Author Guest Post: Vonnie Hughes's Tangy Curry and Captivating Regency Reads...

Spice up your life with a new dish that's not expensive and really takes very little hands-on time. I offer you one of our family favorites and I think you'll enjoy it, too. This sweet, mild curry serves eight.

TANGY CURRY
2½ lbs of cubed cheap steak (it will be simmered for ages so cheap steak is fine) 2 finely chopped onions
1 chopped apple
2 chopped carrots
2 tablespoons of ordinary flour Juice of half a lemon
2 tablespoons of golden syrup (light treacle)(corn syrup)
1 dessertspoon of mild curry powder
1 medium tin of tomato soup
1 small tin of pineapple pieces

Place the steak in a large pot. Add the onions, apple and carrots.

In a bowl mix the flour, lemon juice, golden syrup, curry powder and a little of the pineapple juice. Stir this flavored thickening and add to the meat in the pot.

Add the tomato soup and pineapple pieces.

Cook on a very low heat for two hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. (A little extra liquid may be needed. Water is fine).

Best served with rice and a tossed green salad.

Now while you have that 2 hour wait, how about a step back in time with an intro to one of my Regency novels?
 

When Alexandra Tallis sets free the attractive man her sister stupidly tried to hold captive, her actions lead not only to a love she never thought to find, but also to a horrific family secret that threatens that love.

When Alexandra Tallis discovers that her witless sister has imprisoned their father’s nemesis, Theo Crombie in their attic, she quickly frees him, fighting an unladylike impulse to keep him as her own special captive. Despite the brutal beating she receives from her father for her actions, Alexandra continues to yearn for the delicious Mr. Crombie even though she knows that nothing will ever come of her dreams.

Injured and shackled in a stranger’s attic, Theo unexpectedly discovers the woman of his dreams. But how can he pursue those dreams when her bizarre family’s complex relationships threaten the very foundation of his existence? Somehow Theo must find a way through this maze to claim his lady.

To read an excerpt from Captive, please click HERE.

Vonnie Hughes is a New Zealander living in Australia. She loves animals and jogging. Vonnie writes Regencies and romantic suspense novels along with short stories. She is presently working on a romantic suspense, working title: Innocent Hostage and a Regency novella, working title: A Tale of Two Sisters.

Her earlier book Coming Home is about a soldier and a nurse, thrown together during the Napoleonic wars, who find more danger on their return to England than they ever did on the Iberian Peninsula.

The Second Son is actually a prequel to Coming Home. A second son, filled with angst, stands to inherit a title and property through the death of a brother he has always loathed and mistrusted. A young disabled woman teaches him how to find his self-respect and how to love.

Another Regency Historical, Mr. Monfort’s Marriage, has businessman Matthew Monfort inveigled into marrying an earl’s daughter. With good reason he loathes the ton, so his new wife needn’t think she’s going to win him over, even though she’s quite delightful…and intelligent…and sweet…However Verity shows him that not all members of the ton are idle layabouts and that he can do much good with his largesse and with—shock, horror—the unexpected and embarrassing title conferred on him by Prinny.

All of Vonnie’s books are available on Amazon and Musa Publishing.

Learn more about Vonnie Hughes on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Goodreads.

Books, Banter & Bites on my Dock…featuring Vonnie Hughes

Photo by Brianne Boulton

Welcome to my virtual dock in the wilds of Muskoka, where it’s always sunny and warm no matter what time of the year it is. Please pull up one of the dock chairs, sit your butt down, and be prepared to be entertained and enlightened. Today, I’ve got Regency romance author, Vonnie Hughes stopping by for a visit. She’s come all the way from Australia to be with us, though Vonnie prefers to be known as a New Zealander, since her family roots are strong there. If you’ve never heard of this awesome author, here’s her mini bio in Vonnie’s own words:

“I write Regency and Victorian romantic suspense and contemporary suspense. I try to make my historicals meaty without being didactic. Rules are the bane of my existence. Often those writing rules take me on a journey I did not expect. Ask any writer. I’m a pantster, but I still have to abide by rules such as external and internal goals, motivation and conflict – the stuff that strikes fear into all writers.

I prefer to write psychological suspense with small amounts of action. Don’t get me wrong – I like action as much as the next woman and Suzanne Brockman is my favorite author – but my writing seems to lend itself to the twists and turns of warped minds à la Ruth Rendell and Jeffrey Deaver. Which says something not very nice about me, huh?”

Ha ha, great intro! Love it, Vonnie. Vonnie? Wakie, wakie, Vonnie! I know it’s almost dusk, but it’s not time to go to bed yet. You’re probably still a little jet-lagged. BTW – thanks for coming on such short notice, as I know you’ll be celebrating Anzac Day with the rest of Australia on April 25^th. Here, this margarita has got your name on it. It’s shaken, not stirred, just the way you like it. Help yourself to the crushed avocadoes on whole wheat crackers. I added some lemon juice and black pepper to give it a bite. Later, I’ve got some rum balls from Schat Bakery, to shock your taste buds. Believe me, it was sooo hard to resist buying anything else there! Now, before you get comfy and nod off again, let’s get on with our chat…   

Where did you get your idea and inspiration to write The Second Son?”

 

The Second Son is unusual because it is the prequel to a book already published almost two years prior by Robert Hale Ltd called Coming Home. These books revolve around a country estate in 19th century Wiltshire. The family name and the estate are called Trewbridge.
 
I love prequels because they reveal back story and roots to the original story or series. What sets The Second Son apart from other books in the same genre?
 
In Regencies the second son in a family is usually a young man of derring-do who, knowing he does not have to inherit the family responsibilities, goes out and lays waste to his life with gambling, wine, women and song. Then of course the older son dies and…you get the picture. In The Second Son, I made the hero a different sort of man, injured physically and emotionally from war. He carries a sour secret: all his life he’s has loathed his older brother, not because he is jealous of him, but because he mistrusts and dislikes him. So of course when that older brother dies, John, the hero, is a mass of nerves, contrition, despair and guilt. Yes, it’s a romance, but it is on the dark side.

I’m beginning to see the Mr. Hyde in your Doctor Jekyll. How long did it take for you to start and finish The Second Son?

It’s only 58,000 words and because it was filling in background for events that had already happened, it did not take long to write. About three months plus one month of revision and editing. (I have trouble getting the words down, but once they’re down I enjoy adding layers and revising etc. Anal retentive).

Seems like editing takes just as long as writing the first draft. Do you have any advice for writers wanting to write in your genre?

As far as Regencies go, there are many, many authors now who are writing Regencies who began writing in other genres first. So it can be done provided you do the research first. Wallpaper Regencies abound i.e. 21st century people dressed in 19th century clothes doing 21st century things. No!
 
Agreed. Research is the key to a well-written Regency. What's next for Vonnie Hughes the author?

 

The first of a Regency trilogy is being considered by Musa Publishing at the moment. I am also in the throes (and believe me, they are throes) of completing another romantic suspense set in New Zealand. Again, my hero is beset by anguish. As you can tell, my theme is wounded heroes and the women who rescue them.

And tell me what man wouldn’t want to be rescued by a strong, beautiful woman? Oh here, let me top up your margarita, and please help yourself to another avocado appetizer, Vonnie. Now, before the sun goes down and the fire flies come out, please let readers know where they can buy your book, and how to connect with you. I want to thank you for taking the time to share your novel and your wisdom with us on my dock today. Cheers and best wishes in ALL your publishing ventures, Vonnie.

The Second Son Buy Links: Musa Publishing and Amazon

 

Learn more about Vonnie Hughes on her website and blog

Stay connected on Facebook

Wenches of Words Wednesday: Vonnie Hughes

I’m excited to feature fellow Wench of Words, Vonnie Hughes — a wonderful wench from down-under — who pens Regency and romantic suspense fiction, on my blog today! Take it away, Vonnie…

Vonnie Hughes and Musa Publishing are delighted to present CAPTIVE, a new Aurora Regency, for your reading pleasure.

When Alexandra Tallis sets free the attractive man her sister stupidly tried to hold captive, her actions lead not only to a love she never thought to find, but also to a horrific family secret that threatens that love.

BLURB:
When Alexandra Tallis discovers that her witless sister has imprisoned their father’s nemesis, Theo Crombie in their attic, she quickly frees him, fighting an unladylike impulse to keep him as her own special captive. Despite the brutal beating she receives from her father for her actions, Alexandra continues to yearn for the delicious Mr. Crombie even though she knows that nothing will ever come of her dreams.
 
Injured and shackled in a stranger’s attic, Theo unexpectedly discovers the woman of his dreams. But how can he pursue those dreams when her bizarre family’s complex relationships threaten the very foundation of his existence? Somehow Theo must find a way through this maze to claim his lady.

EXCERPT:
“Oh, no, Emmaline! Please untie him. Let him go.”

Whatever would her sister do next? At seventeen, she was an eligible man’s worst nightmare. And this latest escapade—

“Don’t be such a bore, Lexie. ’Tis a great joke! For once, Papa will thank us. Especially when he finds out who it is we’ve trussed up.” Emmaline laughed her silvery, seductive laugh that drove men wild and irritated women.

“Thank us? He is more like to beat us. You cannot capture someone and bring him here and…and just tie him up!”

“Of course I can. I already have. I shall lock the two of you in here together and then raise an outcry. Papa and the servants will come running and—,” she waved her pretty hands in the air, “—the rest will take care of itself. Papa’s investment problem will be solved, and with a bit of luck, you might even be married by next week, sister.”

“Are you out of your mind?” rasped an angry voice from the darkest corner of the garret.

“Ah, you’re awake!” trilled Emmaline.

Alexandra Tallis gulped. She was doing her best not to look at the near-naked man half-hidden in the shadows. But her eyes refused to behave. Stripped to the waist he was a wondrous sight, all muscle and taut sinew. His arms tensed and strained as he struggled to escape.

“Get me out of here,” he snarled.

Alexandra blinked and looked more closely, but her eyesight was not the best. She lifted a candle from the wall sconce and took a step forward. And another.

“You’re bleeding!”

He swiveled his head to look in her direction. “Sense at last. Yes, I’m bleeding. I’d be obliged if you’d free me from these bl—these ridiculous bonds.” There was a clank and rattle as he tried to move.

Gracious! Emmaline hadn’t just tied the man up—she had chained him. Alexandra closed her eyes for a few seconds.

“Emmaline! How on earth did you manage—?”

“Davy did it for me. Well, he would fight, so Davy had to subdue him.”

“What did that witless boy do? Shoot the poor man?”

“Yes, actually. He did,” the man muttered.

 BUY LINK

Vonnie Hughes is a New Zealander living in Australia. She loves animals and jogging. Vonnie writes Regencies and romantic suspense novels along with short stories. She is presently working on a romantic suspense, working title: Innocent Hostage and a Regency novella, working title: A Tale of Two Sisters.

Her earlier book Coming Home is about a soldier and a nurse, thrown together during the Napoleonic wars, who find more danger on their return to England than they ever did on the Iberian Peninsula.

The Second Son is actually a prequel to Coming Home. A second son, filled with angst, stands to inherit a title and property through the death of a brother he has always loathed and mistrusted. A young disabled woman teaches him how to find his self-respect and how to love.

Another Regency Historical, Mr. Monfort’s Marriage, has businessman Matthew Monfort inveigled into marrying an earl’s daughter. With good reason he loathes the ton, so his new wife needn’t think she’s going to win him over, even though she’s quite delightful…and intelligent…and sweet…However Verity shows him that not all members of the ton are idle layabouts and that he can do much good with his largesse and with—shock, horror—the unexpected and embarrassing title conferred on him by Prinny.

All of Vonnie’s books are available on Amazon and Musa Publishing.

Learn more about Vonnie Hughes on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Goodreads.