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As Alpha of the Lonely River Pack, Jack Owens is responsible for keeping the peace between what's left of the human population and the wolves who have taken over since the War. All wolves are his responsibility, even the ones like Virginia Howard who don't necessarily recognize his authority. Ginny's been a thorn in Jack's side since she took over her parent's operation and established herself as one of the area's premiere ranchers. The fact that she's everything he wants in a mate makes it hard to stay away from her, but any good hunter knows how to bide his time.

Ginny fights hard to maintain her independence from men, human and werewolf alike. The humans may not like having a woman as their chief competition, but they're not the ones determined to see her submit. When a group of angry wolves try to run her out of business, she's forced to accept Jack's assistance. But in saving her ranch, Ginny runs the risk of losing something far greater--her heart.

20,000 words

69 pages, ebook

First published November 1, 2008

74 people are currently reading
855 people want to read

About the author

Moira Rogers

83 books909 followers
How do you make a Moira Rogers? Take a former forensic science and nursing student obsessed with paranormal romance and add a computer programmer with a passion for gritty urban fantasy. Toss in a dash of whimsy and a lot of caffeine, and enjoy with a side of chocolate by the light of the full moon.

By day, Bree and Donna are mild-mannered ladies who reside in the Deep South. At night, when their husbands and children are asleep, they combine forces to unleash the product of their fevered imaginations upon the page.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
Profile Image for UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish.
1,097 reviews1,766 followers
May 20, 2013

Wild Card is the first book in Moira Rogers’ Down & Dirty series. It’s an exciting, sexy story, taking place in a futuristic world, but reading like a western historical romance, one of my favorite genres.
On the Cover:

As Alpha of the Lonely River Pack, Jack Owens is responsible for keeping the peace between what's left of the human population and the wolves who have taken over since the War. All wolves are his responsibility, even the ones like Virginia Howard who don't necessarily recognize his authority. Ginny's been a thorn in Jack's side since she took over her parent's operation and established herself as one of the area's premiere ranchers. The fact that she's everything he wants in a mate makes it hard to stay away from her, but any good hunter knows how to bide his time.

Ginny fights hard to maintain her independence from men, human and werewolf alike. The humans may not like having a woman as their chief competition, but they're not the ones determined to see her submit. When a group of angry wolves try to run her out of business, she's forced to accept Jack's assistance. But in saving her ranch, Ginny runs the risk of losing something far greater--her heart.
Moira Rogers also writes as Kit Rocha, the author(s) of one of the edgiest dystopian series out there, the Beyond series. With that in mind, it’s no wonder to me that the Down & Dirty world she's created is intriguing, fast paced, and edgy, as well.

Jack is one sexy alpha, but I do wish there had been more 'real-time' relationship building rather than relying on past attraction. Even though this first book is a novella, there's no question about it; this shifter world Ms. Rogers has created has all the makings of a great series and I’m looking forward to reading more.

As of May 07, 2013, this book is free on amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0088PB5CG
Profile Image for ᴥ Irena ᴥ.
1,654 reviews241 followers
August 3, 2016
2.5
It has all the necessary features of a shifter paranormal erotic romance: a reluctant heroine (independent and stuff), a possessive hero, a bunch of friends, a few enemies to cause trouble to push the pair toward whatever they need and a lot of sex.
Actually, it's not a bad short story. It is too short to have a lot of information about the world, but it still throws in a few comments about the world they live in without info dumping.
Profile Image for Caroline The HEA Lover.
347 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2010
(this was originally posted on Book Lovers,Inc)

My Thoughts:

I read Wild Card in one sitting, for 2 reasons :
#1 - This is a novella, we’re talking 60 pages here, not long term commitment guys.
#2 - I couldn’t stop reading it, I just wanted more, more, more!

But let’s start at the beginning:


The Cover:
I find this cover to be very sensual. It’s erotic without being overly sexual. Translation: I can read it next to my mama without blushing too much (yes, that is a criteria!) When I look at this cover I see love (there we are, the romantic in me is back), look at how his hand is delicately brushing her face…huh-huh. The font is well chosen, when I see the title I think of cowboys! (heh! close enough…). All in all I find the cover very appealing. *thumbs up*

The World:
‘War on Earth ended fifty years ago with the Sickness, a nanite plague that killed without prejudice and set the human race back two hundred years. The only ones immune to the Sickness are the werewolves, who have been forced out of hiding in the aftermath. Now human and werewolf must form an uneasy alliance and find a way to rebuild a new world.’
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where technology no longer exists. We’re back at the time of cowboys and Saloons (well nearly). This just works for me, I loved the idea. This world reminded me of the Atlanta in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Yes, I know they have nearly nothing in common…but in these worlds technology isn’t reliable anymore, or in this case doesn’t exist anymore and it makes it all the more interesting.

The story:
Virginia Howard (a.k.a Ginny) is one tough lady…or I should say, werewolf. She’s tried to stay independent all her life, which is not easy when you live in a world full of possessive male werewolves. She’s got her own Ranch and minds her own business. Most of all she wants to stay clear from the Alpha, Jack Owens.

Jack Owens is the Alpha, he’s got lots of responsibilities and he has waited years to see Ginny ask for his help. Should I mention that he’s really hot? Okay, I won’t mention it.

The story is simple enough, 2 very different characters will fall for each other…hard. A little more details? Okay. Ginny is having problems with a band of werewolves doing all they can to ruin her business. She has to ask for help to the one man she’s tried to avoid for years…Jack Owens, the Alpha, the only one that can stop the wolves. Needless to say that Jack is more than willing to help. *wriggles eyebrows* Ginny is attracted to him but she knows that she can’t have a one night stand with this man…sleeping with him would mean accepting to submit to the wolf, abandoning her independence, and that is something she just can’t bare. She's torn between reason and lust. The sexual tension between the characters is strong - one thing leading to another - they end up sleeping together anyway (didn’t see that one coming huh?). The sex scenes are sizzling, they are very well written and I found myself blushing more than once (Cookie points for that!). The story resolved itself after some blood being shed and I got my Happy Ever After! Yay.

Was the story predictable? Yes. Did it diminish my pleasure in reading it? No. As I said before, it is very well written, and while it was easy to see how this was going to end, I had a great time reading it. We’re introduced to some interesting secondary characters, such as Hazel Young and Oliver Russell. I was very happy when I learned that the second novella Calling the Bluff focuses on them as the heroes. I thought they deserved their own story.

There’s just one thing that got me a bit frustrated…it’s a novella! It’s very short, so the story seemed a bit rushed sometimes, there wasn't enough time to build the tension. I’m not used to reading novellas. I think it would have been perfect if the characters had been given more time to build their relationship. This is why I’m giving Wild Card 4 and a half Bookies. (I know it’s not fair!). But It is a quick, fun and hot read, I strongly recommend Wild Card.
Profile Image for Jo (My House of Books).
367 reviews22 followers
September 21, 2010
Of these three novellas, I thought Wild Card was the best. It would have been good on my part had I gone to Ms. Rogers website to get the background on this series. I assumed this was a historical paranormal (well, an erotic historical paranormal) when in fact it wasn't. [Classifying books into genres can be so confusing.] Regardless, Wild Card was the best of the bunch for me. I loved Jack's gruff exterior and Ginny's refusal to back down or take "orders". She's a woman who knows what she wants, and I absolutely adore heroines with that kind of gumption.

We're introduced to Hazel, the heroine of Calling the Bluff, in Wild Card, and her transformation from novella to novella is startling. Hazel's the cause of much trouble between werewolves and humans, you see, because she's going into her first mating heat. And the man she wants doesn't want anything to do with her! When she's in trouble, however, something inside Oliver snaps. He's surprised to find that he does indeed want Hazel.

Ante Up was the novella I thought I'd like most. Unfortunately, I never really felt a connection between Lottie and Thomas, certainly not one that had been aluded to in the two previous novellas.
Profile Image for Maria FantastikaRomance.
248 reviews9 followers
July 27, 2012
The first thing that caught my eye was the mix, cowboys and werewolves. It sounded a bit far fetched so I had to read the book.

Wild Card is about how Ginny Howard, a strong, independent werewolf and Jack Owens, the Alpha of the Lonley River Pack, finally get together. Jack has been haunted by the notion that Ginny, with all her strength and insecurities, would be the perfect Alpha female but she has resisted him this last five years.
Now Ginny is being harassed and needs Jacks protection.

The story could have been so much greater if edited right. There are holes in the flow of the story that annoyed me. And I think the world building could have been a bit stronger. Or clearer, I didn´t quite get the War.
And I had a bit problem with werewolves riding horses, the poor horses should be terrified. So a bit more about how that works would have been nice.

But apart from that Ginny and Jack were strong characters and the chemistry between them were hot.
There weren´t many secondary characters but the titbits about Hazel and Oliver has made me buy the next book in the series, which are about them.
April 28, 2015
This book was pretty interesting. I mean, a cowboy book where they are all werewolves, living in an post-apoplectic world that had reverted itself back to old west times. - Doesn't get much more interesting than that!

This book could/should have been a full novel. Since it isn't, it was missing a lot of "meat" that makes a book great. When we meet the H/h, they have already known each other for years and the hero is already in love with her. I hate books that start this way. But since this is more or less an erotic romp with a good story tossed in I wasn't overly upset.

It had plenty of sex in it as well as a good conflict to keep me interested. The character's were just okay for me. I really didn't like Ginny and there was just something missing with Jack.

I did however find Hazel and Ollies introduction interesting.. and I think I might pick up their book, which is the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,526 reviews322 followers
October 17, 2014
This was a fun sexy short read this is my first time reading this author and I love reading about shifters. Jack Owens is the Alpha of the Lonely River Pack and he is looking for a mate. Virginia Howard took over her parents’ operation and established herself as one of the area's premiere ranchers. Ginny is everything that he is looking for in a mate. Ginny isn't looking for a mate or even a man she is trying to hold on to her business until some angry wolves try to force her out and she has to accept Jacks help can a strong independent women accept help from a strong dominant male without losing her heart. This is the first book in this series and it was pretty good I will be reading the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
June 14, 2023
Wild Card is a paranormal wolf romance between Jack Owens, the Alpha of the Lonely River Pack and an independent female wolf, Virginia 'Ginny' Howard. She comes to him when she has trouble at her ranch from a member of the pack.

The attraction these two have felt for one another is let loose, the threat is faced and a happy ending with lots of hot paranormal romance a big part of the storyline.

Wild Card is the first part of a three book series and the they are no longer available, so I gave it a four star review instead of five.
Profile Image for SheLove2Read.
3,109 reviews204 followers
July 22, 2012
Good writing and a decent storyline but the heroine ruined it for being anything better than average. Her reasoning for not comitting to anyone was ridiculous, and her abrupt turnaround didn't make any sense. Jack saved this story for me. C/3 stars
Profile Image for Sandra.
466 reviews7 followers
December 16, 2012
werewolves and cowboys. interesting concept. book is ok.. not great.. not bad.. would like it to be longer. Will read #2 in series.
Profile Image for Jessica.
171 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2012
This was another free BN purchase and the first time I've read this author. And I gotta say, I really enjoyed this book!!
Profile Image for Jane Doe.
377 reviews37 followers
May 24, 2013
3 1/2 stars

This was a good short story. Characters were interesting and the world was explained well.
Will read more in this series. Wish it had been a bit longer.
Profile Image for Starfire.
1,381 reviews32 followers
March 13, 2022
It shouldn't surprise me that the first book in a set called 'Down & Dirty') is pure PWP. And, let's be honest, that's pretty much what I went into it hoping for, so I consider it 100% a feature, rather than a bug.

And yet. There was still something vaguely unsatisfying about the whole story. I liked the idea of Ginny craving her independence and not wanting to be part of Jake's pack at the beginning... but I didn't love the way every bit of doubt and resistance to the concept of giving up that independence seemed to magically evaporate as soon as Jake was in her house and sexitiems could ensue.

I think it's fair to say that I'll keep reading this set because short, unchallenging PWP is exactly the kind of escapism my brain is in the mood for. But it's also fair to say that Kit Rocha / Moira Rogers do have better stories out there, and really, this is just filling the gap till for me till I get to read one of those (plus, indulging my completionist streak)
Profile Image for Laura.
378 reviews9 followers
September 24, 2020
Short, Sweet and Steamy are three good words to describe this book, that I have read twice as of today. Reading about a war that has humans giving up on all modern conveniences had me missing my e-reader and laptop while enjoying the simplicity of the life they live after the war.

This Review was originally posted here https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
Profile Image for Priscilla Robinson.
Author 2 books21 followers
March 20, 2018
Good Read

Short but sassy. I like this. It’s a short read but it packed a little bit of a punch. The supporting characters give it a little more depth and the main characters are likeable.
Profile Image for Betsy :D.
1,293 reviews44 followers
June 11, 2017
It was a short read nut I liked it.
Profile Image for Terisa.
818 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2015
Wild Card 4 stars

The future is here but it’s not anything like what you had thought it would be.

The first book in the Down & Dirty Series by Moira Rogers. It takes place in the future but the world has resorted back to the way things were in the Old West due to a plague that has overrun the country. The werewolves were immune to it and while the humans don’t really care for it, they are cohabitating with the wolves and making the best of things. Jack Owens is the Alpha in for the Lonely River Pack and he oversees keeping the peace between the wolves as well as well as the humans. It’s a lonely job, one that he would prefer not to do alone but the woman that both he and his wolf have set their sights on will not have anything to do with him but when she’s threatened out on her ranch he won’t leave until he knows that she’s safe even if that means that he will be sleeping on the couch.

Virginia Howard is used to being alone. She took over her parents ranch and has been running it not really with ease but she’s made herself known as one of the top ranchers in the area. She’s fought hard to keep her independence but when some fellow ranchers decide that they are fed with coming in second place to women and her fence is cut after she just made repairs once again, she knows that she has no other choice but to go to the one man that she tries her best to avoid for help. She only prays that she can once again keep her wolf in check because each time that she’s near him only makes it harder to push him away.

This is a hot sexy read and my only complaint is that it’s too damn short but it is a complete story and even though it is short, you still get the feel of a novel because everything is set out in a way that you know what’s happened to make sense of the way that things currently are. Moira Rogers has long been one of my favorite authors and is currently writing under the name of Kit Rocha. Yep, that’s right this is the same author(s) that writes the highly erotica “Beyond” series. I had purchased this series long ago and it had gotten buried in my long list of TBR books but while I surfing Amazon, I discovered this series along with many others books by Ms. Rogers are currently free if you have Kindle Unlimited. I highly recommend all of them and will be reading the ones that I’ve missed.
Profile Image for Kinship Press.
148 reviews9 followers
January 5, 2014
Originally reviewed on These Pretty Words.

I don’t even know where to begin with this dirty little novella. I guess we should start with the where – the setting of the story has a very old-west feel with horses, dirt roads and nary a Target in sight. There are no machines left, so people and werewolves have been forced into a simpler lifestyle. It’s an interesting concept, one I’ve read before though never in conjunction with the paranormal shifter aspect included. It may sound odd, but it worked.

Now the who – Ginny is a female werewolf living alone on her cattle ranch. She’s not part of the local pack and that makes her a target for some local troublemakers. She’s strong and independent, not wanting a man in her life because of the scars left over from her parents’ troubled relationship. I liked her from the start…I liked her even more once she met up with Jack.

Alpha, leader, hopelessly in lust with Ginny – that’s our Jack. For five years these two have been dancing around each other – Ginny avoiding, Jack craving. From the instant these two come together in this story, there is a tension that simply bleeds from the pages. It’s hot and beautiful and so much more than simple lust.

There’s drama and fighting, a woman afraid to fall in love and a man desperate to make her his. There’s even a bit of shifter magic working through the story that simply adds to the appeal. And there is an overwhelming sweetness to the way these two characters care for each other, to how they crave the closeness they feel when together. There are these beautifully sweet moments mixed in with the ridiculously hot sex scenes that just make you swoon.

I give this novella four solid stars. I have already purchased the second novella in the trilogy since I adored the characters of Oliver and Hazel so much from Wild Card.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,699 reviews228 followers
August 26, 2013
Does Moira Rogers write some good dirty or WHAT? Her werewolves are dominant, strong, and like to love their partners into the wee hours of the night. Plus, they don't mind a little rending a tearing when they need to show the other wolves who's boss.

I should probably throw in that they ride horses, shoot guns, and are downright awesome while I'm at it.

Jack and Ginny have been dancing around one another for years. Jack knows he wants Ginny. Ginny's afraid of losing her independence so she pushes against him. It's practically inevitable that once they're forced to be near one another, those sparks will turn into something they can't control.

Dirty lovin', dominance games, and two wolves who stake their claim as soon as they get the chance. Throw in a young werewolf on the edge of mating and a group of rogues looking to challenge the Alpha's authority and you're in for one wild ride!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,490 reviews31 followers
November 25, 2013


Jack Owens is the Alpha of the Lonely River Pack and all the shifters are under him. He carries a lot of magic and his life isn't always easy. He has some that won't listen and he has to take drastic measures. He has to do what he can to keep the peace between wolves and humans. He has found a mate that could take some of the responsibilities. He has wanted Virginia (Ginny) Howard for five years.

Ginny has seen what happens to mates when one can't love the other because of their past. She wants Jack but she knows if she gives in it will be for life and not just a quick roll in the hay. Her wolf wants a man that will take control. When she finds out that some of the wolves have cut her fence again she see's red. She knows she has to go to Jack to get under his protection.

This becomes a really hot read and something that gets your attention. I have been reading several shifter books and I love every one that I read. I have read several books by this author and I always know I will get a great story out of every one of them. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Karen Davis.
218 reviews6 followers
June 30, 2013
I finished this book friday..it wasn't very long. The story itself was only 155 pages and got right to the point. Without giving to much away..here's my review. There's potential here and I'll be reading the rest of this series soon enough. It's a Werewolf story and the Alpha is definitely a true Alpha. The Mate his chosen is just as strong and pretty much take anyone on. Almost from the beginning there's trouble and the two have to come together after years of fighting their desires for one another. So naturally, as soon as possible there's sex (not complaining)--so for mature audiences!! Moira, this was a good start to this series and I look forward to reading the others. The ONLY critic that I can give is the length...to short my dear. You tease-making me want more! That's why I gave it a 4 star. I don't do spoilers, so you'll have to read the book to experience it. Great job Moira!!
Profile Image for Μαρία Γεωργοπούλου.
Author 5 books98 followers
July 1, 2013
I liked this paranormal romance novella by Moira Rogers but I found it too short even for a novella. It was very interesting but there is a whole story in the past of the main couple and we didn’t learn it, only bits of it.

I liked the world-building, although there is little information. After a great war, technology was shut down and werewolves stopped hiding. This story is about Jack, the Alpha of the local pack and his love for Ginny a female werewolf who wants him but she doesn’t admit it.

I don’t have to say that this is a very hot read but although it’s a hot and short read, a lot of things happening and it kept my interesting. There are also some secondary characters that I want to learn more about.

It’s well written, with adventure and romance and I want to read the next of the series.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
390 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2013
I'll let others supply all the gritty details in their reviews and just leave this one at my opinion when I finished the book. This was a fun, quick read, but I wouldn't call it a favorite. I definitely will finish the series as I enjoy reading just about everything I can get my hands on by Moira Rogers.

The biggest problem I had with this book is that it was too short. There was so much more development that could have been done in a very interesting world, but a lot of questions were left unanswered. I hope to see a little more world building in the next book. These gals are so talented, but it sometimes feels like details get skipped in favor of keeping the word count shorter for those who enjoy finishing a book in a day or two max. That being said, I never have been disappointed with a Moria Rogers book. I just like some more than others.

Profile Image for Andromeda Bliss.
Author 7 books42 followers
December 19, 2013
Unique post-apocalyptic western setting, strong characters, hot and hungry werewolves...what's the down side?? I'd have to say the length of the story, but the silver lining is there are two more stories in this series.

Wild Card lives up to its name, taking readers on a wild ride with the explosive collision between the main characters, alpha-wolf Jack and independent Ginny. She doesn't want to live under anyone's rule and he needs to protect everyone in his territory, including stubborn lone-wolves like Ginny. When she stumbles into a situation she can't handle on her own, Jack is more than ready to lend a hand. The prior history between these two is sketched out enough to give deeper meaning to their climactic pairing.

With hot, wild werewolf sex and magnetic characters, Wild Card is sure to satisfy!
Profile Image for Emily.
5,877 reviews548 followers
August 7, 2012
Alpha Jack Owens has been biding his time with the woman he wants as his mate, Ginny. Ginny is determined to prove she doesn't need anyone by her side, but as trouble brews she has to swallow her pride and ask for Jack's help. Unable to stop herself, she finds herself inviting Jack to her bed but not wanting to fully commit to the mating urge that is strumming within.

had not realized this was a historical story so was a bit caught off guard with it. I wish it ha been a bit longer because I felt like there were important plot points about the shifter life that had been left out and I was also not quite understanding where Ginny was coming from with her stance on not wanting to rely on anyone.
Profile Image for Amanda The Book Slayer.
474 reviews150 followers
December 17, 2012
I really enjoyed this short little story. I loved the setting and how society reverts back to more of a western setting. I loved the fact that she threw in werewolves and since they survived the disease, because well they are werewolves, there are more of them and they seem to rule over areas.

I loved Jack and Ginny. I adored Oliver and Hazel. I can't wait to see how they work out their little issue, okay so maybe it's not so little.

All I can really say, is that yet again Ms. Rogers has shown she knows how to write a good paranormal book. If you haven't tried any yet, you really must. This one was a free download on my nook, but I am sure you could get it from amazon as well.

** This book has some lite BDSM **
Profile Image for Bethany Aan.
Author 2 books124 followers
April 16, 2013
I liked the story, enjoyed the history and the interactions, as well as the different take on werewolves. I think what I wanted most was more story, and it wasn't there. Not that it couldn't be there... I think that this could have easily been a full-length novel and just concentrated on Jack and Virginia, and I would have been happy. The sex was good but like another reviewer wrote, you just kind of get plopped down in their world, without knowing much of what's going on.

I enjoyed the writing style and will be buying more of Ms Rogers' books, but I'd encourage her to take this as a complement and give us more! I would have enjoyed much more of these two, and would have enjoyed getting to know them even better. :)
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