The Ack Ack Girl
by Chris Karlsen
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GENRE: Historical Romance
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BLURB: It’s 1941 and the German war machine has defeated all of Europe except England. In an effort to force a surrender, the German Luftwaffe is bombing villages and cities the length of the country. As the battle rages, Britain is in desperate need to put more pilots in the air.
To free up more men a new unit is formed: The Ack Ack Girls. Teams of courageous young women will now fight in anti-aircraft stations. Excited to be part of the effort, Ava Armstrong has volunteered for one of the special teams. Her unit just happens to be located near an RAF airfield teaming with pilots. Sparks fly, and not just from artillery, when Ava crosses paths with the highly decorated and handsome Royal Airforce pilot, Chris Fairfield.
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EXCERPT
Ava put her new uniform bits away. Someone had left a flyer for a pub called
the Two Roses in her stand. Skimming it as she headed toward the mess she ran
into a solid body.
“Have a care, watch where you walk. You nearly trod on my foot.”
Startled, Ava looked up into a square-jawed, dark-haired pilot with a dimpled
chin, who could pass for Cary Grant’s younger brother. Distracted, apologizing
escaped her.
“I’d say I accept your apology had I received one.”
“Sorry, I was reading this flyer.”
He eyed her up and down. “You’re part of the new anti-aircraft branch of the
ATS.”
“I am.”
He eyed the length of her again but this time a snort accompanied his comment.
“I hope you can see planes better than tall men inches from you.”
The cheek of the man! She wasn’t about to let that comment slide. “Had you
considered stepping out of the way when you saw me coming?”
“No, why should I? I was in this spot first. You’re lucky I don’t ask the
captain to have your lot stop to salute us.”
“What cheek. Pardon me, I’m hungry and you’re boring.” Ava tucked the flyer
into her jacket pocket and whispered, “Wanker” as she pushed past.
The wanker hummed White Cliffs of Dover and got in line behind her.
“Lieutenant Fairfield, it’s good to see you here. Finally on the mend?” the
blonde, ATS corporal serving the food asked the wanker in a sugary voice.
“I still have the tail-end of the nasty pneumonia cough hanging on, but I
believe I’ll be ready to return to my squadron this week.”
“We might see you around before then. When we have a bit of time to ourselves,
my friends and I go for a pint at the Two Roses pub in the village. Come by
and I’ll buy you a pint.”
“If they don’t send me off the same day as my orders come through, I’ll do
that but I’ll buy.”
Ava made a note to ask what village they were near. No one had indicated so
far and she was curious. She didn’t dare ask in front of the arrogant wanker
Fairfield. He already thought her a clumsy goose. No need letting him think
she was lost too.
She moved down the food line, pausing for a second trying to decide if she
wanted the soupy mashed potatoes. Then a long, blue wool uniformed arm reached
over her to take a roll, his tray clinking against hers.
“Excuse my reach but you’re taking too long and I’m ravenous.”
“You really are a wanker.”
“You wound me.” He pressed his hand to his chest. “At least I’m not a
dawdler.”
He walked away with his roll before she could offer a comeback.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
I was raised in Chicago. My father, a history professor, and my mother, a
voracious reader passed on a love of history and books along with a love of
travel. My husband and I retired to the Pacific Northwest where we live with
four crazy rescue dogs.
I am a retired police detective. After twenty-five years in law enforcement I
decided to pursue my dream of writing. I’ve completed a historical-time travel
romance series called Knights in Time. I currently write a historical suspense
called The Bloodstone Series.
I am also working on a world war two series of novella romances.
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
Chris Karlsen will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner
via rafflecopter during the tour.
do you ever base your characters on different parts of yourself?
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