Review: Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh

Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley in June 2016

The Psy-Changeling world has undergone a staggering transformation and now stands at a crossroads. The Trinity Accord promises a new era of cooperation between disparate races and groups. It is a beacon of hope held together by many hands: Old enemies. New allies. Wary loners.

But a century of distrust and suspicion can’t be so easily forgotten and threatens to shatter Trinity from within at any moment. As rival members vie for dominance, chaos and evil gather in the shadows and a kidnapped woman’s cry for help washes up in San Francisco, while the Consortium turns its murderous gaze toward a child who is the embodiment of change, of love, of piercing hope: A child who is both Psy…and changeling.

To find the lost, protect the vulnerable—and save Trinity—no one can stand alone. This is a time of loyalty across divisions, of bonds woven into the heart and the soul, of heroes known and unknown standing back to back and holding the line. But is an allegiance of honor even possible with traitors lurking in their midst?

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Psy-Changeling, Book #15

The Story: It's pretty much as the blurb describes. The world Ms Singh has created have undergone a lot of changes since Slave to Sensation. The Psy no longer have a Council, Dark River and Snow Dancer packs are allied, the Arrows are independent and humans have proved they are not as weak and fragile as the Psy and changelings thought. Now, all of these people have to figure out how to live together harmoniously instead of separately. However, the task is not simple because decades of grudges and distrust are hard to overcome. In addition, there are still individuals looking out for their own only... and of course, not everyone is happy and in favor for an unified world.

Aside from politics, some people still face big challenges. Parts of the PsyNet is still rotting and nobody knows the reasons. A bounty has been put on the head of Naya, Lucas and Sascha's daughter and the first Psy-changeling child in this new era. Finally, the BlackSea pack is still dealing with its missing members...

My Opinion: The Psy-Changeling series is one of the most popular series in blogland and for good reasons. The writing is excellent, the characters are intense, interesting and appealing, the romance is hot and the story is interesting and actually moves forward! You can feel that Ms Singh knows where she's going with the story and each book was a step in the direction she wanted. For years, there were rumors that Ms Singh would be writing a spin-off of the Psy-Changeling series and this year, it was confirmed. The first story arc is over and Ms Singh used Allegiance of Honor to wrap things up.

To tell the truth, I actually have mixed feelings about Allegiance of Honor. I always enjoy seeing characters from previous books and see what they are up to and where they are now. And that was basically the purpose of Allegiance of Honor. It's usually fun and sweet and logically, I should have loved this book... but the reason why I have mixed feelings instead is that I felt it was too much ^_^; I don't mind when it's novella, but a whole book dedicated to past characters? It was just a bit too much, especially since there were so many of them! Plus, everything was wrapped up too neatly. Every issue, every question was addressed. Yes, it's satisfying... however, when it feels like a list being ticked off, it's just not as enjoyable. Also, I have an excellent memory when it comes to characters and stories. I know not everyone is the same and therefore, recappings are necessary... but those recappings probably made up a quarter of the book!

Basically, Allegiance of Honor reminded me a lot of Tangle of Need in the sense that both are transition books. Allegiance of Honor's purpose was to wrap up the story arc and set up for the next. In that aspect, it did the job. There was no romance like in Tangle of Need; instead, there was a mystery thread about the disappearance of a member of the BlackSea pack and most of the action and exciting bits came from that thread. At times, I felt this mystery thread didn't bland well with the rest of the story, but overall, it was interesting.

My Grade: B-. Allegiance of Honor was not as intense or exciting as the last few books in the series. It had a purpose and fulfilled it well. Yes, it was fun to catch up with the past characters... but was it really necessary? I'm not convinced. If you enjoyed Tangle of Need, then I'm pretty sure you will like this one as well :) No matter how I feel about this book, one thing I know for sure: I'm looking forward to Ms Singh's new book and see where she takes us for her new story arc!

Review: Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh

Happy Independence Day to all my American blogger friends! Hope you have a great day :)

I'm sorry for the lack of posts, responses and also comments on your blogs! I'm getting ready for my vacation - it starts officially on Friday, yay!! Can't wait!! Ugh, let just say my boss is really making me earn those 3 weeks off ^_^; Sigh. And I wish I could say "Hey, no problem, I'm going to be off for 3 weeks and will have plenty of time to catch up!" However, I already know it's going to be extremely busy and my internet access might be restricted. Ugh. So I apologize in advance for the lack of posts and my disappearances in the next few weeks!

For now though, I have a review! Yay! Today, I'm over at Breezing Through reviewing Nalini Singh's latest release, Tangle of Need, in company with Brie from Romance Around the Corner! Click here for the review :) We dragged our feet a while before writing this review, but once we started, wow, it just took off LOL. So I hope you enjoy it!

Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley in May 2012

Adria, wolf changeling and resilient soldier, has made a break with the past--one as unpredictable in love as it was in war. Now comes a new territory, and a devastating new complication: Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant already sworn to a desperate woman who belongs to another.

For Riaz, the primal attraction he feels for Adria is a staggering betrayal. For Adria, his dangerous lone-wolf appeal is beyond sexual. It consumes her. It terrifies her. It threatens to undermine everything she has built of her new life. But fighting their wild compulsion toward one another proves a losing battle.

Their coming together is an inferno...and a melding of two wounded souls who promise each other no commitment, no ties, no bonds. Only pleasure. Too late, they realize that they have more to lose than they ever imagined. Drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter the fate of the world itself, they must make a decision that might just break them both.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Psy-Changelings series, Book #11

Review: Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh

Hey everyone!

How are you doing? Hope everything's good :) A bit quiet lately, but I guess that's summer for you! Although truth be told, I've also been quiet... My excuses are work and reading :) I've been reading a lot, yay! And most of it from my RWA loot :) However, I need to get back to blogging, otherwise, I'll lose my touch. It took me forever to put the words together for my review of Playing Dirty. It just wasn't coming together ^_^; Hopefully, it'll be more easy with Kiss of Snow... but I doubt ^_^;  It wasn't.

Can you believe it's been almost 2 months since I read Kiss of Snow?!? Where does time go?!? I intended to review Kiss of Snow earlier, but it slipped through the cracks with everything going on at that time... Perhaps it's a good thing though, as the craze has died down a little and it's given me more time to reflect on it... I guess we'll see :) Anyway, here I go!


Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley in May 2011

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would've been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules-and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other's secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight...

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna's darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home-and the alpha who is its heartbeat.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Psy/Changelings series, Book #10

The Story:  Okay, we all know what the story of Kiss of Snow is about: Hawke and Sienna finally getting together!! Woohoo! LOL. I think the blurb sums it up well, but I'll give it a try.

Hawke and Sienna have been attracted to each other ever since the Laurens family joined the SnowDancer Pack. However, Hawke never acted on the attraction for several reasons: 1) Sienna's age, 2) Hawke doesn't like Psy, 3) he lost his mate when he was a kid, 4) he's been warned off Sienna by many he cares and trusts, etc. Unfortunately, as Sienna matures from rebellious teenager to beautiful young woman, the attraction becomes harder and harder to fight off... and it has made Hawke very, very edgy. Not a good state of mind for the leader of the pack, especially since all signs indicate that they are heading to war against the Psy.

Finally, at the age of 19, Sienna feels that she is in control of her life. Sienna has always been worried about the people around her, afraid that she would hurt her with her power. However, it seems like she's gotten a grasp on her power and perhaps she'll beat the odd as fellow Psy with her designation, X, tend to die young of self-combustion. She wants Hawke to stop seeing her as a juvenile and see her as a woman... However, she won't settle for what he can give her, she wants everything of him.

But can she handle what she wants? And what happens when her control over her power starts to slip?

My Opinion: Okay, not quite a good summary ^_^; But at least, I tried LOL.

Like everyone else in blogland, I was really looking forward to Kiss of Snow. I mean, the romance between Hawke and Sienna has been hinted since the first book, Slave to Sensation, and only reinforced since... and I was just looking forward to see it unfolds. Strangely enough, I never thought of Kiss of Snow as a May-December romance... I mean, seriously, Hawke is in his prime, isn't he? LOL. Very different than most May-December romance out there... but since a May-December romance is about the age difference, then I guess Hawke and Sienna's relationship qualifies... and perhaps that's why the romance aspect did not work for me that well.

Oh don't get me wrong. I love Hawke and Sienna's characters and am so happy to finally see them get together. However, the romance? I don't know. Sure there was a lot of sexual tension and that is good. Also, Ms Singh addresses the logistic aspect of their relationship really well - Sienna's age, Hawke's alpha-ness and his position, what it would mean for Sienna to become Hawke's lover and etc - and did a great job at it... but as a whole, I wasn't invested in Hawke and Sienna's relationship as I thought I'd be. Mostly because their romance felt like a tug war. I mean, for books, Sienna wanted Hawke and when Hawke was finally ready, she backed away. It was like a well choreographed dance: one moves forward while the other steps back than vice versa instead of both characters meeting in the middle. I understand why the relationship was that way and it made sense, but personally I wanted them to get together and move on ^_^; I think the war setting didn't help either - everything around them was so precarious, time was running out especially once Sienna's power factored in... I felt Hawke and Sienna were a bit rushed, like it's now or never, so let makes this work. Perhaps as a whole, the romance would have work better for me if it wasn't for those circumstances... If Hawke and Sienna got to spend more time together and just be themselves... Like that scene where Sienna and Hawke dance together? Awwww. I admit that the scenes where Sienna and Hawke were able to steal a moment together, those were very sweet :) I just wished they had even more time to spend together and work it out. And as such, I'm a bit disappointed with the resolution of their romance... just because it's been the same with every Psy heroine in the series :( I love, love, love self-sacrificing heroines and I have to say, there is something about dying heroines... however, it has become so redundant in the series ^_^; It definitively took a little away in my opinion. I thought it would be different with Sienna, because she is different. She has such an unusual power, but in the end...

Speaking of power, that's another aspect of the book that didn't quite work for me. I've really been looking forward to see what was Sienna's power. It's been hinted in the series that the "X" designation is special... and  overall, I think that Ms Singh came up with something interesting. Unfortunately for me, it was really hard to visualize it... especially the final revelation. The whole resonance, the flames, the earthing, the valve, etc. I think Ms Singh lost me a little ^_^;

The rest of the book though? I adored :) Loved, loved, loved the secondary romance between Walker and Lara. For me, that romance totally eclipsed Hawke and Sienna's. The way they got to know each other and the depth of Walker's character. My heart broke for what Walker went through... and that scene where he's braiding Marly's hair? Awwwww. I couldn't get enough of Lara and Walker and wished they had gotten their own book... but I'll take this :)  I have to say, I'm really falling for the strong, silent type LOL. I was also very happy to see more of the Laurens family - Marly and Toby. I've been dying to see how Toby has grown up... and also seeing the dynamics between the family members and also, the bond that existed between Walker, Judd and their sister. I feel that prior Silence, most of the Psy families would have been like the Laurens. Loyal to each other, united, there for each other. I wished we'd have even more glimpses of their connection than what we've got.

Also kudos for Ms Singh for taking the storyline where she did. I didn't really believe we'd see war in the series. I thought they'd be able to avoid it, take care of things before it reached that point. It's hard as a reader to see their beloved characters entering such a precarious situation, but I can't believe how hard it is for author to write them. To decide who lives and who doesn't. So as I said, kudos to Ms Singh. Also, the storyline is as always so solid - loved it. I hope that the series won't end at the end of the war, that we'll see a bit of the aftermath - because that's always the critical part.

All in all, I really enjoyed Kiss of Snow. I think Ms Singh did a great job balancing the storyline, the romance, the serious parts with the light-hearted ones. Sascha giving birth? It gives hope :) This book could have been very dark, but it wasn't. It's just unfortunate that the romance between Sienna and Hawke did not work for me, especially since I enjoy their characters so much.

My Grade: B+.

Review: Play of Passion by Nalini Singh

I'm playing catch up again :P I've been doing very good blogging-wise at the beginning of the weeks and letting the ball drop at the end ^_^; I blame work, of course LOL. The past few weeks, I've been going to another hospital to recruit patients for the study we're doing  on Friday morning (very early in the morning) and thus, it's screwing my whole scheduling. So I'm trying something different this week and posting something up on Tuesday. LOL, I know, shocking. Plus, I've read so many good books since the end of October and I'm dying to review some of them :P So look out for my next few reviews... I'm going to start with Play of Passion by Nalini Singh :P


Play of Passion by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley in November 2010

As a conflict with Pure Psy looms on the horizon, two powerful wolves fight a far more intimate war of their own...

In his position as tracker for the SnowDancer pack, it’s up to Drew Kincaid to rein in rogue changelings who have lost control of their animal halves—even if it means killing those who have gone too far. But nothing in his life has prepared him for the battle he must now wage to win the heart of a woman who makes his body ignite…and who threatens to enslave his wolf.

Lieutenant Indigo Riviere doesn’t easily allow skin privileges, especially of the sensual kind—and the last person she expects to find herself craving is the most wickedly playful male in the den. Everything she knows tells her to pull back before the flames burn them both to ash…but she hasn’t counted on Drew’s will.

Now, two of SnowDancer’s most stubborn wolves find themselves playing a hot, sexy game even as lethal danger stalks the very place they call home...

Genre: paranormal romance
Series: Psy/Changelings series, Book #12 (counting novellas)

The Story: Andrew Kincaid has been attracted to Indigo Riviere for what seems to be forever. However, it's not easy to woo a dominant female, especially when you're younger and outside of pack hierarchy and thus, the dominance ladder. Still, Drew is one determined wolf :P

Indigo has never regarded Drew that way. As a good friend - yes, as someone she enjoys spending time together - yes... but as a potential lover? He's Riley's little brother for God's sake! Also, Indigo has seen first hand what happens when a dominant female mates with a less dominant male and she's determined not to walk down that path. Factor in the recent events and the Pure Psy moves and Indigo is in no mood for romance...

My Opinion: LOL, like so many of you, I always look forward to Ms Singh's new release and Play of Passion was no exception :) Especially after I found out that the heroine would be Indigo - I've been wishing for her book since Caressed by Ice - and she'd be paired up with Drew!! Woohoo!! So I got my hand on Play of Passion as soon as I could and just proceeded to devour it :P

My first impression of Play of Passion was that it was a nice change of pace in the Psy/Changelings series. In the last few books, there's been a lot of progress in the overall story-arc, the tension has been building up and as a result, the focus was placed on the plot. There's nothing wrong with that, especially if the romance is satisfying and it was... but at the same time, I thought romances featuring a female Psy were starting to get a wee bit redundant and so, I was really happy Play of Passion was about two changelings.

Play of Passion was all about Indigo, Drew and their courting and I loved it :)  As one of the lieutenants in the SnowDancer pack, you know that Indigo is a strong and tough woman. However, seeing her interact with the younger members of the pack, you know there's a softer side to her. Indigo is definitively all woman and perhaps the most balanced character we've seen in the series so far :) I liked how she was able to deal with everyone and any situations... and that includes Hawke :P As for Drew. Ah Drew! LOL. I didn't expect to like him so much :) We've caught glimpses of his personality in the previous books, but it was pretty much restricted to the protectiveness and love of an older brother. As it turns out, Drew is so much more :) I think what I liked the most about his character was his attentiveness - he paid attention to his surroundings, to the people around him and considered, never dismissing a detail. I think that particular quality bridged his more playful attitude with the more serious side of his personality. I liked how he reached out to everyone, especially Sienna and his charming side... Seriously, who could resist? :P

The romance between Indigo and Drew was very well written and developed and more importantly, the obstacles to the relationship were real and not simply there just to be there. I thought it was a bit frustrating that everyone seems to look down on Drew because he was outside of the hierarchy. I thought being the Hunter would give him more cloud, mean more and instead, it was the opposite with his pack mates not being sure of his position and status and sometimes, how to treat him. I mean, it's pretty obvious that he is dominant... I guess the question was how much "more" dominant he was. Also, it seems much more difficult for dominant females to find a mate and so, made Indigo's fears and worries more realistic. Although, seriously, she didn't stand a chance with Drew's tactics! :P Now, there's a guy who knows how to win a woman's heart :P I thought it was nice that the relationship developed smoothly, two friends becoming lovers, and that each had to make some adjustment.

While Play of Passion was more focused on the romance, there were still some action and progress in the story. I actually like the fact that we got a better view and understanding of the SnowDancer pack. We know the DarkRiver pack very well, but our knowledge of the SnowDancers has been limited to what we've glanced in Caressed by Ice and I enjoyed seeing their dynamics. The interactions between Hawke, Indigo and Drew were very interesting in my opinion, how they know their Alpha and how he can assess the situation in a glance. Also, I enjoyed the camaraderie between Drew and Judd. It proves that Judd has really been accepted :P I also liked the secret meetings between Nikita, Anthony (Faith's father), the DarkRiver pack and the SnowDancer pack... and it finally shed lights about why everything is taking place in San Francisco. Also, I think it was a good move on Ms Singh's part to slow things down a little. Usually, it's the opposite and authors are building up for the big book... however, that usually leads to very high expectations and sometimes, to disappointment. We all know the next book is going to be Hawke and Sienna's and there's already enough anticipation I think due to the pairing... so really, Ms Singh doesn't need to add more oil to the fuel :P

My Grade: B++. Play of Passion was a great and fast read which I really enjoyed. I liked the characters and the romance. Perhaps I wished there'd be a bit more balance between the romance and the plot, but if I have to choose between the two, romance wins for sure :P I'm definitively looking forward to Hawke and Sienna's book, can't wait to see how that will turn out :)

By the way, I heard that Hawke's book will complete this story-arc and that Ms Singh will take the series to another city afterward and start a new story-arc. Can anyone confirm this and whether there's been changes in the plans or not? With the way things are going right now, it seems unlikely to me, although it would be very interesting :P  Also, I really hope that Lara and Walker will get their own book :P

Review: Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh

I was writing my Monthly Reads post, but not only it's taking time because I read a lot last month (woohooo), but I got distracted by the new Nora Roberts - The Search. Then, this morning, on my way to work, I realized why not review Bonds of Justice? It's fresh in my mind and I know what I want to say LOL. Bonds of Justice it is :P


Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh

published by Berkley in July 2010

Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor’s closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of a catastrophic mental fracture…

Sophia Russo is a Justice-Psy, cursed with the ability to retrieve memories from men and women so twisted even veteran cops keep their distance. Appointed as Max’s liaison with the Psy, she finds herself fascinated by this human, her frozen heart threatening to thaw with forbidden emotion. But, her mind filled with other people’s nightmares, other people’s evil, she’s standing on the border between sanity and a silken darkness that urges her to take justice into her own hands, to become judge, jury…and executioner…

Genre: paranormal romance
Series: Psy-Changeling, Book #10

The Story: Sophia Russo is a Justice-Psy which means she has a particular telepathic talent that gives her the ability to navigate crazed minds, retrieved their memories and project them. Because of the nature of their work, J-Psy are more susceptible of emotions and their shields, more likely to break down... and once that happens, they are completely rehabilitated, leaving a blank-minded body behind. Sophia is very close to the point of no return, her shields being so fragile that actual skin-to-skin contacts could lead to a flood of memories and emotions and fry her mind.

Max Shannon was the cop introduced in Mine to Possess. As previously mentioned, he has natural shields - very good against mental invasions. While he'll never make it far in Enforcement because of them, he's also the  perfect cop to investigate cases where you don't want the primary to be read or influenced, especially when you have many Psy enemies... which is why Nikita Duncan wants him.

Nikita's close advisors are being murdered one after the other. It quickly becomes clear the reason is because Nikita has "alliances" with humans and changelings, marring the image of Psy superiority. Max and Sophia suspect the Pure Psy, a group of fanatics that want Psy to be isolated, and come to the conclusion that it must have been an inside job. While they work on this case, Max and Sophia don't forget another one they've been walking on, trying to break a serial killer into revealing where he's buried his victims so they return them to their families....

My Opinion: Hmmm, I'm a bit torn with this one. I really wanted to love it, but in reality, it feels like an echo of Mine to Possess. I enjoyed the plot, liked the way the story-arc is advancing. It does feel like we're about to reach the culmination of the series and I'm really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, I was less entranced by the romance, but not for the usual reasons ^_^;

I actually enjoyed the characters in Bonds of Justice. Did I ever expect Max to get his own story? Not really. Was I excited to read his book? Well the fact that I didn't remember who he was speaks for itself, right? However, he was a solid hero. He's a solid cop, determined and dedicated to his job. I think the fact that he stays in Enforcement knowing that he's less likely to climb up the ladder speaks very loudly and very positively of his personality. His background was interesting and the fact that he wanted to know and find out. As for Sophia,  I admired her dedication to her work, bringing justice. I also liked the fact that she went after what she wanted: Max. Unfortunately, she didn't really stand out for me, because I feel she isn't very different than any of the other Psy heroines we got so far.

That's also my crux with the romance in Bonds of Justice. It just doesn't stand out for me. Alpha hero falls in love with a Psy heroine that's on the verge of dying or breaking down. If you've read my blog, you know that I like self-sacrificing heroines... and so I do like this premises.... but how many times have we've seen it in this series? Too many.  Also, I had a discussion with Hilcia a few weeks ago concerning how she thought Dev was very changeling-like, the possession, the "mine." I told her it was attributes to alpha-ness. Well in Max case, I thought he felt very changeling and I think it's because his reaction to Sophia was very similar to Lucas, Vaughn and Dorian with their mate. Max was attracted to Sophia, he didn't hide it and he pushed. These are the reasons why I wasn't engaged by the romances... because it feels repetitive. The circumstances and details are different, but the basics are the same :( Although, kudos to Ms Singh for the resolution in this one - that, I didn't see it coming.

Once again, I'm enjoying where Ms Singh is taking us with the world building and the intrigues. She keeps adding new layers to the plot, making it more intricate while the readers keep guessing... Is Kaleb really a good guy? And what's up with the Arrows? What about Nikita? She's one cold Psy, but at the same time, one hard cookie LOL. I previously dismissed her as selfish, but now, I'm having my doubts. We also see the Council divide and this is definitively going to keep the story interesting. I liked the fact that although the main plot was Psy matters, Lucas and Sascha got to play a more important role. They weren't only in the story because Lucas is alpha. I really liked how Sascha's pregnancy was connected to the storyline. Overall, I really enjoyed the storylines, but personally could have done without the last bits with Bonner. I find it hard to believe that the serial killer could escape such a secure facility.

The last few things I'm going to mention are simply thoughts on the series more than on the actual book. I thought Max didn't feel very human, what with his alpha attitude and his natural shields. I understand that has he been different, it'd be a completely different story.... but I'd like to see a genuine, normal, regular human in this series and see how s/he deals with this world. I'm also very happy the next two books are going to feature the SnowDancers. It'll be a good change of pace and will shift the focus a little from the Psy :P

Finally, did anyone pick up on the woman that slipped her card to Max during the sushi take-out pick-up? Keiko Nakamura. For some reasons, her last name rings a bell. Any chance she's a relative of Sascha (giving that her great-grandmother defected...)?

My Grade: B. Ms Singh definitively knows where she's going with the series and it only becomes more interesting with each book. However, I'd really like for her to change it up a little bit in the romance department. Therefore, I'm really looking forward to the next book which will feature Indigo and Drew :P Yay!

Re-Read: Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh

My re-read this month - okay, last month :P - was Mine To Possess by Nalini Singh. The reason I chose to re-read this book was to prepare myself for Ms Singh's upcoming release, Bonds of Justice, as the hero, Max, was introduced in Mine to Possess. LOL, great minds think alike, since Hils did too :)

You can click here to read my original review, which was a buddy review with Chantal over at Breezing Through. 


Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh

published by Berkley in February 2008

A ghost returns from a leopard changeling’s past, making him question everything—even his base animal instincts…

Clay Bennett is a powerful DarkRiver sentinel, but he grew up in the slums with his human mother, never knowing his changeling father. As a young boy without the bonds of Pack, he tried to stifle his animal nature. He failed... and committed the most extreme act of violence, killing a man and losing his best friend, Talin, in the bloody aftermath. Everything good in him died the day he was told that she, too, was dead.

Talin McKade barely survived a childhood drenched in bloodshed and terror. Now a new nightmare is stalking her life--the street children she works to protect are disappearing and turning up dead. Determined to keep them safe, she unlocks the darkest secret in her heart and returns to ask the help of the strongest man she knows...

Clay lost Talin once. He will not let her go again, his hunger to possess her, a clawing need born of the leopard within. As they race to save the innocent, Clay and Talin must face the violent truths of their past...or lose everything that ever mattered.

Genre: paranormal romance
Series: Psy-Changeling series, Book #5 (counting novellas)

The Story: Clay and Talin met as children. Talin was with a foster family with parents that abused her and when Clay found out, he killed the foster father. He ended up in juvie for 4 years and when he came out, was told that Talin has died. Luckily for Clay, he was later picked up by Nate who brought him back to DarkRiver.

Fast-forward 16 years and Talin shows up, asking Clay for help. Talin is a social worker, working for the Shine Foundation, and her charges have disappeared. One was found dead with some organs missing, the other is still missing. Talin's life is running short, but she's determined to keep her promise to Jonquil and not give up on him. Unfortunately, Enforcement is not interested in the case and thus, Talin needs help from people with power and connection...

My Opinion:  Phew, my memory was a bit rusty ^_^; I mean, I remembered the big lines of the book; however, for the life of me, I could not place Max LOL. So I'm happy I did the re-read.

On one hand, this book was very interesting. Mine to Possess was the first book with a human protagonist and as a result, it introduced a new dimension to the Psy-Changeling world. Primarily, we got to explore outside the Pack and the Psy, see how the world is in 2080. The introduction of the Shine Foundation and the Forgottens was engaging and well weaved in the storyline. I especially liked the addition of the Forgottens. It sounds simple and very logical at first, but I think it's something  not all authors would have thought to include in the world building. Ms Singh definitively has her world all figured out and she's revealing it according to her plan :) All the elements introduced move the whole story-arc forward and I thought Mine To Possess was really a pivotal book in the series :)

As for the plot itself, the kidnapping and etc. I thought it was good. Perhaps the whole was a bit too easy to figure out - connect the dots, but it was still good. I especially liked how the kids were rescued :)

What didn't work too well for me was Talin and Clay characters and subsequently, the romance. Talin was a hard heroine to like, especially in the beginning of the book. There she is, having lied to Clay, made him suffer... and she shows up out of no where, asking for his help... and when he becomes angry, she has the nerves to say: "What happened to you? You weren't like that before." I mean, seriously?!? You betrayed him and you expect him to welcome you, open arms? Plus, she's afraid of him which obviously doesn't help... but worst, you antagonize him!! Ugh. I understand she had a terrible childhood and was traumatized, but I didn't follow nor was able to sympathize with her train of thoughts and outbursts. As for Clay, he was more likable than Talin, but not by much. He was such an angry character, with the brooding and the growling. Then, he pushed and pushed Talin till she accepted and started breaking out of her shell. Good, but by then, I cared little about them and the romance :( All in all, I just feel that Talin and Clay were not the most compelling characters Ms Sing has written.

My Grade: Originally, I gave Mine to Possess a B+. Now, after re-reading it, I feel that was the fangirl in me talking and Mine to Possess is more of a B-. Ms Singh is definitively a great author and all of her books are strong and solid. Still they are some better than others, unfortunately, Mine to Possess is not one of those. I just couldn't connect with Talin and Clay and it kind of ruined it for me, luckily, the engaging plot and events saved it for me :)

Review: Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh

Eeeeh, I'm late for work, so I'll try to do this quick!! I have to say though, I don't care. It's finally Friday!! Yay!! No seriously, this week was bad. I was in a wicked mood and work was abysmal :( All I wished since Wednesday was for the week to be over and it went by soo, oh sooo, slowly T_T Hopefully, today will go better.

Tomorrow, I'm heading out to Quebec City for the week-end. My cousin and aunt organized a surprise party for my uncle - 50 years old ;) Seriously can't wait!!

Otherwise, I have another buddy review up at Breezing Through. I know, shocking!! LOL :P Two in one week!! I wanted to space it out, but since they were ready... :P This time, my buddy reviewer is Cindy and we had lots of fun!! Click here to read our review of Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh!


Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley Sensation in July 2009

Though DarkRiver sentinel Mercy is feeling the pressure to mate, she savagely resists when Riley Kincaid, a lieutenant from the SnowDancer pack, tries to possess her. The problem is not simply that he pushes her buttons; the problem is that he’s a wolf, she’s a cat, and they’re both used to being on top.

But when a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped from DarkRiver territory, Mercy and Riley must work together to track the young man—before his shadowy captors decide he’s no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it’ll leave them both branded by fire…

Review: Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh

In the past 2 years, a lot of new series have emerged and I think that readers have seen everything. Ex-soldiers, ex-agents, cops, firefighters, vampires, werewolves and so on. Two series with alternating main characters that have caught and managed to retain my attention are the Psy-Changelings series by Nalini Singh and the Guardians series by Meljean Brook.

Ms Nalini Singh's next release is Hostage to Pleasure coming out in a few weeks on September 2nd. I was one of the lucky winners in her contest for an ARC and you can't believe how happy I was! It was even better than to get a new job!! LOL :)

So here are my thoughts of Hostage to Pleasure...


Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley in September 2008

Separated from her son and forced to create a neural implant that will mean the effective enslavement of her psychically gifted race, Ashaya Aleine is the perfect Psy - cool, calm, emotionless...at least on the surface. Inside, she's fighting a desperate battle to save her son and escape the vicious cold of the PsyNet. Yet when escape comes, it leads not to safety, but to the lethal danger of a sniper's embrace.

Dark River sniper Dorian Christensen lost his sister to a Psy killer. Though he lacks the changeling ability to shift into animal form, his leopard lives within. And that leopard's rage at the brutal loss is a clawing darkness that hungers for vengeance. Falling for a Psy has never been on Dorian's agenda. But charged with protecting Ashaya and her son, he discovers that passion has a way of changing the rules...

Genre: paranormal romance
Series: Psy-changelings series, book #5

The Story: Ashaya Aleine is a M-Psy scientist that has been introduced in the previous books of the series. In Mine to Possess, she helped the cat changelings by rescuing two human kids in exchange of a favor. In the beginning of Hostage to Pleasure, Ashaya calls in the favor: she wants the cats to save her son who's been used by the Psy council as a hostage to force Ashaya to work for them. After her son disappears from the Psy net, Ashaya fakes her death to escape the Psy council... however, the councilors are not about to let Ashaya go so easily, not when she knows so much about them and their plans.

Dorian Christensen, Dark River's Sentinel and sniper, can't forget Ashaya Aleine, ever since he had her in his scope. He figures it's just a bad case of lust, because he can't be falling for a psy. Not after what happened to his little sister and especially not for a perfect psy who is not willing to break Silence.

My Opinion: All right, so here is the deal... after reading Hostage to Pleasure twice, I'm a bit torn. This is definitively a great addition to the series and I'm sure that fans of Dorian will be satisfied; however, Hostage to Pleasure has its flaws.

To me, what worked was the storyline, the writing and the world building. Hostage to Pleasure was great in the sense that it made the whole series storyline advances. A lot of series have their general storyline, when they have one, stalled at some points, but it is not the case with this series. The credit definitively goes to Ms Singh. She was able to create a complex world, but at the same time, she was smart enough not to rush the building of the world. She gave the readers enough information to start the series and with each new book, she adds a new element to the world that fits. These new elements do not feel like an after-thought and their purpose is not to make the series more complex. Instead, she works the new elements in well and they complement her storyline of the Psy rebellion and the changes in the world that are coming.

I also enjoyed the storyline between Dorian and Ashaya. I think that Ms Singh had it well thought out and had it in control. There were many issues between Dorian and Ashaya such as Dorian's hatred for the Psy, Ashaya's behavior towards her son and so on and Ms Singh was able to address them all and the resolutions were all satisfactory. I do think that Ms Singh could have had more scenes between Dorian and Ashaya and could have taken their relationship a tad slower... but given Dorian's behavior, it was understandable.

Speaking of Dorian's behavior, that is one aspect of the book that I didn't really enjoy. Perhaps because it's been a couple of books since Slave to Sensation and Dorian's presence has not been as prominent as in the first book... or because in the past few books, Dorian seemed to be better, more joyful. However, he was very harsh and angry in Hostage to Pleasure and although it was well explained, I didn't like it much. What was good though is that it wasn't out of character for him, he was very much like in the beginning of Slave to Sensation, perhaps even more angry. It's also good that we got to know Dorian so much across the series, because the book focused a lot more on his anger and present state of mind. Since we know him so much, it didn't feel like there was a lack of characterization.

Ashaya was definitively an interesting heroine. I really enjoy Ms Singh's heroines, because they are so different from one another. Their personality and issues make them very distinct and that's great in a series to keep a certain freshness. Ashaya is a very strong-minded heroine, very courageous, but at the same time, she has weakness that make her very vulnerable. She also has a certain maturity and is less naive or idealist than the previous heroines which suit her character a lot. I really liked her character and although Ashaya and Dorian had a lot of chemistry, I'm not totally sure they fit. I thought something was a tiny bit off... that is why I wish for more scenes of them together. Like I said, I suspected it was because of Dorian's anger, I felt like there was no moment he was really calm during the relationship and his anger and lust made everything happened so fast. If the relationship could have happened a tad slower, it would have been better.

One thing I'm not certain about though is Ashaya's sense of responsibility. I can't say too much about it without giving out spoilers, but those who have read the book will know what I'm talking about. I can understand why she wants to protect and take care of that person, why she feels so much responsibilities. However, after what Ashaya's gone through because of that person, I find it hard to believe that Ashaya still feels responsible. Therefore, I'm not sure that the resolution to that problem totally pleases me.

What else did I enjoy? The apparitions of previous characters. They didn't overshadow the H/H and their presences were all pertinent. Ms Singh didn't just bring them back to please the readers, instead, their presences contribute to the storyline. Another thing that Ms Singh does well is series baiting. Many readers have complained in the past about authors baiting them for the next books with characters actually overshadowing the H/H... however, it is not the case with Ms Singh. For example, the next book will be Mercy's book and although she's been introduced since book #1, we don't know her well. Ms Singh has kept her in the background, giving us very few information so readers weren't distracted with her in the past. However, now that her book is coming up, Mercy gets more 'screen time' and we learn more about her, but not excessively. So that was fun :) Keenan was also very cute and for those who don't like kids in their books, don't worry...

All right, so along the review, I did mention a few things that I didn't particularly like or enjoy such as Dorian's behavior... but Hostage to Pleasure has two more flaws. First: I thought there were too much point of views from others. We got slices of different councilors (Kaleb Krychek, Ming Lebon, Henry Scott) in addition of the newly introduced human faction, Human Alliance. Individually, it wasn't too bad, but combined together, I thought it a bit too much. The most annoying was it cut into the flow of the storyline. The second flaw is not major... Simply put is that when reading the series, the psy-changelings world seems to be restricted to San Francisco... but it is not the case. When Ms Singh says that the Psy are dominating the world, I have the feeling it's simply the USA or even San Francisco only. The international feeling is not there. When we're talking about Psy rebellion, again, I feel like it's only happening in San Francisco. What about the changelings status in the rest of the world? Perhaps it would help if Ms Singh starts to give us the status of the rest of the world. I know she has tried to place the councilors in different parts of the world and the Human Alliance is based in Venice... but I still don't get the international feel.

My Grade: Between B and B+. Like I said, a great addition to the Psy-changelings series with good writing and good characters, but I think that the romance story was a bit rushed. As a result, when I read Hostage to Pleasure, it was more with my head than my heart.

Review: Beat of Temptation by Nalini Singh

Okay, so I got An Enchanted Season on Monday... and we all know or can guess why I got this anthology right? Nalini Singh. So far, I've only read her story, Beat of Temptation, and thought I'd reviewed it :D


Beat of Temptation by Nalini Singh
published as part of the anthology An Enchanted Season, by Berkley in October 2007

Young Tamsyn has always held a special place in her heart for her powerful fellow pack-member Nate. But as a dominant male leopard in the pack, the more experienced Nate doesn’t want to trap Tamsyn into the fierce demands of the mating bond—a bond driven by the animal within—when she’s hardly had the chance to grow into a woman. But Tamsyn knows what she wants for Christmas, and she’s going to get it...

Genre: paranormal romance, shapeshifters
Series: Psy/Changeling world, Book #0.5

We've all complained at one point or another how we find novella/short story unsatisfying, because they are too short... However, this sure is not the case with Beat of Temptation. Ms Singh took a clever approach when writing this novella. Instead of writing the story of new characters that need to fall in love, she went back and explored how it all begin between Tamsyn and Nathan. I say clever because 1) we all know what/how they are in the future and so, Ms Singh doesn't have to wrap it up and 2) those who won't read this novella won't miss anything needed for the further development of the series.

Those who have read Slave to Sensation all know and remember Tamsyn, the Dark River healer, and her mate Nathan, who's also a sentinel. Nathan is 10 years older than Tamsyn and has been holding off from completing the mating dance, because he wants Tamsyn to enjoy her freedom. He also doesn't want to suffocate her in this demanding relationship, because he's seen what can happen... and it's not always HEA. However, completing the mating dance is what Tamsyn wants and needs. As a result, she takes the matter into her hands... Okay, I almost just repeated the book blurb :P

Anyway, I really enjoyed the story :D Yes, it was short, but everything was covered - Tamsyn's feelings, Nathan's reasoning - and I can't really think of what Ms Singh could have added to the story. The story focused on Tamsyn and Nathan and their relationship and there was nothing really complicated. I personally enjoyed seeing young Tamsyn and Nathan, not that they are much different from the ones we know already... With this novella, you really see the effects of a fullfilling mate bond have on two persons. It also shed some lights on the mating bond... it's not automatic (as in recognizable at first sight) and although you feel attracted to each other or lust for each other, it doesn't guarantee happiness.

What else to say? I really liked Tamsyn and Nathan... Tamsyn is strong and has a backbone. She's also young and vulnerable and inexperiment. She's still young in many ways, but that didn't make her stupid. Nathan was just very alpha :D I also liked reading about a younger version of Lucas and Dorian and also, at a time when Dark River pack wasn't as strong. It actually would be very interesting to learn how Dark River got some prominent in such a short time.

There is a light storyline with a Psy, but it wasn't developed too much. The way it was handled though, didn't make it seem too superfluous. I'm even wondering if this Psy wouldn't appear again in the future.

In the end, I was very satisfied with this novella :D However, it did raise 2 questiosn: 1) How many shapeshifter races are there and if they all live as a pack? So far, I'm aware of wolves, leopards, wild cats, deers, hyenas, horses, eagles... are there marine species... Although, in the ideal world, Ms Singh shouldn't explore all of them too much (like Ms Marjorie M. Liu)... and 2) how long do these shapeshifters live?

Despite those two questions, I'm giving this book a B+ :)


Also, a little more book pimping for Ms Singh... Many have read Caressed by Ice and enjoyed it greatly. So here's some info about the next book, Mine to Posess:

Clay Bennett is a powerful DarkRiver sentinel, but he grew up in the slums with his human mother, never knowing his changeling father. As a young boy without the bonds of Pack, he tried to stifle his animal nature. He failed...and committed the most extreme act of violence, killing a man and losing his best friend, Talin, in the bloody aftermath. Everything good in him died the day he was told that she, too, was dead.

Talin McKade barely survived a childhood drenched in bloodshed and terror. Now a new nightmare is stalking her life--the street children she works to protect are disappearing and turning up dead. Determined to keep them safe, she unlocks the darkest secret in her heart and returns to ask the help of the strongest man she knows...

Clay lost Talin once. He will not let her go again, his hunger to possess her, a clawing need born of the leopard within. As they race to save the innocent, Clay and Talin must face the violent truths of their past...or lose everything that ever mattered.

This book comes out in February and already, I can't wait!! It sounds awesome :D

Slave to Sensation
Visions of Heat
Caressed by Ice

Review: Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh

SQUEEEEEE!!!

I got Caressed by Ice! Even better, I read Caressed by Ice!!! and guess what?!? I should be receiving my second copy of Caressed by Ice soon! LOL, yeah ^^; I pre-ordered Caressed by Ice, but couldn't wait to get my hands on it, so I rushed to the bookstore as soon as one of them had it.


Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley Sensation in September 2007

As an Arrow, an elite soldier in the Psy Council ranks, Judd Lauren was forced to do terrible things in the name of his people. Now a defector, his dark abilities have made him the most deadly of assassins—cold, pitiless, unfeeling. Until he meets Brenna.

Brenna Shane Kincaid was an innocent before she was abducted—and had her mind violated—by a serial killer. Her sense of evil runs so deep, she fears she could become a killer herself. Then the first dead body is found, victim of a familiar madness. Judd is her only hope, yet her sensual changeling side rebels against the inhuman chill of his personality, even as desire explodes between them. Shocking and raw, their passion is a danger that threatens not only their hearts, but their very lives.

Genre: paranormal romance, psychics and shapeshifters
Series: Psy/changelings series, Book #3

Why did I get this book? If you don't know the answer, you haven't been around blogland for the past year. This series is really good! That's the reason!

My impressions? This book was good! I completely loved it! After Visions of Heat, which was a bit disappointing, I wasn't sure what to expect. Was this series continues to tank or... Well I'll never doubt again and I can't wait for the next book!!! All in all, Ms Singh did an awesome job... I really liked the hero, Jude, as well as the story :D What I like is that Ms Singh doesn't overdo it like some other authors. She also doesn't prepare the readers for her next book, plugging her next hero/heroine/couple and giving them the spotlight. What I find awesome as well is that the main storyline, the war btw Psy and changelings, is also advancing throughout the books.

The Hero, the Heroine and the Romance: We met the heroine for the first time in Slave to Sensation: Brenna Shane Kincaid. She's a wolf who was kidnapped and then tortured by Enrique Santano, a Psy Councilor. She has healed, but obviously, something in her or actually, in her mind has changed... and it's not just the trauma. Seriously, Brenna left me a bit indifferent. She wasn't annoying or TSTL or anything, it's just... I don't know... I was too invested in Judd to really care about her :P Also, I thought that she was Hawke's little sister, but I was wrong :P

Judd was an awesome hero though :P Although Psy are not supposed to feel emotions, Judd is really his own person. For some reason, I've been given the impressions that Psy actually can,t think, that they are puppets which is not the case at all. However, Judd is really his own person and he although he doesn't admit it, he can "feel." I also really admire his loyalty for his family. That is something I really enjoyed... It was also interesting to see the Psy prospective from the opposite gender, since so far, the only Psy we've been with are Sascha and Faith, both women. Also, because of his status, an Arrow soldier, I think that Judd knew more about the real truths of the Psy world than Sascha and Faith... Obviously, he was less naive and knew what he had to do to get out of the Silence's clutches.

I enjoyed the romance. I really did. I thought there was a great balance between the romance and the action. I also liked the progression... it didn't happen too fast and they didn't jump in bed immediately either. I'm sure that many will enjoyt his book and the romance :P

Secondary characters: They were a lot of secondary characters, but none that really had its own storyline. In this book, we get to know more about the Snow Dancer pack. I liked seeing more of Hawke and the Lauren family. One intriguing character right now, for me, is Indigo :D We also get to see the Dark River cats as well as Sascha and Faith. However, as I said, none of the secondary characters stole the spotlight from Judd and Brenna and I really appreciated that :D

The Story: The story was really interesting and I enjoyed it :D We know from the previous book, that there is some kind of rebellion going on or at least, in the process of being organized. So we are introduced to the Ghost, a rogue Psy but also, revolutionary. Judd is helping him with his attacks and their main goal is to destroy Protocol I which is the next step to Silence. It all sounds complicated, but when you read the book, it's really the logical next step. In addition, you still have the Psy and changelings fighting and all I have to say is that the changelings are lucky to have a Psy on their side :D The fighting between the Psy and changelings is really interesting and I can't wait to see what the next move is going to be.

What I liked: Judd, the plot, the romance. I enjoyed the interaction of Judd with the pack as well as with his family. I'm also curious about Kaleb... and I'm wondering who is the Ghost!!!

What I didn't like: Frankly, nothing. The only thing perhaps is that I would have liked more interaction btw Judd and his family. I'm really curious about the Lauren family...

Grade: A-. I think that everyone should read this book LOL :P and I really can't wait for the next book. Sigh, have to wait till February...

Some speculation... Does anyone think like me that Hawke's heroine is Sienna Lauren? The only problem I see is their age difference... Hawke is 32 y.o. and Sienna is 17 y.o. So 15 years... it's not that huge, but still considerable. I really would like these two to be a couple, but I guess that if they were really mates, Hawke would have already recognized Sienna. I'm thinking that the other option is Kit and Sienna instead. Much closer in age and seriously, I think only an alpha can handle Sienna, LOL :P

Previous reviews:
Slave to Sensation
Visions of Heat

Psy-Changeling Quiz, Nalini Singh contest

As most of you already know, Nalini Singh is the author of the awesome series Psy-Changeling series :D They are two books so far and the third one, Caressed by Ice, is coming out in 2 weeks!! Can't wait!! You haven't read them? well here are my reviews for Slave to Sensation and Visions of Heat.

So Ms. Singh is holding this contest where all you have to do is take a quiz and discover who's your hero! I got Hawke!!!! I'm a lucky gal :D LOL, so whoever participates, gets the chance to win a 50$ certificate for Amazon :P All you have to do is take the quiz, post the result on your blog, myspace or whatever you have and leave a comment on the author's blog.

Also, I'd like to thank Jane from Dear Author for this great quiz!

If you're a fan of the Psy-Changeling series, well spread the love!

*Edit: Hmm, my results looks a bit funneh, but I don't know what's wrong... it usually looks better ^^;

Which Psy-Changeling Hero Is For You?

Your Psy/Changeling Hero: Hawke

An alpha wolf, Hawke is wildness contained, his strength as compelling as his beauty. Used to total control, he'll attempt to dominate any woman he claims, even as he loves her with an intensity born from the darkly sensual nature of his wolf. Dancing with this wolf is going to an exhilirating ride. Are you ready?Find out more about Hawke and the series at www.nalinisingh.com
Take this quiz!








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Review: Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh

**This review was originally posted on Twisted Kingdom.


I first heard of Nalini Singh when Slave to Sensation, her first book in the series, was released and getting good reviews in blogland. Both Cindy and Kristie as well as others were screaming "KEEPER, KEEPER, KEEPER" and seriously, I had to search for it for two entire weeks before getting my hands on it! And I just absolutely loved it :D So this time, I didn't take any chances and pre-ordered it :D Lucky me, it even arrived to my house before the release date, unfortunately, this and that have prevented me from reviewing it T_T I guess better late than never!

Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh: 4.25/5

published by Berkley in March 2007

Faith Nightstar is a F-Psy, i.e. a foreseer, who has had predictions since she was 3 years old and has been on the dot 99% of the time. As a result, her abilities are highly sought by business enterprises to predict the market trends and so, she is very precious to her clan. However, F-Psy are known to be the most fragile of the Psy and have a tendency to plunge into madness in their forth of fifth decades. Thus, most live in reclusion without physical contacts, because they trigger visions, and Faith is no exception - although she has more control than most. However, Faith has been troubled lately by dark visions and is afraid that her descent to madness has started. She knows that if her body breaks, it won't stop the Psy community to use her brain - for visions or for research to understand the mind of F-Psy. Thus, her only chance of a "normal" life would be to run away and drop from the Psy-net... However, no Psy can live without the feedback provided by the Psy-net... Except for Sascha Duncan, the mate of Lucas Hunter, alpha of the Dark River, the leopard changelings clan. Faith will do anything to stay alive and so, decides to go look for Sascha for help or at least, explanations... while slipping out of her compound, she runs into Vaughn D'Angelo, a jaguar changeling and Sentinel of the Dark River clan.

Genre: paranormal romance, shapeshifters, psychics
Series: Psy-Changeling world, Book #2

Review: I liked and enjoyed this book, but not as much as Slave to Sensation (StS). However, I still think that as a sequel, Visions of Heat is very good and does not disappoint. The story is good and enjoyable, but it's just I didn't connect with Faith and Vaughn as much as I connected with Sascha and Lucas. As a couple, Sascha and Lucas were more interesting in my opinion.

The Characters - Faith is an interesting heroine and certainly not TSTL. She has a head on her shoulders and knows how to use it. She's got a personality and can stand on her own. She's a bit ignorant of the outside world, but why go outside when it's dangerous for you? I guess you could say she's as much a loner as Vaughn and so, they fit well. The only thing I thought annoying a little was she kept warning Vaughn to not touch her - and that, I understand... but the repetition of the warning got tedious near the end, esp. when it was obvious Vaughn would not back up. As for Vaughn, I found he played with fire as he kept touching - I don't know, when someone tells you they might die because of something you're doing, if you really care for them, maybe you should consider stop doing it? I understand Vaughn's side, as he believes if Faith is to live outside of her compound, she must get accustomed to touch... but seriously, he didn't have to push her that fast. Otherwise, I liked Vaughn and thought of his story really interesting and actually, quite sad. No wonder he's such a loner and doesn't want to get that close to others. By the way, if you've been wondering, Vaughn is as yummy and alpha as Lucas, but I thought there was more chemistry between Lucas and Sascha than Vaughn and Faith.

We also get to revisit many, many characters, which to me is always a pleasure. I have to say however, that I'd like to see more of the other Sentinels and learn about them. I also love Roman and Julian, Tammy and Nate's cubs, they're just so, so, so cute! Talking about Tammy and Nate, I hope Ms. Singh doesn't do like  J.R. Ward and kill off one person of the couple - it's a very bad idea, Ms. Singh! We like balance and we don't need all the males to be single! Two other interesting characters, Kit - the possible next alpha. To know that there's already a next heir/successor apparent makes me a bit nervous, because I don't want Lucas to die :P but then, I guess Lucas could step down and that's an interesting idea/plot. The other interesting character is Judd Laurens, a Psy and something else. I wasn't expecting to see him in this book, but it was good to see him. Especially since he is the main character of the next book, but kudos to Ms. Singh, because his presence is very subtle. It doesn't scream: I have to start advertising for my next book! I have to make people wonder about Judd for my next book! Most importantly is that Judd does not steal the spotlight.

Story & Writing - The world Ms. Singh created is fascinating and quite complex and she did a good job in StS, setting it. So you don't have that much new information in this book. The only aspect of the world that is still quite unknown to the readers are the humans, but I'm sure that's coming up. What I really liked in StS and Visions of Heat is the flow between them. Not every author is capable of using what was written in the previous book to its full potential, but Ms. Singh was able to and the transition smooth. I guess what I mean is that the two books are continuous, as opposed as two separated stories within the same world and that is great.

The Cover - Hmmm, I don't dislike it, but I don't like it either...

Am I keeping this book? Yep :D

Anything else? Not really... Oh well, perhaps yet. If you go to Ms. Singh's website/blog, you'll see that she got her new cover. Her next book is called Caressed by Ice, coming out in September if I'm not wrong... and she has a story in Wild Thing, an anthology, for October :)

Review: Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

Hello everyone :D

So how was your week-end? Mine was pretty peaceful... in fact, I think I spent it reading, sleeping and eating :D However, I'm starting to get nervous, because I've been procastinating so much ^^; Really need to get my stuff together, argh!

So, this week-end, guess what I read? Yep, Slave to Sensation by Ms. Nalini Singh!! :D

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh: 5/5

In this new world, three races co-habit together: the humans, the changelings (basically shapeshifters) and the Psy. Psy are, well I guess, humans with psychics abilities. In order to be on top of the world, the Psy have initiated a program called Silence in order to strip them of all their feelings. If they can't feel fear, jealousy, anger, etc. then they can control their lives based on logic only and there shouldn't be violence and that's why Psy occupied the most powerful positions. Psy that have feelings are sent to an instution where they are brain-washed and stripped of their mental functions.

Sascha Duncan is a cardinal Psy, i.e. a Psy from the most powerful category/rank. Unfortunately, her potential was never unlocked and thus, she doesn't really have any high status in the Council/Psy community. Worst, she feels... and she knows that soon, she won't be able to hide the fact that she feels... which means she will be institutionalized.

Lucas Hunter is a panther/leopard and is the alpha of the DarkRiver pack. Not long ago, a female leopard of his pack has been kidnapped, tortured and killed. After investigating, he's found many more victim and has come to the conclusion that the serial killer can only be a Psy. In order to gain access to Psy information, Lucas strucks a business deal with the Duncan family... and as soon as Lucas sees Sascha, he knows that she is different.

One word: WOW :D This book was very good... The world building is nicely done and you learn stuff about the Psy and changelings throughout the book. The characters were cool too, very tough and smart. Sascha is in no way a TSTL heroine and Lucas, well he's the typical alpha shapeshifter, i.e. that he's strong, possessive, protective and yummy. As for the story, well it's really well constructed and I can't find anything that bothers me :D I can't think of anything else to write, I guess that the grade that I gave this book tells it all (it's the first book that gets a perfect note :D). I just want to share a little excerpt with you guys cos I found it so funneh.

Just to put you in context, Sascha is planning to leave the Psy; however, her mind is connected to a Psy-net (kind of like the internet) and she cannot live without that connections because it feeds her mind. So they are looking for a way she could survive...

"Impossible." Sascha was leaning forward, palms braced on the table. "I agree the connection between mates is almost psychic, but that bond doesn't exist for me with anyone else. How do I mate with more than one leopard?"

"You don't," Lucas snapped before he could stop himself. "You belong to me. End of story."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "I know that, your highness, but I was pointing out the impossibility of what Walker is suggesting. There's no way for me to link with anyone outside of you."

So now, my only worry is that the next book might not be as good :P