Naked Hero is not just about the men in Lewis’s life –there are also some women who feature, one of whom plays a huge part in both books – Marie Clement, who in my mind looks something like the timeless beauty pictured here.
Marie is the girlfriend of Chantal Duboir, who I have as the leading women’s tennis player in the books. Chantal is the ‘official friend’, but it is Marie who emerges as the guiding hand that is there in the background subtly directing some events. Her intentions are good. She is an effervescent character, a renowned author specialising in Parisian angst, but a lady full of wit and sparkle, who relates to Lewis and finds him interesting. There is also a debt which she feels should be repaid, for the support Lewis gave to Chantal, helping her to win the title when he himself was down and out at the previous Wimbledon, devastated by events. I really like the character, but take time to introduce her, starting at the opening scene - the party where Lewis meets Lee Porter, and where Marie and Chantal are also in attendance.
Here’s one of her opening lines which hints at things to come. As I say, a slow start, but once she gets going, Marie Clement really rocks...
With the formalities over, Lewis rejoined Chantal and Marie, desperately hoping for a few more minutes of their company. He seriously needed to lighten up, but sadly was to be disappointed.
“Lewis, we must go now. I have a match tomorrow, and you no doubt have a training session. Perhaps you should come with us,” said Chantal as she leaned forward to accept a kiss goodbye.
Lewis considered this for a moment, knowing that she was probably right. He had made his point, and would probably end up in a barrel load of trouble - staying longer would only make things worse. It had been his plan right from the start – an hour, no more, and then make an escape. Yet he found himself shaking his head. “No, I’m going to stay a little longer, and meet a few more SLAGSS. I think I need to do some public relations work. Don’t worry, I’ll behave myself.”
Chantal shook her head as well. “I do worry, Lewis. I’m famous for it. Take care of yourself. Please!”
“I will, sweetheart. And good luck tomorrow. I’ll see you in Melbourne. Dinner on me, okay?”
Chantal nodded her agreement, and then it was Marie’s turn to say her farewell. She smiled knowingly at Lewis as he leaned forward to kiss her then held him for a moment after he had done so and whispered into his ear. “Take care indeed, Lewis. And remember - Australia is notorious for its sharks - and not all of them are local or live in the sea.”
Marie is the girlfriend of Chantal Duboir, who I have as the leading women’s tennis player in the books. Chantal is the ‘official friend’, but it is Marie who emerges as the guiding hand that is there in the background subtly directing some events. Her intentions are good. She is an effervescent character, a renowned author specialising in Parisian angst, but a lady full of wit and sparkle, who relates to Lewis and finds him interesting. There is also a debt which she feels should be repaid, for the support Lewis gave to Chantal, helping her to win the title when he himself was down and out at the previous Wimbledon, devastated by events. I really like the character, but take time to introduce her, starting at the opening scene - the party where Lewis meets Lee Porter, and where Marie and Chantal are also in attendance.
Here’s one of her opening lines which hints at things to come. As I say, a slow start, but once she gets going, Marie Clement really rocks...
With the formalities over, Lewis rejoined Chantal and Marie, desperately hoping for a few more minutes of their company. He seriously needed to lighten up, but sadly was to be disappointed.
“Lewis, we must go now. I have a match tomorrow, and you no doubt have a training session. Perhaps you should come with us,” said Chantal as she leaned forward to accept a kiss goodbye.
Lewis considered this for a moment, knowing that she was probably right. He had made his point, and would probably end up in a barrel load of trouble - staying longer would only make things worse. It had been his plan right from the start – an hour, no more, and then make an escape. Yet he found himself shaking his head. “No, I’m going to stay a little longer, and meet a few more SLAGSS. I think I need to do some public relations work. Don’t worry, I’ll behave myself.”
Chantal shook her head as well. “I do worry, Lewis. I’m famous for it. Take care of yourself. Please!”
“I will, sweetheart. And good luck tomorrow. I’ll see you in Melbourne. Dinner on me, okay?”
Chantal nodded her agreement, and then it was Marie’s turn to say her farewell. She smiled knowingly at Lewis as he leaned forward to kiss her then held him for a moment after he had done so and whispered into his ear. “Take care indeed, Lewis. And remember - Australia is notorious for its sharks - and not all of them are local or live in the sea.”