Pitch

It's Here!

Book Two in The Huntington Saga Series Novels~

Pirate Bride!

Miss Susannah Blakemore is kidnapped and sold into white slavery as payback to the Huntingtons. Will her pirate hero save her?

“The Huntingtons will pay. Oh, they will pay.” Plots and unholy alliances are put into action carrying out long-awaited retribution.

Only … one was not thought of. One was not even considered. How would anyone have guessed that a descendant of a pirate would take up his old family tradition in a mad quest to regain his bitterly lost love? The Marquess of Latham will not abide by this act of violence arranged for his precious love, but will surely save her -- will he not? And will he make her the next pirate bride?

Next? There must be a first to have a 'next'. But there was another ... centuries ago ... that still walks the halls of Stonecrest Castle.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Yeah! A New Blog Post for Friday!! -- April 29th Blog -- Chapter 5 Continued

Excerpt from The Governess, Chapter 5 (continued):

Carly thought she would die of embarrassment, “What…what I meant was that women are…are sort of romantic creatures, you know,” hesitating.  She could not believe she was having this conversation with him. 
            “Yes, I know.  Do go on.”  Still, the alarming twinkle sparkled in his eyes. 
            “I am merely saying that I enjoy a good romance, whether it be in poetry form or a lovely story.  The happily ever after thing and all.  I simply love happy endings.”  She shrugged her shoulders.  “I so dislike being sad.” 
            “I see.”
            “Do you?  You see, my parents were so in love.”  Her nerves had caught up with her tongue and now she was sure she babbled ceaselessly.  “The way they talked to each other, the way they looked at each other, one could always tell.  They could finish each other’s sentences, they were so in love.”  
She was correct.  She was babbling. 
“It made such a difference to my sister and I to be part of a happy family.  I think it is crucial to any family.” 
He was frowning, but nodded for her to continue. 
“Well, I guess that is why I love reading about love and happy endings.  I have seen both the lack of it and the abundance of it.  I much prefer the abundance.” 
The sting on his face was evident.  Carly thought he must be thinking of his departed wife.  They sat in silence for several moments till she bravely asked, “What kind of reading do you enjoy, my lord?” 
            Still frowning, he answered automatically, “Anything I can get my hands on, but mostly history.”  Quietly looking up at her, he added, “And…occasionally, poetry.” 
            “You do?  I would not have guessed that of you!  Well, I would the history, but not the…”  She froze and shook her head in instant apology, “Oh sir, I am sorry to presume…”  Faltering, she looked at him, but he was staring at her intently, almost humorously.  “I should not be so bold.”  What was he thinking of her now?  Could she muddle this conversation any more than she already had?  “I…I do apologize.” 
Chuckling a little, he did not relieve her much for she was too astonished that he had such emotion.  He only continued to stare at her, taking in her hair that fell around her shoulders spilling upon the cozy blanket that enveloped her. Her tiny slippers peeked out from under her nightgown hem. She was so petite.  So tempting.

Join me again on Monday, May 2, for a new post!

Thanks for reading with me!
Ellise ;)

Monday, April 25, 2011

Monday, April 25th Blog - Chapter 5 Continued...

Excerpt from The Governess, Chapter 5 (continued):

Deliberately, he reached down to move the other chair purposely closer to the fire.  “You seem cold…for you are trembling.  Won’t you please join me at the warmth of the fire?” 
Immediately, he was covering her in a warm blanket.  Her shock and gratitude showed upon her face.  She could only stare.  Shaking herself, she looked at the flames of the fire instead.  Finally able to gain a response from her body, Carly slowly lowered herself into the chair he had provided.
“You were going to look for a book?” he asked. 
            Beside herself with nerves, she stammered, “I…I was, yes.” 
The chair seemed to swallow her up, he thought, she was so petite.  “You cannot sleep then?”
            Shaking her head and curls, she said, “I cannot.  I am sure I shall adjust quickly though, my lord.”  Carly pulled the blanket more tightly around herself. 
Lord Huntington, stiff and unyielding, was a combination of moods tonight, for he looked rather guilty as he sat down across from her.  “I am sorry if I have been demanding of you already.  I have brought you undue stress.  I do not wish to be heavy handed and cause you to lose sleep.” 
Surprised at his offered apology, she was silent.  Never would she expect this man to apologize to anyone, let alone to herself. 
After a moment, she spoke, “Thank…thank you, my lord.  I can be quite outspoken.  It is a weakness, I’m afraid.”  Was that a smile she saw? 
Changing the subject, Lord Huntington uncharacteristically asked, “What do you like reading?  Do you have favorites?  As you can see, we have an extensive library to choose from.” 
            Again, uncertain at his offered, almost-friendly conversation, she wavered.  “Well, I do.  But I was simply looking for any kind of distraction to help me fall asleep, my lord.”
            Leaning forward, he insisted upon an answer, “Tell me.  What do you enjoy?”
            “Well,” she looked at him timidly, “I do love poetry, for many reasons, but mostly because…,” she hesitated. 
            “Do go on, mostly because…what?” 
            Blushing, she was hesitant to disclose such personal feelings to him.  After a moment, she continued, “Because…poetry can be so romantic.  I mean, um, well, I find that poets can be so expressive in the feelings of the heart.  It has always fascinated me that a person can describe with simple words so well what comes deep from within a soul.” 
            He looked uncomfortable. “I see.  And,” he prompted. 
            “Well, I am a woman you know, so, I like,” she began, but he interrupted. 
            “Yes, I am extremely well aware of the fact that you are, indeed, a woman.”  An unnerving twinkle shone in his dark eyes.  Even in the firelight, he could tell she was blushing.  He was finding that she did this quite regularly and with very little effort.  “Indeed, I would say you are a fine sampling of womanhood.” 

Join me on Friday for another excerpt!

Thanks,
Ellise  :)

Friday, April 22, 2011

Excerpt from The Governess, Chapter 5:
(Continued)

Carly could not sleep.  Having slept for several hours prior to dinner, all she could do now was toss and turn.  Used to reading prior to sleeping, she decided to peruse the library she had noticed earlier and had been invited to use.  It was unlikely that anyone would be up at this late hour, but still she put on her lacy white robe and slippers, lit a candle and quietly made her way down the shadowy hall to the stairs. 
This house would take some getting used to, for it was enormous.  Finally finding the library, she discovered it was an exceptionally large room with shelves upon shelves of books.  This room would be a favorite!  Carly could see that generations of devoted readers had lived at Huntington Manor. 
A large fire was still burning in the fireplace, enough to warm the immense room.  She could smell the many books and something else.  Was it cinnamon?  As she walked quickly over to the fireplace she reached awkwardly to set her candle upon the tall mantelpiece.  Welcoming the instant heat, she warmed herself by the fire glad to have it since her robe had done nothing to warm her on the cool night. 
            “You may wish to step away from the fire since I can easily see your lovely figure through your…nightgown.”
            Carly’s hand covered her mouth to stifle a scream as she swiftly turned around to face the voice in the dark.
There was no one. Only darkness.
As Carly’s eyes quickly adjusted to the firelight’s glow, she spotted Lord Huntington.  She jolted from his nearness. “Oh!” she startled. 
He was sitting in a large chair only inches away, his dark countenance frightening. “I apologize for shocking you.” An unease crept over her as he continued his perusal of her figure. Yet she could not move. Each looked at the other, unsure how to proceed.
After an awkward moment, Lord Huntington said, “Please. Have a seat,” he pointed next to him at the other chair.
            How fortunate for her to be caught up in this situation! Clumsy girl, she thought to herself. “I…I…thought you would be asleep or I would never,” shaking her head caused the loose curls to caress her delicate shoulders, “…I would never have come down in my night…my night, um,” befuddled, she continued, “I am sorry if I have intruded upon your privacy.  I shall leave now.”
Lord Huntington halted her by lifting his hand for her to wait.  Carly felt as if her slippers were glued to the floor.  She could not move. What did he want from her? She thought that he began to say something, and when he did not, thought she had better quickly depart rather than make more a fool of herself than she already had. 
He slowly stood to his full stature before her.  She began to shake, all the while her eyes could not leave his own.  The air crackled with the energy between them. Was she insane to remain here before him?  Yet she could not move. 

Join me on Monday for more!

Thanks,
Ellise

Monday, April 18, 2011

I think I'll post excerpts twice a week:  Mondays & Fridays.

Excerpt from The Governess, Chapter 4 (continued):

But silence would be quite welcome to her if only her body would cooperate. The delicious aromas made her stomach growl impatiently, and her hand covered her stomach in embarrassment. Would her body not stop betraying her so! Feigning ignorance, it happened a second time, the footman pretending he did not hear. Good man!
Carly looked embarrassedly at Lord Huntington who, this time, only said, “I am quite sure your stomach will approve of Mrs. Cooper’s culinary delights.”
Carly nodded shyly, thoroughly blushing. Father, please help me through this meal, she prayed. Waiting for a formal prayer to be offered before beginning her meal, she waited patiently as he began devouring the creamed pea soup with freshly baked bread in hand. 
Looking up, he startled that she was not enjoying as well.  “Is there something that does not meet with your approval, Lady Blakemore?” 
“Only that we...did not say grace, my lord.” 
Frowning at this interruption—and her obvious impudence—and disliking that he instantly felt like a guilty schoolboy being reprimanded by his tutors who were trying to teach him endless discourses on propriety, he sighed heavily, placing his spoon down.  Wiping at his mouth with his napkin in a great show of annoyance, he nodded his head in her direction, sharply saying, “Well then, please proceed.” 
As she folded her delicate hands together and offered a humble prayer in thanksgiving, he felt a small tug at his cold, hard heart.  There was no preaching or scolding; only offering up to God a simple prayer of gratitude.  This would now become a habit at mealtime, he was sure.  Clearing his throat gruffly, he began his meal again, this time making sure she was eating as well. 
Dreadfully aware that Lord Huntington watched her every move, and feeling that she was on display for his amusement, she ate in silence. At least her body had finally quieted! At least there was relief!  
However, if the scowl ever left his face it was quickly replaced with an angry mouth.  Why did he have to be so mad in the first place? Did he not know how difficult it could be to eat when he was fuming and always watching? Carly found that she had to work at controlling her growing irritation, for she did not like feeling that he disapproved of her without having known her at all. 
The next course was offered.  Succulent ham and mouth-watering mashed potatoes with gravy. 
Lady Blakemore had impeccable manners he noticed as he tried to find fault with her.  But even the green bean that she was currently consuming was eaten with perfect precision.  Creighton was confused at his response to Lady Blakemore’s presence. 
She certainly was a beauty, but what of it?
Yes, she was easy to look upon, but why should he care? 
Creighton had developed rigid control and discipline over his own feelings and thoughts towards the opposite sex.  Years of control!  Although Creighton was callous and abrupt with most women, he was still a most desirable catch.  Quite perplexing!
His growing emotion confused him.
It irritated him.
He thought again of the many invitations that came his way regularly in hopes of gaining his attentions.  The constant callers, even though he lived a country life!  Regardless of what was said of him, his social status had only grown from the curiosity of others.  It was only his presence at gatherings that had stopped. He had no desire to become entangled with another disastrous marriage.  So why was it that, here and now, he found that he could hardly take his eyes from this young governess throughout their meal together. 
It was infuriating! 


Thanks for reading!  Join me on Friday for my next post from The Governess.
Ellise  :)

Friday, April 15, 2011

Victorian Clean Romance with Sizzle: Dear readers:As suggested on the authonomy.com s...

Victorian Clean Romance with Sizzle: Dear readers: As suggested on the authonomy.com s...: "Dear readers: As suggested on the authonomy.com site, I'm going to try something new and completely different for my personality! Act..."
Dear readers:

As suggested on the authonomy.com site, I'm going to try something new and completely different for my personality!  Actually, this blog is something I never thought I'd do, but here I am, blogging.  I'm excited and nervous at the same time!  Join me on my journey...

I am going to post weekly snippets of my book here for you to read, comment on, and follow.  Whether you like my book or dislike it, I'm here to learn and make my story, The Governess, better and more entertaining. 

I've already posted a couple things, so I'll just start wherever I think it would be good.  Thanks for your time in reading my work!  :)


Excerpt from The Governess, Chapter 4:
(Continued)

Certainly she would make a fine acquisition.
Quickly brushing this temptation aside, he noticed her hair was her crowning glory.  Thick, dark tresses lay curled about her head and face with thick enticing locks resting gently upon her delicate pale shoulder.  Glancing shyly up at him, her stunning green eyes were open wide, nudging at his impassable reserve.  He realized he was still standing, staring openly, but could not help himself.  She was a delight!  Her eyes were framed by thick long, dark lashes and dark, delicately tapered brows.  She seemed apprehensive as she stared back at him.  But there was frank honesty in her sparkling depths which invigorated him like never before in his lifetime.  A shiver ran up his spine, unnoticed by her.  She was breathtakingly gorgeous! 
This angered him. 
Realizing his breach in modesty as he brazenly stared, he sat down, snapping in the process, “Let supper begin!” 
Carly jumped at the loudness of his deep voice.  Instantly, the butler and several footmen came into the room holding silver trays of food, as if they would be serving many guests.  They were diligent in their care of her and the master.  It was obvious to her that Lord Huntington obtained thorough respect from all his servants. 
“I appreciate your being on time tonight,” he barked, impatiently placing his napkin upon his lap. 
Carly fidgeted with her own napkin, noticing also the elegant print upon the bone china about the table. How could she possibly notice stupid details at a time like this?
In her nervousness, Carly unexpectedly hiccupped.  Horrified, she looked up at Lord Huntington to gauge his reaction, but he seemed preoccupied.
Thank heaven!
Profoundly relieved, she hoped that it wouldn’t happen again.  She hated being overwrought, for it always brought on a bout of the hiccups! Heaven help me! she thought to herself.  Pretending as if it had not occurred, she calmly responded, “Millesant made your wishes known to me, my lord, about…the…uh—I mean, about the supper hour.”
Creighton looked at her, seeing her nervousness and only grew annoyed that he should make her feel so. As dinner was served to the two of them, all that could be heard was the clinking of crystal, silver, and china. 
Then silence.



Thanks for reading!  Join me next week, say...Monday?
Ellise

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Is anybody out there?

Just wondering...you know...if anybody reads these things??  Or if I'm wasting precious time that I could be writing instead?  I'm just following advice from the blog on authonomy.com saying that we should find and make our 'personal brand' of what we are writing about.  'Victorian Clean Romance with Sizzle' pretty much sums it up for me, although I'd rather read a good book than read this...

Another excerpt from The Governess:

Chapter 4
*******

Wonderful, delicious smells assaulted the hungry governess’s senses, but she stood frozen unable to bring herself forward.  Though the room was warm, she felt ice cold.  Still reeling with the frightening information that Millesant had just disclosed to her about her new master, she finally spotted the feared Lord Huntington as he slowly stood, filling the well-lit room with his intimidating presence. 
All was silent except for the crackling fire. 
They stood looking at each other momentarily taking each other in before he held her chair out for her to be seated next to him. 
Shivering slightly, she made her way towards him noticing his nearly black hair that curled slightly at the ends, apparently still damp from bathing, touching his crisp white collar, which contrasted greatly with his tanned skin.  Obviously this gentleman spent time outdoors, unlike most men of his station. 
She approved. 
Nicely chiseled features and strong jaw looked freshly shaven.  Uncertain as to the color of his eyes, they were, nevertheless, penetrating and dark.  Impeccably dressed with burgundy dinner jacket, biscuit colored trousers and polished boots, she thought he must be the epitome of masculinity, although somewhat impenetrable.  Her breath quickened as she became aware of the obvious characteristics of this gentleman that made her so conscious of him; his handsome face, the broadness of his chest, shoulders, and arms through his nicely cut jacket; tight pants that covered solid legs that stood apart in a stance of superior authority. 
As she drew closer to him in this better lit space than the Study from this morning, she hardly noticed the lovely, light green room and immense table, for this man loomed above her, stealing all attention from anything else.  He bowed in a courtly manner while she curtseyed pleasingly.  As she sat down elegantly, he expertly scooted her in.  Carly nervously put her hands into her lap and sat straight as she could, shoulders back, the way her mother had taught her.   
By outward appearances, the young governess looked calm and confident, but Creighton knew she was scared to be here in his presence.  However, he could not believe the transformation in her. 
What a beauty she was! 
Unable to take his eyes from her, he noticed her gown was simply gorgeous but could also tell that she was outgrowing it.  Well-endowed with provocative curves, a woman most definitely sat here before him.
Certainly she would make a fine acquisition.

Excerpt from The Governess:

England ~ Summer 1860 ~ The Huntington Ball

Carly was quite ready for a break.  She could not believe the turn of events this night.  Fanatical, morbidly-crazed women!  They should be ashamed for acting so stupidly. 
As soon as she was away from anyone else, finally, she breathed in the air, her heart becoming lighter.  She walked further away from the beautiful ballroom which had grown much too horrible from unkind society.  How could the Huntington’s know such people? 
Wishing not to feel troubled by her tumultuous emotions, she knew she should feel happier simply from this occasion and concentrated instead upon nature.  Consciously relaxing, she found herself enjoying the lovely night sky that blanketed the beautiful, peaceful gardens below, wandering new paths she had never discovered before. 
The moon was enormous and shone down brightly upon the hushed walkways, its light drifting down amongst the shrubbery.  Carly enjoyed the fragrant blooms and flowering trees beautifully and romantically lit by tall, elegant torches for the festivities of the summer evening.  Quietly breathing in the fresh air, calming her soul, she plucked a beautiful burgundy rosebud from a vase upon a garden table, popping the bud from the stem, enjoying its simple fragrance and soft petals, rubbing it gently across her cheeks. 
What a peculiar night.  It had not been as enjoyable as she had hoped.  The young gentlemen were certainly thoughtful, but the young ladies…horrible creatures! 
Carly pulled a soft petal from the rose and smoothed it against her cheek, discarding the rest.  So smooth, soft, and fragrant, she thought.  It calmed her.  But troubled thoughts kept working through her mind. 
Such as…this particular gentleman…he confused her so! 
One minute, she found herself completely taken with him, ready to throw caution to the wind, trusting him entirely; the next, she would be reminded of all the reasons why she struggled so with trust of him.  Remembering how he had held her against him, the scent of his warm skin and his passionate kisses, her hand went to her face at recalling their most recent exchange. 
Had other ladies experienced this passion from him this evening in some dark, secret corridor?  He had seemed to desire their company tonight more than her own.  Were all women a passing fancy for him to toy with until he became more serious in matters of matrimony?  He was certainly getting an eager eyeful tonight with all the ladies contending for his attentions. 
Rolling her eyes in aggravation, Carly sighed heavily, annoying jealousy growing in her young, inexperienced heart.  From everything she had heard he supposedly had not been in love for a very long time.  So why the attention to me?  Am I so effortless to seduce? Or am I just a convenient target?
Unaware of how far she had come, she startled upon hearing his voice.  “You should be more careful walking out here alone.” 
Carly jumped at the sound of the deep, husky voice of the very person that she was thinking about.  “Oh!  You startled me, my lord.”  Trying to calm her breathing, her hand fluttered to her breast.  “I…I did not hear your approach,” she stammered nervously.  He looked spectacular in the darkness, his white shirt bright in the moonlight.  Her worry grew in his silence.  That stupid stare! 
He, on the other hand, simply could not stop staring at Lady Blakemore so softly lit by the moonlight. 
And so alone. 

Monday, April 11, 2011

I love Romance.  But I like it clean.  With sizzle!  Do you?

Meet Carly and Creighton as their worlds meet, collide, and meld together.  Awww!  Love is sooo sweet!

For more, read The Governess:    http://www.authonomy.com/books/31440/the-governess/

Please help me get published by logging onto the site above, and backing & rating my book, as well as putting it on your authonomy bookshelf.  Then, pass it along to your friends and family! 

Thanks, Ellise