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Huntress Of My Heart – The Wild Rose Press, March 2009

 

Phoebe Alphius, daughter of the governor of Turkey, was told at the tender age of ten that she was the goddess Artemis, reincarnated. Yes, she has the silver-blonde hair of the goddess, and she has the bold personality and hunts better than any of her brothers. Does that mean she is Artemis? But for nine years people have treated her different, and she’s tired of it. She wants a normal life. She wants to find love. But just as Artemis, she’s going to die a virgin. Unless she dresses as her maid and sneaks out of the palace and ventures into the marketplace…

 

4.5 Books! Filled with vibrant, realistic, loveable characters, a headstrong Phoebe who just might be the goddess Artemis reincarnated, and the strong, strapping Captain Barry, “Huntress of My Heart” is a great read from start to finish. The interaction of the characters, their beliefs and wants, drive this story. It works because they are realistic characters. You feel for the characters, want them to get their HEA. And Ms. Campbell delivers. What I like most about this story is that Phoebe and Barry know what they want, namely each other, and there is no fight or silly misunderstanding that separates them. The conflict comes from Phoebe’s father and the Artemis angle. A creative twist in a genre that can sometimes fall too much into the traditional boy meets girl, they fall in love, have a fight, make up, and live happily ever after. A refreshing break from the norm, I commend Ms. Campbell for this worthwhile read.  “Huntress of My Heart” was a great read that I finished in one setting. I just couldn’t stop reading. The characters are passionate, their love intense. The story, although short, delivered a heartwarming tale that will leave you breathless. I’m glad I read this story and I know you will be too. ~~ Long And Short Reviews / Primrose

You Need To Read – This historical short story was a delight to read. Encompassing deep and well developed characters, an interesting backstory, and a great plot that kept things moving forward it is amazing how much is within these short 51 pages. Phyllis Campbell did a great job with this story and I am looking forawrd to more from her. ~~ You Gotta Read Reviews / Lupa

 

 

“Before I leave,” Barry said, “is it permissible to wander your grounds? They’re so beautiful and I’d like to see as much as I can to take back to my father.”

The governor swept his hand in front of him. “The grounds are yours, my boy. Let my guards know when you’re ready to return to your ship.”

The place was immaculate, especially the middle courtyard. Opened wide, the yard was very spacious and green with many trees and plants. Even the flower garden would have pleased the Queen of England. Many fountains littered the area, and only a few lanterns were lit. The half moon helped add glimmer to the water in the fountains, making his walk breathtaking and very relaxing.

He walked around the courtyard alone, yet shivers ran up his spine, convincing him he wasn’t alone. Eyes followed him, he could feel it.

As he passed some hedges on his way to the gate, the feeling became stronger. Yes, someone was definitely keeping him company–if only they’d make their presence known.

Around a cluster of tall hedges he made a sharp turn, and in the shadows, bumped into another person, almost knocking them down. He grabbed hold of their arms to keep them from landing on the ground.

Silk slid underneath his fingers, and when his eyes adjusted to the shadows, silver appeared. So did wide, beautiful dark eyes.

“I’m sorry for running into you,” he said. “I didn’t see you standing there.”

“It’s not your fault…I mean, because this spot is not lit very well; it was bound to happen to someone.”

Her soft voice and the warmth from her body so close to his, stirred desire in his loins. Instead of keeping her eyes on his as she’d done inside, she kept her gaze downcast. He didn’t like that. He wanted to look into her beautiful eyes.

“You’re one of the governor’s daughters,” he stated, taking his hands off her arms, but remaining close.

“Yes.”

“Where are you in line to get married?”

Her eyes lifted to his for a brief moment then lowered as she answered, “I’m the youngest.”

“So, how many sisters are waiting to find a husband before it’s your turn?”
Her head came up and a smile touched her eyes. He assumed she was smiling, but still couldn’t see her mouth because of the veil.

“My father has told you about our custom?”

“Yes.”

“Did he proposition you? He’s desperately trying to wed Josephine because a prince has asked for the hand of one of his other daughters.”

Barry chuckled. “Yes, he did proposition me, but I’m not in the marriage market.” He shrugged. “I can tell your father cares deeply for his daughters.”

“No, not really. He’s very old fashioned, and it doesn’t matter to him that Josephine will be forty years old before she’s married, which means all of his daughters will be old maids, also.”

He grinned. She definitely had a sense of humor that surprised him, but then again, since she’d been so open with her inspection of him earlier, he should have assumed she’d be a little more forward than her other sisters.

“That doesn’t sound fair.” He scanned over her small frame, liking what he saw…liking it a lot. His libido climbed a notch, and his hands itched to touch her again. He wanted to yank the veil away from her face and gaze upon her beauty. He wanted to rip off her headdress and bury his face in her hair, breathing in her scent.

She reminded him of someone–but he couldn’t figure out who. He’d seen so many women with veils over their faces, it was no wonder he couldn’t recall.

Her gaze dropped to his mouth and his arousal jumped to life. He bunched his hands into fists to keep from touching her.

“No, my father’s custom isn’t fair. But that’s the way it’s been done in his family for many years.”

“Can’t you go against customs?”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, no, Mr. Winston. That’s unthinkable.” She lowered her gaze again, turning her head slightly as she added, “Although it’s crossed my mind a time or two.”

Barry laughed. “So, do I detect a little defiance in the youngest daughter?”

As her gaze lifted and met his, she gripped his arm. “Shh, you mustn’t say that too loud. I don’t want it getting back to my father.”

“I won’t tell.” He removed her hand and cradled it in his. “I also won’t tell your father about our little talk. I’m certain you’d get in trouble if he knew you were alone with a man out here in the shadows.”

“You have no idea the trouble I’d be in if he knew.”

Her eyes kept dropping to his mouth, and through her palm he could feel the erratic beat of her heart. His matched the rhythm perfectly.

She tried to tug her arm away, but he held onto it tighter.

“Can’t you just stay a little while longer?” He took a step closer. “I wouldn’t mind getting to know you a little better. I’m leaving tomorrow to sail back to England, and I don’t know when I’ll return.” He brushed his fingers across her cheek, the silkiness of the veil caressing his skin.

Once again, her gaze dropped to his mouth, but this time it stayed. On impulse, he licked his lips.

“Mr. Winston. You’re making it extremely hard for me to leave.”

He slid his arm around her small waist and pulled her quivering body against his. She gasped and placed her other hand between their bodies on his chest.

“And you’re making it hard for me to leave, also. Just one little kiss,” he said softly. “I think you’d like it as much as I would.” He paused, then added, “And I really would like to see you without your veil.”

She shook her head. “Impossible.”

“But we’re alone. Nobody would know.”

She pushed against his chest. “I cannot. Please, Mr. Winston–”

“Call me Barry first.”

She hitched a breath, then whispered, “Barry.”

He smiled, enjoying the way his name rolled off her tongue. He lowered his head and brushed his lips across her forehead.

A small sigh escaped her mouth and she tilted her face, her eyes closed. His heart thundered against his ribs, his erection pounding just as hard in his trousers.

He placed a small kiss on her perky nose as he touched the edge of the veil, ready to pull it from her face. But before he could do anymore, voices echoed from the house and grew louder.

She let out a small squeak and pushed away. Her hand flew up to her mouth as if he’d kissed her, her eyes wide and laced with panic. “It was nice to meet you, Barry Winston.”

Turning, she fled through the hedges and disappeared. He sighed heavily and cursed the unexpected visitors, but when he entered the courtyard and recognized the governor’s guards he wondered if the older man had sent them to look for him.

He ran his fingers through his hair and straightened his shoulders. Too bad he couldn’t get to know her better, but he’d be sailing tomorrow and didn’t have time. Of course, she wouldn’t have allowed a quick affair, anyhow.

The woman fascinated him and was very mysterious, but he had to put her out of his mind and concentrate on sailing bright and early tomorrow morning. He couldn’t let anything distract him from that now.

Especially not a pretty woman.