Format read: ebook
Series: Book #3 in the Bloodhounds series
Release Date: July 3rd, 2012
Number of pages: 137 pages
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats available: ebook
Purchasing Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Samhain | Author’s Website

Book Blurb:

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.

My Thoughts:

Through all the previous installments in the Bloodhounds series Archer was the character who intrigued me most. We never learned much about him and his mysterious character with all its edges made me crave this book. And yes I do admit I’m a cover whore and I just HAD to read this one. Look how pretty it is. But back to the book behind this great cover.

In Archer’s Lady we finally get to know the man behind the cool and unattached Bloodhound. Archer is everything I wanted him to be: alpha without being too overbearing, a strong and powerful fighter with a big heart. On the surface he sometimes seems a bit cold and uncaring but with Grace he’s a different person. The way he treats her with care and without judgement warmed my heart. He always does the right thing even when his view of the “job” isn’t what it should be. He puts the needs of the community above his own and gives everything he has to make them feel home and safe again. And let’s not forgive he’s hot and totally rocked my world.

Grace isn’t my favorite heroine in this series though. It’s not like I didn’t like her but well in comparison to the previous books I missed something. Grace has a secret past she’s still running from. She’s ashamed of her deeds and in weak moments the only solution she sees is flight. She struggles with it and in the end she never actually does it. Chrystal Springs was meant to be her new start and now faced with such a desolate and threatening situation she is overwhelmed. When Archer joins the picture her character got more substance in my eyes. Through their conversations we get more insight into her thoughts and reasons for acting the way she does.

The sexual chemistry between Archer and Grace build up a the exact right pace for me. I loved to see them undo each other in with their affection. It’s always nice to see a strong warrior-type man unravel for the woman he’s meant for. Makes me all sappy and gooey inside. *happy sigh*

One thing I completely adored about Archer’s Lady is the community Rogers created in Chrystal Springs. All those people who stayed even though their lives were threatened really warmed my heart. We meet a variety of fascinating characters and thankfully the author took the time to make them more than just an ornament. It’s one of Rogers’ gifts to bring characters to life even in such a short format and I treasure their stories for that.

The story-building was wonderful. From page one I was drawn back into the world. I loved how easily all the needed back-story is woven in without being annoying by useless repetitions. I love the fight scenes and caught myself grabbing the eraser like a madwoman and cheering the good guys on.

I would have loved to see more of the previous characters in this series but by not including this Archer’s Lady is a great story to start reading about this world. I’m pretty sure even a Bloodhound “virgin” would enjoy reading about Grace’s and Archer’s journey.

 Archer’s Lady is a splendid addition to the Bloodhound series. A wonderful strong and broody hero and a heroine who awakens his softer side. You will find a great plot, engaging steampunk action and a mystery you will crave to figure out. Archer’s Lady isn’t only for the fans of this series- if you haven’t tried these books yet this one is a perfect choice to start- you won’t regret it.

I give Archer’s Lady 4 out of 5 stars.

About Susi

Susi is a geeky vegetarian from Gemany. She just finished university and now works as a civil engineer in steel construction. Besides her reading addiction she also knits like a maniac while listening to audiobooks. Susi also blogs at the Secret HEA Society.

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