In Kate Hill’s vampire romance The Darkness Therein, Jocelyn swears that nothing or no one will stand between him and revenge on the creature that destroyed his life—Until he meets Charlie.

Kate, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.

The Darkness Therein by Kate Hill

Genre Vampire Romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R for sexual situations, strong language, and violence

Jocelyn has chased his nemesis for centuries. He swore that nothing or no one would stand between him and revenge on the creature that destroyed his life. That same rival leads Jocelyn to the one person who can reconnect him to the human race.

Art student Charlie has no idea that her family history binds her to a creature of legend–until he appears in the form of a tall, beautiful man with a thirst for revenge. The last thing she wants is to follow his orders, but if she intends to stay alive, she has no choice.

Note: The Darkness Therein was previously published. This re-edited version contains additional scenes.

Let’s bare it all and chat about what to wear

First, what is your name and how old are you?

Jocelyn Ayer. I’ve existed for six centuries, but look much as I did when I was changed. Back then, I was in my thirties.

What is the time period in which you live?

Our story takes place in the 1980s.

What is considered “appropriate” for someone of your gender to wear?

<smirks>Gender stereotypes have no place in my life. One should wear whatever one wants to. I’ve been told I’m prettier than a traditional looking man. Throughout my life, especially in my youth, that perception was more hindrance than help. I prefer classic clothing. Black is my favorite color. I suppose my taste in clothing is generally considered “appropriate” for a traditional man.

How do you feel about wearing that type of clothing?

I wear it because I think it looks good on me. I like to dress conservatively, for the most part.

Considering the role you play in society, what is expected for you to wear?

<laughs>I probably look very much like what’s expected of a vampire, minus the cape, of course.

Ever required to wear something you don’t like? Tell us about it.

In my days as a slave, I had no choice about what I wore, or didn’t wear is actually a more accurate description. My very existence was to please my master, whether in his bed or as a breeder. It’s not something I like to talk about. I hated being treated like a possession.

Do you make your own clothing?

No. I have neither the time nor the inclination for that.

Mending and laundry are chores for anyone. Do you do it or someone else?

Mending, not usually. When I’m finished fighting, my clothes are often beyond mending. I typically do my own laundry.

What determines the type of clothing you buy? (example, money, fashion, job)

My personal taste and what’s functional.

When you wear something different, who’s the first person who notices?

Charlie. Or Brett, if he’s around. He has a talent for invasive questions and comments.

Tell us your favorite thing to wear.

My fleur-de-lis necklace. It was a gift. And I love wearing my rings, except for the one that’s most precious to me. A portrait ring. A piece of my mortal life. It’s usually too painful for me to look at, you see. Too many memories attached. It was intended for a woman, as well, but it’s not what you think. She was my–<shakes head>Why am I telling you this? I don’t talk about that part of my life.

What kind of shoes or boots do you wear?

Black steel toe boots, whether I’m in casual or formal clothes. Charlie calls them “shit kickers.” Sometimes she’s coarse.

Does what you wear make you feel good, or do you dislike it?

This interview is liberating in a way. I don’t generally think about feeling good. Only about revenge. I suppose I do feel good in certain clothes. Much better than when I had no choice about what I wore or anything else in my life.

When others see you what is their first impression?

I’ve been called many things. Scarecrow. Effeminate. Beautiful. Sexy. Arrogant. No matter how others view me, most fear me.

How do you feel about that impression?

I could say that it comes with the territory of being a vampire, but it’s also a persona I’ve cultivated. People should fear me, and they should keep their distance.

What do you wear to sleep?

Sometimes casual pants. Other times nothing at all.

Ever dealt with a “wardrobe malfunction”? Depending on your era, you might need to ask your author what this means.

I asked Charlie instead. She thought it was a funny question. I, however, am not amused. No. I’ve never dealt with a wardrobe malfunction. Any humiliating overexposure was deliberate on the part of my foul master.

Does anyone help you dress (other than a lover)?

No. Not lately.

Have you ever worn:

a uniform
a costume
a disguise
an outfit for the opposite gender
All of the above at one time or another. It’s been a long life.

What would you wear to avoid attention?

Despite my understated wardrobe, I can’t seem to avoid attention.

What do you wish you could wear?

I rather miss the cloak I had back in the thirteenth century. It was warm and durable. Some things aren’t made like they used to be.

What do you wish you didn’t have to wear?

The steel toe boots. It would be nice to not have to expect a fight at any moment, or go looking for them so I’ll be prepared for the final battle with Edrik.

Tell us what your author wears when writing about you.

Casual clothes. Pants, a T-shirt or hoodie. Unfortunately, she’s too lazy to truly appreciate fashion.<curls lip>She’s telling me that horror T-shirts are fashion, but to her vampires and the like are a novelty, not reality.

If your author has a pet, is the pet ever dressed in clothing?

No, she thinks her pets should be as comfortable as she is, although she does make her poor chiweenie dress up in a Halloween costume once a year for ten minutes or so for a mini photo session.

Same question for you. Pets in clothing, yay or nay?

<laughs>Would you like to try putting clothes on my mastiffs? Have at it, my friend, but don’t cry to me about the consequences.

Where to buy The Darkness Therein

Amazon https://kate-hill.com/the-darkness-therein/
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/darkness-therein-kate-hill/1008195192
iBooks https://books.apple.com/gt/book/the-darkness-therein/id6443994178
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-darkness-therein
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1175373

Kate Hill Social Media

Kate Hill is a vegetarian New Englander who loves writing romantic fantasies. When she’s not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out, watching horror movies, and researching vampires and Viking history. She runs the Compelling Beasts Blog that is dedicated to antagonists, antiheroes, and paranormal creatures. Kate also writes as Saloni Quinby.
Website https://www.kate-hill.com
Blog https://www.kate-hill.com/blog
Twitter https://www.twitter.com/katehillromance
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katehillromanceandmore
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16157.Kate_Hill
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-hill
Amazon Author Page https://amazon.com/author/katehill
Get to know Kate Hill better by signing up for an email newsletter https://kate-hill.com/newsletter/