Holding Out For A Hero
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Holding Out for a Hero
Champagne Books, August 2006
Summer Bennet returns home after a five year absence, determined to stop her sister from marrying the rotten polecat, Jesse Slade. Gotta get money … fast, for her father’s operation. She’ll have that reward money one way or the other. Complications arise when Jesse shows up, rescuing her from dangerous situations. Now, instead of using his head for a slingshot target, she dreams of piercing his heart with her affections.
For thirteen years, little Summer was the burr under the Texas Ranger’s saddle. Now that she’s back, Jesse feels a different irritation. She’s on his mind even while searching for outlaws and dodging bullets. She’s nothing like her prim sister. Why, those two are as different as sweet lemonade and corn liquer — and Summer’s temperment is just as acrid! He feels like pulling her body against his and kissing her. Funny, because he’d always thought about tying her to the outhouse before.
“Holding Out For A Hero by Phyllis Campbell is an irresistibly romantic tale, the kind that gives the reader the warm fuzzies. It is fast-paced as well, the action begins with page one and the author keeps it going until the page is read. Jesse Slade and Summer Bennet fight a losing battle against their attraction for one another. This book is filled with humor, charming characters, and plenty of romance. The thing that makes this story different from others with similar plots is the special touch of Ms. Campbell. Her characters are endearing. Their individual personalities are well written and believable. I look forward to more form this gifted storyteller.”
“The author has crafted one of the most delightful Western romances I have read in a very long time. The zinging banter between Summer and Jesse alone makes the book such a fun treat. Never once is Summer a wilting wallflower and Jesse is a delicious reluctant hero. With Ms. Campbell’s trademark snappy dialoge and the perfect amount of steam to heat up the pages, this story is a witty, wonderous read from start to finish.”~~Charissa Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
“This is a very sweet love story, filled with suspense and intrigue, taking place in the historical old west. This story had two plusses in its favor before I ever started reading it - Phyllis Campbell wrote it, and Champagne Books published it. I knew it had to be good. Ms. Campbell did what she does best and wrote a wonderful historical love story, filled with colorful characters, sensitive issues, romance, and suspense. There is never a dull moment in this story, it is truly delightful, A must read, I loved it. Go Ms. Campbell, you’re awesome!! ~~ Desiree / Enchanting Reviews
“Holding Out for a Hero is a sizzling read that captures from the first page. Ms. Campbell pens a most magnificent thrilling read that I absolutely enjoyed. The characters were well fashioned, and the plot wonderfully crafted. The imagery is so visual; this reader could practically see and feel even the stagecoach attack and every setting and scene throughout the book. Ms. Campbell’s great style of writing always amazes me because her brilliant creativity generates stories that captivate and leap from the pages. This engaging read is no exception. Invigorating, spellbinding and truly intriguing, this story is one dynamite explosion that carries a lot of punch. I cannot praise this exhilarating story enough! Why not grab a copy of Holding Out for a Hero today at Champagne Books.com , believe me this is one romance that is most gratifying and will completely capture the heart. Be swept off your feet by reading, Holding Out for a Hero today! Even the cover is spectacular!” ~~Linda Romance at Heart
“Ms. Campbell has written an exciting western that will have you rapidly turning the pages for the shocking climax. The secondary characters of Clint and Violet carry this story well with their own secrets. This book will have you laughing out loud with Summer’s antics. She is feisty to the core. Her and Jesse’s banter brings humor one minute and the next minute you want to cry because the book is so emotional. I love this kind of story that takes you on an emotional roller coaster. And you feel a part of the Wild West, filled with bank robbers, Texas Rangers and life on the western frontier. This book will have western lovers like me clamoring for more stories to come and waiting for your perfect hero.”
~~Sherry My Book Cravings
I bought this book a couple of days ago & finally sat down tonight to read a few chapters while I did laundry & a few other household chores. HA! So much for getting anything else done, I only left the chair when I was forced to run to the bathroom! I have to admit, I am not much for westerns, but this story held me hostage from chapter one! I absolutely love the strong, passionate characters & thoroughly enjoyed the emotional roller coaster ride (& the surprise ending!!). All I can say is WOW, I felt I was living the story right along with the main female character, Summer. More times than I care to admit, I found myself so angry with Jesse I could’ve knocked him flat of his back! (Now that’s getting involved with the characters! Holy Cow!) I loved the ending, left me feeling all warm & fuzzy inside. Thanks, Phyllis, for a wonderful ride! I enjoyed every twist & turn! And now I totally understand why they call you the Queen of Sexual Tension! Whew!!! 
~~Donna Welborn~~
The cloud of darkness parted in Summer’s mind, opening a small light of awareness. Every muscle in her body screamed in pain, and she clenched her jaw. But protective arms surrounded her, and the swaying motion let her know she was on a horse, curled against a firm body. The man’s musky scent enveloped her. Comforted her.As the fog lifted, she shifted closer, her hand resting on a solid chest. Gentle fingers stroked down the side of her cheek and she nuzzled closer. A sharp pain shot through her head, throbbing with every beat of her heart.
She groaned and forced her eyes open, squinting against the sun. The full brightness of a Texas autumn afternoon flowed around her. Her head pounded, but she struggled against the soreness and the fog in her brain. Suddenly, her memory came rushing back. The stagecoach, the bandits, and especially the archangel of mercy who had come to her rescue.
The Ranger must be the one holding me. She let her body relax against the contours of his hard muscled body. Not too often did she like being protected and cared for by a strong, virile man, but at the moment she was reluctant to break the spell.
She dared a peek at his face. His deep blue eyes grabbed her attention. Kind eyes. Sunlight glinted off the golden tones of his light brown hair, his thick mustache, and long sideburns. He must have sensed her watching, for his square jaw changed shape and a soft smile bracketed his mouth.
Handsome.
Yes, very handsome. She couldn’t have dreamed a better vision of a hero, and dream it must be because things this good just didn’t happen to Summer Bennett. Safety and security spread over her like a warm blanket and she melted against him, closing her eyes while his long fingers continued their tender exploration. It was the first time in her life she had allowed a man to touch her like that–a soft stroke, a gentle caress–and the first time she had ever really relaxed in a man’s presence.
She sighed. Wonderful.
“How do you feel, Summer?”
The soft baritone voice rumbling in his chest seemed oddly familiar. Summer frowned and took a second peek at his hair, his mustache, that incredible mouth. He gave her a full smile. Awareness tugged at her memory and a large knot formed in the pit of her stomach. When recognition came, it struck like a thick piece of wood right between her eyes and ripped through every nerve in her body like venom from a rattlesnake bite.
She jerked, moving off the comfortable nest she had made of his chest. “Jesse Slade?”
A crafty smile claimed his face. “The one and only, darlin’.”
She widened her eyes. “Darlin’? I’m not now, nor will I ever be your darling, Jesse Slade.” She couldn’t believe her rotten luck. Her temper snapped, and she fought to move from his grasp. She batted his hands away. “Get your hands off me.”
“Be still Summer or–”
“Let me go,” she demanded.
“Tarnation, Summer.” His hands moved to her waist. “You’re as slippery as a wet weasel.”
“Quit touching me and put me down.”
Although he held onto her, she managed to slither from the horse.
“Of all the confounded-stupid-female stunts.” He pulled to a halt and dismounted.
The moment her feet touched the ground, dizziness overtook her and she plopped down on her bottom. When Jesse reached for her, she slapped at his hands.
She glanced up at him from her undignified position and clenched her teeth. “You. Of all people, it had to be you.” Holding onto a stirrup, she pulled herself to her feet and gazed into the heavens. “Why Lord? Why me?”
“There’s no need to get your feathers ruffled,” he snipped, looking at the blood oozing from her shoulder wound. “Look what you’ve done. You’re bleedin’ again.”
She glanced at her shoulder. It was worse than she thought, but she’d die before admitting it to him. She was not riding into town perched on Jesse’s lap for everyone to see.
“It’s just a scratch.” She lifted her skirts, grabbed an edge of her petticoat and ripped off a piece. It was bad enough that he had to rescue her, but why in heaven’s name did he have to look so gol-darned handsome? This certainly wasn’t the skinny, ill-tempered Jesse Slade she remembered. Well, the ill-tempered part still fit.
Jesse stood by the horse, arms folded across his chest as he tapped his foot. She brought up the strip of fabric between her free hand and chin and awkwardly fashioned it around her shoulder. Her head pounded worse than ever. She kept on, but the makeshift bandage tore apart. Out the corner of her eye, a self-assured grin stretched across his mouth.
“Oohh.” She stomped her foot, causing another throbbing burst of pain in her head.
“Would you like some help?” Jesse offered with a self-assured grin she’d liked to slap right off his face. She knew the man enjoyed every second of her struggle, but she just couldn’t ask this arrogant no-good for help.
“Course, I’d have to touch you,” he needled.
She tossed him a murderous glare, but he ignored her. She tore off another strip of petticoat and began again, but fared no better.
“Summer, if you’d just use your head for once, you’d admit you need help.”
She scowled and tried to think of another solution, but nothing came to mind. It galled her, but plain and simple, he was right. She couldn’t bandage her shoulder by herself.
Letting out a sigh, she nodded.
Jesse took the flimsy strip of fabric and covered the wound while she stood stiff as a board. The enticing scent of cedar and leather emanated from his body and stirred flutters in her stomach. The gentle touch of his hands as he bandaged her shoulder sent warm tingles over her skin. Her chest constricted, making it difficult to breathe. When he stepped away, the feeling disappeared and she wanted to sigh with relief, but she didn’t for fear he’d hear.
He smiled. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
She inhaled deeply and gave him an indignant look. “Maybe not for you.”
“I was just trying to help.”
“After making my life miserable all these years, why do you want to help me now?”
A mocking grin touched his lips. “Well now, I couldn’t just let you bleed to death, could I?”
“Don’t tell me you’ve grown a conscience?” She brushed the dirt off her skirt.
His eyes twinkled. “Actually, I promised Violet I’d find you. When the stagecoach was late, we knew somethin’ was wrong. After all, I had to rescue my future sister-in-law from harm.”
Summer sucked in her breath. Oh! If not for her injured arm, she’d have socked the rotten polecat in the nose. “Well, you’ve found me, so go back and tell my sister I’m fine.”
His smile faded. “You’re not fine.”
“I’m fine enough. Waco isn’t that far. I’ll walk the rest of the way. I’ll not let the whole town think I’ve been rescued by the great Jesse Slade.”
Another wicked smile tugged at his lips. “But I did rescue you, Summer.”
She propped her hands on her hips. “You most certainly did not. You um…you just happened to arrive the exact moment I lost consciousness.”
He sighed and tipped his hat back from his forehead. “Actually, the bullets from my gun dismounted three of the bandits.”
She scowled. “I had things under control. Besides, I’m very capable of walking to town on my own now.” She took several steps forward and dizziness blurred her vision. She swayed, and tilted toward the ground. Two strong arms grabbed her by the waist and pulled her upright.
“You bullheaded little twit. That does it.” He picked her up and carried her to the horse, then let her feet drop to the ground and held her by her uninjured shoulder. “You ain’t walkin’.”
She slapped at his hand. “I’m not going into town with you.”
“You’re as ornery as an old mule.” He paused, his heated gaze boring into hers. She liked neither the look, nor the silence. “You listen to me, Miss Persnickety. I don’t care what you like or don’t like, I’m takin’ you to town.”
“I–don’t–like.” She grinded her teeth with each word.
“To–damn–bad.” He mocked her. “You have two choices. You can get on that horse willin’ly, or I’ll hog-tie you and put you there myself.”
Her mouth dropped open and her mind scrambled frantically for several seconds.
He produced a cocky grin. “Time’s up.”