Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How we got this book: ARC from the author via Novel Sidekick
She’s looking for redemption. He doesn’t believe in it.
Accused of betraying the Bloodhound Guild, Archer’s only chance to regain the trust of his fellow hounds is to earn it–one dangerous job at a time. Crystal Springs may be the worst yet. The town has been deserted by all but the poor and the desperate, yet the vampires stalking the edges of the settlement haven’t closed in for the kill. Question is, why?
Grace Linwood, professional liar, has been hiding under the guise of a border schoolteacher for so long, she’s almost fallen for her own con. The frontier was supposed to be her chance at a respectable life, but now the cowardly part of her wants to flee. When Archer catches her considering a run for safety, she knows it’s only a matter of time before he sees through her charade.
They become reluctant allies in the quest to uncover the mysteries of Crystal Springs, but every unraveled knot ties them closer together. They both know their pasts are too shattered to hope for a future–until their investigation uncovers a secret. One that could make betraying the Guild their only path to redemption.
Warning: Contains a partly reformed con-artist heroine with a bruised heart and a mostly retired bank-robbing hero with a weary soul. Also included: vampire schemes, mad scientist plots, an alarming amount of dirty talk and some borderline-criminal bedroom antics in an alternate Wild West.
This blurb came from the authors’ website here.
1. Thoughts on the Hero
Has: I adore this series so much and the Bloodhound heroes are definitely smouldering hot. Archer definitely hit that category for me although I have to say I loved how gentle and empathic with the heroine, Grace. But underneath that quiet and mysterious demeanor he was really protective and passionate and the scenes where he lost control *fans self*. I also loved how patient and understanding with Grace and when they commenced with their affair I liked how he let take the choice and it was clear to me how she would fall for him so quickly.
E: Archer, wow! He had so many depths that I never expected. I knew that he had to have some reason for his bitterness and why he was left to Wilder to deal with/keep an eye on but I was not expecting all of that. Archer continued to stay full of mystery to the remaining inhabitants of Crystal Springs only revealing bits and pieces of himself to Grace. One of the several things I loved about him is that despite his bitterness and disillusionment he continued to do everything he could to save the town and continue acting as a bloodhound. I don’t think many people could or would do that. I also really liked that he didn’t judge Grace for her past nor did he make it harder on her to maintain her position of respectability and trust within the town. I will also say that his smexy times *fans self* and how patient he was with Grace so very wonderful to read.
MinnChica: I’ve loved Archer from the first moment he stepped onto the Bloodhound pages. He was snarky and at times rude, he didn’t apologize for being blunt and I absolutely adored him. I was really excited to see where his story would go, and was so glad to see him not only kick a little ass, but also soften up a bit. I really enjoyed the way he processed his feelings for Grace, starting with almost a contempt like put for her, and then moving to respect and admiration and love. It was great to watch him process all those emotions, while still kicking butt and taking names.
2. Thoughts on the Heroine
Has: I really liked Grace, I found her to be really realistic and relatable especially in the beginning when she’s close to escaping the town and Archer catches her. And I didn’t blame her for wanting to run especially in the claustrophobic and dead atmosphere town of Crystal Springs. Grace is a not a perfect character and she has a past which she regrets which I loved – and she definitely felt more real especially with the danger of the remaining survivors of Crystal Springs.
Her chemistry with Archer was hot and I loved how their romance evolved over the book, especially towards the end.
E: Grace was the perfect heroine for Archer. She had a past that she was trying to regain her inner respectability from and a sense of responsibility towards Crystal Springs. The opening scene as she was mentally struggling with her fears and what she had already decided to do once more was such a snapshot of her mentality. I also really liked how she interacted with Archer and shielded him from the other ‘ladies’ in the town. Not that she was possessive or anything *grin*. I enjoyed how she was strong and willful but not TSTL. Her vulnerability the first night they spent together provided a great contrast to her outer image and just built her into such a complex character.
MinnChica: Poor Grace… trying so hard to start over fresh with a new life. I love heroines who realize there were on the wrong path, and are so willing to fight for the life they want. Grace was no exception. She knew she had screwed things up royally before, and yet she desperately wanted a respectable life, a husband, a family, someone to love. I adored her inner strength, and her ability to deal with Archer, especially when he would get prickly. I thought that they were so wonderful together, and perfectly complimented each other throughout the story. I hope we get to see more of these two in future books!
3. Favorite Scene
Has: I think my favourite scene of the book is the just after the vampire attack at the basement, where they were investigating the doc’s labarotory and his experiments. The romance really progressed between Archer and Grace and there was definitely a few hot scenes, but it also illustrated a change in their relationship. And I loved how Archer really opened up to Grace with his emotions – I think its hard to convey emotional development with a lot of love scenes. But for me in Archer’s Lady it so worked for me!
E: So many good scenes in this book. Between their first smexytime, to the New Moon, to their final fight with the vampires it is hard to pick one. I think I am going to go with one towards the end when Wilder, Hunter and crew arrive at Crystal Springs and barge in on Archer and Grace. That plus the ensuing discussion (some of which was at the top of people’s lungs) was a lot of fun. To me it just crystallized how far the two of them had come along with what made Archer the way he was. It also added some interesting hints into the development of the upcoming dispute with the Guild.
MinnChica: Eeek… trying to pick just one scene always kills me, especially when there are so many to choose from. And with a novella, each scene tends to mean something special to me, so having few scenes to choose from that are all great is so hard! 🙂 I think the first scene, where Archer and Grace meet in the barn is one of my favorites. Grace is trying so hard to be honorable, and yet at the same time she wants to run as far and as quickly as she can. When Archer comes in and questions her, she stands up to him while trying to preserve her dignity. The play-by-play banter was wonderful, and I loved that little moment.
4. Dislike about book
Has: I don’t think I have any dislikes other than the ending which leaves a few things open with the main mystery and plotline. But overall this was a fast-paced and sexy read!
E: I also didn’t have any dislikes. I was immersed in the story from start to finish and it stayed that way even when I re-read it.
MinnChica: Although I love reading novellas, there are just some authors who should only write books that take hours to read. Rogers is one of those authors that I could read all day, every day. I adored the story, it was wonderful from start to finish!
5. Any other misc. thoughts along with grade
Has: Archer’s Lady for me is another solid installment which is fast becoming one of my favourite post apocalyptic PNR series. This was a hot and engaging romance and memorable characters packed full of mayhem and action I definitely can’t wait for the next book!
I give Archer’s Lady a B+
E: Moira Rogers has provided yet another stellar installment in their Bloodhounds series. Each story seems to get better and better as more things unfold about the world and its characters. I can always go back and re-read the entire series and feel like I am enjoying it for the first time again. It is rare to have books that give me that sense during multiple re-readings. The smexytimes were hawt, the suspense danger was intense, the emotional growth between Archer and Grace was great to see. I am so looking forward to the next one.
I give Archer’s Lady an A.
MinnChica: I adore the Bloodhound series and how unique it really is. The paranormal and steampunk elements are blended together perfectly and the world is so fun to jump back into. I’ve long adored Archer, and was glad to see him get his happily ever after. I also really liked being able to see the story progress, find out a bit more about the Bloodhounds, and meet the (hopefully!) heroine of the next novella. I still love Rogers and everything they write. These books are sexy and fun and wonderful short reads!
I give Archer’s Lady a B+
Links to purchase:
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