The month of January is all about character interviews. Today, I’m firing questions at Manitcore from Kate Hill’s latest release Manitcore, book three in the Confessions series, a paranormal romance.
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1. First off, tell us who you are (age, where you grew up, where you live now, etc.) and what role you play in the novel.
Manitcore: I have no idea how old I am. We don’t pay much attention to that in the Realm of Manifestations. The body I share with Martin, however, is in its thirties, as humans say. He’ll get more mileage out of it than most humans, though, because when I’m in charge, it regenerates. Currently, we live in Maryland where we’re fighting with the rebels against the demon occupation. In my opinion, I’m the hero of the book. Martin might tell you different, though. All right, he’s a hero, too, and come to think of it, I have no desire to be a hero. Antiheroes are sexier, and I’m not sure if real heroes rip things apart with their teeth.
2. Share with us your hobbies and interests, and why you enjoy them.
Manitcore: I’ll try just about anything once. I love to experience new things. There’s nothing I like more than a good fight. Blood and guts. Wait. I lied. There’s something I like more than a good fight, and that’s making love with the beautiful Daisy Fay-Medusa.
3. Tell us how you feel about being in a novel, and if you are happy with how your author presented you to readers.
Manitcore: Novel. Movie. Television series. I’d love it all. In case you haven’t noticed, I love attention. I think Kate presented me just as I am. No sugar coating. I’m just as sexy and dangerous as she says.
4. If your author was to create another novel with you in mind, give us a quick blurb of what it would be about. And be sure to give the title.
Manitcore: The Adventures of Manticore and Medusa. We rule. Demons drool. Or something like that. I don’t have the patience to sit and write. It’s paperwork, and I hate paperwork. Avoid it whenever possible. That’s why I have a personal secretary.
5. Which character in the novel do you like the most, and why?
Manitcore: That’s such an impossible question. I share a body with Martin. I love him. I’m also in love with sweet Daisy Fay, and she shares a body with the stunning manifestation Medusa. I love her, too. I know it’s hard for someone who doesn’t share our magic to understand, but you can try.
6. Which character in the novel do you dislike the most, and why?
Manitcore: Dimitri Specter. Did I answer faster enough? Martin and I both hate our sorry excuse for a father. Dimitri Specter. Even saying his name makes me want to gargle with mouthwash.
7. Tell us why we should read the featured novel and what we will find most intriguing about you.
Manitcore: If you want to know how two misfits capture the heart of an adorable witch and her stunning manifestation, then we’d love you to read our story. I tend to stir extreme emotions in people. Most likely you’ll either love me to bits or hate my guts, but you’ll only find out if you read Manticore. Titled after me and everything.
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Title: Manticore
Series: Confessions, Book Three
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Kate Hill
Heat Rating: 5 Flames (multiple partners, menage, polymerous, BDSM, etc.)
Length: 40,000 words/135 pages
Release Date: December 23, 2022
Publisher: Changeling Press
Two magical outcasts share everything, even a body. Now they intend to share the witch Daisy Fay.
Martin: I was an outcast. Humiliated and abused, I ran away to carve out a life apart from the Specter family business. Convinced the family magic would never work for me, I was taken by surprise when I met him.
Manticore: Shunned by other manifestations, I lived alone and nameless. Then I found Martin. He gave me a name and his body. Now, we exist as one. We never expected to find a woman who’ll love us, but Daisy Fay is full of surprises. We’ve walked through demonic fire to protect her, and we will have her as our mate.
Daisy Fay: Martin is the sweetest guy I know. Manticore is an enticing beast. I never dreamed they shared a body. It’s a good thing I love them both. We’re in constant danger, though, because their father wants to kill them. They want to keep me safe, but sitting in the sidelines isn’t my style, and they’d better get used to it.
Purchase at:
Amazon | Kobo | B&N | Apple | Changeling Press
On the way to the library, I try to calm myself. Glancing at my shaking hands, I curse softly. I’m not emotional because of the fight, but from seeing Manticore again. The way he looks at me and the way I feel about him is a dangerous combination.
I sit at the table Martin and I had been sharing and call him. I need to know that he’s all right. It’s a dangerous city, and even though he took the secret passage, other demons might be lurking in the area, waiting for an easy target.
Moments later, I receive a text back.
I’m okay. Worried about you, though. Glad Manticore showed up when he did. Talk to you later.
My brow furrows. That was short and to the point. Martin is usually a bit warmer in his texts, but he’s probably still a little shaken up, too.
“Ah, Daisy Fay.” Manticore steps into the library and my jaw drops. He’s discarded his bloody jacket, shirt, and tie. Half-naked, he strides toward me. His trousers are belted at his narrow waist. He’s not tall or big, but he has a wiry strength that reminds me of a wild animal, like a hungry cheetah on the prowl. The black, white, and gray makeup still covers his face, but the sprays of blood are gone. Strange. Does he carry a touch-up kit with him? Why not? After all, his family made its fortune selling beauty products, and they still make a profit even since the demon occupation.
He closes the door behind him and locks it. Then he turns, one long, sleekly-muscled arm still stretched in the direction of the door and an almost playful smile on his lips. “Alone at last.”
I’m torn between anticipation and annoyance. “What exactly do you think is going to happen, Manticore?”
He strolls up to me, his eyes wide with mock innocence. “What do you mean?
“Why did you lock the door?” I back away and he rapidly closes the distance between us.
“I thought we could use some privacy.”
I draw a surprised breath when my back hits the wall. He plants a hand on either side of my head, trapping me between his well-defined arms. Still smiling a bit, he dips his mouth toward mine.
“Hey! Back off.” I shove him hard in the chest.
He blinks, but steps away, still looking amused. “And I thought the fight upstairs might have roused your emotions like it’s done to mine. You can’t blame me for trying, Daisy Fay.”
I stare at him, my fists clenched. Part of me wants to kiss him, but I know what a man like this is like. Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile.
“You are attracted to me. I can sense it.”
“I think you’re sensing your own ego.”
He tilts his head to the side. “You’re beautiful when you’re in denial.”
“You’re impossible.” I walk to the couch and sit.
From behind, Manticore almost melts on the couch. He drapes his legs over the back of it and his wiry body reclines too close to mine. “No, for you I’m incredibly easy. I’ll do anything you want, Daisy Fay.”
Our gazes lock. I wonder if it’s the pellet stove, but it’s almost too hot in here.
“How about getting out of my personal space?” I suggest.
He neither moves nor speaks for several seconds, but his gorgeous green gaze lingers on mine. Finally, he sighs, swings his legs around, and stands. He strides to a nearby armchair and sits. “Better?”
“What are you doing here?”
“It’s my library, remember? I know about Martin dropping off the tablet, and I want to have a look. Given what happened upstairs, it’s a good thing I came.”
“Brandy and I have handled attacks before.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Okay, I appreciate your help, but nothing gives you the right to assume you have special privileges regarding me personally.”
“Me?” He places a hand to his bare chest. “I haven’t assumed anything that my senses haven’t confirmed. Why are you fighting the attraction between us?”
“Why can’t you take no for an answer?”
He lowers his gaze and sighs dramatically. “All right. I’m many things, but I’m not the kind of person who forces himself on women. Or men, for that matter.”
“Are you even a person?” The words are out before I can stop them.
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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.
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Maggie Blackbird 