Queen of Hearts
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By: Phyllis Campbell | Other books by Phyllis Campbell Categories: Mainstream Romance, Historical, Western/Cowboys Word Count: 73,453 Heat Level: SENSUAL Published By: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.
[BookStrand Romance: BookStrand Historical Romance] Dr. Cecilia Ashby is forced to disguise herself as a man in order to practice medicine in a small Southern town after the Civil War. When she stumbles across an injured gambler in an alley one night, will her ruse get the better of them both, especially when she finds herself attracted to him? Gambler James Lawrence has played his last hand and finally has enough cash to buy back his family's plantation that the carpetbaggers took from him until he's blindsided, robbed, and left for dead. James finds his stolen earnings in the hands of Cecilia's brother, the young thief who now resides on his plantation. James and Cecilia both want the plantation, but do they want a long lasting love even more? Battling deceit, betrayal, and disguises, the two must confront their biggest challenge yet. "Several years ago I was in a play, one of those 'who-dunit' kind of plays where the actors don't even know who the killer is. The time frame for this play was 1875, and one of the characters was a woman doctor who once practiced medicine as a man because people didn't approve of women doctors back in those days. This character stuck in my head and wouldn't let go until I wrote her a story. I hope you have as much fun reading this story as I did writing it." ~ Phyllis ~ A BookStrand Mainstream Romance 1 Rating
Avg - 4.0
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 Queen of Hearts
Available in: Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Reader, HTML, Mobipocket Price: $5.50ISBN: 1606016350 |
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Professional Reviews5 BOOKS: "Ms. Campbell draws the reader in with sympathetic characters and beautiful Louisiana scenery. The thing I loved most about the heroine is that she’s refusing to allow a male society keep her from doing what she loves. This story begins strong and keeps the reader until the end, delivering a satisfying conclusion. Don’t miss out on this wonderful story. A+++ job, Ms. Campbell." -- Queen Anne’s Lace, Long and Short Reviews 4.5 WINGS: "I found Queen of Hearts by Phyllis Campbell to be a fast enjoyable read, with fun characters, including a memorable saloon harlot, a too-nice sheriff and a thwarted suitor. The world-building was stellar. You could smell the horses and crushed sugarcane and sneeze at the dust on the streets. I totally sympathized with Cecelia’s predicament. Her can’t-be-in-two-places-at-one-time dilemma and the constant costume changes made me laugh, even as I chafed at the injustice of a woman being “inferior” to a man. James Lawrence was a great hero – very moral. The chemistry between the two of them was wonderfully electric." -- Renee, Classic Romance Revival 4 BOOKMARKS: "I found that Ms. Campbell's twist of Cecilia being known as Doctor Lee Copeland very suspenseful. I was kept in waiting to see when this would be discovered by the others. The discreetly written romance in this novel is tastefully done...I feel this is more romance than any other genre. I look forward to reading more from this author and recommend this read to romance readers. Suspense and romance make a fine mix for this author!" -- Anastasia Cassella-Young, Mind Fog Reviews ExcerptShe licked her dry lips. "Yes, I've missed you." She straightened to her full height, hoping his hand would fall from her arm. It didn't. "What do you need?" He glanced at the small space next to him in bed. "Yer company, darlin'." Oh, Lord! He must think she was one of Deborah's Delights. "Mr. Lawrence" "Thought I told ya to call me James." She nodded. "James, I can't keep you company right now. I need to clean up the glass on the floor." She nodded toward the mess. "Did you drop the whiskey bottle?" His brows creased. "Think so. Can't remember." She patted his shoulder. "Now lie down and close your eyes." His hand dropped to her wrist again, his long, tanned fingers laced with hers. The knot in her throat grew larger, drier, making it impossible to moisten by just swallowing. Of course, her heart pulsating out of control didn't help. He lifted her hand to his mouth. The stubble on his face pricked her skin, and she tingled. Heat from his body warmed her. She scrunched her forehead. He must still have a small fever. When he swept his lips across her knuckles, a different kind of fever started in the pit of her stomach and spread throughout her body. The heady sensation was not unpleasant, and heaven help her, she wanted more. Impossible. She had to put a stop to this. Now. He sat upright and brought his other hand up to cup her face. His thumb stroked her bottom lip. She closed her eyes and cuddled against his palm. What am I doing? She snapped her eyes open and pulled away, but being faster, he pulled her forward again by her arm. To keep from falling into him, she held out her hands and they landed on his rock hard chest. Beneath her palms, the quick beat of his heart matched hers. His hands cradled her head, his fingers pushing through her damp hair. He pulled her face toward his. Holding her breath, she focused on his parting lips. Hot, whiskey-laced breath caressed her lips before his mouth touched hers. Gentle. Soft. He swept his lips over hers in a slow, measured dance. She tightened her grip on his shoulders but couldn't move away. Her body refused to listen to her mind. Instead, it encouraged her to taste his offering. She squeezed her eyes closed and waited. His tongue stroked her bottom lip, and she released a small squeak. She clenched her jaw tighter. Lips so warm and tender sucked her bottom lip into his mouth then he traced the seam with his tongue. "Darlin', open up for me. Let me taste you." Another sigh escaped her, deeper, more pleasurable, and she did as he requested. Her lips quivered, as did her body. He tilted his head, covered her lips, and plunged his tongue inside. She gasped. Moaned. Loved it. When his arms wrapped around her body in a tight embrace, she relaxed and melded against his chest. The kiss he bestowed on her was something she'd never experienced before, and Lord help her, she wanted more. She mirrored his actions, sliding her tongue to touch his. A groan escaped his throat, and he pulled her back to the bed, laying her next to him. At least he wasn't on his back, yet his upper half leaned into hers, pushing her into the mattress. He took the kiss slow, but the fire burning inside her spread like wildfire. Her nipples tightened more, and even that secret place between her legs throbbed with an unknown sensation. His hand moved over her hip then to her stomach. Because of their indecent embrace, she should put a stop to this pleasure at once. Deep within her, a little voice reminded her that because of her masquerade as a doctor, she might never get this chance again.
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