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Hunters Hollow #2
Beauty and Bad Blood
When a young woman turns up dead on the banks of the river with half her blood missing, vampires are the obvious suspects. Rogue Masters, however, doesn’t think the case is all that open and shut. As a special agent for the MOA Intelligence Division, it’s his job to find the truth. To do that, the last thing he needs is distractions.
So, of course, the most tempting distraction he’s ever seen strolls through the door of the local bakery, not just flipping the script, but rewriting it completely.
Stuck in a rut and drowning in his own insignificance, Dylan Murray needs a change. For starters, he needs to make a clean break from his selfish and demanding mother. It’s also probably a good time to swear off men, at least until he can get his life back on track. Spending some time in Hunters Hollow with his best friend is exactly what he needs to turn things around. The small town is quiet, a little boring, and completely free of the drama that plagued him in the city.
Now, if he can just stop thinking about a certain sexy vampire with penetrating eyes and a devilish smile, everything would be perfect.
Navigating the ups and downs of any new relationship is challenging. Doing so while searching for a killer will test more than just their commitment. When the worst happens, and Dylan joins the list of humans to mysteriously vanish from the French Quarter, Rogue will do whatever it takes to get his new mate back safely.
Even if that means becoming the very monster he’s meant to be hunting.
So, of course, the most tempting distraction he’s ever seen strolls through the door of the local bakery, not just flipping the script, but rewriting it completely.
Stuck in a rut and drowning in his own insignificance, Dylan Murray needs a change. For starters, he needs to make a clean break from his selfish and demanding mother. It’s also probably a good time to swear off men, at least until he can get his life back on track. Spending some time in Hunters Hollow with his best friend is exactly what he needs to turn things around. The small town is quiet, a little boring, and completely free of the drama that plagued him in the city.
Now, if he can just stop thinking about a certain sexy vampire with penetrating eyes and a devilish smile, everything would be perfect.
Navigating the ups and downs of any new relationship is challenging. Doing so while searching for a killer will test more than just their commitment. When the worst happens, and Dylan joins the list of humans to mysteriously vanish from the French Quarter, Rogue will do whatever it takes to get his new mate back safely.
Even if that means becoming the very monster he’s meant to be hunting.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 11, 2025
It annoyed me it took so long for them to know for sure they were mates. I mean of course we know, but it was a bit frustrating for them to not know 😂
September 5, 2023
I loved it and I hope Sammy and Killian will find their mates soon too... 🥰❤️
October 24, 2023
great couple in a gripping murder mystery
Rating: 4.5🌈
Arden Steele’s Hunter Hollow series continues with Beauty and Bad Blood. With some characters transplanted from the original series, Blackhaven Manor, we now have more paranormal stories about romance, mystery, and murder to get invested in.
This time, our new location is Hunters Hollow, owned by one of the Dragon siblings, and its township of mostly Otherlings. They tend to work for Ministry of Otherling Affairs in various fields. Now a new case has emerged and investigation team has been formed.
Among that team, newly arrived vampire, Agent Rogue. He’s among a team of MOA Otherlings agents assigned the task of finding what or who are killing young people , leaving them drained of blood.
Human Dylan Murray, true crime podcaster, is having a personal crisis. His best friend, Braeden, mate of nephillim Inspector Zarrik Cox, has been constantly telling him to come stay with them until he knows what he’s going to do next.
Two totally different personalities, one coffee shop, and one unassailable attraction. And several horrific murders to solve.
Steele’s narrative once again brings dramatic storylines to the fated mate trope. Dylan made an impression in Braeden’s book and he becomes an even more engaging, vulnerable character here. The author gives Dylan that layer of armor formed by parental negligence and emotional abuse that feels realistic along with a very real sense that he could still somehow get the love he wants.
Rogue’s backstory is not as fully explored but he’s a powerful character in the present. Especially as it pertains to his quickly evolving feelings towards Dylan.
Dylan’s reaction to Rogue and his actions, and how each handled their dynamics in developing their relationship was a good touch. Each side was open to communicating with each other and with other people. Absolutely beats the no communication approach in other situations.
I thought the mysteries and the murders were interesting but could have used further context or explanation. But that dramatic scene? Heart breaking, emotionally. No way around it.
Nothing that came later could take away from the power of that moment. And frankly, from there, everything was anticlimactic. I enjoyed the rest, but it was already over.
I can’t wait to see what and for who the next book is for. I’m sort of rooting for the new head elf Bastille. You never know. Steele keeps surprising me.
In the meantime, if you’re not already familiar with this universe, you can catch up by reading these in order . See below. Or go all in and go way back to the original series, read all nine books and join in the migration to Hunters Hollow!
I’m highly recommending them all.
Hunter’s Hollow:
- [x] Angels and Anarchy #1
- [x] Beauty and Bad Blood #2
Connected To:
Blackhaven Manor series-9 books
Rating: 4.5🌈
Arden Steele’s Hunter Hollow series continues with Beauty and Bad Blood. With some characters transplanted from the original series, Blackhaven Manor, we now have more paranormal stories about romance, mystery, and murder to get invested in.
This time, our new location is Hunters Hollow, owned by one of the Dragon siblings, and its township of mostly Otherlings. They tend to work for Ministry of Otherling Affairs in various fields. Now a new case has emerged and investigation team has been formed.
Among that team, newly arrived vampire, Agent Rogue. He’s among a team of MOA Otherlings agents assigned the task of finding what or who are killing young people , leaving them drained of blood.
Human Dylan Murray, true crime podcaster, is having a personal crisis. His best friend, Braeden, mate of nephillim Inspector Zarrik Cox, has been constantly telling him to come stay with them until he knows what he’s going to do next.
Two totally different personalities, one coffee shop, and one unassailable attraction. And several horrific murders to solve.
Steele’s narrative once again brings dramatic storylines to the fated mate trope. Dylan made an impression in Braeden’s book and he becomes an even more engaging, vulnerable character here. The author gives Dylan that layer of armor formed by parental negligence and emotional abuse that feels realistic along with a very real sense that he could still somehow get the love he wants.
Rogue’s backstory is not as fully explored but he’s a powerful character in the present. Especially as it pertains to his quickly evolving feelings towards Dylan.
Dylan’s reaction to Rogue and his actions, and how each handled their dynamics in developing their relationship was a good touch. Each side was open to communicating with each other and with other people. Absolutely beats the no communication approach in other situations.
I thought the mysteries and the murders were interesting but could have used further context or explanation. But that dramatic scene? Heart breaking, emotionally. No way around it.
Nothing that came later could take away from the power of that moment. And frankly, from there, everything was anticlimactic. I enjoyed the rest, but it was already over.
I can’t wait to see what and for who the next book is for. I’m sort of rooting for the new head elf Bastille. You never know. Steele keeps surprising me.
In the meantime, if you’re not already familiar with this universe, you can catch up by reading these in order . See below. Or go all in and go way back to the original series, read all nine books and join in the migration to Hunters Hollow!
I’m highly recommending them all.
Hunter’s Hollow:
- [x] Angels and Anarchy #1
- [x] Beauty and Bad Blood #2
Connected To:
Blackhaven Manor series-9 books
May 24, 2026
eh
It’s really no worse then other books of this type. This is my second book by this author and I don’t think I’ll bother with more. I do think it would be right up other’s alley, but the first book by the author didn’t really grab me. But I figured I’d give it a second chance. And this book actively annoyed me. Mainly in two ways.
1) the power dynamics between the two mc was annoying to me. I know many people who will like it but I’m not one.
2) this is a super minor plot issue so I don’t know why it bugs me as much as it does. One of the main leads was supposedly branded with an R for being a rogue. But in the time/place that the branding supposedly took place, people spoke Italian (I think) and the Italian for rouge does not start with r. Look. This is just super minor so I really don’t know why it bugs me so much.
It’s really no worse then other books of this type. This is my second book by this author and I don’t think I’ll bother with more. I do think it would be right up other’s alley, but the first book by the author didn’t really grab me. But I figured I’d give it a second chance. And this book actively annoyed me. Mainly in two ways.
1) the power dynamics between the two mc was annoying to me. I know many people who will like it but I’m not one.
2) this is a super minor plot issue so I don’t know why it bugs me as much as it does. One of the main leads was supposedly branded with an R for being a rogue. But in the time/place that the branding supposedly took place, people spoke Italian (I think) and the Italian for rouge does not start with r. Look. This is just super minor so I really don’t know why it bugs me so much.
January 12, 2024
Dylan has had it with his narcissistic mother taking advantage of his good nature so he moves away from the city to figure out his next steps. Rogue is an unexpected bonus in the small town of Hunters Hollow where Dylan has settled in his best friend’s spare room. The two of them hit it off from the start…even when it seems that they have some pretty big issues to get past. Fortunately, both characters communicate like the adults they are and even better, they are willing to compromise in order to make their relationship work. The mystery running throughout the book was interesting, although it almost seemed like they solved it despite themselves. There were some major coincidences involved. I didn’t care, the book was so fun I found that easy to ignore.
August 31, 2026
Ok since this is second book I will be more critical on the topic...
Start of the book felt for me a little forced, boring... Like yea it was interesting but the encounter between the MCs felt kind of weird idk why... Also I would like to see other POVs for some crucial moments like it's good there were some but I think some other would be also welcome... Anyway apart from my knowledge of the culprit and how will be Dylan changed with the first clue the mystery/crimi part was satisfying and I also enjoyed the romance part but also the friendship part...
I'm excited and I'm thinking of buying the previous series because this world is interesting
Start of the book felt for me a little forced, boring... Like yea it was interesting but the encounter between the MCs felt kind of weird idk why... Also I would like to see other POVs for some crucial moments like it's good there were some but I think some other would be also welcome... Anyway apart from my knowledge of the culprit and how will be Dylan changed with the first clue the mystery/crimi part was satisfying and I also enjoyed the romance part but also the friendship part...
I'm excited and I'm thinking of buying the previous series because this world is interesting
October 18, 2023
I just... I just really like these, okay?!?! I took off a star because the proof reading wasn't where it needed to be - some weird word placement, spelling issues, etc. Nothing awful but I tend to pick up on these nuances, as I read a bit slower due to dyslexia.
I also loved Dylan on pain pills and Rogue drunk/high. Seriously, A+ writing.
I am going to start the Blackhaven Manor books next, I'm excited to meet some of the mated secondary characters! I hope they are as enjoyable as this series (and that this one gets a new book soon!).
I also loved Dylan on pain pills and Rogue drunk/high. Seriously, A+ writing.
I am going to start the Blackhaven Manor books next, I'm excited to meet some of the mated secondary characters! I hope they are as enjoyable as this series (and that this one gets a new book soon!).
January 25, 2024
Gritty, but still funny
Dylan, a true crime podcaster goes to stay with his best friend Braedan in Hunters Hollow where he meets Rogue, a 400 year old vampire who is looking for a quieter pace in life. What follows is murder and mayhem. I really enjoyed this story and if I got a bit confused every now and again, I think that is down to me as the reader rather than the writer. Although this is a fated mates, grumpy / sunshine etc book, there is a lot of grit too. Definitely not your standard romcom. Thanks to Wren as always, for the comic relief
Dylan, a true crime podcaster goes to stay with his best friend Braedan in Hunters Hollow where he meets Rogue, a 400 year old vampire who is looking for a quieter pace in life. What follows is murder and mayhem. I really enjoyed this story and if I got a bit confused every now and again, I think that is down to me as the reader rather than the writer. Although this is a fated mates, grumpy / sunshine etc book, there is a lot of grit too. Definitely not your standard romcom. Thanks to Wren as always, for the comic relief
June 15, 2026
READ ITTTTT
Definitely a reread!! I loved this book more than the previous one. Rogue and Dylan are too cute for words. I really wish we got more with the whole d/s thing that rogue and Dylan obviously had going on. I was really looking forward to that aspect, and then we get basically nothing. However, the mystery had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I usually figure out who did it pretty quick, but not this time. Dylan and Rogue’s relationship was beautiful. I can’t wait for the next book.
Definitely a reread!! I loved this book more than the previous one. Rogue and Dylan are too cute for words. I really wish we got more with the whole d/s thing that rogue and Dylan obviously had going on. I was really looking forward to that aspect, and then we get basically nothing. However, the mystery had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I usually figure out who did it pretty quick, but not this time. Dylan and Rogue’s relationship was beautiful. I can’t wait for the next book.
August 28, 2026
Blood
I will give this book a 5/5. I actually read a sample of it and I was hooked. I had to buy the book and read it. The main characters are Dylan, a human, and Rogue, a vampire spy. The two men meet while Rogue is working a case. Both men are looking to change theirs lives and meeting changes everything for them. Rogue becomes very protective and Dylan has to get used to that. the bad guy seems to stay one step ahead of them. The story is very interesting and authentic.. I will have to read the next book in the series.
I will give this book a 5/5. I actually read a sample of it and I was hooked. I had to buy the book and read it. The main characters are Dylan, a human, and Rogue, a vampire spy. The two men meet while Rogue is working a case. Both men are looking to change theirs lives and meeting changes everything for them. Rogue becomes very protective and Dylan has to get used to that. the bad guy seems to stay one step ahead of them. The story is very interesting and authentic.. I will have to read the next book in the series.
September 18, 2023
This is a satisfying read as it has all the needed elements.
Characters are nicely developed and the world is consistent. The plot is not only good but the murder mystery is awesomely crafted and the villains stay hidden until near the end. My only complaint is that the love story is a bit soft with little heat, but having said that - the flow and style of the writing just pull the reader through.
Best Arden Steele I have read in a while.
Characters are nicely developed and the world is consistent. The plot is not only good but the murder mystery is awesomely crafted and the villains stay hidden until near the end. My only complaint is that the love story is a bit soft with little heat, but having said that - the flow and style of the writing just pull the reader through.
Best Arden Steele I have read in a while.
November 4, 2023
Better than the first book.
I thought this book was even better than the first one. The two main characters were both great, and the plot was fantastic. I'm glad that Dylan found someone who could love and take care of him when he needed it the most. I'm happy that I decided to give this series another chance.
I thought this book was even better than the first one. The two main characters were both great, and the plot was fantastic. I'm glad that Dylan found someone who could love and take care of him when he needed it the most. I'm happy that I decided to give this series another chance.
September 10, 2023
God, I love this author. They consistently give me my paranormal fated mates fix that is actually well written. I adored Rogue and Dylan. The mystery was really interesting and I’m looking forward to more stories in Hunters Hollow. ❤️
February 15, 2024
Hunters Hollow 2
I really, really enjoyed reading this book! It had everything I could want in a story: mystery, suspense, loving partner, amazing friends and a wonderful ending. This truly was the perfect book! Highly recommended
I really, really enjoyed reading this book! It had everything I could want in a story: mystery, suspense, loving partner, amazing friends and a wonderful ending. This truly was the perfect book! Highly recommended
June 18, 2025
I was really caught up in this story. I couldn't stop reading. Love the characters, new and old. The story was interesting and well-written. I hope there is 3rd book. Definitely recommend reading.
September 7, 2023
Loved this book. The characters were well developed, the romance was done well, and you are left guessing up until the end who the real criminal is. Super interesting and I loved it.
September 10, 2023
Great 2nd book
September 12, 2023
good
Loved the story, loved the characters.
So good to see the boys who left CO and moved to new hotel in NOLA.
Only short coming as the very very mild spice
Loved the story, loved the characters.
So good to see the boys who left CO and moved to new hotel in NOLA.
Only short coming as the very very mild spice
September 13, 2023
3.5 stars
November 1, 2023
Dylan and rogue
I like that Dylan and rogue got their happy ending but not how it came about. It was a built to the romance and not just automatic. Highly Recommended to anyone.
I like that Dylan and rogue got their happy ending but not how it came about. It was a built to the romance and not just automatic. Highly Recommended to anyone.
December 5, 2023
Really enjoyable read, looking forward to the next in the series.
December 6, 2023
3,75 stars
February 1, 2024
I love this spin off series. I am looking forward to the next book.
November 7, 2024
I am not a fan of vampires in the universe for some reason... but this turned out ok 👍
January 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. It surprises me how much depth these books have. The Blackhaven Manor books I've read felt kind of fluffy, but this series truly impresses me (okay, and makes me want to go back and read Blackhaven anyway. hush).
I hope we get more in the series. Would love to see books for both Sammy and Killian, at the very least.
re-read: still very much enjoyed this one. and I'm reminded that I need to see if Killian ever got a book. because I'd *really* like to read that.
I hope we get more in the series. Would love to see books for both Sammy and Killian, at the very least.
re-read: still very much enjoyed this one. and I'm reminded that I need to see if Killian ever got a book. because I'd *really* like to read that.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews