Hello from New Zealand and thanks so much for having me on your blog, Collette.

You are so welcome, Wendy! 

I’m often asked about what makes a hero in my eyes. Each of my books has a leading man that differs from the last, but I believe they all have the same underlying character traits, that make them into the men that my heroines (and just quietly, me,) fall in love with. Loyalty, sincerity, humor are their strengths, but most important of all, the women who capture their love can turn these big strong heroes weak at the knees.

There are many types of heroes in our lives, and I’m not talking about the ones that lean towards tights and capes. Is there a greater experience than reading a book where the hero evolves through the pages? I defy anyone to not fall in love with Jamie in Outlander, injured and wanting to wrap Claire in his plaid when first they meet. What is it that touches us, imperfections and all? Some are arrogant, with insecurities they struggle to keep hidden, others aloof, yet when they show us softness in a weak moment we capitulate with a sigh.

In Lady In Distress, the last book in the Langley Sisters Trilogy, I introduced a secondary character, Oliver (Ace) Dillinger. Out of all the characters that I wrote to support the sisters through their journeys, he is the one that caught readers’ interest. Not your usual Regency character, Ace was born a coal miner’s son and after running away to London at a young age, he earned his living with his fists. He’s a man with a past and plenty of vulnerabilities that he keeps hidden behind a fierce façade. His book The Lady Plays Her Ace will be released in March. Here is the blurb.

 

THE LADY PLAYS HER ACE by Wendy Vella – Coming March!!

Lady Althea Ryder likes to challenge herself; she is not content to sit about playing the piano and stitching the perfect seam. She likes to box, especially her brothers, ride fast and take risks. Perhaps it had been foolish to go to the boxing match, but when none other than Oliver Dillinger, the man who had earned his living with his fists, confronts her she realizes that perhaps this time she should have put a little more thought into her actions. Of course it was her brother’s fault, had he not told her of the offer for her hand and his wish for her to accept it, then she would not have behaved so irresponsibly.

Oliver (Ace) Dillinger is a man who has made his fortune the hard way, first with his fists, then by learning to be a gentleman and entering the fringes of London society. He’s ruthless, determined and trusts only a select few. One person unsettles his world, Lady Althea Ryder. She is feisty, opinionated and beautiful, and as a duke’s daughter, far above his reach. Determined to put distance between them, he pushes her away, but Thea pushes right back, not willing to be set aside and Ace realizes that if he takes her both their lives will change forever.

The Langley Sisters Trilogy

Meet the Langley Sisters – Olivia, Phoebe and Isabella. Left destitute after the death of their father, they are forced to take fate by the hand to secure their futures.

 

I was born and raised in the wonderful North Island of New Zealand and whilst I’ve travelled extensively, this place always calls me home. Married at 20, I’m still lucky enough to live with my very own hero, although his halo does slip on the odd occasion, usually when he’s roaring at me to PUT DOWN THAT BLOODY BOOK! I have two children who have morphed from mouthy heathens into surprisingly well adjusted young adults and two exceptionally lazy dogs.

Visit my website: http://www.wendyvella.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AuthorWendyVella

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/wendy_vella

Email: [email protected]