#MFRWhooks Blog Hop - An Excerpt from Flawless - Bad First Impressions
Today I have an excerpt from FLAWLESS, my World War Two romantic suspense novel. Hunter Smith drops into northern France in 1942 to help the French Resistance steal a priceless diamond, Le Couer Bleu, from the Nazis. In this scene, Hunter meets his Resistance contact, Madeleine, for the first time. It doesn't go well.
Excerpt:
“You know my name but I don’t know yours.”
“It’s Madeleine.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“To Lille. You will present yourself at the Chateau tomorrow to work as a gardener. The Germans are always looking for someone to do their dirty work for them.”
Her words came out clipped, as if she were annoyed with him for not knowing all the details of his cover already. Her attitude irritated him.
“What exactly do you know about being a gardener?” She picked up her pace, and Hunter had to lengthen his stride to keep up with her.
“What’s to know? I stick a shovel into the ground and spread manure. It’s just a cover. I’m here for Le Coeur Bleu, not the roses.”
Madeleine threw up her hands. “Ah, yes, Le Coeur Bleu. That’s all you’re really interested in, isn’t it?”
“Of course I’m interested in it. Getting it away from the Germans is the whole reason I’m here.”
“You mean stealing it.”
What was her problem? “Yes, I mean stealing it. You don’t think the Nazis are going to hand it over if I say ‘pretty please,’ do you?”
Madeleine stopped suddenly and spun to face him. The sky had lightened just enough for him to see the fury in her eyes. “You’re nothing but a common thief. I know all about you, Monsieur Smith. I know you were imprisoned for jewel theft in London. I know the only reason you got out was because Monsieur Campbell needed you to steal this jewel. You think it is better to steal Le Coeur Bleu than to rot in jail. Do you think this is a lark, a game we play here, Monsieur Smith? I can assure you, you will soon regret coming to France.”
She turned on her heel and marched off, leaving Hunter to stare at her retreating back, angry and dumbfounded at her holier-than-thou attitude. He picked up the radio and stalked after her once more.
“I can assure you, Mademoiselle, I already regret coming to France.”
Blurb:
France, 1942. The world is at war. The Nazis have stolen the infamous blue diamond, Le Coeur Bleu, intending to barter it for weapons that will destroy the Allies. Jewel thief Hunter Smith is given a choice; help the French Resistance steal back the diamond and avenge the death of his best friend, or stay locked up in an English prison. He chooses revenge.
Resistance fighter Madeleine Bertrand’s husband died when he was betrayed by Hunter Smith. How can she now pretend to be married to the arrogant American? How can she betray Jean Philippe’s memory by her passionate response to Hunter’s kisses? Neither is prepared for the maelstrom of attraction that erupts between them. To survive they must uncover the mysteries of the past and conquer the dangers of the present. But first Madeleine must decide if her loyalties lie with her dead husband and the Resistance or with the greatest love of her life.
Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/Flawless-by-Jana-Richards
BookFunnel Promotion:
FLAWLESS is included in the Love Against the Odds Promo which runs until October 31. https://books.bookfunnel.com/passionpageshistoricalsalesoctober/lst0d6bfje
Book Hooks:
I’m participating in MFRW Book Hooks—browse the current hop here:
Ooh, lots of tension. Love the enemies to lovers trope.
What a great scene and setup to the story! It makes me think of Cary Grant in "To Catch a Thief"...
“I can assure you, Mademoiselle, I already regret coming to France.”
Great dialogue!
This reminds me a bit of a nineteen forties screwball comedy, Jana.