Tag Archives: Psy-Changeling

Wild Embrace ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Wild Embrace ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Companion
In: Wild Embrace (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Collection, eBook
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I love the two collections of Psy Changeling novellas. They are all fun and kind of light compared to the rest of the series. They also add so much more texture and feeling to the world that I already adore. A great way to pass a little time away from reality.

Wild Embrace is kind of impossible to put down. Although there are four completely separate stories, you just want to keep feeling so happy and joyed by the stories. However, I do also recommend reading each of these novellas in the order with the rest of the series. It involves patience, but it definitely pays off.

Wild Embrace is full of sweet romances, and just all round a really enjoyable read. There is just enough angst in each of the stories to leave you coming back for more. But not quite as much as in the main series. Interesting, intriguing and inviting stories which will leave you coming back for more.

Wild Embrace is a great collection of stories and one that tends to get picked up a lot in my rereads. A lot like the rest of the Psy Changeling series, it has become a comfort read that I just don’t want to step away from.

<- Wild Invitation ReReadMore Nalini Singh ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Wild Invitation ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Wild Invitation ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Companion
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Collection, eBook
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I absolutely love this collection of novellas, they build upon the Psy-Changeling world beautifully, although aren’t necessary to understanding the overall story line. Plus, sometimes it’s really nice to just read a collection of novellas to revisit a world that I love. A way to revisit a world without committing to a whole novel.

I really love how the Wild Invitation collection builds upon the Psy-Changeling world. I personally prefer to read the novellas within the order of the series, because I’m somewhat obsessed. But, I could absolutely read this after the fact too. Honestly, it’s just a great collection of four romances that anyone can and should read.

Honestly, I love everything about this collection and, even as I write this, kind of want to read it again. Just because it was so damn enjoyable. It’s a great way to depart reality for a while, without getting too insanely invested into a single novel (so really good when I have to do the responsible adult things).

<- Primal MirrorWild Embrace ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Flirtation of Fate ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Flirtation of Fate ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #12.1
In: Wild Embrace (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I seriously enjoyed reading about Kenji and Garnet as they find their way back to one another. I enjoyed it the first time, but with each and every reread, I enjoy it that little bit more. There is something great about how they are able to grow into themselves and find their way back to one another, and it definitely melts my heart each and every time.

This is another novella in the Psy Changeling series where the couple and their past has been hinted at. There have been many teasers, but even though there are many hints and moments, their actual story is even better. Whenever I get up to Kenji and Garnet’s story in the reread, I get a little bit excited and rush to dive in.

As much as I enjoy this story, I still think that Kenji is kind of an idiot. You just don’t make decisions for others, particularly those you love. You give them all the information and let them make a decision for themselves. But, I do enjoy how his foolish choices actually lead to a lot of growth for both characters.

In amongst all of the shenanigans, Garnet’s growth is great. But, what I love the most is that in her growth, she finally takes a step back from her hurt feelings. Garnet’s willingness to see the truth and forgive the last is just beautiful and I love the maturity that it shows.

<- Heart of Obsidian ReReadSecrets at Midnight ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Heart of Obsidian ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Heart of Obsidian: Book 12 : Singh, Nalini: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Heart of Obsidian ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #12
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I always look forward to getting up to Heart of Obsidian when I’m doing a Psy Changeling reread. There is something about Kaleb’s story that I just really enjoy. It probably has something to do with the fact that he’s the big Boogey Man of the series to begin with. But, as the stories unfold, you realise that he is much more multifaceted. And by the time you get to Heart of Obsidian, your view has majorly shifted.

Although Kaleb may not quite be the villain he is originally portrayed to be, he’s not exactly a good guy either. Which makes Sahara a really great counterpoint to Kaleb. Where he is hard and dark, she is soft and bright. With the ability to find joy and happiness in spite of a very difficult life. The fact that they are total opposites works brilliantly and I really enjoyed how Sahara ends up being Kaleb’s redemption for some less than moral choices.

Although Heart of Obsidian is all about Kaleb finding his heart, I love that it is also about the fall of Silence. It’s something that has been worked towards in all of the preceding books, but finally getting to that point feels momentous. It also makes total sense that this is a big part of Kaleb’s journey to redemption. He has so many choices, and ultimately (thanks to Sahara) chooses the “right” / moral thing.

There are so many hints and little Easter eggs about Kaleb in the lead up to Heart of Obsidian. Which makes it all that much more exciting to finally get to his book. I also love that his story starts the final story arc for the first season of the Psy Changeling series. Knowing what is to come just made the moments in this all that much more powerful and exciting.

<- Partners in Persuasion ReReadFlirtation of Fate ReRead ->

Image source: Amazon

Partners in Persuasion ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Partners in Persuasion ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #11.5
In: Wild Embrace (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I love that this is one of the few Psy Changeling stories which features a very dominant female and a very submissive male. I mean, most of the stories don’t really feature submissive as the love interest, because that’s not the vibe of this series. But still, I really enjoyed this departure from the dominance of the other couples and characters.

I also seriously enjoyable the fact that Partners in Persuasion features a leopard and wolf. Again, there’s another story with this, but not as many as if probably like. Particularly as Desi is such a beautiful confident feline, and I love how she absolutely sweeps Felix off his feet.

Although Desi is wonderfully confident, its her fumbling attempts to connect with Felix that I particularly loved. I was constantly laughing and smiling at her not always successful attempts. And then there’s Felix, who is just confused by the attention. It just lends more credence to the fumbling beginning of their relationship. And creates a really cute and sweet novella. One which always leaves a great, big smile on my face.

Finally, as joyous as this whole story is, I absolutely adore the fight scene in thw bar. There is something glorious about a man who is proud of his woman’s strength that leaves me smiling and happy. Felix is so willing to have Desi’s back (figuratively and literally) that a girl can’t help but smile at his awesomeness.

<- Tangle of Need ReReadHeart of Obsidian ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Tangle of Need ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Tangle of Need: Book 11 : Singh, Nalini: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Tangle of Need ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #11
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This is the second or third time I’ve read through the Psy Changeling series. And I still find that Riaz and Aria’s story is one of my favourites. It’s all about choice and choosing the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. Rather than just being about succumbing to fate and the person you end up mating with.

Another aspect of Tangle of Need that I love is the fact that both characters are finding a way to get over their heartbreak. They manage to find a way to heal together, sometimes in being with one another. At others, giving each other time and space. Ultimately resulting in their own happily ever after. One that is built in the comfort of a good friend and great sex.

I always enjoy stories that feature a secondary character you’ve already started to fall for. In the case of Tangle of Need, its Riaz’s story arc started earlier in the series. I enjoyed how it built up before this story even started. Meaning that there was no hesitation to connect and hope for his happily ever after. Aria, whilst newer to the series, is also impossible to not love.

Where I just wanted Riaz to find his forever love and happily ever after, Aria’s story was one about being a strong-willed independent woman. I love how Singh highlights the challenges of being a strong-willed woman in a man’s world. And how this can be really challenging to dins someone who will stand by you when you’re strong. Not tear you down and push you behind them. I seriously enjoyed how Riaz was able to do this for her.

<- Texture of Intimacy ReReadPartners in Persuasion ReRead ->

Image source: Amazon

Texture of Intimacy ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Texture of Intimacy ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #10.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

No matter how many times I reread the Psy-Changeling series, there is something about Lara and Walker’s story that I absolutely adore. The fact that it isn’t a standalone actually kind of works. They have a less angsty relationship than some of the other couples in this series. But, I think the joy and simplicity of their tale is a good way to break up some of the heavier aspects of the Psy-Changeling storyline.

Although Walker and Lara’s relationship starts in Play of Passion, it is in Texture of Intimacy that all of the little pieces come together. Not just their slow falling in love, but also the way that they are able to make their lives fit together. Plus, this story incorporates Walker’s children, Marlee and Toby, in the beginnings of the relationship. Showing how both children choose to accept Lara into their family with excitement and love. 

I think one of the things that I really enjoy about Lara and Walker’s story is Lara’s giving nature and ability to love. As someone who works in the “caring fields”, I kind of understand this drive to do anything and everything for the people under my care. I also know what it’s like to have that capacity to care, until you end up burning yourself out. The fact that Walker manages to balance this out, by placing Lara above everyone else and caring for her, it just worked perfectly. And makes me hope that one day I’ll find someone who is able to pull me back from giving too much too.

This novella took place over a decent period of time, but was also kind of sweet and light. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and look forward to diving into more of the Psy-Changeling world. Even if it is just to get a glimpse of Walker and Lara again as they support and love one another, and the children they both love.

<- Kiss of Snow ReReadTangle of Need ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Kiss of Snow ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Kiss of Snow: Book 10

Title: Kiss of Snow ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #10
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Siena and Hawke’s story is always one of my favourites – they have such a slow burn build from their first appearance in Slave to Sensation, and I just love them both as characters. It’s an age gap romance, but one that feels really natural. The weight that Siena carries on her shoulders gives her the strength and maturity to be able to stand on her own two feet in the face of Hawke’s powerful personality. I love how they both come together, but are also able to retain their own sense of self and independence.

The ability and strength that Siena has is just incredible. I loved doing this reread, and I was able to pick up more of the nuances of her power this time through. I had forgotten some of the intensity of this before picking up Kiss of Snow again. I also love how Siena’s ability and Walker’s adaptations highlight the evolution of the Psy abilites. And how the rise of Silence was able to stifle some of this evolution. I’m a reformed science nerd, and I loved how Siena’s power was a vessel through which to validate the idea of evolution of Psy-powers and the evolutionary dead end which Silence has created.

Hawke and his stubbornness is incredibly frustrating at times, but it also meant that the battle to find his happily ever after was all the more enjoyable. He’s a bit intense, but, when he finally makes the choice to give in to the inevitable, he’s all in. It creates such a wonderful and explosive moment. The passion and steam absolutely leap off the pages, and I completely got swept up in the joyous moment of love.

Kiss of Snow is really the opening battle of the war that is going to round out the rest of the Psy-Changeling series. The first battle might have been fought in this, but it is really only the opening sallies and moves for a much greater battle. I love that the explosivity of the beginning of war is so beautifully partnered with such an explosive and passionate love story.

<- Declaration of Courtship ReReadTexture of Intimacy ReRead ->

Image source: Amazon

Declaration of Courtship ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Declaration of Courtship ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #9.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I freaking love Cooper and Grace’s love story. A lot of the stories I read feature quite dominant men and women, and it isn’t common for me to read about a more docile type. Particularly a more docile type of woman. But, their side story is one of my favourites in the Psy Changeling world. The fact that Cooper has to balance his needs with Grace’s in a way that not everyone does is kind of adorable. And, I love how strong Grace is, even if she is a quieter presence in the hierarchy of the pack.

One of my favourite aspects about this romance is how Grace and Cooper have to negotiate their power imbalance. Although Cooper might be the one to initiate, he also gives Garce the time and space to say no. All relationships have some kind of power imbalance in places, but I love how these two are able to work with that and find a way that they are both safe and secure in their love. Particularly as this is quite a large power imbalance, in the system of the Psy Changeling world.

Grace’s siblings and their protective stupidity is kind of cute. I love how this gives more insight into the more submissive members of the Changeling world, and how valued they are. But, it also highlights that familial love and stupidity often go hand in hand. No matter what kind of species or reality we’re talking about. This novella provides a great insight into how power shifts, love and loyalty all play together to create a really sweet and caring happily ever after.

<- Play of Passion ReReadKiss of Snow ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Play of Passion ReRead by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Play of Passion: Book 9 : Singh, Nalini: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Play of Passion ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #9
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2010

Thoughts

Drew and Indigo are a great couple within the Psy-Changeling world, and I particularly love their story as it means a return to SnowDancer after reading Bonds of Justice. They are also a nice change of pace to some of the other stories, and one of those couples, that, even in my reread, stick out to me just a little bit more. A little bit brighter. Their story is seriously enjoyable and one that I love reading again and again.

In Drew, I love that he comes across as light, young and almost innocent in his trickster ways. Yet, he is insanely powerful, confident and intelligent. It shows that power and skill don’t come with a certain personality type. And, sometimes, those who carry the largest weights on their shoulders also exude the greatest joy. I also love that he really and truly doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him. Once his mind is made up, he’s set, and he will problem solve for a better solution with a single minded tenacity.

Although I love Drew and love him and Indigo getting together, I also completely understand her reluctance, and the struggles she goes through to accept their relationship. The Reverse Age Gap and the fact that she is the one in a position of higher power are both things that I know women today still struggle with. But, I also love that, as Indigo works through this and processes it, she is also able to fully commit and be the best partner possible to Drew. I also adore how Drew, once he understands things a little, gives her a bit of space to work through her own nonsense.

The underlying story arc from the rest of the Psy-Changeling series is pretty intense at this point in the series. The Council is seriously starting to fracture (which I love), and it’s perfectly setting up the future books and new future which is about to be structured. I love that I could honestly read this (or any of the Psy-Changeling books) as standalone romances, but they are so much more complex and engaging because of the underlying story arc that drives towards such a powerful ending of this first season.

<- Bonds of Justice ReReadDeclaration of Courtship ReRead ->

Image source: Amazon