#CharacterInterview – “Warrior Priest” by Kate Hill

The hero from Kate Hill’s sci-fi romance is visiting today. So excited!

Thanks for coming in. For my readers, what’s your name?

Jade, or Ari Jade, if we’re being formal.

Cool! Jade is one of my favorite names. What do you look like?

I’m six feet three inches, and like all warrior priests in active combat duty, I’m in top physical condition. I have dark eyes and dark hair. Unfortunately I have to keep it long and tightly braided. It gives me headaches. Unfortunately, the braid is a requirement for warrior priests, at least the ones who are able to grow their hair. There’s a religious meaning behind it, but I won’t go into the details here. It’s in my book, if you’d like to know more. Don’t ask about my nose. It was broken and didn’t heal straight, as if it wasn’t noticeable enough before that.

What time period does your story take place?

To someone from Earth during your time, it’s the distant future.

What’s your goal in this story?

I’m part of a cultural exchange between my planet and the planet Neidress. I’ve been assigned to a priestess—Selena—to learn from her and to teach her about us. It’s not going to be easy. We’re total opposites, and she can be frustrating. Even worse, she has hardly any self-control regarding sexuality, but she’s a dedicated priestess, and she has a good heart. She’s hard to resist, though. I still can’t figure out how she can be irritating and adorable at the same time.

Ooh! Opposites attract. What is your occupation? Are you any good at it? Do you like it?

I’m a warrior priest, and that’s more than an occupation. It’s a way of life, and a part of my soul. It’s not an easy life, but I wouldn’t want any other. I was orphaned as a baby, and my adoptive father was a warrior priest. They’re my family and my friends. We’re part of a brotherhood. The work we do helps others, and that’s what’s most important. Selena understands that. Her commune is against violence, even in self-defense, but they’re dedicated to helping people in many other ways, and as a warrior priest, I respect that.

Family is so important. What did you think the first time you saw Selena?

I thought she was beautiful. I know that sounds superficial, but it’s not that she’s physically perfect. There’s something genuine about her. She radiates energy and kindness. She makes me look at the world in a different way, and that can be a valuable gift. And as much as it annoys me, I also enjoy the way she challenges me.

That’s really sweet. What is your family like?

My father was a great warrior priest. For years he was leader of our Order. No one could have had a better father. I learned so much from him, and like Selena, he’ll always be in my heart. Shane and Asa are more than just friends. Yes, they’re my brothers in the sense that all warrior priests are brothers, but our friendship is deeper than that. Shane is easygoing. He helps me keep things in perspective, and he’s an all-around great guy. Asa and I don’t always see eye-to-eye, but we never let each other down. He’s got a will of iron. Almost dying together while trapped in an ice cave brought us even closer together. Asa and Shane. They’re my family.

That’s great! What is people’s first impression of you?

People tell me I have no sense of humor, but that’s not true. You have to get to know me.

Haha! Thanks again for visiting, Jade! It’s been great.

**Warrior Priest**
by Kate Hill
Science Fiction Romance

Blurb:

What happens when a warrior priest from a strict religion meets a free-spirited priestess from a new age commune?

Jade and Selena are as different as two people can be, but to facilitate an alliance between their worlds, they engage in a cultural exchange. With their galaxy in danger from a planet that wants to conquer or destroy all others, they realize the importance of their assignment, but it is difficult for a warrior priest and a nonviolent priestess to understand each other.

Selena is both attracted and appalled by his old school masculinity, and Jade is tempted to break his vow of celibacy until marriage due to his powerful desire for her. Will this unlikely pair not only find common ground, but unconditional love?

Excerpt:

Again they fell into step at a slow jog. Selena glanced at him, studying his craggy
profile, his braid snapping behind him and his sweaty uniform clinging to his muscular frame. She wasn’t sure if it was due to sprinting or if the temperature had already risen, but she was practically stifling.

One moment she was staring at him and the next she hit the ground, pain shooting
through her ankle. “Ouch!”

That’s what she got for ogling him instead of watching where she was going.

Jade instantly knelt beside her. “What’s wrong?”

“My ankle. I must have turned it in that hole.”

With warm hands, he gently felt her injury. It was already starting to swell.

“Let’s get you to the hospital.”

“Good idea. I just need a hand—”

He picked her up before she had a chance to finish. Pressed close to his hot, damp body, Selena instinctively grasped his neck. Mother Sun, he felt as hard as he looked.

“Oh! Wow. Jade, this is very sweet, but I can walk if you just let me lean on you.”

“This is quicker and more efficient.”

And almost frighteningly intimate. With his face so close to hers, the temptation to kiss his full, sensual lips almost overwhelmed her.

“The hospital is all the way over there. You can’t carry me.”

His brow furrowed and again she sensed his amusement. “It’s not like you weigh much.”

“I just…are you allowed to do this?”

“Bring an injured woman to the hospital? Yes. It’s not against my religion. In case you missed it, that was sarcasm again.”