Blood Beach — Adam Hardy

The wily George Abercrombie Fox somehow survives the burning fireship he has steered into a French harbour, thereby saving Cloughton's expedition from disaster. But back in England Fox find it is not courage that brings a command and a ship in the King's Navy.

Sophy Kintlesham, that plain and plump young girl who flowered into a beautiful woman, the woman who haunts G.A. Fox's infrequent dreams, is also not to be won by tales of valour alone. Frustrated at every turn, Fox is only too happy to accept a post in the expedition to Egypt, even if it does mean discomfort, deprivation and danger.

FOX IS NOT THE NOBLE HERO OF TRADITIONAL FICTION. FOX IS A FIGHTING MAN WHO TRANSCENDS HEROISM -- HE DOESN'T CARE HOW HE WINS AS LONG AS HE WINS. HE'S MEAN, CUNNING AND MOST VICIOUS WHEN TRAPPED. THERE'S NO WAY TO OUTFOX FOX!

Adam Hardy was a pen name used by Kenneth Bulmer (1921-2005). A prolific writer, Bulmer wrote over 160 novels and many short stories, both under his real name and various pen names. He is best known for science fiction, including his long-running Dray Prescot series of planetary romances, but he wrote in many genres.