Kate Baxter on her supernatural world…

Could you tell us a little bit about what we have to look forward to in THE WARRIOR VAMPIRE?

THE WARRIOR VAMPIRE is full of action and romance with a strong-willed heroine, a charming, if not arrogant hero, plenty of magic, and steamy sexual tension. It takes place in Crescent City, California –  a small seaside town, as Ronan searches for his missing sister, Chelle, and finds his tethered mate in the process.

What inspired you to create your wonderful world of the Last True Vampire?

I’m fascinated with secret societies and esoteric worlds. I wanted to create a supernatural world that was hidden from humanity yet thrived alongside it. In THE WARRIOR VAMPIRE, the world broadens and readers will discover more than the slayers and vampires. Witches, werewolves, and shifters all make an appearance. I’m excited for readers to see the supernatural world outside of Los Angeles.

Who is your ultimate book boyfriend?

I have so many! I don’t know if I can choose only one. Off the top of my head I’d have to say Reyes Farrow from Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson series. He’s dark and intense and oh-so sexy!

Why do you think romance readers find vampires so eternally hot?

I don’t think that vampires will ever truly go out of style. They represent ultimate immortality which has always fascinated readers. As predators, vampires are often written as seductive and the drinking of blood is a sensual act for vampires which appeals to romance readers. Who wouldn’t want to give up control and offer their throat to a sexy vampire?

Have you always wanted to be a writer? What do you love most about your job?

I’ve always been a story teller. For as long as I can remember, I was making up stories in my head. I have a vivid imagination that never slows down. Writing is the only job I’ve ever had that I never wanted to quit! I enjoy entertaining people. My goal as a writer is to give the reader a moment of escape. If I’ve done that, I’m happy.

Do you have the most fun creating your heroes or your heroines?

I’m a sucker for a great heroine. I love to write strong, capable women who are a match for the heroes.

Do you have a favourite hero or heroine from your books or by any other author?

Some of my favorite heroines are Mercy Thompson (from Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series), Charley Davidson (from Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson series), Jill Kismet (from Lilith Saintcrow’s Jill Kismet series), and Xhex (from J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series). A few of my favorite heroes are Atticus O’Sullivan (from Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles), Derfel (from Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles), and Declan Chase (from Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series).

Who are the authors you read for pleasure?

Patricia Briggs, Bernard Cornwell, Anne Rice, Darynda Jones, Kalayna Price, Kresley Cole, J.R. Ward, Larissa Ione, Julie Ann Walker, Amanda Carlson, Tiffany Reisz, Lilith Saintcrow, Amanda Abbott, Jeaniene Frost, Kevin Hearne, Shawntelle Madison, Sarah Bromley, Kristen Painter, Kristen Callihan, Richelle Mead.

If you could take only three essentials with you to a desert island what would they be?

Bernard Cornwell’s THE WINTER KING, a bag of Hershey’s Kisses, and a toothbrush.

Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list, dead or alive?

Anne Rice, Bernard Cornwell, Patricia Briggs, William Shakespeare, Shirley Manson, and Lionel Messi.

What are your guilty pleasures?

Coffee, chocolate, peanut butter, reality television, 90’s grunge.

There’s so much interest and excitement around romance fiction right now. What do you think that romance readers are looking for in the romances they read today?

I love that romance is so popular! It’s always been my favorite genre and it’s finally beginning to get the attention it deserves. I think readers want strong heroines they can relate to who are equals to the hero. They want compelling characters and plots. I also think that readers want more diversity in romance. Love is a human condition and it deserves to be explored in a way that all readers can relate to.

The second novel in Kate Baxter’s seductive Last True Vampire series,

THE WARRIOR VAMPIRE,

is out on 1st December!

And don’t miss the first addictive book in the series, THE LAST TRUE VAMPIRE, out now!