Review: Really enjoyed it.  I hope there will be more books in this series released!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 8, 2011
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.