Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the author
Nate Powell lived one full life as a world-class inventor before a disaster born of magic and science returned him to his prime—and turned him into a half-vampire, half-bloodhound abomination.
He’s finally stopped yearning for death, but he’s a long way from being excited about life—even if his newly virile body is very excited by the latest arrival to Iron Creek.
Diana is another creature that shouldn’t exist—a female bloodhound. While the males of Iron Creek accept her as a fellow warrior, Nate seems torn between a desire to study her and a need to protect her. Diana’s urges are a lot more carnal.
When they learn that a rogue hound is selling women across the border, Diana and Nate are chosen to infiltrate the vampires’ capital city. But before long their inner bloodhounds feel the mating pull—and a hound never outlives their mate for long. In a fight to keep each other alive, they could both end up worse than dead.
Warning: Contains a badass vampire-hunting heroine who isn’t afraid to fight dirty and a broody half-vampire hero about to discover a reason to live again. Also beware of: bloodhound-on-bloodhound violence, airship heists and some furniture-endangering sex with lots of biting, all in an alternate Wild West.
This blurb came from the author’s website.
Put the two words “Moira” and “Rogers” together as the author of a written work and I will trample anyone who tried to stop me from reading it. In other words, I am a huge Rogers fan and look forward to whatever their latest release is. The Bloodhounds series is one I turn to as a re-read when I want alpha men, strong women, smexytimes where the sole purpose is the maximum amount of pleasure possible, vampires, shapeshifters, and people fighting to preserve their freedom. In this particular installment, I got all of that and then some not to mention another increase in tension between the borderlands and the Guild.
Nate and Diana should not exist by the laws of the Guild, their inventors, and everything publically seen in the fight against the vampires. Diana survived a vicious Bloodhound attack and was transformed into the first known female Bloodhound. Her existence has been kept a secret because the Guild would want her as a lab subject. She was struggling to find her place as both a woman and a Bloodhound with all of the build-in instincts to protect and the vulnerability caused by the moon. Nate, once a skilled aging Guild inventor suffered a vampiric transformation that was aided by the blood of an illegally created Bloodhound. He was also trying to find his place as a now young inventor, weakened by the sun, with a requirement to drink blood. Together they decided to face rumors of a rogue Bloodhound selling unwilling humans to vampires for pets.
The events that set up Nate and Diana’s trip are rather disturbing to the order of things. Bloodhounds were invented to protect against vampires not to attack humans, sell humans, or assist vampires in their territory management. However, reports and encounters in the borderlands are making it seem as if the Guild is trying to play both sides. Against that politically charged and dangerous backdrop are two misfits who have to cut through all of their social trappings and find each other in order to survive.
I liked Nate primarily as the man who cared for and taught Satira, heroine of Wilder’s Mate Book #1, but I really did not have a feeling for him outside of that until this story. Rogers did a great job mixing his old man set in his ways habit and mindset with the almost uncontrollable urges of a much younger and vigorous man. He also had to deal with the Bloodhound protective nature and that was focused on Diana. Watching Nate struggle with all of the new aspects of his life especially while dealing with a situation that needed his control and intellect was very entertaining.
I fell in love with Diana’s character from the moment she walked on screen in Archer’s Lady so I was very happy to hear she was getting her own story. Not that I have anything against the male Bloodhounds but I have a not so secret weakness for women doing well in a traditional man’s job while still being themselves. Diana knew how to work with her strengths and biological differences from the other Bloodhounds while efficiently protecting her territory. However, after moving in with Wilder and Satira, she wasn’t quite comfortable in her role there not to mention her growing attraction to Nate.
I had an absolute blast watch Nate and Diana in a situation that practically forced them to deal with their attraction. Rogers did a wonderful job bringing their attraction to the forefront scene by scene. In addition to the attraction and mutual needed trust Nate and Diana had to deal with some unexpected visitors and confirmation that things on the Borderlands are not how the Guild should be operating. Each installment has widened the divide between the Guild and Bloodhounds who are trying to protect the border. I think this is leading up to a split and maybe an internal war of some sort. I was also introduced to a new Bloodhound that I hope will make his way to Wilder’s crew.
Once again Rogers provided an intense enjoyable read. They are skilled at mixing up character roles yet allowing the characters to remain true to their essence. They also continue to move the overall series arc along while moving individual characters along their journeys. The interlocking nature and threads assists in making this series an absolute delight to read. As usual I cannot wait for the next installment.
I give Diana’s Hound an A
Awesome review, someday I will read this book.
I need to give Rogers a try! You did a great job describing this book!
@aurian:
Yes you need to move it up on your TBR pile *grin*
@Lexi: You haven’t read Rogers yet? You have a lovely treat coming! They have an extensive backlist. Each series is different and captivating. I do hope you give them a try and enjoy :).