Play of Passion (Psy-Changeling, #9)

Apr 17, 2011 Lady Valee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-romance

I feel like meeting an old friend, one who I haven't seen in a long long time. This series is so fabulous that I can't do anything else than to recommend it! I loved to put my hands over a book in this series once again. And yes, it really is THAT good! All the books in the series are. I tend to forget how much I LOVE this series until I read one of the books in it and remember it all!!! This is one of the best series there is out there, all genres included. I just could keep reading books in it...more I feel like meeting an old friend, one who I haven't seen in a long long time. This series is so fabulous that I can't do anything else than to recommend it! I loved to put my hands over a book in this series once again. And yes, it really is THAT good! All the books in the series are. I tend to forget how much I LOVE this series until I read one of the books in it and remember it all!!! This is one of the best series there is out there, all genres included. I just could keep reading books in it until I dye!

In this installment we have Indigo, our brave kick-ass heroine who thinks not a single man is strong enough for her. She is an amazing heroine, who knows exactly what she want and will not let anybody mess with her. Then we have this extremely to-dye-for sexy hero... boy was he hot! and such a sweetheart at the very same time. I loved Drew! In Play of Passion we get to see 2 very strong and dominant changelings trying to find a way to make their relationship work without getting hurt in the process. "Trying" being a key word,lol. But don't worry, you'll love every page about them. The romance was terrific IMHO, I was missing this kind of relationships tremendously! If there is anyone who knows how to make us sigh, that is Nalini Singh, what an amazing writer, I still have to find a book written by her which I did not adored!

But the best thing about this series is the world building and the incredible plot. There is so much more than the romance with this series, and that's what I treasure the most about it. I always feel like watching a movie while reading it, an amazing breath-taking action movie where you just don't know what will happen next, but at the very same time we have this fantastic romantic scenes that will make you wanna stop everything going on around you just to keep reading without being interrupted. Seriously, I almost punched my brother today for talking to me while I was reading the book, I just didn't want to stop. I love this series so much!!! How can we not? It is one of the best series there is out there, not loving it is not an option.

Still this was not a fav for me, while I adored both heroine and hero, I still needed more, or maybe it was that I was more concentrated trying to find information about Hawke and Sienna than in actually reading the story! I can't freaking wait anymore to read Hawke's book! I need it so badly! He's my fav character in the series and I am DYING to read his book. And IMHO there in no way Sienna will not be his mate. They are so into each other, it is just meant to be!(less)

like 28 likes · see review

May 01, 2013 MelissaB rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: psy-changling-series, paranormal-romance, 2010-reads, shapeshifters, favorite-paranormal-romance, paper-books-i-own, 2013-reads, kindle

I love Nalini Singh's writing, I think she is one of the most talented authors out there. I love the Psy/Changling series, I think the world and characters are wonderful. My favorite books so far have been ones that include Changlings because I love their wild hearts and sensual, playful natures. So it should be no surprise that I thorougly enjoyed reading Play of Passion which features two wolf Changlings. This was such a wonderful love story and romance!

Indigo is the most dominant female in he...more I love Nalini Singh's writing, I think she is one of the most talented authors out there. I love the Psy/Changling series, I think the world and characters are wonderful. My favorite books so far have been ones that include Changlings because I love their wild hearts and sensual, playful natures. So it should be no surprise that I thorougly enjoyed reading Play of Passion which features two wolf Changlings. This was such a wonderful love story and romance!

Indigo is the most dominant female in her Snow Dancer wolf pack. She fears she will never find a male dominant enough for her that her wolf will accept. Andrew, aka Drew, has loved Indigo from afar for years but has finally decided it's time to try to win Indigo's heart. He sets out with all of the skill and charm he has at his disposal to convince Indigo that he is the man for her. Indy (as Drew alone calls her) resists Drew because she is afraid he is not dominant enough, which she fears will make them both miserable after seeing her strong Aunt suffer from that fate.

Drew goes after Indigo with a lot of will and charm, which even Indigo has trouble resisting. She learns that under Drew's happy exterior lays a strong dominant male who is the pack's tracker for rogue wolves. She struggles with allowing herself to open up enough to let Drew close, but the super charming sexy male wolf works his way into her heart with his teasing ways, his super hot loving and his unflinching support and love of her strength.

What a wonderful romance! Almost all of this story focuses on Drew and Indigo as they make their way through the mating dance. I loved reading about the oh-so-charming and sexy wolf Drew as he captures the heart of his mate! They both make some mistakes as they learn how to be together but they work their way through them because of the wonderful connection they share. Drew sure knows how to make a woman forgive any mistakes - lots of flowers, Teddy bears, chocolate and dinner! He was such a wonderful hero, he was comfortable in his own strength and place in the pack enough to love and encourage Indigo as the strong dominant wolf that she is. He doesn't try to boss her around but he does like to push her boundaries and take control during their hot love scenes. I love how Nalini Singh can write a strong dominant woman who still comes off as feminine and not a b*tch like so many authors do. I liked Indigo because she was comfortable with who she was and she was so caring toward her pack and family. Drew confused the hell out of her because she had thought he was too young and less dominant, only to find that he was more than a match for her. Plus who could resist the sexy Drew when he went full out to charm her into falling for him?

This book was another wonderful addition to one of my all time favorite series. I loved every second of reading this great love story and enjoying such an amazing hero.

For those waiting on Hawke and Sienna's story, we are treated to a few scenes of them together. I can't wait for Kiss of Snow!

I can't recommend this series enough if you love great writing, amazing romance-focused love stories and hot sexy heroes!

(less)

like 27 likes · see review

Nov 09, 2010 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: psy-changeling, fantasy-paranormal-sci-fi, series, fiction-vixen-reviews, first-reads-arcs-won-a-copy, excellent, friends-to-lovers, manipulation-plot, read-2010, romance, were-shifter, futuristic

Review originally posted at Fiction Vixen.

4.5 Stars!

I’ll be honest, I enjoyed the main characters in this book a lot, but even if they were mediocre I might have given this book at least a 4 anyway. The excitement of getting back into the Changeling world and the ultra-excitement of getting to see way more of Hawke would have probably won me over even if Indigo and Drew were lame. Luckily they weren’t, but I’m just saying… :)

I liked Indigo--although I did have a few issues with her that I’ll get...more

like 25 likes · see review

Nov 26, 2011 Shannon C. rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: PNR fans

Shelves: shapeshifters, magic-special-powers, favorites

4.5 Stars: great shapeshifter romance

The ninth book in the popular Psy-Changelings series, 'Play of Passion' is focused on two wolf changelings--Drew Kincaid and Indigo Riviere. We met both characters in earlier books. Brother to Riley and Brenna, Drew is a tracker/rogue hunter who reports directly to Hawke. The highest ranking female in the SnowDancer pack, Indigo discounts Drew as a potential romantic interest since he is four years younger and not part of the hierarchy. He is perseverent and...more 4.5 Stars: great shapeshifter romance

The ninth book in the popular Psy-Changelings series, 'Play of Passion' is focused on two wolf changelings--Drew Kincaid and Indigo Riviere. We met both characters in earlier books. Brother to Riley and Brenna, Drew is a tracker/rogue hunter who reports directly to Hawke. The highest ranking female in the SnowDancer pack, Indigo discounts Drew as a potential romantic interest since he is four years younger and not part of the hierarchy. He is perseverent and he works hard to win her heart, but an old boyfriend is back on the scene--does Drew have a chance? Meanwhile, there is a major Psy conflict building. Those on the side of 'purity' and those against it--with high level Council members on opposing sides. The changelings are targeted and may be pulled into the war.

I loved the characters in this book. Drew on the surface comes across as outgoing and full of laughs. But as you get to know him better and understand the key role he plays in the pack, you see his intelligence, strength, loyalty and commitment. Indigo is a great strong lead female--she exhibits strength without coming across as b*tchy. It was also great seeing many favorite characters from earlier books in the series--Hawke, Sienna, Mercy, Riley, Brenna, Judd, etc. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Hawke & Sienna and can't wait for their book Kiss of Snow! There were several side characters introduced that I wonder if Singh is setting them up for future stories.

The highly original world building is well done. This book gives us the greatest in-depth look we've had into the SnowDancer pack to date. It was interesting learning more about wolf organization, society, structure, etc. Only niggle for me, is it feels a little too similar to Branded by Fire (probably b/c the H/h are both changelings and the heroines are both dominants.)

I love how Singh is developing such great story arcs that cross books in the series. The side storyline about the Psy was interesting--the conflicts within the Council. And I continue to wonder who the 'Ghost' is? That is driving me crazy. Such an intriguing character. Also Nikita and Anthony are interesting characters and I'd like to read more about them. I liked the way the ending setup the next book. Singh did a good job tying up the romantic relationship but keeps us wondering what is coming in the big picture.

All in all, 'Play of Passion' is a great mix of action, mystery, suspense and romance. Unlike several other well-known paranormal romance series that started strong but then later went downhill, Singh continues to deliver an 'A' game. This book ranked up there with some of my favorites in the series. Great job, Nalini Singh! You are a definite 'auto buy' for me. Only improvement: can you write faster?(less)

like 11 likes · see review

Sep 18, 2011 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Paranormal Romance fans, NS fans

Shelves: author-nalini-singh, pnr, genre-science-fiction, shifters, books-i-own, books-i-go-rabid-over, favorites, my-hottie-harem, drinks-on-me, king-of-the-harem, keep-a-spare-pair-of-knickers, read-in-2011

Andrew Liam Kincaid, you sure know how to charm a girl! I love Drew! There’s something about these Kincaid men that makes me melt. With these insanely hot brothers and Hawke, I am officially a SnowDancer whore.

With the last two books being Psy-oriented, it was great to be back in SnowDancer territory and catch up with Brenna, Judd, Riley and Sienna. Some readers thought that there wasn’t enough romance in the previous two books, but I think Singh listened and gave what the fans wanted in Play...more

like 12 likes · see review

Mar 08, 2012 Ren rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: All of you Nalini Singh fans!!

Shelves: science-fiction, paranormal, ass-kick-heroine, there-are-hot-men, shape-shifter-and-or-werewolf, special-ability, cant-wait-the-new-release, long-age-gap, alpha-hero, animal-character, author-autobuy, best-cover-at-series, own-and-reread, drooling-cover, family-theme, fantasy, favorite, friend-turn-to-lover, gift-friends, humor, make-me-nosebleed, wow-fantastic-baby, my-nom-nom-boyfriend, older-woman-younger-man, romantic-or-couple-cover, secondhand-edition, steamy, top-read-2011, reviewed, own-paperback

A gift from my Goodreads friend and sisters in crime, Olivia. Thanks a bunch, Non!! XD

MORE THAN 5 STARS!! and one of MY TOP TEN READ FOR 2011

One of the best book in Psy Changeling series so far,and big kudos to Ms Nalini Singh for her beautiful and talented writing style! She will be,no doubt, my Author of The Year for 2011! (my own award of course)

Before I write why I love this book, this is my pic of Drew :

Ohh, c'mon! Lower that pants and show your sexy butt, Drew! =P
(still search sexy scen...more

like 12 likes · see review

Mar 20, 2011 Elena R a.k.a. Lunies R rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-fantasy, will-make-your-body-parts-quiver, favorites, top-fav-2011

5+

Andrew Kincaid has captivated my heart! I have many favorites in this series,but I'm so happy I finally got to this book!

I loved Indigo in the previous books,but in this story she made me turn off my like switch on her till almost the very ending. Indigo did her thang,but talk about one cruel Byotch! Seriously? Drew is a such a sweetheart,a 4year age difference shouldn't have spoiled their relationship and, what the heck? Who gives a flying rooster,if Drew is more dominate then her!!! In my o...more

like 8 likes · see review

Apr 29, 2013 Kathleen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, pnr-uf

3.5 stars, and all for the love of Drew! Drew and Indigo are wolf changelings in the Snow Dancer Pack. They lust after each other, but Indigo is wary of mating with someone of lower rank. Drew (love him) changes her silly little mind.
--------------------
***I was gonna give it 2 stars cuz Indigo annoyed and frustrated me, and the plot was spaced too far apart...*

...but my inner wolf howled, "No!! 5 stars for Drew! Dreamy Drew! Five for him! For all the licking, the nipping, the petting, the suck...more

like 4 likes · see review

Nov 08, 2010 Mollie *scoutrmom* rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of paranormal romance

Shelves: paranormal, romance, read-in-2010, read-in-2011, read-in-2013

I truly enjoyed this book, though it wasn't perfect.

I did not like the ending, where the situation is partly a cliffhanger for the next book.

I also did not much like the traumatic incident it took for Indigo to fully open up to the mating bond, I feel the author could have used a less dramatic event to achieve the same outcome.

Besides those two issues, the book is a gem. Andrew adorably keeps putting his foot in it, and he has to drag out a lot of charm to overcome the problems he caused. I li...more

like 4 likes · see review

Sep 14, 2012 Blacky *YA/NA addict* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, read-paranormal, of-course, 5-stars-for-enjoyment, 5-stars-for-quality

Another great book from the Psy-Changeling series

This series will definitely be one of the best I've ever read :) I became addicted to this world from page 1, and I guess I'll stay that way untill the final book

In Play of Passion, we get to see the wolf pack again (I just love reading about the changelings

). Indigo is a lietenant and a dominant female in the pack. Drew has been in love with her for a long time, but being lower in rank, he doesn't have a chance

This was similar to Riley a...more

like 15 likes · see review

Mar 06, 2011 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series-psy-changeling, by-george-thats-awesome, flip-flops, in-my-harem, king-of-the-harem, author-nalini-singh, 5-stars, love-triangles-can-kiss-my-booty, secondary-love-plots-make-me-swoon, scars-and-tats-and-piercings-oh-my, happy-slapsgiving, thats-some-funny-shit, quotes-quotes-everywhere, horrible-heroine-alert, bad-boy-take-me-away

I have to say that I loved this book but I really struggled with what to rate it. It's definitely a 5 star read for me, but I was waffling between that and 4.5 stars. Sam and I thought long and hard about the book's star-age and we decided on 5. Why, you ask? Because, while my extreme dislike of Indigo for the first 2/3 of the book, the very fact that there was nothing from Sascha's point of view and that she was only in it for a few pages was enough to make me jump for joy inside, deciding that...more

like 9 likes · see review

Oct 29, 2010 Mandi Schreiner rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: wishlist

Favorite Quote: She’d just taken off her turtleneck and dumped it on the rest of the pile when Drew’s head snapped up out of the water. Their eyes met and it felt as if the universe itself was holding its breath.

Andrew Kincaid is a tracker for the SnowDancer pack. He is a very dominant wolf shifter, but doesn’t necessarily have a place in the pack hierarchy. Although he is the pack’s best tracker, he portrays more of a fun, flirty, easy going attitude – which allows people to approach him and he...more

like 9 likes · see review

Jul 10, 2012 Stacey rated it 5 of 5 stars

With the previous two books being very "Psy" heavy, Play of Passion was a refreshing change back to a "Changeling" centered storyline. To me the story of Drew and Indigo was one long slice-of-changeling-life. Their story was definitely at the forefront while the brewing drama with the Psy was very much in the background. And I loved it!!! Their love story intermixed with the work they do for the Pack and the youth, specifically, was fantastic. I enjoyed every brooding, fight for dominance word....more

like 2 likes · see review

Nov 02, 2010 Melindeeloo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

There are a few missteps in the mating dance in Play of Passion - but not in the story telling - as Singh gives us a wolf/wolf pairing this time around. Storywise, those breaks in the dance effectively build the tension between Snowdancer's most dominant female, Indigo, and the pack's tracker Drew, who doesn't fit neatly into the pack's hierarchy and doesn't match up with Indigo's idea of what a mate should be.

I loved their courtship - even though Indigo's fear of their relationship doesn't alw...more

like 2 likes · see review

Feb 11, 2013 Livvy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-stars, adult, kick-ass-female-lead, paranormal-romance, jan-2013, swoony-male

Play of Passion firmly reasserts my love for Nalini Singh. I found in the last two novels of the Psy-Changeling series that Singh had been lacking a little, but everything is hanging my a thread and the world around the characters is really starting to change. Lots of political alliances are being formed, underground movements and on the surface the tensions and strained and hostility is high between the characters. This firmly entrenches me in the Singh camp of love with Play of Passion. Singh...more Play of Passion firmly reasserts my love for Nalini Singh. I found in the last two novels of the Psy-Changeling series that Singh had been lacking a little, but everything is hanging my a thread and the world around the characters is really starting to change. Lots of political alliances are being formed, underground movements and on the surface the tensions and strained and hostility is high between the characters. This firmly entrenches me in the Singh camp of love with Play of Passion. Singh manages to excel not only on the world and political elements and war undertones, but her characters in this blossomed, challenged and set the world on fire. Play of Passion may not have been perfect, but I am incredibly excited about what Singh has in store.

Indigo River is a character I haven’t really recalled all that much from previous novels which is probably not a good thing, but I liked that she was a strong, independent woman. She’s the only lieutenant that’s female of her pack and she doesn’t allow anybody to boss her about. Despite her dominant position in the pack hierarchy she still has emotions and vulnerabilities that Singh really played up for her character. This makes her seem more human and I liked how things crept up on Indigo suddenly and then she realised what she actually needed in her life. I liked that she wasn’t afraid of anybody and that she really fought for what she needed. I hope to see more of her family in future novels because they still felt on the fringe of the story whilst Indigo was being drawn further into the thick of things.

“She wasn’t an acquisitive person, but neither was she dead. Blinking open her eyes at last, she couldn’t resists taking a slow tour of his body as he knelt to get something from the pocket of his discarded jeans. Muscled shoulders in shadow, a back so beautiful it cried out to be stroked…and boxers. Plain black and—“Silk boxer while we’re camping?”

Drew… Andrew. Where do I begin? He is sweet, charming, fun and friendly. He genuinely cares about his pack and Indigo. He’s also smart, sensitive, tenacious, stubborn and annoying. Still, I have to say, I loved everything about Drew. He’s not without faults, but that makes him loveable. He sticks his foot in it more than once with Indigo and watching them work things out entertained me greatly. I find that many characters like Drew are ones that I just don’t get, they appear all too good and have every reason to like them, and I usually don’t, which is why I was so happy to like Drew. I think it was his mischievous side that endeared him to me and his nickname of “Indy” for Indigo. I could just feel the affection coming from him and how he cared about every member of his pack particularly the younger ones, like Sienna, she’s a troubled character but he really cares for her and my favourite quote below is him looking out for her. Drew is definitely one of my favourite male protagonists.

“That’s all I get after I sent you a whole box of premium chocolate-cherry cookies?” he said, feigning extreme disappointment. “Just ‘good’?”

Furrows appeared between her brows, dark little lines that marred the beauty of her sun-dipped skin. “Drew.”

But when he grinned and took her into his arms, she not only allowed the affection, she slid her own arms around him. It had taken him months of patient care to get her to trust him with her body in that way.”

This instalment does focus quite distinctly on the romance, but the interludes of the outside world with the council, the problems in the pack and the other sub-plots that are running on managed to round the novel and keep the overall under-plot that runs through all the novels moving forward to a point where we are at a edge about to fall into the abyss I fear in the novel which is exciting and certainly makes me want to pick up the next novel in the series. I shall be off to request it from my library ASAP I shall inform you. The romance doesn’t entirely dominant the plot-line, but there was a lack of political intent and movements we’ve seen in some of the other novels which I always like. However I was just in the mood for something light and fun that kept things moving and entertained.

The Psy-Changeling series manages to deal with serious issues and lighten them up all in the same novel with the balance of romance and political movement. I’d say that you keep going with the Psy-Changeling novel because it gets better as it goes along with a few hit and misses here and there, overall I have great love for the series and would recommend them to anybody who has some spare time since there are currently 11 novels out and more in the works. The first novel, Slave to Sensation kicks off the series and I say it only gets better from there onwards. If you like werewolf/wereshifter books this is definitely for you, if you like paranormal it’s definitely for you and even if not, I suggest taking a dabble!

Find this review and more at Nerdy Book Reviews (less)

like 1 like · see review

Feb 01, 2011 Pilar rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book was on my anticipated list for, well...most of the year. I'm a huge fan of the series, but, I had lost some of my enthusiasm with the last 2, since, while Nalini's world building is topnotch...I wasn't interested in Dev and Katya's romance (Blaze of Memory), and even less interested in Max and Sophia's (Bonds of Justice). This series is at it's strongest when it's concentrating on it's changelings, whether they hook up with the Psy (part of a third race of beings in Nalini's world alon...more This book was on my anticipated list for, well...most of the year. I'm a huge fan of the series, but, I had lost some of my enthusiasm with the last 2, since, while Nalini's world building is topnotch...I wasn't interested in Dev and Katya's romance (Blaze of Memory), and even less interested in Max and Sophia's (Bonds of Justice). This series is at it's strongest when it's concentrating on it's changelings, whether they hook up with the Psy (part of a third race of beings in Nalini's world alongside the changelings) or the humans, or each other (as is the case with Mercy and Riley's story in Branded By Fire). Needless to say, I was eager to get back to the changelings...and especially the SnowDancer wolf pack, since their pack dynamic has remained mostly a mystery throughout the 8 previous novels.

In come Drew and Indigo, both wolves in the SnowDancer pack. I had noticed Drew Kincaid from his last 3 appearances (major ones in Caressed by Ice-his sister, Brenna's story-and Branded By Fire-his brother, Riley's story-and his lesser involvment in the leopard changeling Dorian's story-Hostage To Pleasure)so I knew that I was going to enjoy any book that he featured prominently in. I was less sure about Indigo, since, while having a few moments throughout the other books in the series, remained much of an enigma, as did the wolf pack as a whole. I was interested to get inside the den, and Nalini didn't disappoint, making the pack hierarchy, and how both Indigo and Drew fit into said hierarchy the conflict in the book. Indigo's a dominant female, 3rd in pack hierarchy to Riley, and the pack's alpha, Hawke, whereas Andrew's position is much more fluid in the hierarchy. He may be the pack's Tracker (he's the one that is called on to hunt and execute SnowDancer wolves that have gone rogue), but he's believed to be nowhere near the dominance level that Indigo is at. The idea that Indigo could be attracted to someone she not only views as less dominant, but is actually younger than her, forms the crux of the romantic conflict. How Andrew compensates for that, and eventually overcomes it, is fun and engaging to read.

Nalini also makes sure to bring the crux of the Psy turmoil to a head, with the last few pages obviously making way for the next book due out in June 2011. The Psy are finally ready to complete their war on the other 2 races, and the two most powerful changeling groups, SnowDancer and the leopard pack, DarkRiver, have found their territory at battleground 0. The next 2 months in Singh's world are going to be a doozy.

Also making a significant appearance in this story, one of my favorite characters in the series so far, Judd Lauren (from Caressed By Ice) who's interactions with both Drew and Indigo were some of the highlights in the book. It was also nice to check in on Dorian, Lucas (the DarkRiver alpha)and a very pregnant Sascha, Judd's mate Brenna, Riley and Mercy, and a smattering of others from previous novels. I loved the little updates on how everyone was doing, and tying all of the previous novels together (Even Dev, Max and Sophia made brief appearances).

As stated before, this book was an obvious setup for the next book, Kiss of Snow...aka Hawke's book. I've been looking forward to his book since Slave to Sensation (the first book in the series), and his interactions with Sienna Lauren (Judd's neice) has been one of the driving forces behind my interest, along with Hawke's regular awesome factor. The relationship between the two is coming to a head...and I'm super excited for the resulting explosion I'm sure it will cause.

Nalini hasn't failed me in my expectations yet, with Play of Passion both meeting and exceeding the ones that I had. And I had plenty. It's definitely been put on my list of favorites of the series, next to Caressed By Ice and Branded By Fire. I highly recommend it.(less)

like 1 like · see review

Nov 07, 2010 Edna Lyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, paranormal-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 4.5 stars.

And then there was Andrew. He's the last of the Kincaid bunch (sniff...tear...wail) to get a book and boy does his story deliver just as much as his siblings' did. Drew and Indigo were HOT but not just that, they were SWEET. It was lovely to see a romance blossom between two friends who know each other so well. I don't think I read enough books with that type of romance but I wish I could find more. The age difference doesn't seem too bad but it was an issue in the story. I did like h...more

like 1 like · see review

May 25, 2011 Mojca rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: nalini-singh, paranormal-romance-fantasy, part-of-a-series, series-psy-changeling, shape-shifters, sci-fi-futuristic-fantasy, bodyguard-military-merc-gov-cop-leo, own, hb, bitchslapable-heroine, rrrc-2nd-reading-tournament, gr-author

Reading the Psy/Changeling series is like visiting old friends and talking about the good old days. Some of the friends are great, some not so much, you get new ones, some great, some not so much, but you inexorably spend a few pleasurable hours in their company.

This book was exactly like that. I got so see Judd and Brenna again, got a glimpse of Riley and Mercy, Sasha and Lucas, got to drool over Hawke once more (I can’t wait for his book, yet I’m terrified of being disappointed), and became be...more Reading the Psy/Changeling series is like visiting old friends and talking about the good old days. Some of the friends are great, some not so much, you get new ones, some great, some not so much, but you inexorably spend a few pleasurable hours in their company.

This book was exactly like that. I got so see Judd and Brenna again, got a glimpse of Riley and Mercy, Sasha and Lucas, got to drool over Hawke once more (I can’t wait for his book, yet I’m terrified of being disappointed), and became better acquainted with Andrew and Indigo.
While the first one made me fall head over heels in love (though he cannot compare to Hawke...ooh, the tension between him and Sienna) with his big heart and a protective streak a mile wide hidden behind his playful façade—tell me, who wouldn’t want such a man in real life, with or without his inner beastie—the second one made me grit my teeth in exasperation.

I’m all for strong, stubborn, independent women, as long as that strength, stubbornness and independence don’t blind them to that which could be good for them. And though she mellowed toward the end, I resented Indigo for taking so long to finally make up her mind. It was obvious Drew was different from her “uncle”, she noticed that many times in the course of the book, yet she stubbornly refused to give him any leeway. He bent and bent and bent for her, was ready to compromise, was willing to apologize profusely for any slight he made (which is almost unheard of in the male population ;)), yet she (almost) never did the same.
And it (once again) took a life-or-death experience for Indigo to finally grow a pair and jump off the proverbial cliff.

I loved the tension, the push and pull between them, the frustration, if I can use that word, but I felt it dragged for a tad too long for my liking.
And it also affected my perception of their “relationship” for the better part of the book. Because, while I was told it was courtship, they were tentatively starting a romance, I didn’t see it. I didn’t feel the connection (not even from Andrew’s point of view), it was more like two friend scratching an occasional itch. I read it as mere sex, going through the motions, instead of the sensual skin privileges of the changelings, so much present in the first few novels.
It was only toward the end, that everything somehow clicked. I don’t know if it was meant to be that way, or if I just grew used to the “lack of feeling”.

Being done with the “relationship rant”, I can focus on the rest—beside Hawke, who, if you ask me, had the most beautiful scene in the entire book, as he (in beastie form) accompanied Sienna on her trek to DarkRiver. Can I have an “awwww”, folks?
Everything else aside (namely my issues with Indigo), this was a great little installment in the series, adding to the main arc, building the plot, tension, and drama toward the big finale. Which we don’t know when it will happen, but we got a little glimpse from the joint F-Psy prediction. It won’t be pretty, it won’t be nice, but I sure hope it will knock my socks off.
We got some information on the Psy big plan, though vague enough to keep us interested, the Ghost made his mandatory appearance, and we were offered yet another sliver of info on the mysterious “creature” (I sincerely hope it turns out he’s Kaleb, because that tidbit could be another cherry on the cake that is the dangerous, young Councilor—and it would make great fiction as well). There’s yet another pack on the horizon beside the cats, wolves, and rats, I’m itching to see how that will work out, because I’m sure Ms. Singh didn’t just put them in there not to be mentioned again...

Anyway, it wasn’t as good as the first couple of books in this series, but it wasn’t bad either, and I sure hope Hawke’s story will deliver (and then some).(less)

like 5 likes · see review

Dec 01, 2012 Steph rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, series-ongoing, series-i-love, author-favorite, author-웃, series-read-2012-psy-changeling, 12x12in2012, my-re-reads, 2012

Play of Passion is the 9th book in one of my absolute favorite PNRs, Psy-Changelings. We are lucky enough to get another changeling/changeling pairing in PoP. This time it's Indy and Drew in the SnowDancer pack. Indy's a dominant female who has always believed that she should mate with someone who is ranked at the similar level of dominance and equal/older age. But, Drew's determined to make her see the error of that plan. He's only 4 years younger and although, technically not a Lieutenant, he...more

like 1 like · see review

Nov 06, 2010 Ctanner rated it 5 of 5 stars

This one was one of my favorite Psy-Changeling books. I was not a huge fan of her past three P.C. books but "Play of Passion" has totally renewed my love for this series. Andrew is now one of my favorite males in the series (just behind Lucas and Hawke). Indigo and Andrew's relationship is hot and romantic. I totally understood Indigo resistance to Andrew and I thought the way he wooed her was adorable. I cannot wait until Hawke's book.

like 1 like · see review

Sep 28, 2011 ~♡♥Ang ♥♡~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like 1 like · see review

Apr 08, 2012 Angela James rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, paranormal, my-faves, 2012

I love Nalini's books so it's no surprise I liked this as well. In the Psy-Changeling series, the ongoing story thread in the developing world is as much a part of the experience as that of the relationship. This book focuses more on the relationship, than the world, but we still get some significant overall plot/story developments. Also, there's a teaser for the next archangel book in the back which nearly drove me batty. Can't wait!

Recommended for fans of this series. If you're a fan of paran...more

like 1 like · see review

Feb 14, 2011 Christy Stewart rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, fantasy, female-authors, fiction, paranormal, paranormal-romance, reviewed, romance, speculative-fiction, werewolf, shapeshifter, scifi

I would build a religion around this series but this book was just...not fair to the trees, man.

I was stoked to see how a female-dominant relationship works within the changeling culture but Singh pussies out by making the man a dominant as well. I believe a romance novel of this ilk can work with a maternal-male, but Singh doesn't.

What was the most confusing is that the woman being four years older than the male was a big problem....Why? If the genders were flipped it wouldn't have been mention...more

like 1 like · see review

Oct 15, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wir befinden uns wieder einmal im Rudel der SnowDancer-Wölfe und mit „Wilde Glut“ beginnt die Geschichte zweier bereits bekannten Charaktere: Andrew (Drew) und Indigo.
Drew ist der Bruder der bereits gebundenen Brenna und gleichfalls der Fährtensucher des Rudels. Indigo hingegen ist eine sehr dominante Wölfin und dem Leser bereits als Offizier des Rudels bekannt. Als Drew beginnt offiziell um Indigo zu werben rennt er nicht gerade offene Türen ein, denn die verschiedenen Ränge scheinen ihr nicht...more Wir befinden uns wieder einmal im Rudel der SnowDancer-Wölfe und mit „Wilde Glut“ beginnt die Geschichte zweier bereits bekannten Charaktere: Andrew (Drew) und Indigo.
Drew ist der Bruder der bereits gebundenen Brenna und gleichfalls der Fährtensucher des Rudels. Indigo hingegen ist eine sehr dominante Wölfin und dem Leser bereits als Offizier des Rudels bekannt. Als Drew beginnt offiziell um Indigo zu werben rennt er nicht gerade offene Türen ein, denn die verschiedenen Ränge scheinen ihr nicht zu behagen. Die Hierarchie der Wölfe ist eindeutig … doch kann Indigos Wölfin den jüngeren und weniger dominanten Drew akzeptieren, oder stürzt es sie beide ins Gefühlschaos? Das Spiel beginnt.

Die Struktur des Wolfsrudels und die Wichtigkeit der Ränge stehen hier sehr stark im Vordergrund, denn es ist zum Teil eine Frage der Dominanz ob eine Beziehung funktioniert, ob ein weniger dominanter Mann sicher einer stark dominanten Frau unterordnen will und kann. Und, ob die Frau das überhaupt will. Drew und Indigo wandern auf einem schmalen Grad, denn nicht nur dass die verschiedenen Ränge ihnen im Weg zu stehen scheinen, Drew ist auch noch einige Jahre jünger als die starke Wächterin. Wie soll sie ihn also akzeptieren? Doch es geht heiß her und das Spiel beginnt. Wirklich interessant und gleichfalls amüsant sind die Einfälle Drews um um seine Angebetete zu werben, denn er hat den Dickkopf nicht aufzugeben und sie um nicht so schnell nachzugeben. Und eigentlich sind sie sich doch ähnlicher als sie ahnen.

Auch, wenn die Geschichte wirklich mitreißend ist wird das Gerede von Dominanz seitens der Wächterin bald wirklich nervig. Denn sie scheint es als Ausrede zu benutzen – aus Angst. Als Leser würde man ihr gerne eine Bratpfanne über den Kopf hauen um ihre Synapsen zu richten, denn wie kann sie nur beinahe übersehen wie gut sie zusammenpassen?! Wirklich frustrierend. Natürlich braucht es eine dramatische Situation die um Leben und Tod entscheidet um ihr die Entscheidung zu erleichtern!

Neben den Hauptcharakteren wird der Leser in kleinen Erzählhäppchen der Begegnungen von Sienna und Hawke gefüttert, so dass jeder Fan der Reihe einfach nach mehr lechzt (doch zum Glück ist es im Folgeband endlich so weit: Die Geschichte um Sienna und Hawke!) und so wird der Suchtfaktor zu hundert Prozent gefördert. Angefixt. An der langen Leine gehalten. Der Grundstein für „Lockruf des Verlangens“ wird gelegt.

Alles in allem ist dies ein typisch guter Roman der Gestaltenwandler, doch gibt es kleine Abzüge bezüglich der überstrapazierten Argumentation der Dominanz (echt, das ging mir auf die Nerven) und, weil die starke Indigo gegen Ende etwas an Biss verliert. Es ist schwer zu erklären und natürlich gibt sie sich Drew gegenüber bald anders, liebevoller! Doch ihre amüsanten Sprüche werden weniger und sie verliert ein paar wichtige Sympathiepunkte.(less)

like · see review

Oct 08, 2012 Bexs ~Fallen Arrow lover~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to say I loved this book more than Riley & Mercy's book. I love the fact that Drew had to win Indigo over, not like it happened with Riley and Mercy. Well, Riley had to win Mercy over as well, but, well, it happened in a different way.
Drew is so sweet and charming and determined and relentless and strong! And he apparently likes getting shot while saving others!
I liked Indigo, probably more than Mercy, though I did have a couple of moments when I was thinking "Okay, Indigo, don't nee...more

like · see review

Oct 05, 2012 Anorielt rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Erster Satz: Die Gattung der Medialen ist makellos rein, seit mehr als hundert Jahren befinden sie sich in Silentium, werden von Kindesbeinen an konditioniert, nichts zu fühlen und der restlichen Welt mit Eiseskälte zu begegnen.

Nach Ruf der Vergangenheit und Fesseln der Erinnerung, dreht sich das Hauptgeschehen nun endlich wieder um die Gestaltwandler. In diesem Fall um die Wölfe, womit wir hier das erste Buch hätten in dem es sich komplett um die Wölfe dreht. Man bekommt einen guten Eindruck i...more Erster Satz: Die Gattung der Medialen ist makellos rein, seit mehr als hundert Jahren befinden sie sich in Silentium, werden von Kindesbeinen an konditioniert, nichts zu fühlen und der restlichen Welt mit Eiseskälte zu begegnen.

Nach Ruf der Vergangenheit und Fesseln der Erinnerung, dreht sich das Hauptgeschehen nun endlich wieder um die Gestaltwandler. In diesem Fall um die Wölfe, womit wir hier das erste Buch hätten in dem es sich komplett um die Wölfe dreht. Man bekommt einen guten Eindruck in die Struktur eines Wolfsrudels und in wie weit es sich vom Rudel der Leoparden unterscheidet. Im Rudel der SnowDancer-Wölfe ist die Rangordnung noch wichtiger als bei den Leoparden, nur wenn die Wölfe wissen an welcher Stelle sie stehen, fühlen sie sich wirklich wohl und sicher. Deswegen ist es für Indigo auch besonders schwierig als ihre Beziehung zu Andrew, Rileys kleinem Bruder, sich von heute auf morgen ändert. Drew ist der Fährtenleser des Rudels, er spürt wild gewordene Rudelmitglieder auf und bringt sie wenn möglich zurück, oder tötet sie. Eine wichtige Aufgabe, eine die dafür sorgt das sein Rang nicht genau einzuordnen ist.

Dazu kommt das Drew vier Jahre jünger als Indigo ist und diese als dominante Wölfin so ihre Probleme damit hat. Was mir allerdings sofort positiv aufgefallen ist, ist das um diese Dominanzsache nicht so ein großes Trara gemacht wird wie bei Riley und Mercy, und das obwohl Drew ebenfalls zu den dominanten Wölfen gehört. Hier dreht sich alles mehr um Indigos Unsicherheit und ihre Ängste in Beziehung zu Drew. Auch spielt sich das ganze nicht so ab wie in den anderen Bänden, Drew versucht Indigo mit Charme und Witz für sich zu gewinnen und obwohl die Situation für die Wölfe gefährlich ist, nimmt das nicht einen so großen Teil ein wie sonst.

Allerdings wird schon am Anfang des Buches klar, da die Zeiten unruhig und blutig werden. Der Rat der Medialen hat sich gespalten, alle Zeichen deuten auf Krieg hin und in Wilde Glut erfolgt der erste Schlag. Ein ungewöhnliches Bündniss steht kurz vor dem Abschluss und eine große Veränderung lässt sicher nichtmehr lange auf sich warten. Die nächsten Bände der Reihe werden mit Sicherheit noch spannender werden als die davor, denn wir nähern uns so langsam dem Kern des Konflikts zwischen Medialen und Gestaltwandlern, dem Kern von Silentiums Untergang.

Nach den beiden eher mittelmäßigen Büchern, knüpft Wilde Glut wieder an den Erfolg der Reihe an.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fazit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Endlich wieder eine gelungene Fortsetzung die mich restlos begeistern konnte.(less)

like · see review

Aug 10, 2012 Kathy Davie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ninth in the Psy-Changeling paranormal romance series based in the Sierra Nevadas near San Francisco. The couple focus is on Drew and Indigo.

My Take
Whew! An interesting view into the relationship of two dominant people who are ruled by their inner wolves.

I do love this series! Singh has created a home and cast of characters that make you want to move in. It's not a group in which you can hide. All the better as this is a family that supports the individual as well as the whole. They lavish love,...more

like · see review

May 09, 2012 Jintana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal

กรี๊ดๆๆๆๆ เป็นเล่มที่ชอบที่สุดตั้งแต่อ่านซีรีส์ Psy-Changeling ที่จริงก็ชอบทุกเล่มแต่เล่มนี้ประทับใจมากๆ

Drew พระเอกเป็น wolf ของกลุ่ม SnowDancer ที่สายงานขึ้นตรงกับ alpha มีหน้าที่คอยตามรอย wolf changeling ที่ออกนอกลู่นอกทางหรือไม่สามารถควบคุม wolf และหากไม่สามารถกล่อมได้สำเร็จก็สามารถฆ่าทิ้งได้เลยถ้าจำเป็น Drew จึงมีบุคคลิกที่เข้ากับใคร ๆ ได้ง่ายเพราะโดนงานแล้วจำเป็นที่เขาต้องเป็นคนที่ไว้วางใจได้

Indigo นางเอกเป็นมือซ้ายของ wolf alpha โดยตำแหน่งแล้วสูงกว่าพระเอกและโดยเฉพาะอายุก็มากกว่าพระเอก 4...more กรี๊ดๆๆๆๆ เป็นเล่มที่ชอบที่สุดตั้งแต่อ่านซีรีส์ Psy-Changeling ที่จริงก็ชอบทุกเล่มแต่เล่มนี้ประทับใจมากๆ

Drew พระเอกเป็น wolf ของกลุ่ม SnowDancer ที่สายงานขึ้นตรงกับ alpha มีหน้าที่คอยตามรอย wolf changeling ที่ออกนอกลู่นอกทางหรือไม่สามารถควบคุม wolf และหากไม่สามารถกล่อมได้สำเร็จก็สามารถฆ่าทิ้งได้เลยถ้าจำเป็น Drew จึงมีบุคคลิกที่เข้ากับใคร ๆ ได้ง่ายเพราะโดนงานแล้วจำเป็นที่เขาต้องเป็นคนที่ไว้วางใจได้

Indigo นางเอกเป็นมือซ้ายของ wolf alpha โดยตำแหน่งแล้วสูงกว่าพระเอกและโดยเฉพาะอายุก็มากกว่าพระเอก 4 ปี ทำให้เธอรู้สึกกระอักกระอ่วนใจทั้ง ๆ ที่เธอเองก็มีใจให้เหมือนกัน แต่เธอก็คิดอยู่เสมอว่าความสัมพันธ์มันจะไปไม่ตลอดรอดฝั่งเพราะ wolf ของเธออาจจะไม่ยอมรับ

พระเอกเรื่องนี้มีเสน่ห์และมีบุคคลิกที่น่ารักมาก ๆ ทั้งกลยุทธ์การวางแผนเอาชนะใจนางเอกก็ทำให้ลุ้นเอาใจช่วยตลอดเวลา ที่ชอบมาก ๆ ตอนที่พระเอกบอกนางเอกหลังจากกุ๊กกิ๊กกันว่า ...."นี่คือข้อดีของการมีคนรักที่อายุน้อยกว่า"

อ่านเรื่องนี้แล้วทำให้นึกถึงเพลงของจรัล มโนเพ็ชร "...เจอกันเมื่อ 2-3 ปีก่อน ผมยังละอ่อนและซนแก่น ฮักเป็นปี้สาวบ๋ได้เหมามาเป็นแฟน พี่ก็ฮักผมเป็นน้องจาย...ปี้สาวครับตอนนี้ผมฮักปี้แล้วครับ จะฮักปี้บ่มีหน่าย บ่อยากเป็นน้องจายแล้วล่ะ"

นาน ๆ จะได้อ่านหนังสือที่นางเอกกินเด็กซะที (ฮา)(less)

like 1 like · see review

view all 6 comments

Ning เราว่าความยิ่งใหญ่ของพล็อตนี่ Psy ชนะไปหลายช่วงตัวค่ะ
แต่ความดิบเถื่อน นี่ Guild มากกว่าหลายขุมค่ะ
และตัวละครน่ากินมาก
จำนวนซีนความฮอตเล่มแรกนี่นับว่าน้...more
May 14, 2012 01:11am

Jintana นี่ถ้าไม่ได้โหลดเล่ม 1 มาแล้วก็ชักอยากกระโดดไปอ่านเล่ม 3 ก่อนเหมือนกันนะเนี่ย555

เห็นด้วยอย่างยิ่งเลยค่ะซีรีส์ Psy เนี่ยสุดยอดมาก ตัวละครก็น่ากินไม่เบา...more
May 14, 2012 01:25am

Mar 05, 2012 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-kristie

Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Ms. Singh delivers with another hot romance. The plot is well crafted with action, mystery and drama that keeps the reader engaged.

Opening Sentence: The Psy have been pure, have been Silent for over a hundred years, their emotions conditioned out of them until a wall of ice separates them from the world.

The Review:

Nalini Singh continues the rich and detailed world that she has created for the Psy/Changelings with her ninth book in the series...more

like 1 like · see review

Jan 19, 2012 KatiD rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-review-ish

Nalini Singh has leapfrogged over Nora Roberts to be my very favorite romance author. Her books are sure thing for me. Not just the first reading, but every time I open one. I was laughing at myself the other day because I actually own both of her Guild Hunter series books in every format: paper, e-book and audio. Does that mean I have a problem?

Anyway, the last two Psy/Changeling books have featured human heroes. And while I understood the need for these stories to take place when they did, and...more Nalini Singh has leapfrogged over Nora Roberts to be my very favorite romance author. Her books are sure thing for me. Not just the first reading, but every time I open one. I was laughing at myself the other day because I actually own both of her Guild Hunter series books in every format: paper, e-book and audio. Does that mean I have a problem?

Anyway, the last two Psy/Changeling books have featured human heroes. And while I understood the need for these stories to take place when they did, and both stories propelled the greater story arc forward, I just....prefer the changelings. Especially changeling heroes. So you can imagine my delight when I realized that Play of Passion, her latest release would not just feature a changeling hero, but a changeling heroine as well.

We've known Indigo, a trusted SnowDancer lieutenant for some time now. Indigo is beautiful, very smart, and an absolute alpha female. She's ranked very highly within the SnowDancer hierarchy, and with good reason. She's often considered Hawke, the SnowDancer alpha's right hand. So when Andrew Kincaid begins his pursuit if Indigo, her hackles rise almost immediately. First, Drew falls "outside" the wolf pack's hierarchy. He's also one of Hawke's most trusted advisers, but acts as Hawke's Tracker, dealing with pack members who might have gone off the reservation. Drew gets by because of his easy-going nature. Everyone loves him and confides in him, which enables him to keep his finger on the pulse of the pack for Hawke and be sure the alpha is aware of what's on the hearts and minds of those under Hawke's care.

Thing is, Drew has wanted Indigo forever. When he elects to begin his pursuit of her, he is pretty soundly rebuffed. First, he's not an alpha, second, Indigo doesn't *want* to think of Drew that way. He's a friend, and a trusted confidant, and she doesn't want to jeopardize that relationship. In circling around each other, they manage to hurt each other inadvertently, and stumble a bit while falling in love.

Really, their relationship is lovely. Drew respects Indy, but his protective nature occasionally rises to the foreground and he steps on her toes. I'll say this, Drew gives good grovel, when it's time to say I'm sorry, a woman would have to be made of stone to withstand this man! And when Indigo finally commits, she does so fully, giving her heart and soul to Drew.

While all of this is happening, the Psy continue to implode. Factions have formed within their society, and the most hardened of them have declared war on the Changelings. To that end, they have secretly installed a variety of scanners and cameras in SnowDancer territory with the hope of making the first tactical move in their planned war.

Play of Passion is another fantastic installment in the Psy/Changeling series. Singh has an amazing ability to balance propelling the overarching story of the series forward while never losing focus on the main couple. And Indigo and Drew's love story is a hot, spicy and entertaining one to read. It should be noted that Play of Passion is absolutely NOT a good place to start the series. Readers would be much better served by starting with the first book, Slave to Sensation (one of my very favorite romances ever). That caveat being stated, for fans of the series, Play of Passion offers everything we expect from Nalini Singh, smart, feisty heroine, delectable hero and plenty of action. This book is not to be missed!

Final grade: A(less)

like · see review

topics	posts	views	last activity
Nalini Singh Fans: Play of Passion (# 9)	111	209	Jan 17, 2013 10:05pm
Romance Lovers fo...: Series Read: Psy-Changeling, #9: Play of Passion (Start Date: September 24)	57	47	Oct 01, 2012 11:29pm

title link	preview: Play of Passion
avg rating	preview: Play of Passion Goodreads rating: 4.29 (8293 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7831145-play-of-passion?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1272490500l/7831145.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7831145-play-of-passion?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Play of Passion by Nalini Singh[/url]

Play of Passion (Psy-Changeling #9)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (11)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Nalini Singh

Books by Nalini Singh

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Play of Passion

Quotes from Play of Passion