Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh

Book 9 in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series

Author Nalini Singh

Narrated by Angela Dawe

Publication date Jul 15, 2025 by Tantor

Running time 14 hrs

Paranormal romance

Eleri and Adam met 10 years before at a trial. He knew she was his mate. But then a killer walked free and they never saw each other again. Eleri is J-Psy and is hunting a serial killer. Adam is a falcon shifter who will do everything to keep his people safe.

But Eleri has had her brain wiped many times, her brain is also failing and she knows she does not have a lot of time left. While Adam, even if angry at first, really wants his mate. Drama.

There is the hunt for the serial killer, and the attempts to save Eleri´s mind. The world outside rests for a while in this book, but yes the Psy net is failing and I would really want to know what will happen there.

An enjoyable book that felt a bit like a sidestory, but something is found in this book that will probably help later on. I also must say, bird shifters, eh, I prefer my wolves and cats. But I guess a bird has its charm.

Angela Dawe is fantastic as always, it would not be a Singh book if it did not have Dawe. She has it all.

Justice-Psy Eleri Dias knows the end is near for her, her mind one step away from fatal psychic exposure. In the short time that remains, she is determined to atone for an act of omission that has haunted her for a long, cruel decade. But that decision not only means facing a powerful changeling wing leader, but also putting herself in the path of a serial killer.

Falcon wing leader Adam Garrett is fiercely protective of his family and his clan. After losing his parents as a teenager in a shocking act of malice, Adam has no forgiveness in him for the J-Psy who betrayed him, betrayed them, at the most painful moment of his life. But the evil that stalks his territory will allow him no respite, forcing him once more into contact with the J he has never been able to forget.

Everything that could've been between Eleri and Adam was lost years ago, a shimmering promise crushed. As they work to uncover a monster, the moment of reckoning looms ever closer. Soon, there may be no more time left for either atonement . . . or love . . .

Book Review: Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Tangle of Need

Series: Psy-Changeling #11

Genre: PNR, UF

Format: ebook

Pages: 428

Published: May 29, 2012

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

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.

Review:

Onto the next! Slowly making my way through this series. 

Here we have Adria and Riaz. Adria wants to break with the past and move forward. She finds herself in a new territory, but with one big complication...Riaz. She can't get him out of her mind, but he belongs to another. Riaz has a primal attraction for Adria and is struggling, but she is a lone-wolf and he has his whole life planned out already. Soon they won't be able to stay away from each other. At the same time, they are being drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter of everyone and the world. 

Is it just me? Do I need a break from this series? I've been slowly chipping away at the series, but the last two have been....mehs for me.

I felt nothing for this couple. I didn't hate them....but I didn't like them either. They were just there. I found myself more into the side characters and the big war. Honestly, I was itching for the war to just happen already LOL. Is that bad?

Sighs. Maybe I just need to step away for a bit from the series. Maybe I'll try another PNR/UF and see how I feel. Maybe I need a break from the whole genre overall. 

But yeah. Not a win for me, but it could be a me thing. 

2 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Hawke

- Least Favorite Character(s): eh. Normal. The bad Psy

 

Challenge(s):

- Library Love #5

Book Review: Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Kiss of Snow

Series: Psy-Changeling #10

Genre: PNR, Fantasy, UF

Format: ebook

Pages: 433

Published: May 31, 2011

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

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 . . .

Review:

Slowly getting my way through this series. :D

Sienna left the PsyNet and joined the SnowDancer pack. She can't get Hawke out of her mind and he is driving her insane. Hawke is used to being alone at the top. He loves his pack, but he doesn't want anyone too close to his heart. Sienna fascinates him but she is too naive. At the same time there is a deadly enemy out to destroy SnowDancer once and for all. Sienna has a secret that could be everyone's undoing. 

Is it wrong that I did not like Hawke or Sienna? I didn't hate them, but they drove me insane. Sienna is too wild and rakeless. Hawke is too cold. They do tear down the walls they both have but it took a while and I wanted to shake them. I also wasn't a huge fan of the age difference. She is like 19/20 and he is in 30s. Maybe if she was more mature? She acted her age most of the time so I just didn't vibe at first. By the end I did warm up to them. 

Now....my feelings toward the couple didn't ruin the story fully. I did enjoy watching them change and finally give in to love. I also am loving the background story. PLUS we got to see a lot of past characters and that made me happyyyy!!!

The last big scene??!!! I couldn't go to bed! I stayed up WAY too late finishing the book. I had to know how it was all going to be resolved. 

All-in-all, I had some issues with our main two, but I seem to be in the minority. I did warm up to them by the very end. Even with my issues, I still enjoyed this overall. The background story, the side characters, the big battle at the end? So fun. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Brenna, Sascha

- Least Favorite Character(s): Sienna and Hawke 

 

Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading Challenge #6 (Non-US author)

- Library Love #4

Book Review: Play of Passion by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Play of Passion

Series: Psy-Changeling #9

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, UF, SciFi

Format: ebook

Pages: 321

Published: November 2, 2010

Where I Got It: Library

Summary: 

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.

Review:

I was going to take a break from the series but then I realized this was going to be a changeling/changeling romance. We've had a lot of Psy woman being the stars so this was a nice switch-up. However, do not skip to this...you need to read the other books to fully grasp these characters and world situations. 

Here we follow Drew and Indigo. Drew is the tracker for the SnowDancer pack. It's up to Drew to rein in rogue changelings who have lost control of their animal halves. Indigo is a lieutenant of the pack. She doesn't easily allow people to get close to her and skin privileges? That is rare thing. They both want each other but they are the most stubborn wolves in the pack. At the same time they are playing games with each other, there is a lethal danger around the corner. 

This was a nice change-up (as I mentioned) with two changelings. I adored Drew and Indigo. So full of lust and love for each other, but so dang stubborn!!! It takes a lot for them to fully admit they love each other. It was worth it for sure. HOWEVER, Indigo did get a hair too "I'm a tough woman! You are dumb male! Grrrr." Chill lady. Drew is a dang sweetie!!!!

Outside of the romance, the Psy world is really crumbling and the tension is building and building. I was hoping to see more conflicts happen here...the build-up is crazy.....but it took forever for any sort of shoe to fall. Hopefully the next book something BIG happens. It's coming and I'm over here anxious. Don't get me wrong, some things happened at the end....but we are waiting for more. 

All-in-all, I really did enjoy this. It was a nice fresh breathe of air. It took a while for things to happen in the romance part and the story part, but I enjoyed the build-up. I'm super curious to see what is going to happen next. I may have to move that book up on my TR list. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Tension-filled 

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #14

Book Review: Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Bonds of Justice

Series: Psy-Changeling #8

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, UF, SciFi

Format: ebook

Pages: 348

Published: July 6, 2010

Where I Got It: Library

Summary: 

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 . .

Review:

One day I'll be all caught up ;) 

Okay...so here we have Max who is a cop. One of the best in New York Enforcement. He was born with a natural shield that protects him from Psy mental invasions. Sophia is a Justice-Psy with the ability to retrieve memories from people so twisted that even veteran cops keep away. She is appointed as Max's liaison with the Psy but her mental state is unwinding from all of the people's evils. The two will work together to take justice into their own hands. 

Please note - you shouldn't skip the other books...there is a lot of story and character build-up that you will need to understand what is going on. 

This started off well enough. Enjoying both of these characters and seeing the drama unfold. It's been a minute since I left off from the last book so I had to try and remember what happened last. I had to read my last review and summary of the last book to remember. Whoops. 

Things did stale a little bit for me. Mainly because of the slow unwinding of the story and romance. Things got better by the end, but yeah...a good chunk dragged by.

The romance was lovely and they did have great chemistry so I'm happy there. 

I didn't buy Sophia's recovery (no spoiler here - it's a romance you know it happens). It seemed....easy?

I would like a break from Psy women though. We have had so many. So cold, so unfeeling. I'm super excited for the next book which is two shifters. Yayy!

All-in-all, I enjoyed some parts while other parts seemed to drag a lot for me. Maybe I need a break from the Psy women. But I did LOVE their chemistry here and I loved the backstories. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Mixed

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #13

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh

Book 7 in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series

Author Nalini Singh

Narrated by Angela Dawe

Publication date Aug 15, 2023

Running time 13 hrs 21 min

Paranormal romance /to review

The bears are very, well they are bears. Loud, obnoxious, friendly and protective. You have to love the bears.

A Jack the ripper type is haunting the streets of Moscow. The Marshall family is coming to terms with their ghosts. And a bear is having visions that ends in blood.

Thea is a hidden Marshall. She has love Psy powers, she should have been killed at birth. What a waste of good genes. But she has a powerful twin and he has protected her even as they were separated. And now her twin wants to deal with the bad things their granddad did. And he sends Thea to RU to investigate an institution. Where lowgrade Psy were sent.

As her companion she gets a bear, and we all know how these Psy Changeling books go. He falls for her, she can´t resist him, even if she is Ice herself.

The killer is loose. These two fall in love and lust. Thea is dealing with her own powers and what has happened to her. And dang, her brother Pax sounds so interesting. We also gets bits and pieces of Yakov´s brother Pavel and his mate Arwen.

Another good installation in the series. The ending was rather chilling. I really need the next book because I am hoping it is Pax.

Great narration as always. Angela Dawe makes these books perfect. She is the narrator. Her voices are excellent and I really feel the power of everything

StoneWater bears Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev have been a unit since birth, but now Pavel’s life is veering in a new direction, his heart held in the hands of Arwen Mercant, a Psy empath—and the only man who has ever brought Pavel to his knees. This is it. A point of irrevocable change. For Pavel . . . for Arwen . . . for Yakov . . . and for another pair of twins whose bond has a far darker history.

A low-gradient Psy, Theodora Marshall is considered worthless by everyone but her violently powerful twin, Pax. She is the sole person he trusts in their venomous family to investigate a hidden and terrible part of their family history—an unregistered rehabilitation center established by their grandfather.

Places of unimaginable pain designed to psychically wipe minds, leaving the victims shells of their former selves, the Centers are an ugly vestige of the Psy race’s Silent past. But this Center was worse. Far, far worse. And now Theo must uncover the awful truth—in the company of a scowling bear named Yakov who isn’t about to take a Marshall at face value . . . especially a Marshall who has turned his dreams into chilling nightmares.

Because Yakov is the great-grandson of a foreseer . . . and he has seen Theo die in an unstoppable surge of blood. Night after night after night . . .

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Shards of Hope by Nalini Singh

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Series: Psy-Changeling, Book 14

Length: 15 hrs and 40 mins

Release date: 06-01-17

Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Limited

Paranormal romance /from nextory

I do prefer the none psy psy ones. Psy on Psy is just so cold. But it is still good, Singh is always good, Dawe is always an excellent narrator.

Aden and Zaira has been kidnapped. They escape, they find out they want each other. The world is still in danger.

It does lack the emotional connection I get from other pairings, and Zaira was just plain scary at times.

But hey, still good, and I want to try to finish as many as possible, I have read this series so out of order

Awakening wounded in a darkened cell, their psychic abilities blocked, Aden and Zaira know they must escape. But when the lethal soldiers break free from their mysterious prison, they find themselves in a harsh, inhospitable landscape far from civilization. Their only hope for survival is to make it to the hidden home of a predatory changeling pack that doesn’t welcome outsiders.

And they must survive. A shadowy enemy has put a target on the back of the Arrow squad, an enemy that cannot be permitted to succeed in its deadly campaign. Aden will cross any line to keep his people safe for this new future, where even an assassin might have hope of a life beyond blood and death and pain. Zaira has no such hope. She knows she’s too damaged to return from the abyss. Her driving goal is to protect Aden, protect the only person who has ever come back for her no matter what.

This time, even Aden’s passionate determination may not be enough—because the emotionless chill of Silence existed for a reason. For the violent, and the insane, and the irreparably broken . . . like Zaira.

Audiobook Review: Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh
Narrator: Angela Dawe
Title: Branded by Fire

Series: Psy-Changeling #6

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Published: July 7, 2009
Pages: Audible

Summary: 

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: 

Whoops accidentally skipped this one somehow. Luckily it didn't ruin the other book apparently so that is good news haha. However, for this one, you need to have read the other ones since there are some references and consequences of past books. 

Riley and Mercy need to work together to track a young man who was taken. They need to save him before his captors decide he's no longer useful. Along the way, these two dominants will feel the fire of lust, but it can't be. Riley is a lieutenant of the wolf pack. Mercy is a lieutenant from the Darkriver pack and is a cat. The two are too dominant to be mated, but love and passion cannot be ignored. 

I struggled a teeny tiny bit with this one. It just felt like it was dragging in some parts and so many times things were repeated. We.GET.IT.MERCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are a dominant woman and etc etc. Like okay. I AM WOMAN HERE ME ROAR. Don't get me wrong I like Mercy overall, but she just wouldn't let it go and she wouldn't let it go that Riley...at first...wanted a more submission mate and that is why he didn't think it would work between them two. His opinion changed and he realized he needed a woman who could challenge him. And she needed a man who could challenge her. Obv they are meant to be so shut it Mercy!

Sighs. 

Besides that, I did enjoy the story. There is a lot coming to head here. The Psy are teetering upon something big. It broke my heart at some points.

As always I love seeing some old characters that we love like Sascha, Lucas, Sienna, and etc. Love them. 

The narrator is perfect. I do prefer listening to the audio if possible. Just so good. 

In the end, Mercy annoyed me but I still liked this. I'm glad I went back to read this after realizing I missed it. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #29 for Audiobook challenge

Blodeuedd Reviews: Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh

By: Nalini Singh

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Series: Psy-Changeling, Book 13

Length: 15 hrs and 47 mins

Release date: 06-01-17

Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Limited

Paranormal romance / Nextory borrow

I will try it make this short...not my favorite in the Psy-changeling books. It felt slow and I never connected to Vasic or Ivy. The constant check backs to the previous couple was not a favorite either. I liked those, but I wanted this book to be about this couple .

Silence has fallen. Psy are turning into monsters. The Es most awaken and try to heal the net. Vasic, an arrow falls for an empath named Ivy. And well, dunno really, but it dragged at times.

The narrator is wonderful. I do love Dawe and she is amazing.

But not the best book in the series

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he's done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch - if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life. For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake....

Having rebuilt her life after medical 'treatment' that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now she'll fight for her people - and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy's fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness...

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh

By: Nalini Singh

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Series: Psy-Changeling, Book 12

Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins

Release date: 06-01-17 by Tantor Audio

Paranormal romance / from nexttory

I still have my audiobook streaming? site, oh damn, did I forget to cancel it by the way?! Anyway so I went for Singh. I read them randomly through the years. Then I started the new ones and devoured them. I did realise that I never actually finished the previous ones.

Well this got dark fast. Sahara has been a prisoner for 7 years and tortured. Kaleb was tortured all his life. He has trying to find her for 7 years to save her. Her mind is all messed up.

Damn. Dark. Their previous relationship is balancing on the edge for me. I mean hmmmm.

They are together again. He is darkness but wants her safe. She is falling for me. 

I should have written this at once. It was really good. Had me on the edge. He moves the earth for her, literally.

Angela Dawe is an amazing narrator and I have loved her Psy books so it was fun to try the earlier ones.

A dangerous, volatile rebel, hands stained blood red. A woman whose very existence has been erased. A love story so dark it may shatter the world itself. A deadly price that must be paid. The day of reckoning is here.

Audiobook Review: Christmas in the Kitchen by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Narrator: Angela Dawe

Title: Christmas in the Kitchen

Series: Psy-Changeling #7.1

Genre: UF, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Short story

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 21, 2012

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

A short story about life in the DarkRiver pack.

Review:

Wanted to read this but I had to do book 7 first! But yes, I found this randomly on Audible and how perfect for Xmas!!

This is a short and fun story about the holidays in DarkRiver. 

It was so nice seeing these folks have some downtime and enjoy their partners, family, and friends. They have had a lot of danger lately! 

The narrator did the last book. The same mini issue...some of the guy voices seemed very similar, but I enjoyed her voice overall.

Overall, fun, cute, and whimsical! Def worth the listen. It is super short, but fun for the holidays. 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #58 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Narrator: Angela Dawe

Title: Blaze of Memory

Series: Psy-Changeling #7

Genre: UF, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: August 29, 2011

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Dev Santos finds a woman with amnesia-and all she can remember is that she's dangerous. Stripped of her memories by a shadowy oppressor and programmed to kill, Katya's only hope is Dev. But he could very well be her next target.

Review:

Been meaning to move forward in the series but other things have gotten in the way. Decided to grab the audio of this one. 

Here we follow Dev and Katya. Dev finds a woman with amnesia on his porch. The only thing she can remember is that she is dangerous. She was stripped of all her memories and programmed to kill....at least she thinks so. She doesn't really remember what her mission is. 

This started off so good. I was so invested. Things got a little murky for me as I went along. 

My main issue was that we, the readers, are told what her mission is and etc. Katya has a dream of the memory (which we see) and she wakes up and doesn't remember until WAY later on. I was annoyed. I feel like that was the big reveal. I would've liked to know when she knew. It was sort of anti-climactic. 

I also had some issues with Dev too. He felt too cold for someone who isn't under Silence. He might as well had been. He was sort of jerky at times.  

I will say big kuddos is that we got a break from Psy/Changling love. Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed the other stories, but it was nice to see a Psy get with a Psy. She had been under Silence and he pretty much was and they got to discover love together. It was sweet.

The narrator was good. Perfect voices for everyone. A couple of the guy voices seemed pretty similar, but it worked since they were just side characters at this point. 

In the end, I had some issues. I wish I had liked Dev more and I wish the readers didn't learn the big reveal so early on. Overall, though, I had some fun and enjoyed the change of pace. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #57 for Audiobook challenge

2-in-1 Short Story Reviews: Beat of Temptation & Stroke of Enticement by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Beat of Temptation

(Psy-Changeling #0.5)

Genre: PNR, Short Story, UF, Sci FI, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 79

Published: March 5th 2013

Where I Got It: Library

Summary: 

Innocent Tamsyn has always had a place in her heart for Nathan, a blooded DarkRiver sentinel. But is she ready for the fierce demands of the mating bond?

Review:

Found these short stories at the library so I backed-tracked before moving forward. This one is .5. The events take place a few years before book 1. 

Tamsyn and Nathan are meant to be. They are mates, but Nathan wants her to enjoy her youth before they complete the mating bonds. That is not what Tamsyn wants, but is she ready for the fierce demands of the mating bond? Can she stand and just wait on Nathan's time table?

I wanted to smack the crap out of Nathan. YES, I get him wanting to wait until she was an adult. They first met when she was 15 and he was 20's (or something like that) and they realized they are mates, but she is a baby. Yes, yes. I am happy he wanted her to be an adult before anything could happen. Good on him. BUUUUT the moment she turned 18...and then 19...she was ready but he was all "Nooooo I don't want to tie you down yet. Be freeeeeeee first!!!" Which.... I get I understand he had a fear because his parents were youths when they mated and they became miserable. But if Tamsyn is ready and you feel ready...then you are ready. Gah dumb men. 

Even though I enjoyed this a lot, I was just so annoyed. Hell...the rest of the pack was all "DUDE JUST COMPLETE THE MATING BOND ALREADY IDIOT!" And then he gets all surprised she has enough and doesn't feel wanted and leaves?????

But yes. I enjoyed it even though Nathan was a dumb-dumb. I loved seeing them as a young couple. I loved seeing some of my beloved folks as youths. Teenage Lucas was adorable!

In the end, this was fun but I was mad at Nathan for 90% of the story. Sighs. Men are dumb and selfish sometimes. But yes, if you love the series I recommend back-tracking and checking this one out. 3 stars from me. 

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Stroke of Enticement

(Psy-Changeling #3.5)

Genre: PNR, Short Story, UF, Sci FI, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 75

Published:  2008

Where I Got It: Library

Summary: 

In Stroke of Enticement , Annie a wary young teacher, skeptical about love, arouses the man—and the animal—in an aggressive leopard changeling who must prove his affections are true.

Review:

Found these short stories at the library so I backed-tracked before moving forward. This one is 3.5.

Here we have Annie who is a human teacher who has come to the area to teach the young kids. She has to deal with different packs and different races. She is young, but she is skeptical about love because of her parents. In strides Zach Quinn. He realizes that they are meant for each other. She is his mate, but he wants to court her and prove his affections are true and forever. 

Squeeee I adored Zach Quinn!!!! He was perfect for Annie. I loved how he realized he needed to move slow-ish for Annie. He is the sweetest! 

Yes, they start dating pretty quickly, but Zach doesn't want her to get scared of the mating bond and that if done right they will be together forever. She is a commitment-phobe and doesn't want her heart broken.

Loved this one so much. I loved seeing them all celebrate Xmas. I wish this had been a full novel. I love them. 

In the end, you can read this without the others. I don't recall hearing about Zach and Annie in the others...now I'll have to keep my eyes out for their names. Cute couple. They were perfect for each other! 4 stars from me. Not 5 because I felt like we needed more time with them. They deserved a full book darnit!!!!! LOL I could be biased though.... 

Book Review: Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Hostage to Pleasure

(Psy-Changeling #5)

Genre: Paranormal Romance, UF, SciFi, Fantasy

Format: ebook

Pages: 330

Published: September 2nd 2008

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

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.

DarkRiver 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 . . .

Review:

The last one of the series was meh for me, so I was a little nervous about starting this one.

Here we follow Ashaya and Dorian. Ashaya is the perfect Psy. She is cool, calm, and emotionless...at least on the surface. When she is separated from her son and forced to create a neural implant that will mean the effective enslavement of her race, she is forced to escape. Which lands her in more danger with the DarkRiver sniper named Dorian. Dorian is a changeling, but he lacks the ability to actually transform into his animal form. After losing his sister to a Psy Killer, he has a rage building and he hungers for vengeance. Falling for each other is not on the agenda. 

I struggled a little bit with this one. Mainly because I didn't buy them as a couple. I liked them both, but as a couple? It seemed so impossible and the chemistry seemed lacking. 

However, I loved watching the story unfold. I couldn't stop reading because I had to know how everything was going to be fixed. The bad guy was fun! Super bad. 

I love this world even though there is such bad blood between the races.

Maybe in the next book, we'll see more of Ashaya and Dorian and I'll understand and see them be all in love and happy. But yes, even though I struggled with this couple I can't wait for the next book. Things are getting good. 

In the end, this was okay. I struggled with seeing them fall in love and etc, but I enjoyed the story itself and the world. Can't wait for the next book. I'll give this 3 stars. 

 

Joint Review: Kiss Hard by Nalini Singh

Hello all! Blodeuedd and I will be discussing "Kiss Hard" by Nalini Singh. Blodeuedd is in red and I am in purple.

Author: Nalini Singh
Title: Kiss Hard

(Hard Play #4)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports
Published: May 3rd 2022
Format: ebook

Pages: 329

Summary:

Daniel Esera is a young god on the rugby field, a sexy and charming man who's got the world at his feet. There's just one problem: his sudden potent attraction to his number one nemesis--Catie River. No. Just no. Not happening.

Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she's not about to allow Danny "Hotshot" Esera to derail her plans. Too bad her body isn't cooperating. Even worse? Her heart might be coming along for the ride. No. Nope. Never.

The pair are united in their desire to remain enemies... until a stranger's reckless action threatens both their careers. Now, the only way out for Catie and Danny is to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.

Let the games begin.

Discussion:

Since I read book 3 I have been dying waiting for this one to come out!!! 

I listened to them, so this was kind of weird, cos I kept hearing the narrator when I was reading. I must say I missed her!

I feel like I did at least one audio in this series. I’m blanking though. My memory is bad. 

I loved her NZ accent, sniff. So if I could change one thing then that would actually be to listen instead cos she was amazing! But this was fun too. Singh is amazing!

*does some digging* Ah yes, I did one of these with the narrator. #3 to be precise. I read over my review really quickly and I do remember liking the narrator a lot. However, you can’t go wrong! Reading or audio…Singh is good. I love her characters and her worlds. 

True true, I like her contemporary romances and her paranormal romances.  I can’t wait for her next psy book to come out. She is just always good.

I’m still playing catch-up with some of her paranormals. But she is good. This was good. And I love how she is willing to do different locations and whatnot. Like this is set in NZ. How often do we get NZ romances? 

tIt feels so refreshing, even if she is just like everyone else writing about what she knows - Well some do cave and write something boring set in NY ;) I really like the NZ aspect and rugby. And her pnr, I have not read all, but I am up to date with her latest.

Yess and I don’t recall ever reading a sports romance with rugby players. Maybe some guys that may casually play with their mates and whatever but with this one,, the rugby player is a celebrity. Oh and Catie working her way to win in the Paralympics. I loved Daniel. Big heart. And Catie too.

At the back of my brain I could see him and his team doing the Haka while I was reading. I feel like I need to watch a rugby game.

And yes Daniel was just so aww, cutie! And Catie was so cool, even if she had her issues with romance. But it will always work out. I liked the ending too. Go her!

It made sense why she was all anti-romance and anti-commitment. Between her unreliable father and emotionally-unavailable mother and that crappy ex….poor girl didn’t stand a chance. She really should see a therapist.Ooooo yes that ending was perfeeeeect! 

Yes she really needed to see someone to dig through her feelings. Her parents are the worst

Yepppp. Poor thing. And then wasn’t Daniel kinda a womanizer or at least a big ol’ flirt? So I can see why she was on the fence for a bit.

You always need some drama, and this was nice drama. It never felt like she made them suffer, lol

True, true. Plus, they have known each other for YEARS, so he totally understands and gets her worries and hesitations. Love him. He is so sweet. 

It felt so natural between them, cos yes they already knew each other. I was at home with them at once.

Same here. And it wasn’t insta-love which was perfect. They had the frenemies feelings, then more friendship, then lust mixed in, and then the love. It felt natural. 

I can’t say anything bad. A good romance. That is that lol

Indeed! It was a good romance. You really don’t have to read the other 3 but I would say at least read book 3. It was a nice stand-alone, but we do see the other couples and there are some references. 

I’d say perfect stand-alone, but if you want to know more and wonder about their family, the yes just read them all :D

The others are good too. I would highly recommend this series to romance lovers. 

Go read them :)

Oh and LISTEN!!! The audio is great

You can’t go wrong! Audio and reading…all great options!! I hope there is a book 5…doubtful bc I have no idea what couple would be next. 

Hmm, maybe one of her friends, his friends?

Was her bestie single? I can’t remember! She was a good egg and I would like to learn more about her. 

Dunno.

The end?

We shall see I guess! *fingers crossed* And yesss, the end. :) 

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging for a long while now. The last few years the epic duo has been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Carole's reading challenge(s):

- #18 for Romance Reading Challenge - Sports romance