Wilder's Mate (Bloodhounds, #1)

Mar 17, 2011 Ridley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, 3-star, paranormal, read-2011

I'd call this a very weak three-star book. There's an intriguing premise here, but none of the elements are fleshed out enough to be engrossing. All the components - romance, world building, action plot - are almost skimmed over, making them feel perfunctory.

The hero and heroine meet and spend a few days on horses together, which the author does not actually write out for us to see, then suddenly they're consumed by passion and hooking up. The world building names the components of her "steampu...more

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Mar 14, 2012 Carolyn F. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, ebooks-borrowed, ebook

Not the best book I've read, not the worst.

Satira's mentor is kidnapped and a Bloodhound, Wilder, is sent by the Guild to help her out. Then Satira is throwing herself at Wilder and he's seems semi-interested. Which hurts her feelings but doesn't stop her from practically begging him to have sex with her. She keeps thinking she won't be good enough so she brags that she's had sex with Bloodhounds before and they didn't complain, they didn't stay but they didn't complain. Then she'll tell him th...more

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May 14, 2011 Jessica rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

I was disappointed in this; I'd really hoped to like it. More Western than steampunk, the whole thing was confusing and disjointed. It's like the authors were trying to make it smutty (look, the heroine was raised in a brothel! and the hero has some sexual kink!) without being too smutty (but she's not a prostitute herself, even though she is experienced! and the hero's sexual kink is ... I really have no idea. There are hints that it might be bondage or domination, but it's all allusion and not...more

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Jun 30, 2011 CaroB rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to CaroB by: Smart Bitches Trashy Books

Shelves: adult, cowboys-westerns, erotica, historical, intrigue-mystery-suspense, magic, military-agent-emergserv, paranormal, romance, shapeshifters-vampires, steampunk

I picked this up because it was part of the Smart Bitches book club for May. I wasn't too sure what to expect, especially after reading that it was a steampunk/erotica/paranormal/western romance... I mean, really, WTF?

But that's the great thing about book clubs. They get you to read something you might not pick up on your own. For my part, I enjoyed nearly every page of this crazy-mix book. The authors write well together, mixing the genres brilliantly. It could so easily have felt like a disjoi...more

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Jan 06, 2011 Sophia (FV) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Satira’s mentor has gone missing and she is not about to sit on the sidelines and wait for him to be rescued by the Guild. When Wilder, a Bloodhound created by the Guild to hunt vampires, shows up she makes it clear she intends join him in the hunt for her mentor whether he likes it or not. It doesn’t hurt that Wilder drop dead sexy. But Wilder is not fully human. He was created by the Guild to kill vampires. He is essentially a walking lethal weapon. The new moon changes him and his attraction...more Satira’s mentor has gone missing and she is not about to sit on the sidelines and wait for him to be rescued by the Guild. When Wilder, a Bloodhound created by the Guild to hunt vampires, shows up she makes it clear she intends join him in the hunt for her mentor whether he likes it or not. It doesn’t hurt that Wilder drop dead sexy. But Wilder is not fully human. He was created by the Guild to kill vampires. He is essentially a walking lethal weapon. The new moon changes him and his attraction to Satira could completely overwhelm his self-control. He wants her, his beast wants her and she feels the same way about him. They are on a mission to save her mentor and are in a race against time but if Wilder loses control all could be lost.

Satira lives in a world where being female is not necessarily valued beyond whatever physical pleasure she can provide. But that life is not for her. She is smart, tough and possesses an iron will to survive so she puts her brains and raw skills to good use as an apprentice to a weapons inventor. But Nathaniel is not only her mentor, he is her friend and nearly all she has in the world. When he goes missing she’ll stop at nothing to get him back alive.

Wilder radiates danger and sexuality. He is a creation of the Guild and although a beast lives within him, his humanity truly rules him despite his violent nature. He cares for close friends and is committed to keeping humanity safe from vampires who seek to destroy. When the new moon changes him he is careful to make sure his needs are sated by someone who can who is prepared to handle the beastly nature that take him over. He is determined to protect Satira from himself but the passion that draws him to her could be his undoing. The tender vulnerability that resides beneath his gruff exterior makes him such an appealing, sexy hero.

Wilder’s Mate is mainly focused on the romantic relationship of Satira and Wilder and is essentially a paranormal romance. Their romantic relationship is built up gradually, loaded with sexual tension, and eventually explodes in white hot passion. But with the Wild West setting and the addition of some steampunk elements Moira Rogers has created a very gritty dangerous feel to this story. The vampires are evil, and the potential for danger and violence is ever present creating an edge to this story that we tend to see more in the urban fantasy genre. Moira Rogers blurs the genre lines with Wilder’s Mate for the win.(less)

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Dec 27, 2011 Chelsea rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Every now and then it's nice to encounter something really different in the romance world. I've read loads of shape-shifter romance, so that's nothing new. But I confess that steampunk in fairly new to me, and I've never read one in a western/pioneer setting. So naturally I felt I might enjoy this if only for the sake of novelty.

Satira is the apprentice to a weapons inventor, and her teacher has been kidnapped. Wilder, a bloodhound, is assigned to find him, and Satira insists on accompanying him...more Every now and then it's nice to encounter something really different in the romance world. I've read loads of shape-shifter romance, so that's nothing new. But I confess that steampunk in fairly new to me, and I've never read one in a western/pioneer setting. So naturally I felt I might enjoy this if only for the sake of novelty.

Satira is the apprentice to a weapons inventor, and her teacher has been kidnapped. Wilder, a bloodhound, is assigned to find him, and Satira insists on accompanying him. The journey takes them into the Deadlands--an area filled with vampires and other undesirables. Along the way, Satira and Wilder hook up, and a lot of steamy sex ensues.

The first comment I have to make is that this story is fairly short, definitely novella length. On one hand this is a plus because it is a fast, easy read--took me a couple hours--and it's not demanding in either time or intellect. On the other hand, it's a bad thing because nothing is really explained in any sort of detail. In terms of the world building much is left to the readers imagination. Also, some parts of the plot felt a bit rushed.

The characters were well written and likeable. The length didn't allow for too much in terms of development, but that is somewhat to be expected. Satira realizes her usefulness and power as an inventor. Wilder in turn attains a new place in his career. Both enjoy passion and emotional fulfillment in their new relationship. All in all, their romance felt complete and fairly satisfying to me.

The rest of the plot, while interesting, suffered a lot from lack of set up and world building. The story needed about 50 more pages to really clarify who all of the characters are, their motivations, the rules of science/magic in this world, and how this all ties in with the main characters. I don't know how much the author is to blame for this and how much is due to word count limitations. In any case, it felt like a brilliant premise that just fell incomplete in execution. I'm suitably intrigued, though, and I would willingly read the next book in the series. 3 stars.
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Dec 24, 2011 Cecile rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For those of you that know me... and those that don't this is my little statement about short books.... I do not judge short stories on the rush of their relationships, because they are just that - short stories. So, yes the relationships always could have been drawn out more, yea it seems like they fall in love to fast and of course the story could have been made longer... but it is a short story. So with that said.... here is my review...

Okay short story aside, this is one awesome story. It is...more
For those of you that know me... and those that don't this is my little statement about short books.... I do not judge short stories on the rush of their relationships, because they are just that - short stories. So, yes the relationships always could have been drawn out more, yea it seems like they fall in love to fast and of course the story could have been made longer... but it is a short story. So with that said.... here is my review...

Okay short story aside, this is one awesome story. It is literally non stop... Whether it is with action, suspense or some hot sexual tension or just some plain freaking hot sex with one hellva man. Ms moria kept me on the edge of my seat with this story. And what was a "surprise" to me was the element of steam punk-ish mixed with the paranormal world.

You can almost say this story has it all. One woman determined to save her mentor - sparing no cost. Virtually giving up her own life for his. One bloodhound determined to save them all.

Satira is an inventor's apprentice; but since she is a woman - she will not be recognized as such. I admire her courage to stand up for what she believes in or should I say the people she believes in. Her faith in people runs as deep as the blood in her veins. She is a force to be reckoned with and for that alone I enjoyed her. Not to mention she is truly a kiss ass heroine. Ms. Rogers allowed me to step into the shoes of Satira and take notice of her situation... Satira never felt sorry for herself or pity for the surroundings she was in or never played victim for her past... And that I truly found enjoyable! A woman on a mission and armed and dangerous!

Now on to Wilder... Whoa baby. What a man, what a man... Or should I say what a bloodhound! He turned all the right buttons and hit all the right spots a woman has. He really earned the title Sex on a Stick... Or in his case, I need to say Sex on a Horse... Cuz that is just how he rides! He is a man on a mission... and he is all about completing his mission... at all cost. But I am not sure he expected for his heart to get caught up in this mission. Especially by the tiny but no hold no bars Satira. Can Wilder rein in his emotions before they get the best of him... Or will he show Satira just what he is?

These two explode the scenes with the sexual tension and banter they had together. They had me giggling and stiffling laughter as I would read some of their word exchanges. Ms. Rogers played these two characters very well against (and for) each other. I was not sure at first about the steam-punkish feel to the read, but I truly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read more about this series ((hint hint, wink wink))! Every page was an adventure to take, every other word was some sort of smart ass remark and then the pages with the hot sex... OMG... you will want to read next to a fan, I promise! Ms. Rogers truly rocked my world and made me want to go back in time to find my own bloodhound! Kicking ass never seemed so naughty!!! Awesome job Ms. Rogers!(less)

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Feb 15, 2012 Marlene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reading-romances-challenge

See all my reviews at http://www.readingreality.net/
Wilder's Mate by Moira Rogers turned out to be the perfect story for reading on a chilly winter's night. Not only is this first entry in Rogers' Bloodhound series a terrific blend of romance, steampunk, and steamy sex, but the hero is even described as having a higher than normal body temperature!

But the story of Wilder's Mate starts with the "mate" in question. Her name is Satira, and she's the apprentice to a Guild inventor named Nathaniel. T...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Elisa Llewellyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Skinny: Satira has experienced quite a bit of loss in her young life – but then, so have many Americans living in a post-Civil War era. When her mentor and last remaining member of her personal support system, Nate, is captured by a powerful vampire, she finds she’s got nothing to lose in trying to free the closest thing she has to a father figure.

Wilder is the new bloodhound sent to make a rescue attempt and Satira’s biggest challenge will be to convince the man that she’s essential to the...more The Skinny: Satira has experienced quite a bit of loss in her young life – but then, so have many Americans living in a post-Civil War era. When her mentor and last remaining member of her personal support system, Nate, is captured by a powerful vampire, she finds she’s got nothing to lose in trying to free the closest thing she has to a father figure.

Wilder is the new bloodhound sent to make a rescue attempt and Satira’s biggest challenge will be to convince the man that she’s essential to the mission and that failure is not an option. The timing of this rescue is a little tricky: If Satira and Wilder can’t get Nate free before the new moon, the building desire between them will be the least of their worries.

The Good: I loved Satira’s characterization: despite growing up as the daughter of a prostitute, the charge of a Bloodhound, and the mentee of a mad scientist, Satira manages to maintain some semblance of innocence. Her experience with Bloodhounds keeps her curiosity piqued though, and she just can’t help hoping that Wilder will want to make his way out of the lust-filled new moon haze with her. I also got a thrill out of Satira’s efforts to make Wilder swallow his tongue.

I also really liked the concept of “need” used in the development of Bloodhounds and mates. For Wilder and Satira, the need is more than just a physical pull, though that’s pretty prevalent as well. The world building is pretty awesome too: America has survived the Civil War only to discover Vampires have taken over. Now the only organization standing between humans and enslavement by the Vampires is the Bloodhound Guild, creators of the Bloodhounds themselves.

The Bad: I don’t really have a lot to complain about here – I loved Wilder’s Mate so much I harassed friends and co-workers into giving the book a look-see. We don’t really get a lot of Wilder’s history in this one, though I can’t say that’s necessarily a bad thing since Satira clearly doesn’t seem to mind. I do wish we spent a little time in Wilder’s head, though Moira Rogers do a great job of using surrounding evidence into his feelings. Overall, I think this was a well-rounded story.

The Wrap-Up: Wilder’s Mate is a very entertaining, very sexy introduction to the world of the Bloodhounds. The mere idea of a steampunk, alternate Wild West, paranormal romance was enough to get me hooked. The delivery, however, has me bargaining with myself on time and finances so I can get my hands on the next one (meaning, book 1.5: Merrick’s Destiny). Bearing my card-carrying Moira Rogers fan girl status aside, I happily give Wilder’s Mate 5 stars.

Come back on March 6th for my review of Hunter’s Prey. Maybe I’ll even have a review of Merrick before then as well.

Full Disclosure: Moira Rogers provided this digital copy as prize in an impromptu contest held on twitter. I receive zero kickbacks from the author, publisher, or marketplaces these eBooks are sold for promoting these books, (less)

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Jul 15, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a fun erotic western paranormal with a good dash of steampunk! The interaction between Satira and Wilder is fun from the start. They both get under each other's skin and I really enjoyed they way they kept challenging each other. Wilder is also unlike other bloodhounds and respects Satira's ability with weapons and invention. He also sees her as an assest to have on his mission rather than a liability. His only problem? She really gets under his skin unlike any other female. So he keeps...more

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Apr 25, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Moira Rogers has created an alternate American Wild West, one with vampires, and ghouls and men created to combat the evil caused by them. It is not a gentle world, and the people she populates it with have to take risks to live.

Satira wishes to rescue her mentor, Nathaniel, from the evil vampire who has taken him for his skills at creating weapons. The Guild has sent Wilder Harding on the assignment, and Satira is determined to go along.

Wilder is a bloodhound, created by the Guild to hunt and...more Moira Rogers has created an alternate American Wild West, one with vampires, and ghouls and men created to combat the evil caused by them. It is not a gentle world, and the people she populates it with have to take risks to live.

Satira wishes to rescue her mentor, Nathaniel, from the evil vampire who has taken him for his skills at creating weapons. The Guild has sent Wilder Harding on the assignment, and Satira is determined to go along.

Wilder is a bloodhound, created by the Guild to hunt and destroy vampires in the American frontier. He considers Satira’s presence on this mission as a distraction, and warns her of what she could face if she goes along. Satira knows she is the only one concerned with Nathaniel’s well being, and as his apprentice, she has knowledge that could make the difference between success and failure. Satira was raised in the household of a bloodhound, so she is well aware of the effects that the new moon and full moon will have on Wilder, and a part of her wants his passion.

As they travel together, Wilder gains a grudging respect for Satira’s determination and courage, and soon come to care for her more than he thought possible. Can these two work together to rescue Nathaniel from the evil vampire? Can Satira prove her worth, as a woman and as an inventor? Can Wilder claim Satira, and take her as his mate?

I enjoyed the trip with Satira and Wilder, and liked watching the learning experience they both went through. The characters in this are not like any I have read, and it was a fresh, new read.

Satira is a smart and sassy woman, and her talent for creating weapons is a definite plus on this mission. I loved watching her smart mouth Wilder at every turn, and I also completely enjoyed watching her slowly fall for him without realizing it. Her courage when she accepted him in his bloodhound phase was wonderful.

Wilder is a wonderful character. He is a strong, sexy and handsome man, but, as a bloodhound, he is much more. There is a leashed violence in him, and he is determined to protect Satira from that side of him. It was wonderful to watch him slowly fall under her spell, one she never realized she was weaving. I liked his honesty, his refusal to candy coat things just because Satira was a female.

I enjoyed watching these two ‘do the dance’ and fight the attraction building between them. I just knew that, when they finally gave in, the passion would explode off the page, and it was hot beyond belief. I also like the idea that Satira found out that some of her beliefs about bloodhounds were not the truth, and that there was hope for a fantastic life with her man. I look forward to much more in this world, and hope to see many more adventures in this Wild West of Moira Rogers’ creation.

originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...(less)

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Apr 17, 2011 Mikaela rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Book: Wilder’s Mate by Moira Rogers
The Particulars: Steampunk, Samhain, e-book

Why was it in my TBR? I was in the mood for steampunk

The Review:

The blurb:

Wilder Harding is a bloodhound, created by the Guild to hunt down and kill vampires on America’s frontier. His enhanced abilities come with a high price: on the full moon, he becomes capable of savagery beyond telling, while the new moon brings a sexual hunger that borders on madness.

Rescuing a weapons inventor from undead kidnappers is jus...more

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Mar 10, 2011 Jess the Romanceaholic rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: would-buy-it-for-the-cover, auto-buy, werewolves-or-other-shape-shifters, vampires, fated-to-be-mated, historical-experienced-heroine, 2011-read, steampunk, kidnapped, assassin-mercenary-or-bounty-hunter, smuttastic, backdoor-luvin, western-romance, paranormal-romance, kindle-lendable, stock-photos-are-bad-mmmkay

Quickie Review. For full review, please visitThe Romanceaholic.

I admit, it isn’t often that I buy a story on release day. With very few exceptions, I typically wait a week or two until I have a chance to read some reviews from people who share my tastes in stories before I plunk down any of my hard earned money. However, I am a Moira Rogers fangirl, and when I found out she had a new story that combined vampires, werewolves (of a sort), western romance, and steampunk, I couldn’t get over to Amaz...more

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Mar 08, 2011 QueenB rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wilder's Mate is the fist in Moira Rogers' new Bloodhound series. At around a hundred pages it's a pretty fast and easy read. The story is a lovely mix of steampunk fun and paranormal romance, so fans of either should enjoy it.

Wilder is a great hero. He's alpha, but he's actually very tender and caring and very observant. He realizes early on what Satira needs on an emotional level in order to be satisfied on a physical level and he strives to give it to her. He's insightful, brave and noble. He...more

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Mar 04, 2011 Habrewer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wilder’s Mate by Moira Rogers
* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Wilder’s Mate is the first book in a new series by Moira Rogers, Bloodhounds. It’s set in the wild frontier with some Steam punk elements thrown in. Satira is alone except for her mentor Nathan and her friend Ophelia. When Nathan goes missing she is determined to find him, no matter the cost.

Wilder Harding is a Bloodhound and a member of the Guild. He was trained by Levi, Satira’s surrogate f...more Wilder’s Mate by Moira Rogers
* I received this ARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Wilder’s Mate is the first book in a new series by Moira Rogers, Bloodhounds. It’s set in the wild frontier with some Steam punk elements thrown in. Satira is alone except for her mentor Nathan and her friend Ophelia. When Nathan goes missing she is determined to find him, no matter the cost.

Wilder Harding is a Bloodhound and a member of the Guild. He was trained by Levi, Satira’s surrogate father and now he’s been enlisted to find Nathan. He is not happy about taking Satira with him and sets some ground rules to “keep her safe”. He doesn’t seem impressed with her weapons, until he has to rely on them to help defeat the vampire they are after.

Satira is intrigued with Wilder. She is sexually attracted to him and is not afraid of his nature. She is witty and sharp and doesn’t take anything from him but she will do as he says when her safety is concerned. She is a woman alone in a man’s world with extraordinary weapon design skills that any man would covet but provide her with no value because she is female.

Wilder lost his family years before he joined the Guild. He is called on for important and often times dangerous jobs. When he gets the assignment to track down and rescue Nathan, working beside Satira he realizes that he is missing something in his life. He is concerned that they will not be done before the new moon because he doesn’t want to hurt her, what he doesn’t expect is her response to him.

The banter back and forth between the main characters kept me entertained. Satira is a strong female character that is able to take care of herself but isn’t afraid to ask for help if she needs it. She didn’t complain about their situation, she just endured. I think Wilder gets more personable as the story advances and we see that there is more to him than just a cut throat Bloodhound. He is lonely and doesn’t really notice the need until he starts spending time with Satira. She just wants to be needed by someone and she wants it to be Wilder.

I loved the descriptions of the surrounding scenery; it made it so easy to visualize where they were. The gadgets added a neat touch to the time period and were interesting. It was cool that when they were used, a lot of the weapons used chemical based compounds to make them work. There was just enough background history sprinkled throughout the book to let you understand the characters but not overload the reader. I think the few secondary characters added depth to the story and opened it up for future books. I can’t wait to see who the next one will be about.

Overall I really liked Wilder’s Mate. It was my first foray into the world of Steam Punk and I loved it because it brought me in nice and easy. It was action packed, the sex scenes were hot, and the characters were very easy to connect with.

Overall I give Wilder’s Mate 4 Flaming Hearts.
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Nov 30, 2010 Paige Prince rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-series, request

I was complaining on Twitter that I’d never read a steampunk before and begging for recs. So the lovely Bree half of Moira Rogers emailed me and told me that she’d “break [me] in easy” with her steampunk paranormal romance that’s due out in March (which is why the book cover is a “coming soon” image from Samhain). Of course, I said “Gimmegimmegimme!” Please, like I’m gonna turn down a free Moira Rogers book.

I’ve said it several times before, but I’m not a huge fan of historical (of any type), wh...more

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Dec 25, 2012 Kendra rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For full review including excerpt and dialogue highlight, please visit Reader's Edyn at:
http://bit.ly/V0pwAU

Review:

So Satira is a young woman who is knowledgeable in many things. Part because she is wicked intelligent and has been working as an apprentice under an inventor for The Guild. This is not generally acceptable because Satira is a woman but because of her ties to a Bloodhound, she is given the opportunity to learn, knowing nothing more can come of it. She has known intimacy, but craves...more For full review including excerpt and dialogue highlight, please visit Reader's Edyn at:
http://bit.ly/V0pwAU

Review:

So Satira is a young woman who is knowledgeable in many things. Part because she is wicked intelligent and has been working as an apprentice under an inventor for The Guild. This is not generally acceptable because Satira is a woman but because of her ties to a Bloodhound, she is given the opportunity to learn, knowing nothing more can come of it. She has known intimacy, but craves a connection she has yet to experience. Ever attracted to the “bad boy” or in this case, Bloodhound, she knows exactly what she wants with her first glimpse of Wilder. But he resists in an effort to keep the distraction to a minimum during their rescue mission. Unfortunately, his resistance triggers an old insecurity with Satira, causing her to question her ability to elicit desire within a Bloodhound ~ or a man for that matter.

A couple of questions you may have. What is The Guild and what is a Bloodhound? The best way I can describe The Guild is that they are a type of society that are enemies of vampires. They act only in their best interests and take whatever steps necessary to eradicate the vampire population. Enter the Bloodhounds. Once men, now werewolves of sorts. These powerful beings typically work for The Guild as vampire hunters. I say werewolves, but they are not actually a werewolf per say. More like a man with superhuman strength. With a full moon he can transform into what could be called a werewolf, but with the new moon his sexual appetite peaks, making him insatiable and in need of someone who can handle his lusty needs.

Wilder is a Bloodhound. Satira knows a lot about Bloodhounds because her mother used to be the mate of one. Having lived under the same roof as one, she understands and accepts more than the average person would. Wilder knows Satira is not a typical female, but neither does he understand the power her acceptance will wield over him. Not one to think about permanency in any way, Satira soon has his world well and truly rocked with Wilder more than protective over her. But beyond the feral need each holds for one another lurks a powerful vampire threatening to destroy all. Satira and Wilder must come away victorious if they are to have any hope of saving Nathaniel (Satira’s mentor) from the bloodsucker’s evil clutches.

While I have described the gist of this book, I don’t feel that I have adequately covered everything that is encompassed within. I was enthralled throughout the entire story. It is a novella so is a fairly quick read, but really packs a punch. It starts off with a bang and ends with another, never faltering in between. The world built by Moira Rogers grasps the reader from the beginning and continues to suck you in. Many aspects were familiar to me such as vampires and the old west, but this world is nothing if not a very different version of everything I thought I knew. For example, ghouls and Bloodhounds, paired with an “alternate” western setting. I truly enjoyed the different take this author had on both the familiar and the unversed. My only problem was that there was so much information that I felt I could have used a bit more explanation. The Guild, for example, I really do not have a clear grasp on. Exactly who they are, where they came from, and so on. And the ghouls ~ are they zombies or something different and how did they come to be? This story could have easily been a full length novel had everything been drawn out and explained a bit more thoroughly.

That said, Satira and Wilder were a lot of fun getting to know. Their relationship begins with almost playful banter that quickly evolves into double entendres that leave no doubt as to the meaning behind the words. Satira is both witty and brutally honest in expressing what she wants while Wilder is gruff and crude, with a protective streak and caring side hidden just below the dangerous exterior. And oh my goodness! The sex was crazy hot! Like CRAZY hot! For those of you who like your stories somewhat familiar as far as components, but outside the box as far as imagination, Moira Rogers is an author you will want to check out. This was my first book by this talented author and it will definitely NOT be the last!

(eBook copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.)(less)

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Jun 20, 2012 Anna at Book Lovin' Mamas rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-review, books-to-review, arc-s, ebooks-i-own, paranormal, favorites, novellas, shifters, vampires, erotica, steam-punk, summer-12-reading-list

I’m almost speechless after finishing this book….seriously! This never happens! LOL I went in knowing that I don’t like Steampunk, so I doubted I would like it, but I still read it anyways. Why? Because I love this author, I trusted that if anyone could change my mind about the genre, then it would be them. And I actually LOVED this book, so thank goodness I was right about that. :)

Moira Rogers, or as most think of them Bree and Donna, have a way of hooking their readers from the very beginning...more

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Feb 15, 2011 Crystal ♥ RBtWBC rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: request-author, best-of-2011

Wilder’s Mate is wild west meets vampires meets steampunk. Sound amazing? Well, that’s because it is!
Satira is not your typical girl in a world were women don’t have many options. She’s unmarried, wears trousers, swears like a man and is an apprentice for a Guild weapons inventor. When Nate, her mentor, goes missing the Guild sends in a Bloodhound to bring him and the secret project he was working on back. But Satira’s not going to trust just anyone to get him back and insists on accompanying th...more Wilder’s Mate is wild west meets vampires meets steampunk. Sound amazing? Well, that’s because it is!
Satira is not your typical girl in a world were women don’t have many options. She’s unmarried, wears trousers, swears like a man and is an apprentice for a Guild weapons inventor. When Nate, her mentor, goes missing the Guild sends in a Bloodhound to bring him and the secret project he was working on back. But Satira’s not going to trust just anyone to get him back and insists on accompanying the Bloodhound in his search and she’s got a bag load of special weapons incase they run into any vampires along the way.

Wilder is a sexy male alpha that was transformed by the Guild into a Bloodhound, part man and part beast, to hunt vampires. Full moons see the beast set free but new moons bring a powerful hunger that cannot be denied.
He’s brought in on the big assessments, and this is one of them, he’s a professional but lets Satira tag along because if he went missing he’d want someone who knew and cared about him being the one searching for him.

They’re about to enter the Deadlands and the new moon is almost upon them, can Wilder protect Satira, even if it’s from himself?

This is the first Moira Rogers book I have read and wow, I’m gonna have to find me some more!
Satira has some self-confidence issues but she knows what she wants and is not afraid to reach out for it, and Wilder is something she definitely wants! She is blunt, spunky and I liked her right away. Wilder is oh so yummy, protective, and doesn’t believe that just because Satira is a woman that she is limited in the things she can do. This couple has intense chemistry that eventually leads to some burn-the-house-down love scenes.
Great world-building, incredible action, awesome characters and yeah, did I mention the love scenes? Whew, I need a cold shower!
Now the only thing I have to know is this; when can I get my hands on Bloodhounds #2?

Posted at Paranormal Romance Addict - 2/15
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Mar 08, 2011 Paranormal Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-stephanie

Satira is the assistant to a weapons inventor who has been kidnapped. If teaming up with the rough bloodhound Wilder Harding is the only way to get back the man she considers her only family, then so be it. Satira will prove to the him that she is capable of handling the journey and Wilder's animal side.

Wilder isn't use to having someone along on his assignments. As a Guild bloodhound he is sent to find the weapons inventor Nathanial using his enhanced skills the Guild gave him. He isn't thrille...more Satira is the assistant to a weapons inventor who has been kidnapped. If teaming up with the rough bloodhound Wilder Harding is the only way to get back the man she considers her only family, then so be it. Satira will prove to the him that she is capable of handling the journey and Wilder's animal side.

Wilder isn't use to having someone along on his assignments. As a Guild bloodhound he is sent to find the weapons inventor Nathanial using his enhanced skills the Guild gave him. He isn't thrilled to have Satira along because as each day draws closer to the new moon, the beast within demands that he uses her to sate his maddening sexual hunger and claim as his. When things turn violent with a vampire and his ghouls, no one will stop Wilder from keeping Satira safe. That includes the very person he's been sent to rescue.

This book is set in a alternate Wild West where there's advance technology for the time yet there are few options available for unmarried women. Satira is an intelligent woman who excels in a field dominated by men. When her mentor is kidnapped for his skills, Satira wants to get him back, not only because she loves him like a father but because without him she could end up selling her body instead of her work in order to get by. When Wilder arrives to start looking for Nate, Satira doesn't waste time letting him know that she is going with him. Satira is strong, intelligent and tries to hide her beauty behind men's clothing but Wilder brings out a side of her that craves his touch and so much more. I really liked that Satira didn't mix words. She told Wilder what she wanted, both in the mission and in bed. At times she is unsure if she is enough for him because of what he is but the attraction isn't one way.

Wilder is a bloodhound, or a Guild made shapeshifter. He was turned after fighting in the war and had no family to come home to. He's very good at what he does but his existence is a lonely one. During the new moon each month, Wilder has an intense sexual craving that has him hunting for a bed partner. Or two. At first Satira is a pretty girl that he wants to stay out of his way. As he spends more time with her on the rescue mission, Wilder begins to admire her spirit and soon he can't imagine taking another woman to his bed. These two are honest from the start and there are no games being played. Their sexual attraction quickly turns into something more meaningful and I could not get enough of these wonderful and witty characters.

Wilder and Satire will have to cross over into the Deadlands to find the missing inventor. There they encounter a rougher sort of man and deadly vampires who are out to take down the Guild. I loved the gritty world and fantastic characters Moira Rogers' created for this book. Whether it's Sitira's prostitute best friend or Wilder's not so loyal bloodhound colleague, Moira Rogers delivers characters that are worthy of their own books. The chemistry between Wilder and Sitira is undeniable and when the night of the new moon starts, prepare yourself for melt of the page smutty goodness. Wilder's Mate is set in a Steampunk world yet has the feel of a paranormal romance. Fans of both genres should enjoy.
-Stephanie
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Nov 18, 2012 LG (A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-star, read-2012, format-ebook, acquired-bought-new

I've had this sitting unread on my Nook for a while now. When I saw that the next book in the series, Hunter's Prey, was going to be released by Samhain soon, I decided to finally read the first book so that I could better judge whether the second one would be worth it. My verdict? I'm definitely buying the second book.

One of the things I tend to want from steampunk stories is an exciting and interesting setting, and Wilder's Mate definitely gave me that. My only complaint is that there was a lo...more I've had this sitting unread on my Nook for a while now. When I saw that the next book in the series, Hunter's Prey, was going to be released by Samhain soon, I decided to finally read the first book so that I could better judge whether the second one would be worth it. My verdict? I'm definitely buying the second book.

One of the things I tend to want from steampunk stories is an exciting and interesting setting, and Wilder's Mate definitely gave me that. My only complaint is that there was a lot that this story only touched on. I wanted to know more about the vampires and bloodhounds. A look at Rogers' release schedule indicates that we'll get to see more of the bloodhounds (Archer and Hunter, two minor characters in this book, are getting their own books, and a story starring a bloodhound named Merrick will be coming out soon). Something Wilder said in this book indicated that maybe the vampires weren't necessarily all bad – I'd love to read more about what they're like and how they fit into the world, so hopefully either one of the new books deals with them in a bit more detail or there are plans for future books focusing on vampire characters.

Another aspect of this world that I wished had been fleshed out a bit more (or written about more clearly) was the whole mating thing – did Wilder know Satira was his mate right away, or did the knowledge dawn on him after they spent more time together (and had gone at it like bunnies for a while)? Maybe the mate bond could occur between a bloodhound and any woman he allowed around himself long enough to start caring about her - I wasn't sure.

This was a fast-paced and action-packed story that dumped readers right into the world, so I spent a bit of the beginning of the book confused and trying to orient myself. Once I got the hang of how the world worked and what Satira and Wilder were like, however, I really enjoyed myself. As with the world-building, I found Satira and Wilder's relationship interesting but wished that there had been time for a little more depth.

Satira was very...needy...which made me a little uncomfortable, particularly when I hit this bit:

“Everything that excited [Wilder] would do the same to [Satira] because what she really needed was to be needed.” (Nook pg. 41)

Satira's desire to please Wilder and be needed by him led her to do some things with him that she'd never done before. One of them, anal sex, is usually a red flag for me in m/f romance or erotica, although the way Rogers handled it didn't bother me much, because it didn't feel like the sex was some kind of power play. Actually, on the whole, Wilder seemed sexy and protective without being too alpha. I think what made me uncomfortable was the thought that Satira would still have let him do anything he wanted, even if he'd been scarier, just because of how needy and lonely she was. I couldn't shake the feeling that she would have glommed on to any bloodhound who'd shown more than a passing interest in her. I was at least happy that, by the end of the book, Wilder seemed to need Satira as much as she needed him, but it still bothered me that her initial neediness seemed so much greater than his.

Overall, I liked Satira and Wilder. I'd have preferred it if some aspects of the story had been a bit clearer or more fleshed out, but this was still a fun and exciting read, and I'm looking forward to reading more stories set in this world.

(Original review, with read-alikes and watch-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)(less)

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Jul 24, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Moira Rogers had seamlessly blended multiple genres to create a really cool series with the Bloodhounds. It's got elements of steampunk, paranormal romance, and even the Old West. And somehow, it works. Amidst the vampires and shifters, steam-powered devices, horseback riding and really hot sex, I found a story I didn't want to put down.

Satira grew up the sort-of adopted daughter of a Bloodhound. Once he was gone, she became an apprentice to an inventor named Nathaniel... and he became her famil...more
Moira Rogers had seamlessly blended multiple genres to create a really cool series with the Bloodhounds. It's got elements of steampunk, paranormal romance, and even the Old West. And somehow, it works. Amidst the vampires and shifters, steam-powered devices, horseback riding and really hot sex, I found a story I didn't want to put down.

Satira grew up the sort-of adopted daughter of a Bloodhound. Once he was gone, she became an apprentice to an inventor named Nathaniel... and he became her family. Now someone has kidnapped him and all that matters to Satira is getting him back. When the Guild sends Wilder to help search for him, she refuses to remain on the sidelines and offers her help on the hunt.

Wilder is no ordinary man. He is a Bloodhound, and if you're wondering what that means, suffice it to say that he is an enhanced human. (Getting into more specifics would only spoil it for you as it all plays out.) There is an attraction between him and Satira right away. The story follows the two of them as they work together to rescue Nathaniel and eventually give into their desire to be together.

I really enjoyed this book. You'd think with so many different genres mishmashed together, it could overwhelm the story, but it doesn't. The world-building unfolds over the course of the book, but I didn't ever feel lost in the process. I was very much in the moment with Wilder and Satira. There were times the heroine felt a little desperate, which made me cringe a bit. But thankfully, her attraction was not one sided.

The sexual tension was great and the sex was even better. It was hot and raw and Wilder was deliciously Alpha in the sack. He has all this barely leashed power and still a sweet vulnerability which makes him downright irresistible.

When she isn't emotionally needy, Satira is a pretty good heroine. Her history with Bloodhounds allows her to understand Wilder in a way that not every woman could. She is loyal, determined and capable, despite the fact that society devalues her because she is woman. And when all is said and done, she really delivers.

In the course of the story, we meet some intriguing secondary characters who will go on star in their own books in the series. But make no mistake, this is Wilder's book. He stole the show and blew me away.

*Book provided by author for review(less)

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Feb 17, 2012 Liz rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: steampunk, para-norm

Set in an intriguing Wild West/Steampunk setting where Bloodhounds, alchemically altered men who turn into lust driven beasts on the full moon, were created to hunt vampires, Wilder's Mate is a gritty, steamy adventure that ends too quickly and left me wanting way more.

Satira joins Wilder on a rescue mission for Guild inventor and mentor Nathaniel and ends up inexorably linked to this fierce and intense man. We find out that she is his mate and his need to protect and consume her doesn't sit eas...more

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Jul 03, 2011 Ally rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, ebook, novella, paranormal-romance

Wilder's Mate is a fun, playful, sexy read!
Wilder Harding is a bloodhound and he's been sent on a mission from the Guild to find Nathaniel who is a weapons inventor for the Guild. Only when Wilder goes to Nathaniel's place to meet Nathaniel's apprentice he is intrigued to find Satira, who refuses to let him look for Nathaniel without her help. Surprising Satira, Wilder lets her tag along going to the wastelands to track Nathaniel only to find he's been kidnapped by vampires and the longer the se...more

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May 19, 2012 Julie Read Our Lips! Book Review Blog rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A Quick Introduction to the Bloodhounds Series

Welcome to the world of the Bloodhounds – a time reminiscent of the Old West mixed with science, alchemy, and magic. Vampires run rampant in these times and the only salvation of the populace is a secretive organization called the Guild.

To counteract the vampires and their minions called ghouls (former humans who cannot be saved) the Guild has created Bloodhounds. Usually they are men, who being near death, are given a second chance at life and chang...more

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Mar 20, 2011 Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, series, bad-boy-badass-s-o-b-rake-hero, butt-kickin-spitfire-heroine, steampunk, warrior, western-cowboy, adventure-fantasy, covers-i-want-to-lick, covers-that-are-gorgeous

I really enjoyed this fascinating book from the very beginning. It is a really interesting mixture of a number of different genres, with none of them really dominating but just jumbled altogether to come up with something which seems fresh but comfortingly familiar at the same time.

There's Western elements (I could visualize the setting somewhere near Arches in Utah), there's paranormal (the hero is a "bloodhound", and there are vampires and ghouls running around), there's steampunk (the gadgets...more

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Mar 03, 2011 Caroline The HEA Lover rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, arc, e-book, for-bli-review, paranormal

(This was originally posted on Book Lovers Inc)

I've read quite a few books from Moira Rogers and I've never been disappointed. So when I started Wilder's Mate I was hoping it would be a good book. AH! What I ended up with, is a fantastic book I just couldn't stop thinking about for days. Wilder's Mate pretty much blew me away. As soon as I finished it I was stalking the author's website trying to find a clue about when the next book would be released.

Wilder's Mate is some kind of Steampunk para...more

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Dec 24, 2011 Joletta rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: laying-around, favorites

Satira and Wilder are smoking hot! Wilder is a Bloodhound, a super-fast, instinct driven man created to serve and protect for The Guild. The assignment is to rescue inventor Nathaniel from the evil vampires. A quick stop at Nathaniel's home brings a mouthy assistant inventor, Satira along for the ride, and what a wild ride it turns out to be. A few days on the trail and some unexpected detours lead these two off the beaten path and into some deliciously compromising positions while dealing with...more

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Jun 02, 2011 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Loved this little book. Feel bad calling it little because it was so much more. It was huge and wonderful and passionate and fantastical and hot.

I read it in less than a day, that's why I call it little. But the word count is the only little thing about it. It fits the length perfectly, not too long or too short, and I love finding novellas that are the perfect story for a shorter length book.

Wilder is quiet and awesome and every word out of his mouth is calculated perfection. Just so hot. Can...more

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Mar 25, 2011 ALPHAreader rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

‘Wilder’s Mate’ is the first book in a new paranormal series by Moira Rogers.

The paranormal genre is so versatile; it constantly throws me for a loop. Urban fantasy put vampires and werewolves into modern, everyday settings. But many authors are putting an historic twist on the old paranormal tale – Gail Carriger writes about high-society vampires and werewolves in a twisted alternate Victorian-era. Likewise, Lydia Dare has written about werewolves in the 1800’s. Moira Rogers has taken the histo...more ‘Wilder’s Mate’ is the first book in a new paranormal series by Moira Rogers.

The paranormal genre is so versatile; it constantly throws me for a loop. Urban fantasy put vampires and werewolves into modern, everyday settings. But many authors are putting an historic twist on the old paranormal tale – Gail Carriger writes about high-society vampires and werewolves in a twisted alternate Victorian-era. Likewise, Lydia Dare has written about werewolves in the 1800’s. Moira Rogers has taken the historic spin into a whole new frontier – the Wild West.

Roger’s new ‘Bloodhounds’ series is set in an alternate mid-western universe. Vampires and their ghouls live in middle-of-nowhere old west townships, in the Deadlands. Bloodhounds, or werewolves, act as sheriffs for these frontier towns, warding off the vampires and maintaining the peace.

In ‘Wilder’s Mate’, a young weapons apprentice called Satira is desperate to rescue her mentor who has been kidnapped by the vamps for nefarious purposes. Enter Wilder, the Bloodhound assigned to investigate the kidnapping. . .

‘Wilder’s Mate’ is ‘True Grit’ and ‘The Quick and the Dead’ meets steampunk paranormal romance. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of genres and a delicious new fantasy mixture. If werewolves are your thing, then wait until you read about these rough and tumble old-west werewolves who rule the frontier. Woah!

As much as I enjoyed the gun-slinging and rough-riding in this book, the romance stands out for being old-worldly romantic. Satira and Wilder have exchanges that are reminiscent of old movie sirens in classic Western movies. Think Elizabeth Taylor (R.I.P.) in 'Giant' or Jane Russell in 'The Outlaw'. Swoon-worthy scenes that could only work with a Wild West backdrop to heighten the romance and drama;

The heat of him burned through her, leaving need in its wake. She pressed one hand to his chest, fingers spread wide as if she had a hope of holding him back. "And I'd be one to let you, if you're so dense about women that you think I don't want you."
"You're a prickly sort. Hard to figure you out."
So strong. So close. She closed her eyes and rubbed her cheek against his, though his rough stubble scratcher her skin. "I'm lonely."
Just like that, his touch gentled. "Shh, you're all right. Safe."
"Be a fool," she whispered. "Kiss me."

‘Wilder’s Mate’ is a shorter Kindle read than I expected. Because Rogers has come up with such a magnificent old-world western setting, I thought the book would be long enough to delve into the universe and really take readers on a journey through the steampunk frontier. As it is, we only gain bits and pieces about this world from the limited exchanges between Satira and Wilder. We learn that the vampires are the villains of the west, and many people succumb to the lavish lifestyles they promise (the payment for which is your neck and blood). We learn that the women in these times either become wives or whores, and Satira is the daughter of the latter, but she has been determined through her weapons inventions to avoid the same career path. Bloodhounds are strict lawmen who discourage their hounds from taking mates and settling down.

I can understand why Moira Rogers perhaps felt she didn’t need to go into a lot of explanation about this world. Most readers will have some knowledge of spaghetti-westerns and will be able to picture the frontier universe Rogers is creating without pages and pages of detail. But still, because the old west setting is what makes this series so unique, I do wish there were more specifics.

I also wish there was more time taken to nut-out the specifics of the plot. Readers are dropped into the thick of the action, and the book begins when Wilder arrives on his rescue-mission for Satira’s mentor. We learn nothing of the actual kidnapping, we are merely there when Satira and Wilder set-out to save the inventor. Once again, this comes down to the book being quite short and sweet, and me wishing there was more page-time for such developments and details.

Moira Rogers has invented a wild new frontier setting for the popular werewolf myth. The paranormal genre has been infused with old-world brilliance as Rogers writes about Deadlands vampires and werewolf sheriffs with a healthy dose of steampunk thrown in. I hope the books are longer in the future, because half the appeal of this new series is the setting, and I don’t think Rogers gave herself enough page-time to really immerse readers in the old frontier.(less)

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Wilder's Mate (Bloodhounds #1)

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