#CharacterInterview – “All Their Midnights anthology” by Kate Hill

Ooh, it’s time for another character interview! Paranormal romance author, Kate Hill, has graciously sent one of the heroes of her new anthology to chat with me, but after “meeting” him, I doubt she could’ve forced him to talk with me if he didn’t really want to. He seems like a force of nature, and that’s what I expect from vampires.

So, for the record, what’s your name?

Oliver. As Rene learned quickly, I will not respond to Ollie.

Oh, good. You look like an Oliver, not an Ollie, to me. Do you mind telling my readers what you look like?

I’m six feet tall and wiry. I have blond hair and blue eyes. Classic suits are my favorite clothes to wear.

And they certainly look good on you! What time period does your story take place?

My story takes place in 1989. We didn’t carry cell phones and our idea of social media was newspapers and magazines.

I can’t remember the last time I read the newspaper. What’s your goal in this story?

My goal is to survive. You might not realize it at first glance, but I’m sick. I know what you’re thinking. Vampires aren’t supposed to catch diseases, but one thing I’ve learned is that nothing in life is certain.

Oh, no! I hope you’re going to get better. At least Rene is there to help you. What skill do you have that you’re proud of? Why?

I’m a skilled fighter. The reason I’m proud of that is because I can use what I’ve learned to defend people who need it. There was a time when I failed the people I loved because I couldn’t protect them, but I won’t let that happen again.

I’m sorry about that. What did you think the first time you saw Rene?

I thought she was courageous for surviving under harsh circumstances. She had so much potential, and I knew all she needed was the chance to grow. She probably believes otherwise, but I have always admired her.

That’s so sweet. Do you see morality as black-and-white, or with shades of gray?

It’s definitely shades of gray. Sometimes people hurt others without meaning to. It’s hard to accept, but it’s the truth.

Very true. If you could go back in time, what one thing would you change in your life?

That question is impossible to answer. Even in a short life, people generally have more than a single major regret, but in a life as long as mine, there are too many. Of course I would go back and somehow save my family, but if I did that, I would never meet Rene, and I love her deeply. I would say that I would not drink the blood, but again, without that mistake, my path would probably never cross Rene’s. I can’t go on to list other regrets, because with a mere mortal life, you don’t have enough time to listen.

Again, so true. Thank you for talking with me today, Oliver. It’s been a pleasure. And please tell Kate and Rene I said hello!

**All Their Midnights**
by Kate Hill
Vampire Romance Anthology

Blurb:

All Their Midnights is a collection of vampire poetry and short stories with a romantic twist.

The Lighthouse – Imprisoned in a dungeon and forced to do battle for a cruel lord, Drew lost his sanity long ago. Kenna’s passion for Drew never faltered, even when it drove her from the only other person she’d ever loved, her twin brother, Collin. Kenna and Drew escaped the horror of their past to live a quiet life as lighthouse keepers. Their hard-won happiness is threatened when Collin arrives, stirring past memories that hurl him and Drew toward possible destruction.

Blood and Whiskey – Despite his thirst for blood, Danel has never wanted to cause permanent harm to his prey. He’s spent his life learning to control his violent nature. Then he meets Yori. She rouses his bloodlust, but will he curb her wild ways, or will she lure him into a life of savagery?

Don’t Drink the Blood – Rene is a young vampire scraping by while fighting for her life in a world that has shown her little mercy. While on the hunt, she’s attacked, but a strange, beautiful man rescues her. Oliver suffers from a disease that affects vampires. Only Rene’s blood can save him from a slow, painful death. They make a deal—her blood in exchange for his tutoring. Can he transform an uneducated, struggling cynic into a sophisticated vampire warrior? Even more, can he win her hardened heart?

Excerpt from Don’t Drink the Blood:

“You’ve been a victim, Rene, first as a mortal and again last night. From this night forth, you will never be a victim again.”

“Easy to say. What do you know about being a victim, anyway?”

He raised an eyebrow, and I glanced at my boots.

Anyone with a disease like his knew what it felt like to be a victim.

“I had a family once. They were slaughtered in a battle so long ago that I’m the only one left who remembers it. I could do nothing except watch from where I lay bleeding, waiting to die myself, but I survived and endured, just like you have. I dedicated my life to studying the fighting arts. I’ll teach you everything I’ve learned.”

“Just as long as I keep giving you blood?”