”
She could do little to contain her shock. “Your wife? Oh, Arthur, whatever will your grandfather say?”
“It is not his consent I want to hear at this moment. Tell me, Harriet Burke, that you will be my wife. I know what is true. I want only to remember this feeling between us, how it feels to touch you, hold you…love you. Let me leave knowing you will be here for me when I return.”
“If you want to know I love you and will wait for you forever, then go and hold no doubt I will be here,” she uttered before his mouth claimed hers once more.