Queen of Hearts
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Queen of Hearts
Vintage Romance Publishing, May 2007
Can a woman battle through secrets to win the love of the man who just might take away her home? 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, her ruse becomes even more difficult, especially when she finds herself attracted to him.
James Lawrence has played his last hand and finally has enough cash to buy back his family plantation the carpetbaggers had taken from him. Until he’s blindsided, robbed, and left for dead. Thankfully, the town’s doctor saves his life, but things take a turn he never expected when he discovers the thief’s sister, Cecilia Ashby, is the owner of the plantation which used to belong to his family.
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 - themselves.
RECOMMENDED READ!! Ms. Campbell has once again written another page-turner. This book takes you back to the days following the Civil War and the struggles the southerners faced to save their land and homes. It shows how the world has changed regarding female doctors. In those times, people were not ready to accept that women could do the same job as men. You will feel as though you are joining in a poker game, sitting in a saloon. You can almost hear the piano playing and the saloon girls dancing. Ms. Campbell has a way of making you feel like you are indeed part of the story as you feel the sexual tension grow between Cecilia and James. As always, Ms. Campbell earns her title as the Queen of Sexual Tension. This is another keeper for your bookshelf. ~~Sherry / My Book Cravings
“Queen of Hearts is a mesmerizing read and captivated me as soon as Cecilia entered the picture. I absolutely loved the theme of this book. The story had me on the edge of my seat until all the loose ends were tied up. Phyllis Campbell encapsulates the sensations of her characters, and the soothing chemistry she creates between James and Cecilia, is like slow moving lava, it really simmers. James certainly showed that chivalry is not dead and exhibits a true gentleman in all areas. This extraordinary book reads like a vintage wine, excellent.”Cherokee, Coffee Time Romance
FIVE STEAMING CUPS
5-Blue Ribbons! Within the pages of QUEEN OF HEARTS you will find another spicy and romantic love story by the talented author, Phyllis Campbell. Phyllis Campbell pens a tale of treachery, mystery, hope and a powerful love story. The mesmerizing characters are woven into a suspenseful plot that will have you reading it all in one sitting just to find out the who, what and why. I laughed out loud at the wittiness and grabbed tissues to dry my eyes from the powerful ending. This charming tale has many twists and turns that will have you guessing incorrectly who the culprit really is. I would never have guessed who the villain was and it left me shocked to my toes. I highly recommend QUEEN OF HEARTS to everyone who loves to read a romantic historical with lots of hot passion that will singe the fingertips.~~Billie Jo / Romance Junkies
QUEEN OF HEARTS tells a great story about the human spirit. Phyllis Campbell should be very proud of herself for writing a Western that is certain to touch her readers. If you have read any of Campbell’s previous books, then you already know what a talented writer she is. For those who haven’t read any of her books, you’re going to be in for a real treat.~~ Julie Kornhausl / Romance Readers At Heart
Excerpt
Cecilia stared into Mr. Lawrence’s dark, glassy eyes. He’d leaned on his side, his hand resting on her shoulder. His lids drooped and his body swayed. Obviously, he was intoxicated, so maybe he wouldn’t remember any of this in the morning. She could only pray.
The corner of his lip lifted in a lazy smile. “It’s about time ya came back.” His fingers slid up her arm. “Where’ve ya been, darlin’?”
She swallowed hard. A delightful shiver danced over her skin.
He glanced at her hardened nipples strained against her cotton nightshirt. His grin widened. “I see ya’ve missed me, too.”
Who did he think she was? Her mind reeled against the reactions in her body. She might respond to his touch, but that gave him no rights. Despite her adolescent, hormone-driven, physical acknowledgements, she was a professional.
Although right now she wasn’t dressed as the doctor, he was still her patient.
She 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 thought she was one of Delilah’s Delights.
“Mr. Lawrence –”
“Thought I told ya to call me James.”
She nodded. “James, I can’t keep you company right now. I’ve got to clean up the glass on the floor.” She pointed her head to 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, but made her tingle. Heat from his body warmed her, and she scrunched her forehead. He must still have a small fever. But 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 wasn’t unpleasant, and heaven help her, she wanted more.
Impossible. She had to put a stop to this.
Now.
He 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 he was faster and 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. She held her breath, her gaze focused on his parted lips.
Hot, whiskey-laced breath caressed her lips before his mouth touched hers. Gentle. Soft. He swept them 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 what he offered.
She squeezed her eyes closed and waited.
His tongue stroked her bottom lip and she released a small squeak. She clenched her jaw tighter. He sucked her lip into his mouth, his tongue tracing the seam.
“Darlin’, open up for me. Let me taste you.”
Another groan escaped her, deeper, more pleasurable, but 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.