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.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Monday, December 19, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 22 concluded:


Service to his children would be impossible then, for he was gorgeous.  Every girl dreamed of being in love with such a man as this; thick, nearly black hair that curled ever so softly.  Sideburns trimmed to perfection.  His eyes were green, she had discovered, just like hers, but darker, filled with…pain? 

Yes. 

She could see it acutely.  It tore at her heart.  But what to do? 

She knew he had to be over six feet tall, for her father had been six feet exactly, and Lord Huntington was taller than her father by several inches.  His shoulders were broad, and she could see his muscular build through his tight fitting jacket.  On more than one occasion she had witnessed his magnificent physique for herself, much to her embarrassment.  And now, his close scent was enthralling! 

Emotions which she had never experienced before coursed through her veins.  As he loomed over her, she felt like she would melt. 

            “Are you real?” he whispered almost inaudibly.  She stood paralyzed and speechless, allowing him to continue.  “You are…very beautiful,” Lord Huntington said more to himself than to her.  Furrowing her brows in confusion, she startled when his warm finger eased the tension between her brows, slowly continuing down her nose to her lips.  She breathed carefully, worrying that she might faint. 

What did he want with her? 

“Very beautiful,” he again whispered.  Cupping her chin, his thumb gently touched her bottom lip making her tremble. 

What was happening to her? 

Closing his eyes, he breathed in her gently scented hair.  “So beautiful,” he whispered over her. 

Her eyes were now closed, and she whispered, “I am…afraid…” 

Hardly hearing her through the pounding of his own heart, he could not stop himself from saying, “What would it be like to taste you?” 

She trembled more violently as he broached this frightening subject matter.  She was unsure of herself.  A very soft kiss was placed on the top of her head, and she gasped and pressed her hands against his firmly muscled chest as if she could halt him.  But instead, she could only feel his firm chest and that he was breathing heavily, which frightened her terribly. 

She quickly took her hands away. 

As he drew ever closer, she again pressed her hands against his strong torso, wanting to stop him, her own breathing very irregular.  Ever so softly, she begged, “Please…”  

Carefully taking her resistant hands from his chest, he gently placed kisses on the inside of each palm and wrist, closing his eyes, breathing in her fragrance, feeling of her softness.  Gasping, she closed her eyes to the extraordinary emotions that threatened to encompass her completely.  He reached up pulling a pin from her hair, allowing her curls to tumble around her. 

His breathing quickened. 

Gazing at her curiously, his strong arms went around her and pulled her to him.  His hand continued behind her neck and into her hair, pulling her head back gently, making her inhale, yet struggle for air. 

A small sound escaped her again as his head descended, his lips gently caressing, nibbling her throat, her jaw, her ears.  She was trembling in his hands and he knew it, but he could not help himself.  Her breathlessness was invigorating!  His kiss lingered at the edge of her mouth, hesitating, as her hands grasped tight to his sleeves as if she would fall if let go.  Pulling himself away to stare down into her eyes only for a moment, his mouth captured hers, his lips gentle and soft, as if he was afraid she would shatter into pieces.  One hand still held the back of her head controlling her, working her to his every desire. 

A small whimper from her only increased and deepened his thrilling kiss, encouraging deeper passion.  Their breathing was labored from not getting enough air, his arms gathering her to him, closer still.  He was thorough in his fervor, burying his face and hands in her hair, kissing her mouth and throat with unrelenting passion. 

Abruptly, Lord Huntington stopped.  Taking her face and mussed hair in his hands, he looked deeply into her confused eyes and said breathlessly, “You…beguile me.” 

            Swiftly, he turned and left the room, leaving her stunned and breathless holding on to the bookshelves for support.   

I'm thinking of reworking this just a little.  But...did you like this moonlight kiss? 

Ellise

Friday, December 16, 2011

Friday, December 16, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 22 continued:

(I moved ahead in this chapter only skipping a little...)

Moonlight cast shadows across the dark hall as Creighton saw Lady Blakemore enter the library still dressed in the magnificent sapphire blue gown that hugged her so.  She must not be able to sleep again, he thought. 
Curiosity baited him… 
Hesitating to follow her after what Hayden had said to him, he decided to test Hayden’s theory, after all.  He wished to see her from this new perspective. 
            Entering the room, he watched her as she looked for a book to read.  He couldn’t believe the amount of reading she devoured.  Drawn to her beauty, which that much Creighton had already openly admitted, he observed her closely.  Her form was tantalizing, but it would take more than outward appearances to tempt him to put his heart on the line ever again.  Janese had been beautiful too, and yet she had betrayed him endlessly.  He was not about to let that happen to his heart again…
…Ever.   
            Closing his eyes, he could not help breathing in her tempting scent lingering inside the doorway.  Looking at her hair, he wanted to touch it, free it from its pins.  Yes, her hair was entrancingly gorgeous.  Remembering how silky soft it was when he held her at the lake, he treasured the memory.  Her pins had come loose somehow and it had fallen all around her shoulders.  Dark, long curls that captured vibrant chestnut tones in the warm sunlight coursed down over delicate shoulders, down her back all the way to her tiny waist.  A vision of loveliness she had been on that day! 
Again, today on Clover when her dark tresses flew behind her as she vigorously rode, he had helplessly watched enchanted by her; and again, her wild, curling mane had been stuck to the button on her riding habit and he had touched it to free her soft locks.  Not recognizing he had been savoring these memories, he was deeply surprised. 
            Scowling, he realized she was looking at him, her own features clouded with concern.  But it was unwarranted fear, was it not?  Carefully, he walked toward her, and as he got closer, he could tell that she was nearly ready to bolt away.  Stopping when he was a few feet from her, he stiltingly said, “Lady… Blakemore.  Did you… enjoy your evening?  Are you faring better?” 
            Nervous for whatever reason, she stared at him with a puzzled questioning look upon her face, and shyly nodded.  “Thank you.  It was good of you to include me, my lord.”  She could hardly say she was feeling better with him standing over her making her feel nervous.  She also dare not tell him of Mr. Stone’s outrageous behavior.  If his manners improved, which she thought impossible, she would not have to discuss this deplorable subject with him, ever. 
Nodding his head, he only said, “Of course.  You are always welcome at my table.”  Taking one more step toward her, he observed that she seemed even more to be upon a precipice, ready to jump.  Instead, she stepped backward as if she was terrified.  Distrustful. 
It was her eyes then that Lord Huntington noticed.  Yes, it had always been her eyes that intrigued him.  They had a spellbinding sparkle to them, so brilliant like gems, all the more green because of the blue of her gown.  Lord Huntington stepped closer still.  She could go no further; her back was against the bookcase, pleading eyes looking up at him in panic. 
            “Please,” she whispered, shaking her head nervously. 
            She was afraid of him, he thought with regret.  “I strike fear in your heart?” 
His deep voice continued, “I do not wish it.  I only wish to…thank you for such becoming manners in front of my guests.  You are a jewel on any arm.” 
            Shocked, she could only falter, “Thank…thank you.”  Not wishing to be a coward, she tried to breathe evenly as she stood frozen, only aware of Lord Huntington filling the room.  So close, looking at her so strangely, he was a giant man, and if she did not fear him so, she would probably fall for him. 
But she could not have that. 

What comes next?  That promised moonlight kiss?  Watch and find out...

Ellise

Monday, December 12, 2011

Monday, December 12, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog


Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 22 continued:

(Sorry...I forgot this part leads into the "Moonlight Kiss".)

All guests were gone, except for the sleeping Mr. Stone and Lord Carter.  Creighton and Hayden were alone in the library sharing the port. 
“She is a lovely creature, Creighton.  How did you find her, if I may ask?” 
            “You have no need of a governess, so why do you care?”  Creighton was wound tight from this evening’s meal next to Lady Margaret and Miss Amelia.  He usually left the planning of dinner parties to his mother, but the Pembrooke’s had returned home from London much earlier than expected, and Creighton’s mother had desperately wanted her son’s opinion on how her best friend was faring.  And, of course, he had promised Amelia and Felix Hansen an invitation as well. 
The constant competition for Huntington Manor sickened him.  Did they not realize he knew their intentions?  It was most outrageous!  One had been his wife’s enemy.  The other—her best friend.  Both were so different, and yet so annoyingly similar. 
            “I am only curious as to where one goes to find such an endearing young lady as this.”  Grinning with bright, honeyed eyes, Lord Carter showed that he was not intimidated in the least by his friend’s strong bearing. 
            Creighton sighed, exasperated at having to give any explanation.  “No one answered my advertisement in the surrounding area, explaining my need of a governess, which irks me still, I should say,” he added with a loud voice.  “So I took out an advertisement in Northamptonshire—far from here—and this is what I acquired,” his hand extended toward the door to the library, as if Lady Blakemore should suddenly materialize. 
            Hayden raised his eyebrows and nodded his head.  “She simply gets under your skin, does she not?”  Laughing a kindly, affectionate laugh, he interrupted Creighton’s thoughts by slapping him on the back, projecting him forward.  “I am glad to finally see it!” he bellowed excitedly.  “You have been brooding for much too long.” 
            “What on earth are you babbling about?” Creighton growled at him. 
            “I am simply saying that I know that this girl has affected you and that I am glad of it.  Oh, how the mighty fall!”  He laughed again, raising his glass of port as if toasting Creighton. 
            Creighton quickly walked over to the decanter and poured himself more drink.  “She is simply my governess, Hayden, nothing more.  And I plan to keep it that way.” 
            “Yes, yes, I see how it is.”  Creighton turned and faced Hayden, who seemed amused by this whole conversation.  “You are not even aware yet of your tender feelings for her, are you?” 
            “Tender feelings!” he shouted.  Looking at the door, he lowered his voice slightly and continued, “You do not know what you are talking about, Hayden.”  Creighton impatiently paced the room. 
            “Don’t I?” 
            Exasperated, Creighton exclaimed, “If I have feelings then they are of anger, for she infuriates me!  I have argued more with her in the short time that she has been here than I ever did with Janese in our entire marriage!  If I touch her, it is to shake her!”  Fists balling up, he shook them at Hayden as if he could show him what he had done to the poor girl.  “Do you call that tender feelings for her?  She has even slapped me across the face!”  Pointing to his left cheek, he exaggerated as if he could provide evidence of a red welt. 
Unmystified, Hayden replied, “And yet she remains here...” 

Will Lord Huntington admit to his feelings for Lady Blakemore?

Ellise

Friday, December 9, 2011

Friday, December 9, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 22:

Mr. Stone could not believe how difficult it was to portray the part of gentleman this evening.  It was all he could do to get through the meal sitting beside the sweetest tidbit he had seen in a long while, let alone the other three beautiful girls.  His scandalous behavior was generally reserved for more private moments, keeping his image of businessman and gentleman front and forward to continue his life of deception. 
Only the best homes were his goal. 
The best society. 
He must always be welcomed.  Even if they disgusted him. 
He would do well to put this slip of a girl behind him as not to disrupt the life that he had hidden away for himself so ably.  But oh, how he desired to touch her. 
He tested her resolve at the dinner party to see if she would be as strong in character as he had believed her to be.  He had had a feeling that she would not wish to disrupt her master’s dinner party, not wishing to bring to light his despicable behavior—and he had been correct in his assumption. 
He chuckled to himself.  She was magnificent!  The strong ones were always the best, he reflected. 
But, I would be wise to forget this one… 

Join me Monday for the Chapter called 'Moonlight Kiss'.

Ellise

Monday, December 5, 2011

Monday, December 5, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 21 (I skipped directly to the end of this chapter):

As Carly made her way up the stairs and into the hallway, she sensed something uncomfortably familiar feeling distinctly as if she was being watched. 
Before entering her bedroom, she stopped, glancing around the hallway as if she might find something that would explain her feelings.  Not finding anything of consequence, she quickly entered her bedroom.  
After a moment inside, she realized that it was Mr. Stone’s cologne that she had detected in the hallway, quite far from his guest room. 
Immediately, she turned and locked the door. 

Ellise

My Authonomy profile has been HACKED!

Sorry if I haven't been in touch with any of you.  I believe my authonomy profile was hacked. 

I have yet to take my computer in to get fixed, don't know when that will happen, either.  Just wanted to let you know, especially if I'm not able to do any blogging or if I'm not able to talk to any of you on any accounts.  As soon as I log on to authonomy (which I still can do), I will not be able to function in any other account.  Also, I can only LOOK on authonomy.  I can't participate or answer messages.  I can't even thank people who've backed me!  I was successful at getting a message to authonomy because they did respond.  It's me, basically, is what they said.  So, I must get my computer looked at. 

Thanks for your patience with me everyone!
Ellise

Friday, December 2, 2011

Friday, December 2, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog


Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 21 continued:


Clearing his throat, Mr. Stone wanted to ask Carly how it was possible that anyone wouldn’t warm up to her well.  Instead, he asked her, “Have you had a chance to enjoy walking in the gardens here?”  As he licked his lips, Carly shivered in revulsion.   
            As politely as she could, Carly answered, “Yes, I have walked the gardens extensively, Mr. Stone.” 
            Thinking of how he could possibly get her alone, he thought of an idea and spoke it aloud.  “You might find the maze to be of particular interest to you, if you have not yet discovered it.” 
            With great surprise, Carly eagerly looked at Lord Huntington, asking, “You have a maze on your grounds?  I did not know.”  Her eyes were luminous with pleasure. 
            “Yes.  I do.”  Lord Huntington hesitated, distracted by her contagious enthusiasm.  “I’ll…have to show it to you sometime.  It is behind the East Wing, where the ballroom is found.  I am surprised that you have not found it in all your wanderings.” 
            “No, I have not.  But I am sure the children and I could have a perfectly lovely time playing in the maze; that is, if it is allowed?”  Lord Huntington nodded his head in agreement. 
Mr. Stone could not allow his proposed opportunity to pass, and insisted, “My lady, I would be more than happy if you would do me the honor of visiting it together.” 
Sickened at the thought, Carly looked at Lord Huntington, horror clearly written upon her face.  He must have understood, for he explained, “Lady Blakemore will need my guidance through the maze, Mr. Stone, if she is to wander into it with my children.  It is quite extensive, and I would not wish for her to get lost.”  Mr. Stone only nodded his head in thwarted acknowledgement, clearly disgruntled.  He disliked, rather strongly, any attempts at being dissatisfied. 
Miss Amelia laid her hand upon Lord Huntington’s and, not too silently, whispered, “Do you remember when we got lost in the maze, Creighton, darling?  In the rain.  Wasn’t that a wonderful time?”  Lady Margaret glared at the redhead.  Lord Huntington skipped the answer altogether motioning toward Mr. Thompson to fill his glass again.  
With this sudden lull in conversation, Lady Margaret wasted no time in gaining Lord Huntington’s attention talking endlessly of town.  Prompting her cousin’s help, between Lady Margaret and Miss Mary, the ceaseless chatter dominated. 
It was during that time in which something appalling happened. 
Carly was listening to the conversation and enjoying her meal as best she could when, suddenly, she felt a hand upon her thigh pressing through the folds of her gown.
Her blood ran chill!
She nearly screamed in surprise, but caught herself just in time, instead quickly standing, bumping the table in the process, and spilling the contents of her goblet upon the white tablecloth. Her hands went to her breast to calm her breathing. Everyone was shocked by her strange behavior.
Everyone except Mr. Stone.

Mr. Stone is appalling!  Was it his hand upon her leg?  What will happen next??

Find out on Friday.

Ellise