Thanks to Ali for graciously inviting me to guest blog here today. We met at last year's RT conference in Houston and she's every bit as nice as I imagined! I guess I'll talk about my newest release for you today and leave you with an excerpt. But first, I also want to mention a bit of good news regarding my Resonance Mates series.
The first book, Hara's Legacy, is already out in ebook, but it'll be coming out in print next March - right after the 2nd book in the series, Davin's Quest, is scheduled for ebook release, as a matter of fact. The good news is that I've been told Hara's Legacy is going to have a much larger print run than my previous books. You might begin to notice a lot more publicity for this book, starting early next year. I'm really excited about it!
And now for more information on my latest relase, Sweeter Than Wine...
Sweeter Than Wine by Bianca D'Arc
ISBN 1-59998-682-5
An abused woman has the power to unite werefolk, fey and vampire against an evil that would see them all dead—if she can learn to love again.
Christy lies near death after a brutal beating by her estranged husband. Her preternatural friends reach a desperate conclusion: The only way to save her is to turn her. Sebastian steps forward to take on the burden of being her Maker.
For him it’s no burden at all. She draws him as no other woman has for centuries. With the help of a werecougar friend, Sebastian teaches Christy about her new life and abilities, making certain she is as strong as he can make her. Only then can she face her abusive ex-husband and put her old life behind her. But Christy’s ex-husband is involved in something more dangerous than any of them had guessed.
Vampire, were, and even a fey knight must work together to put an end to the threatening evil. To overcome her past, help keep the darkness at bay, and fight for a new life with Sebastian, Christy must draw on all of her new-found strength.
Will it be enough?
Warning: this title contains explicit sex, graphic language, ménage a trois, hot neck biting and werecougar stroking.
**********
Excerpt (c) 2007 Bianca D'Arc. All Rights Reserved.
Christina woke in slow increments, like a kitten just learning about the world around it. Sebastian watched her from the side of the large bed, waiting for the moment when she’d realize she wasn’t alone.
“I bet you’re hungry.” He was enchanted by the sleepy look in her eyes as she met his gaze. Rubbing her tummy, she looked like she was considering his words.
“I feel strange.”
He nodded and moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed. “That’s to be expected when you’re newly turned.”
“Then it wasn’t a dream?”
“No, my dear. It was most certainly real.” He dipped his head closer, smiling so she could see his fangs. He was hungry too, it seemed. “You’ve been deep in healing sleep for more than two days. That’s longer than most of the newly turned, but you were gravely injured, so I encouraged your sleep.” He tugged at the sheet that covered her, inching it away. “I’ve decided on a course of action some might consider reckless.” He paused. “Do you trust me?”
She seemed to think that one over before answering. “I think so.”
“What I’m going to ask of you will seem strange, but I need you to believe it is for your own welfare that I’ve even considered this.” He pulled the sheet a little lower.
“Now you’re frightening me, Sebastian.”
“That’s not my intent. But I need you to know that what comes next is necessary for your future. I want you to be strong enough to deal with Jeff Kinsey on your own. I believe standing up to him—and winning—is the only way to face the rest of your years, now that you are immortal. If you let him win, even the smallest confrontation, it will set a tone for your new life that could prove disastrous.”
“Did I mention you’d already scared me enough?”
Sebastian was glad to see a spark of humor in her wary eyes. It made him feel a little better about what he was about to do, though other aspects of his plan still made him uneasy. There was jealousy for one thing. It was likely to eat him alive before long. Good thing the task could be accomplished quickly. He knew he couldn’t take too much of this.
“I’m sorry, Christina. What I propose will not hurt. On the contrary, it will bring you great pleasure, but it is somewhat…risqué. I know from your friends that you’ve never been very adventurous sexually. That will have to change.”
She looked wary, but receptive. “What exactly are you talking about?”
“Your body is fully healed now, and its chemistry forever altered. Now it’s time for your lessons to begin.”
“Lessons?”
“I promised to teach you everything you need to know to survive in your changed state. Those lessons begin now, with our most basic needs¾blood and lust. You need to feed.” He dipped his head, kissing her savagely. He didn’t mean to do it, but her soft lips were so close, so inviting, he couldn’t resist.
Sebastian reveled in the sweet taste of her, delving deep with his tongue as her petite fangs began to emerge. He ran his tongue over them, encouraging their arrival. He’d forgotten how it felt to kiss one of his own kind. It was beyond erotic. It was nearly orgasmic in itself.
When she jumped, he pulled back, looking past her beautiful, bare body to see what had scared her. Sebastian understood her alarm when he saw Matt. He’d come in and prowled right up to the bed, taking a seat near the foot as if he belonged there, while Sebastian had been distracted. It was a shock to realize he’d been so lost in her kiss, he hadn’t even sensed Matt’s arrival. Matt’s knowing wink didn’t go a long way to soothe Sebastian’s self-recrimination, but it did make him smile. The lad was audacious, but Christina needed a little nudge to guide her on this path. Before the night was through, Sebastian knew she’d need to put all her inhibitions behind her and Matt Redstone was just the creature to help her do it.
“I invited a mortal friend to help you learn how to feed both bodily and psychically.” He waved one hand toward Matt, releasing her slowly. “He is were. You might note the difference in his scent from ordinary mortals. He’ll make an excellent first feeding for you to grow strong and he’s agreed to let us use him as our guinea pig for this evening. It’s a rare honor. You should be thankful.”
Christy looked at the gorgeous, muscular man who sat on the edge of her bed and began stroking her legs. “Um, thank you?”
