Lara: Book One of the World of Hetar by Bertrice Small released on Apr 25, 2006 is available now for purchase. For Lara, a half faerie, half human, her beauty is a blessing and a curse. Sold into a Pleasure House by her father, she commits herself to a lifetime of servitude. But even in a place where pleasure is not censured but encouraged, her otherworldly beauty proves too much for her suitors. When Lara escapes, she is introduced to a new way of life, and an incredible man who opens her eyes to the growing unrest among their people…and the extraordinary destiny that awaits her. Lara will journey the depths of desire and despair to find a love that will last an eternity—a love that will change Hetar forever.

My dear reader—Five years have now passed since the Winter War betweenthe Outlands and Hetar. But Gaius Prospero has notgiven up his scheme to become emperor, and unexpectedtragedy causes Lara to once again heed the pull of herdestiny. Finding herself across the sea in a secret newworld known as Terah, she discovers that her magicalabilities grow greater with each passing day. Using her newfound powers, Lara lifts an ancient cursefrom the men of Terah, earning its ruler's gratitude—andhis deep and passionate love. Magnus Hauk has neverknown a woman like Lara, and his fascination leads himto venture back across the sea with her to prevent anotherwar. There, however, the ruler of Terah learns that betrayalis an everyday commodity; nothing is exactly what it seemsin beautiful, sinister Hetar. And the lovers attract theanimosity of Prospero, a dangerous enemy to have. Forpower, dear reader, does corrupt absolutely. This tale continues to unfold within the corridors ofmy imagination. I hope you will enjoy Lara's furtheradventures as she continues to seek out her true destiny.I know I am enjoying writing it for you. Bertrice Small

Lara, Domina of Terah, has mysteriously disappeared whilevisiting the New Outlands. The Dominus is frantic to find hisbeloved wife, but when no trace of her can be discovered, Magnus Hauk turns to two strong allies—Prince Kaliq of theShadows and his mother-in-law, Ilona, the most powerful ofthe faerie queens. Who has stolen Lara? And why? In the Dark Lands, Kol, the Twilight Lord, revels in his victory.The faerie woman Lara is now his possession, and her powerswill soon help him to conquer first Hetar and then Terah. But the Emperor of Hetar is hatching schemes of his own—having learned of Lara's disappearance he believes Terah isnow vulnerable, and plans to go to war against Magnus Hauk.

A Past AwakenedMagic coursing through his blood, Dillon, son of Lara, Domina of Hetar, follows his mystical path to Hetar's brightest star. Belmair is a forgotten world. And, it turns out, his people's lost heritage. Summoned to marry the king's daughter and inherit the throne, Dillon discovers Belmair is beautiful, enigmatic and seductive�as is his strong-willed new queen, and the mystery lying at Belmair's heart. A Love Unimagined Cinnia, sorceress of Belmair, expected to claim her rightful place as ruler, not as the wife of a stranger chosen by Belmair's magical guardian. But the enchantment that seals a marriage of power and greatness soothes her wounded pride, allowing her to use her magical gift to uncover the darkest secret of a bright planet whose young women are inexplicably disappearing….

Mourn me but briefly. Then find your destiny, Lara, my love, my life. Now let me go. With those words, the spirit of Magnus Hauk, Dominus of Terah, leaves his body—and thus the fate of a nation rests upon the faerie woman Lara's shoulders. While Lara's son Prince Taj is well loved by the people of Terah, he is too young to rule, and Lara must obey Magnus' dying command and govern in his stead. Thankfully, she has a powerful ally in Prince Kaliq of the Shadows, though never was there a more seductive friend or foe. Yet some in Terah still believe that a female must never wear the crown…and Lara and her daughters will face old enemies who escaped the wrath of Magnus but are not yet finished with their schemes for power and revenge.

A hundred years have passed since the Faerie woman Lara last saved the world of Hetar from the darkness. Her youth and her beauty remain as always. The passing years, however, have taken many of her friends and kin. Her influence has waned. Those who remember her heroism in times of peril are few. Even her great-grandson, Cadarn, Dominus of Terah, denies her strong magic. And all the while Lara's son, the charming but nefarious Twilight Lord, Kolgrim, waits patiently for his moment. But Kolgrim will not make his father's mistakes by waging war. His way is more subtle, and sinister. Despite Lara's formidable powers she fears there is little to be done. Yet before all is lost she will fulfill the long-ago prophecy of her daughter Anoush to unite the world of Hetar. And as the darkness falls Lara finds that more than ever she needs the wisdom, the love and the support of the great Shadow Prince, Kaliq. While her youngest daughter, Marzina, will prove to all that she is more than just her mother's daughter. In her greatest trial yet, Lara and Kaliq will finally meet her long foretold destiny together.