Colleen Connally's Blog, page 3

July 2, 2019

#Blindsidedbyhomosexuality A problem with a #GayCharacter...Really? Review of Past of Shadows

I woke up this morning to a lovely review. A one-star review. Now, I'm not a stranger to one star reviews. When I first came out as an Indie Author, I got slammed by a group of trolls that eventually became known as the GoodRead Trolls. They went after my book, Seductive Secrets.

I mention this because there is a similiarity. Seductive Secrets is a historical romance, romantic suspense book, but the main secondary character is gay. I don't write gay romances. I write romances with vivid characters, which includes having a gay character if the storyline takes me there. Charles is one of my favorite character I've written. I wrote Charles because my daughter, who is gay, told me that growing up, she never read a book with a positive gay role model.

AMAZON      BOOKS2READ
The original title was Daughter of Deceit. I changed it to Seductive Secrets and my penname to Colleen Connally. I had to...I was running from the trolls. To this day, I swear I was attacked because of my character Charles.

Now, I just got a nasty review on my series, The Three Realms, Past of Shadows. Reviews are hard to come by now adays for me. My writing has slowed down due to an injury three years ago that has left me in constant pain. I took to revising an old fantasy series I had written. My next release is in just over a week. So, the timing of this review, in of itself, is questionable.

So, this morning, I was excited to see that I got another review on the first book, Past of Shadows, until I looked at it.

AMAZON     BOOKS2READ
stars Blindsided by homosexuality!July 1, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified PurchaseI read 3/4 of an otherwise interesting book when the author decided to interject homosexuality. If I wanted to read about homosexuals, I’d look for a book in that genre. So disgusted by authors who trick people into reading this trash and I won’t read this author again. Just be honest and people will trust you, I certainly don’t now. Bye.
Yes, some of my books have gay characters. This character, Johannes, is one of a dozen side characters in the book...but I'm not going to apologize for writing about a gay character. You would think by the review that the character went on an orgy. (He didn't even have sex. It was just acknowledge that he was gay.) I'm not going to apologize for writing likable, smart, intelligent gay characters. I'm not.

Saying that, the sad fact is that it does hurt sales because I don't write to the gay community. My historical romances are traditional romances where boy meets girl. Not all my books have gay charcaters, but when I feel the need, I include them. What author gets slammed for writing a gay character in her book?

I feel for the reviewer. I do...and I will pray for her. Yes, I consider myself a Christian and go to church on Sundays. But I understand the struggle of being gay. My daughter didn't get up one morning and decide to be gay. This is who she is and always has been. She is the sweetest, most caring person I know. I'm so proud of her.

So weighing my options as an Indie writer, would it be best not to include gay characters? Honestly, the answer is yes. I have been told the smart thing to do is to write to the wants of your readers if you want to succeed. But I have never written for the money. I write the story inside of me.

I'm not going to lie. It hurts to read a nasty review. I'm only human. But this review just makes me sad that someone has so much anger in her. There is too much anger in the world, way too much.







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Published on July 02, 2019 03:41

April 29, 2019

WOW! What A Battle! What a Show! Well Done #GAMEOFTHRONES

What do We Say To the God of Death? Not Today!
Like most people, I stayed up watching Game of Thrones, Season 8, Episode 3, with great anticipation. I wasn't disappointed. I was wrong by a couple of things. I thought Brienne and Davos

Loved it! I will admit I was totally taken by surprise that it was Arya that killed the Night King. Yet, looking back, it all seems so clear.

That what makes a great series...great books! I commend both George RR Martin and the series creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.

I just had to say how much I enjoyed it...except that I couldn't see a thing. I realize they wanted to keep it realistic, but there were times I couldn't see a thing.

So...what are is going to happen now? Are they going to tell us more about the Night King? Is he a Targaryen...my guess—no. I'm guessing that is going to happen in the prequel that is coming.

Three more episodes.

Will Cersei cunningly win by letting Daenerys, Jon and the North sacrifice their army for humanity? Will Daenerys consider Jon a threat? Does Jon even want the Iron Throne? How will Daenerys win the throne with her army decimated? Will Arya kill Cersei? Could it be Genry really is the son of Cersei and Robert...(remember she said she lost a child before Joffrey)? Will Bran ever warn anyone about the danger they truly face...or just sit there in his chair? Will Bronn use the crossbow on Tyrion? (I hope not.)

So many questions...so little time!
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Published on April 29, 2019 07:36

April 15, 2019

VISION OF DESTINY, BOOK THREE OF THE THREE REALMS IS COMING!

#LETTHELEGENDBEGIN #THETHREEREALMS #FANTASYFICTION #FREEEBOOK
I'm celebrating the Upcoming Release of Vision of Destiny—
PAST OF SHADOWS IS FREE FROM APRIL 15TH-18TH!

FREE ~ APRIL 15TH-18TH
THE THREE REALMS, BOOK ONE
Kela Calledwdele was born with a destiny, a Euchoun with only one purpose in life...to protect. Torn between two worlds, Kela soon discovers she is the hope of both. Now she must find the courage to face the destiny, fate has dictated to her.

Kela has always known what path in life she would follow. She was born a Euchoun. Half Witheleghean, a passive, peaceful race where magic runs freely and the other half, Sordarin, a valiant warrior race of hawkmen who rule the sky, she knows well her parents gave the ultimate sacrifice to give her a chance to live. Yet, in so doing, they have left Kela unprepared to face the danger that awaits her--an evil like no other--Asmeodai!

COVER REVEAL FOR THE THREE REALMS, BOOK THREE
COMING JULY12TH — VISION OF DESTINY

PREORDER NOW AT THE BARGAIN $0.99!
Torn between two worlds, Kela soon discovers she is the hope of both.

Kela has always known what path in life she would follow. She was born a Euchoun. She knows well her parents gave the ultimate sacrifice to give her a chance to live. Yet, in so doing, they have left Kela unprepared to face the dangers that await her. Her instincts are to protect and in this she does, but in so doing, it leads her into a dangerous world, where she doesn’t know whom to trust. In time, she bonds with a Sordarin warrior, Cono. Together, they prepare to face an evil as no other before, Asmeodai, but betrayal and treachery leaves Kela alone. She is torn by her desire for Cono and the purpose, the path, she has been given to follow.

Now, Kela questions her destiny. The path that once was so clear before her has blurred. Left with only one choice, she escapes from Yucca in search of the one known as Seilda the Tvopac, the Guardian of the Past…but Kela learns quickly the Past holds its own dangers.
Vision of Destiny is the third installment of fantasy fiction—The Three Realms Series. Follow Kela's battle to embrace her destiny.


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Published on April 15, 2019 00:00

April 9, 2019

Why I'm On Patreon




This is my post on Patreon. I have postponed putting one up for a long time. Now, I'm giving it a whirl. There are a hundred other Patreon creators on the site. Why would you choose me to support?

I want to give you insight into my books. I want you to follow in my journey to create. Most importantly, I want you to read my books. I'm offering some fantastic rewards for your support. Right now, I'm offering the first glimpse into Book 3 of The Three Realms, Vision of Destiny...you can even get a first look at the cover. Would you like to be included in the book's acknowledgement? Or the entire series (print) autographed?

I would love your support. Colleen Connally Patreon Page!

So What is Patreon?

This is my first venture into this venue. I have heard some wonderful things about this site. I have come to discover that the best way to discover if something works is to try it out. Hopefully, this will be beneficial to us both. With your support for me, you will gain access to my writing process and books. 

I will also be blogging. I can’t promise you what I will be blogging about. I imagine it will be mainly about books and writing. I love talking about not only my books, but other authors as well. I will confess, I will probably include my dog, Charlie, cooking, and who knows what else.

If you love history, I have some great series for you. Winds of Betrayal, Winds of Change and Southern Legacy are American Historical Romances. For a taste of English historicals, I have the Secret Lives Series. I have a romantic suspense series, Boston’s Crimes of Passion and the beginning of a paranormal suspense series, Boston’s Crimes of Horror.

My Current Project!

The Three Realms is a high fantasy series. I love writing fantasy because I can indulge my imagination. It’s one of the reason I like being an Indie author, the creative freedom. Two books, Past of Shadows and The Path Now Turned, have been released in the series. The third book, Vision of Destiny, will be released later this year. 

I would like for you to follow along the journey of The Three Realms. I’m going to serialize The Three Realms here on Patreon. For my supporters that subscribe for $10 a month, I’m going to release portions of the series to you each month. The first month will be Past of Shadows; the next month, The Path Now Turned. Afterwards, I will release a portion of Vision of Destiny until the book is complete. Then, we will go from there.

Here's my problem being an Indie author: Life is expensive. Amazon sales have dropped, not only for me, but most Indie authors. To continue to write, I would like your support.

I appreciate all my readers, regardless of whether they support me here or not! 

Thank you! 



COLLEEN CONNALLY ON PATREON

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Published on April 09, 2019 06:40

March 25, 2019

#FANTASYFICTION Pledge your allegiance! #PASTOFSHADOWS #THETHREEREALMS


PAST OF SHADOWS
Torn between two worlds, Kela soon discovers she is the hope of both. 
Kela Calledwdele was born with a destiny, a Euchoun with only one purpose in life...to protect. Torn between two worlds, Kela soon discovers she is the hope of both. Now she must find the courage to face the destiny, fate has dictated to her.
Kela has always known what path in life she would follow. She was born a Euchoun. Half Witheleghean, a passive, peaceful race where magic runs freely and the other half, Sordarin, a valiant warrior race of hawkmen who rule the sky, she knows well her parents gave the ultimate sacrifice to give her a chance to live. Yet, in so doing, they have left Kela unprepared to face the danger that awaits her--an evil like no other--Asmeodai!




THE PATH NOW TURNED, BK 2
Having proven her ability during the Battle of the Payelaga Desert, she believes herself ready to follow her destiny beside Cono, her warrior. Fate has another path for Kela. When she discovers all she has long believed is not as it seems, the betrayal leaves Kela torn by her desire for Cono and the path she has been given to follow. 
COMING SOON ~ VISION OF DESTINY!



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Published on March 25, 2019 00:00

March 10, 2019

Have You Read Seductive Secrets? You Should Have By Now!


SEDUCTIVE SECRETS

AMAZON     NOOK    ITUNES     KOBO
SEDUCTIVE SECRETS ~The first book in the Secret Lives Series by Colleen Connally.
A can't miss historical romance!
Colleen Connally spins a tale that scoops up the reader and transports them into action, romance and intrigue. There is so much more that makes this story spectacular. It is filled with deception, treachery, romance, intense drama, and detailed characters that pull in the reader from the beginning until the end. The secondary players add great finesse to the storyline. I have to admit it was completely hard to put this book down. Ms. Connally creates an enthralling read that surrounds with anticipation that continues to build, leaving this reader spellbound.
On Amazon Colleen Connally:  http://ow.ly/2tJS30nZyot                       Jerri Hines:          http://ow.ly/ruSU30nZyoS
YouTube:                                    https://youtu.be/7v6AjB_EEN8

AUDIBLE BOOKSomeone wants Alyce Hythe dead... 

Shunned from London society for being the daughter of England's most notorious spy, Alyce Hythe desires only to clear her father's name. For years, she has been hidden away from prying eyes, given a new identity and told to forget who she was. But strange things have been happening causing old rumors to once more be whispered.

Long has Lord Julian Casvelyn lived with guilt brought on when his brother was murdered by England's most infamous traitor. But one eventful night has changed everything Lord Julian believed about his brother's death. Never did he suspect the woman he has just saved from certain harm is the daughter of that man.

Now Julian is caught in midst of a conspiracy and desire for that woman. Thrown together by fate, the two search for answers long denied them and along the way discover a love that can free them both.


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Published on March 10, 2019 17:23

February 12, 2019

#LOVEISINTHEAIR GIVEAWAY


LOVE IS IN THE AIR GIVEAWAYEnter for your chance to win one of these great prizes!$50 Amazon Gift Card Game of Thrones Wine Glass  #GAME OF THRONES WINE GLASS
Friendship KeyChain  Lindt Lindor Chocolate Truffles

$50 AMAZON GIFT CARD



JERRI'S STREET TEAM!I'm looking to expand my Street Team, which includes getting to read upcoming books before they're released. Street Teams are extremely important to an author. I'm also interested in feedback. I'm also trying to do a couple of things with a podcast. Would love to have you! Email me at jerri.hines@jerrihines.com.




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Published on February 12, 2019 08:31

January 29, 2019

BOSTON'S CRIMES OF HORROR- SCREAM FOR THE CAMERA

A New Year....A New Series
SCREAM FOR THE CAMERA
A murder...broadcast for thousands to see...has just become a viral sensation!
SCREAM FOR THE CAMERA

NEW RELEASE
A brutal, methodical murderer, known as the Facebook Live Killer, has cold-bloodedly killed vibrant, beautiful young women in front of the whole world. The heartless bastard streams the footage on Facebook Live.

The latest killing stuns the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Known for its sun, sand, and sea, the vacation paradise hasn’t seen a murder in over ten years. Now the residents fear a murderer lives among them…taunting them…terrified this is only the beginning.

For Massachusetts State Police Detective, Lieutenant Mason Conrad, the case couldn’t have come at a worst possible time. His life is in the midst of an upheaval. Newly divorced, he is heavy in debt with a child to raise. But he knows the clock is ticking. Someone who blatantly kills in this manner won’t stop.

Moving to the island five years ago, Ettie Harwell came with secrets. Secrets she had hoped never to reveal. Then, the haunting dreams returned. Night after night, visions pull her back into the world she’d prayed she’d never have to face again.

The murders have thrown Mason and Ettie together, plunging them into, not only the Dark Web but a dark world. They have no choice but to track down a demon-possessed killer before he strikes again...and time is running out.

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Published on January 29, 2019 00:00

January 21, 2019

Curl Up By A Warm Fire with #MurderMystery #FREE ~ Fragmented



Today through Friday, Fragmented is FREE! If you have #KDP, Fragmented is in Kindleunlimited until January 30th.

The reason I put Fragmented free is my upcoming release, Scream for the Camera. Boston's Crimes of  Passion series is the closest book I have to my new series, Boston's Crimes of Horror.

If you enjoy Fragmented, you will enjoy Scream for the Camera. Don't forget there is a second book in BCOP series, Framed.
fragmentedstandard (2) FRAGMENTED ~ FREE
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.

  SCREAM FOR THE CAMERA   COMING NEXT WEEK ~ JANUARY 29TH!  AMAZON     NOOK     ITUNES    KOBO A murder...broadcast for thousands to see...has just become a viral sensation.

A brutal, methodical murderer, known as the Facebook Live Killer, has cold-bloodedly killed vibrant, beautiful young women in front of the whole world. The heartless bastard streams the footage on Facebook Live.

The latest killing stuns the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Known for its sun, sand, and sea, the vacation paradise hasn’t seen a murder in over ten years. Now the residents fear a murderer lives among them…taunting them…terrified this is only the beginning.

For Massachusetts State Police Detective, Lieutenant Mason Conrad, the case couldn’t have come at a worst possible time. His life is in the midst of an upheaval. Newly divorced, he is heavy in debt with a child to raise. But he knows the clock is ticking. Someone who blatantly kills in this manner won’t stop.

Moving to the island five years ago, Ettie Harwell came with secrets. Secrets she had hoped never to reveal. Then, the haunting dreams returned. Night after night, visions pull her back into the world she’d prayed she’d never have to face again.

The murders have thrown Mason and Ettie together, plunging them into, not only the Dark Web but a dark world. They have no choice but to track down a demon-possessed killer before he strikes again...and time is running out.  DON'T FORGET BOOK 2 IN BOSTON'S CRIMES OF PASSION FRAMED framed
AMAZON      NOOK    ITUNES    KOBO Blood makes you related; Murder makes you family!

Riley Ashcroft discovers that being born into one of the most prominent and powerful families in Massachusetts doesn’t mean a life of ease. Far from it. Since her father, Jack Ashcroft, took his own life thirteen years ago, she has lived in the shadow of scandal. When her grandmother’s personal secretary is brutally murdered, Riley begins to suspect everything she has been told as a child was a lie. Feeling betrayed, she vows to expose her family's darkest secrets.

Josh Kincaid, an investigative reporter, is on the heels of a major story. Thirteen years ago, Harrison Taylor's fate lay in the hands of his lawyer, Jack Ashcroft. In the midst of rumors and scandal, Ashcroft committed suicide and Taylor's fate was decided. Taylor is a convicted killer, but his grandmother has never stopped believing in his innocence. Now, the woman of meager means has offered a reward for any information that will free her grandson. Kincaid's interest is peaked, but it isn't until an anonymous tip suggests that the convicted killer was framed that he takes on the case.

Determined that the sins of the past be revealed, Kincaid and Riley search together for answers to the questions that were silenced by Jack Ashcroft's death. But there is a killer out there that has already proven he will do whatever necessary to keep those secrets buried.

In this tale of deceit and twisted revenge, the two soon realize that no one can be trusted, not even each other…  CHECK OUT MY NEW PODCAST!   untitled design (12)
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Published on January 21, 2019 07:10

January 13, 2019

Impatient For Game of Thrones Return? ~ Try This #Fantasy Series

Pledge your allegiance!
Torn between two worlds, Kela soon discovers she is the hope of both!
THE THREE REALMS SERIES
FREE with #Kindleunlimited #FantasyFiction

PAST of SHADOWS, Bk 1

The Path Now Turned, Bk 2

Kela Calledwdele was born with a destiny, a Euchoun with only one purpose in life...to protect. Torn between two worlds, Kela soon discovers she is the hope of both. Now she must find the courage to face the destiny, fate has dictated to her.

Kela has always known what path in life she would follow. She was born a Euchoun. Half Witheleghean, a passive, peaceful race where magic runs freely and the other half, Sordarin, a valiant warrior race of hawkmen who rule the sky, she knows well her parents gave the ultimate sacrifice to give her a chance to live. Yet, in so doing, they have left Kela unprepared to face the danger that awaits her—an evil like no other—Asmeodai! 



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Published on January 13, 2019 16:30

Colleen Connally's Blog

Colleen Connally
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