Branded by Fire (Psy-Changeling, #6)

Mar 08, 2012 Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-paranormal, author-nalini-singh, shifters, owned-read

5 Stars!! - YOWZA!!! I felt Branded by Fire, alright!!!

September 2011 - Review to come... But just a few thoughts, for now... This is probably my favourite of the series, so far, along with Dorian's and Ashaya's book and the first book with Lucas and Sascha (which will always have a special place in my heart). I adore the DarkRiver alpha couple. *sighs* And I loved Mercy and Riley. LOVING this series!!!
......

March 2012 - Finally wrote my review.

Also reviewed at: Lady Jayne's Reading Den

This ins...more

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Apr 02, 2013 MelissaB rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of great romances!

Shelves: psy-changling-series, 2009-reads, favorite-paranormal-romance, favorite-romances, shapeshifters, paranormal-romance, best-heroes, paper-books-i-own, kindle, 2013-reads

Branded by Fire starts out with some fireworks as Mercy, a top sentinel in the Dark River leopard pack, has a hot forbidden interlude with Riley, the second to the alpha of the Snow Dancer wolf pack. She is a dominant alpha female in her pack which makes her fear that she will never find a mate because she would need someone more dominant than her and she doesn’t think she would be able to submit to a mate the way she would need to. Riley is a stubborn, protective, by-the-rules man who is helple...more Branded by Fire starts out with some fireworks as Mercy, a top sentinel in the Dark River leopard pack, has a hot forbidden interlude with Riley, the second to the alpha of the Snow Dancer wolf pack. She is a dominant alpha female in her pack which makes her fear that she will never find a mate because she would need someone more dominant than her and she doesn’t think she would be able to submit to a mate the way she would need to. Riley is a stubborn, protective, by-the-rules man who is helplessly drawn to Mercy’s fiery personality. He grew up taking care of his younger siblings and is now the highest ranking lieutenant in the Snow Dancer pack, so he can’t imagine having a mate like Mercy who insists on taking care of herself.

Mercy and Riley are thrown together often as their respective pack’s representative in the alliance between the cats and wolves – especially now as attacks on humans, changelings and Psy are beginning to escalate. The sexual attraction between Mercy and Riley leads them to start a forbidden affair because they just can’t keep their hands off each other. Mercy knows Riley is a dominant wolf who will try to take over her life, which she thinks will kill a part of herself. Riley feels like he needs to protect those he loves, especially after what he sees as a failure to protect his little sister Brenna from being attacked. Mercy and Riley start to care a lot about each other but both are afraid of the consequences of staying together. They both dedicate their lives to protecting their packs – plus cats and wolves just barely get along. Can they both survive a mating – and do they have any choice but to try since their feelings are so intense?

I loved this story! Mercy and Riley were such a great pair, they really complemented each other in every way. The love scenes were scorching hot! Riley certainly knows how to please a woman. Both Riley and Mercy had to come to terms with each other – Riley had to accept that he could be dominant with Mercy while they were making love but he needed to see her as a partner at all other times and not try to shield her, while Mercy had to accept and trust Riley enough to allow him completely into her heart as a mate.

The storyline of the series progresses as we learn more about the battle for and against Silence in the Psy web and more clues about the Ghost’s identity. Sienna and Hawke have small parts in the story, I can’t wait until we see what happens between them. Lucas and Sascha receive wonderful news that I have been waiting for! I also found out the answer to the two questions I have been wondering about since I heard of the pairing between Riley and Mercy: What type of children will a wolf and cat have together and how can two dominant sentinels from different packs actually make a mating work – but you will have to read Branded by Fire to find out for yourself!

The Psy/Changling series is one of my favorite romance series, every single book has been amazing. Nalini Singh is a very talented author who writes wonderful romances with a great background story. I highly recommend this series to any romance reader!(less)

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Mar 13, 2011 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of complex paranormal romance, Werewolf/shifter fans

Shelves: favorite-or-autobuy-author, paranormal-romance, part-of-a-series, shapeshifter, werewolf, futuristic, owned-copy, flawed-heroine, hero-in-pursuit, hero-to-die-for, hot-and-steamy-romance, kickbutt-heroine

Before I wrote a review on this book, I had to sleep on it. I was trying to figure out a way to express my feelings about Mercy. She annoyed the crap out of me for the majority of this book. I felt so bad about it. I love strong women. I am definitely a reader who wants a strong, independent heroine in a story, yet I like the sweet heroines as well. I just like well-written heroines. Mercy was certainly well-written. I can't say I fault Nalini Singh for writing a book about an interesting charac...more Before I wrote a review on this book, I had to sleep on it. I was trying to figure out a way to express my feelings about Mercy. She annoyed the crap out of me for the majority of this book. I felt so bad about it. I love strong women. I am definitely a reader who wants a strong, independent heroine in a story, yet I like the sweet heroines as well. I just like well-written heroines. Mercy was certainly well-written. I can't say I fault Nalini Singh for writing a book about an interesting character like Mercy. Having said that, she really worked my nerves.

It suddenly came to me as an epiphany about Mercy. She's a female cat. As a lifelong cat lover, I have made an observation that other cat lovers will probably agree with me on. Female cats can be a pain in the butt. They are much more grumpy and unreasonable more often than male cats. They are mercurial as all get out, one minute wanting to be loved on, the next trying to scratch your eyes out. That's Mercy in a nutshell.

Frankly I was doubting for some period of time while I was reading that she deserved Riley. I felt like I was being a sexist thinking this. I asked myself why do I love heroes that are flawed, but Mercy was bugging me. Well, I came to realize that her imperfection wasn't the problem. It was the fact that she gave Riley hell most of the time for what seemed like no good reason. Sometimes she was a purring kitten, but most of the time, not so much. It was made clear fairly often that this was the way of a dominant female changeling, and that was when the lightbulb about female cats came to me. Once I accepted this realization, I could deal with Mercy a lot better. And since Riley loved her for who she was, I guess I can't afford to lose sleep about it.

I do have to say that she did admit when she was wrong, most of the time. But she really put Riley through her paces, and he was clearly the one who gave of himself much more. When it came down to it, she made a very difficult choice out of love for him, and I had to give her props for that.

Now I have to say that I loved Riley to bits. Nothing wrong with him. The part where he so-called betrayed Mercy, I can acknowledge that it was the wrong decision, but he made it for what he truly believed was the right reason. Just like Mercy couldn't change her spots, if you will forgive the pun. It's wrong to ask a wolf to shed his skin. He had the right to be the dominant male, just like she had the right to be a dominant female. I don't like double standards, so I don't think that Mercy should have been able to get away with her bad behavior (because of her nature) and then give Riley a hard time for him following his nature. I thought that the romance between Riley and Mercy was good reading, although I didn't love it as much as Sascha/Lucas, Vaughn/Faith, Judd/Brenna, and my favorite Dorian/Ashaya. I think it's because I love the Changeling/Psy relationship dynamic so much. Having said that, it was nice to see the hero be a wolf. Love me some wolf heroes. :)

Gender politics dealt with, I really enjoyed the suspense and conspiracy elements. Singh writes a great romance, but she also weaves an interesting read that I believe would appeal to a straight science fiction fan if that person didn't mind a lot of kissy-poo along with it. The stakes have been raised, and the world of the Psy/Changeling has expanded to focus more on the human quotient. It will be interesting to see how that aspect plays out in the future. Can I say I am a serious fangirl of the Psy. They are kickbutt. Still want to read more about the Tk-Psy and the Arrows. (Hint, hint, Ms. Singh).

As for Hawke and Sienna, I am a little worried how things ended with them. Call me sexist, but I hope that she doesn't get deeply involved with Kit. I want her to wait for Hawke. Don't give up hope, Sienna. Hawke has deep feelings for you, girl.

I loved the glimpses of my favorite male character (although I dearly love Dorian and Judd) in this, Hawke. He's just droolicious. More Hawke please.

So, I must say that I was not disappointed, although Mercy gave me some heartburn.(less)

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Mar 08, 2012 Ren rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Psy Changeling Fans, Nalini Singh fans, paranormal romance fans

Shelves: science-fiction, paranormal, ass-kick-heroine, shape-shifter-and-or-werewolf, there-are-hot-men, wow-fantastic-baby, favorite, my-nom-nom-boyfriend, own-paperback, own-and-reread, favorite-cover, romantic-or-couple-cover

I'm soooo happy

I'd read Branded by Fire before, and I must said this book is one of the best of Psy Changeling series! Beside Play of Passion and Kiss of Snow. What can I said? Kincaid Brothers are sexy as hell and Hawke, their alpha more sexy than hell, LOL!

And Riley and Mercy are my favorite couple beside Elena-Raphael !

So, when Nalini held a contest to support her at DA BWAHA (vote for her book

), I'm never imagined I will win. I just want to vote, because Archangel's Kiss is my top ten rea...more

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Apr 24, 2011 Lady Valee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-romance, favorites

5++++++ (How many "+" are allowed?LOL)
How could I ever forgot why this is one of my top fav books?!

Seriously, this book was just beyond words, I do understand now why I wasn't able to write a review about it the first time I read it; but now, after reading it for a second time, I just feel like I NEED to do a review. Does that make any sense for you?LOL, it's weird, first I felt I didn't want to write it because I would never be able to show you guys in words how much I felt with this book but...more 5++++++ (How many "+" are allowed?LOL)
How could I ever forgot why this is one of my top fav books?!

Seriously, this book was just beyond words, I do understand now why I wasn't able to write a review about it the first time I read it; but now, after reading it for a second time, I just feel like I NEED to do a review. Does that make any sense for you?LOL, it's weird, first I felt I didn't want to write it because I would never be able to show you guys in words how much I felt with this book but now I just feel like so much is needed to be said about it. This is by far the best book in the series IMHO. I know many don't feel this way and I can understand it because this book wont be as good for everybody. This is one of those books you love or you don't really enjoy, no greys there. I'm definitely in the loving group , even more, I adore and worship this book because from beginning to end it makes me feel so much. So many things I love about it that it's hard to name them, but I'll try so you guys can understand.

Sigh**, where to start? First and above everything else, I adore the link and the relationship Mercy and Riley share. From the beginning it was just explosive, they are like dynamite together. It's well known that cats and wolves just don't mate, it's not meant to be, it has happened before but they prefer to mate between their own. Then how can't they help be obsessed about each other? They have known for a while but recently the attraction between each is too strong, they can't keep their hands from each other. From the beginning of the book we see this chemistry hitting the roof, it's so powerful that you can't help to only want to read about them and skip the rest of the pages, even though those pages are amazing as well. Both strong members of their pack, but not totally willing to sacrifice their link to them; but in order to really mate and be together it seems they have to, so how can you choose between your mate, the one person you have been waiting all your life to meet, and your pack, the same people that have given everything for you your whole existence? It's not easy, and all the problems they face are so real that you just suffer with them and wanna help them go through them all so they can be together for once and for all.Riley is such a deep character with so many layers, but above all he is a caring and strong person, one of those who would give everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, to make sure you're happy and ok. To have someone love you so much can make you feel so humble. I assure you guys to read about a hero like this is amazing. Then we have Mercy, which I adore as well, because she is what she is. You will never see her change or flex for anybody. She is so strong for a female, with the best values and so much honour. She loves as much too but it's so hard for her to give that love. If you're gonna read this book you just have to understand that things in it are different. You just can't analyse their actions as a human, you have to see their actions as what they are, changeling actions, based on instinct and the very thing they are and rules them. This is a very complex series and you just can't pick up this book without the bases of the others.

This is also the instalment with more information about Sienna and Hawke so it's just impossible not to love it as we have been waiting to read more about them since the beginning. Many surprises and huge turns develop as well. I believe this is the most important book in the series as what plot is concern. Many changes are coming and you can see how things are not gonna be the same any more. The good things is that you just can't imagine what's coming, that's how good NS is. With most series I just know what will happen because they are so predictable, but with NS I never have the slightest idea. Her series is so multifaceted and has so many paths to develop that many things are possible, you just have to keep reading to know more.

Guys, I just wont never get tired of telling you that a re-read is fundamental in many levels to really get to love and appreciate this series. There's just not any other series more worth of a re-read. I'm just ecstatic I decided to do it before Hawke's book comes out because now I know I'm ready. I never realized how much about the series I had been missing before now, so listen and make this re-read because it's definitely needed and so worth it, you'll enjoy every second of it.(less)

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Aug 01, 2009 Dina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series-psy-changeling, paranormal-romance, to-blog

I've been struggling with this review since yesterday, trying to figure out why this book didn't earn a 5-star rating from me. I loved Riley, I liked Mercy, I enjoyed the plot and the new developments in the series' story arc - especially the introduction of Bowen, a new secondary character with all the signs of a future hero - and, last but not least, Hawke (oh, how I love thee!) had some major scenes that had me drooling all over the pages. So what was "wrong" with this latest installment in t...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Lisa Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ordered-pre-ordered, m-pb-paperback, challenge-psy-changeling-2012, genre-shapeshifters, genre-romance-paranormal, 2012-in-2012-group-challenge, authors-n, authors-s, amazing-secondary-characters, m-audible-dot-com, buddy-read-rlftci, child-children-not-baby-featured, genre-futuristic, character-woman-in-pants, setting-usa-california

★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Angela Dawe continues to narrate the wonderful Psy-Changeling series, and with the sixth book she delivers her usual excellent job of distinguishing the male and female characters. However, I must admit I’m impressed with the way she does the children; there is innocence in her tone that comes across. She is one of the readers I seek out when choosing my next audiobook.

Willow, a lynx cub who is traumatized when her brother, Nash, a MIT student is kidna

...more

★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Angela Dawe continues to narrate the wonderful Psy-Changeling series, and with the sixth book she delivers her usual excellent job of distinguishing the male and female characters. However, I must admit I’m impressed with the way she does the children; there is innocence in her tone that comes across. She is one of the readers I seek out when choosing my next audiobook.

Willow, a lynx cub who is traumatized when her brother, Nash, a MIT student is kidnapped.

Oh! This is a good one. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like a struggle between two dominants: Sentinel Mercy Smith from the DarkRiver cats, and Lieutenant Riley Kincaid from the SnowDancer wolves. Nonetheless, it was exceptional.

The chemistry between these two equals is H.O.T. Ms. Singh is deft in handling the love scenes! They certainly sizzle; however, while both individuals like it rough, the interludes are evocative of a deeper emotional tenderness. Oh, yes. Mercy is certainly flirting and cavorting with Riley in what she calls “shoo-away,” but really she’s playing a very dangerous game of “Come here, come here, come here…Go away, go away, go away.” She is definitely getting off on the excitement of the chase. But it is more than that. She wants Riley to prove himself worthy of all she has to offer as a lover; however, I believe there is a part of her that is not aware she really wants him to demonstrate he is worthy of being her mate. Still, these two pack liaisons have a lot of issues to work out. (view spoiler)

As deft as this writer is in the bedroom (or forest floor), she’s equally so outside; presenting us with a gripping suspense. Conspiracy is everywhere! There are a lot more clues and few more answers to what has been going on in this series’ story-line: The Ghost, the NetMind, the Human Alliance, the ‘puppet master,’ the Information Merchant, the PsyNet, Pure Psy, the LaurenNet, Henry Scott, Kaleb Krycheck, Anthony Kyriakus, and Nikita Duncan! We get updates on Judd and Brenna, Lucas and Sascha, Hawke and Sienna and so many, many others from this series.

I often do a great disservice to Ms. Singh; I tend to rate her books against each other instead of against other paranormal romance writers. I’m such a moody reader and it isn’t fair that the next book should have to match my current temperament. But all of her books are a step above other PNR writers.

If you haven’t started this series, and you enjoy paranormal romances, shifters, and futurist stories, this is a great one to start!

Audiobook Covers

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Jun 28, 2011 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Nalini Singh fans, paranormal romance fans

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

Branded by Fire is the perfect title for this book! It’s definitely the hottest of the series so far! Riley, the SnowDancer lieutenant and Mercy, the DarkRiver sentinel are at from the get-go! They are HAWT, HAWT, HAWT!!!

Mercy doesn’t take shit from anyone. It’s one of the reasons why she is so damn good as a sentinel. But with her strength comes scrutiny. Gender roles come into play in this book and even though Riley initially wanted a domestic mate, he can’t seem to stay away from Mercy’s fel...more

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Aug 18, 2009 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: PNR Fans

Recommended to Shawna by: Several GR friends

Shelves: nalini-singh, pnr-weres-cats-wolves-shifters, favorite-romance-series, yowza-hotness, 2009-reads, favorites, hero-alpha‎, i-read-own-faves-keepers, hero-im-gaga-over, scifi-futuristic-fantasy-misc-pnr, series-psy-changeling, enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract, 5-stars, heroine-kickass-spirited-strong, hh-warrior, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, hero-besotted-so-smitten-its-sexy, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, humorous-at-times-or-fluffy-fun, hero-flirt-charmer-ladies-man

5 stars – Paranormal Romance

Nalini Singh delivers yet another exceptional addition to the superb Psy-Changeling series. I’ve read all of the six (currently released) books in the series over the past couple of weeks, and it’s amazing that they keep getting better each time and that there are still so many wondrous possibilities for the future. One of the main things that makes this series so fantastic is the terrific balance of unique, spellbinding world building and steamy, sensual romance betw...more 5 stars – Paranormal Romance

Nalini Singh delivers yet another exceptional addition to the superb Psy-Changeling series. I’ve read all of the six (currently released) books in the series over the past couple of weeks, and it’s amazing that they keep getting better each time and that there are still so many wondrous possibilities for the future. One of the main things that makes this series so fantastic is the terrific balance of unique, spellbinding world building and steamy, sensual romance between strong, passionate characters.

This time, the story centers on the H/H pairing of two dominant, powerful, strong-willed alpha changelings, rather than a Psy/human and changeling union, which in my opinion raised the heat factor by about 50+ degrees! Branded by Fire is a very fitting title because this one is a serious scorcher and the most erotic of the books so far...I’m talking scalding HOT!

DarkRiver sentinel leopard Mercy is feeling a bit left out and lonely now that so many of her close pack members and fellow sentinels have been mated, not to mention suffering from increased sexual frustration and a raging, unsatiated libido. But being a tough, dominant, alpha female sentinel fighter with a high ranking status in the pack means slim pickins’ in the man/cat and mate department. So what’s a kitty-cat to do? I mean, she’s gotta scratch her itch, right?

Lieutenant Riley Kincaid is second in command among the SnowDancer wolf pack and is tasked with working alongside Mercy to strengthen the DarkRiver and SnowDancer alliance and to solve a string of murders in their territories. He’s extremely attracted to Mercy and wants her, as both a wolf and a man, and for more than just a quickie roll on the forest floor. But getting her to agree won’t be easy, and he knows she’ll never submit to a powerful, dominating, alpha like him who’s used to calling all the shots. And that’s exactly what he wants, a mate who he can protect and that will keep the home den lights burning. Not to mention that Mercy is appalled by the idea of bedding down with a dirty dog, especially one as infuriating as Riley, who seems to live to push her buttons and drive her crazy. But he sure seems to make her inner cat purr in utter delight.

He’s a wolf, she’s a cat and both are used to being in charge and on top, but when fire and passion ignites and burns hot between them; can two dominant alphas find a way to submit their hearts? Or will their intense, volatile attraction and all consuming affair endanger the fragile, precious alliance of their packs?

Riley and Mercy’s relationship is one of my favorites of the series so far, and the romance in this is definitely the hottest...Yowza! Some of the scenes just about “branded” my fingertips! I loved Riley’s teasing, flirty way with Mercy...very funny and sexy! “Got an itch, kitty?” I loved it! Another excellent read in a phenomenal series! If you’re a paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy romance fan and haven’t yet started on this series, then what are you waiting for? 5 stars!
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Aug 21, 2012 Blacky *Mistress of doom* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, read-paranormal, best-of-the-best, oooooooooooooooooooooooo, 5-stars-for-quality, 5-stars-for-enjoyment, favorite-pnr

Wow. This was the sexiest book so far, with the strongest characters I know it's stupid to read a series and say for every new book that it's your new favorite, but I just have to This one is my new Psy-Changeling favorite

Riley and Mercy were fan-fucking-tastic! A luitenant and a sentinel for two opposite packs, they couldn't stand each other even though there was a massive sexual attraction in the equasion. In the beginning of the book (and my, this was a shock to the system), I think it w...more

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Feb 28, 2010 Beanbag Love rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book last week, but I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to review it. In fact, I've already read another two books since. Oh well, better late than never.

I really liked this installment in the Psy-Changeling series. I liked that the relationship took off early in the book ... oh boy, did it ever ... and that the couple was pretty open and honest about their nearly impossible future.

Mercy is a leopard sentinal. Riley is a wolf lieutenant. They've been partnered to watch over a p...more I read this book last week, but I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to review it. In fact, I've already read another two books since. Oh well, better late than never.

I really liked this installment in the Psy-Changeling series. I liked that the relationship took off early in the book ... oh boy, did it ever ... and that the couple was pretty open and honest about their nearly impossible future.

Mercy is a leopard sentinal. Riley is a wolf lieutenant. They've been partnered to watch over a particular zone between the two packs and they've been bugging each other ever since.

Poor Mercy is an alpha, which is very difficult for a female changeling. She would never be satisfied with a submissive mate, but also would never be able to be the 'beta' in a relationship. She's only attracted to alphas but they always want to run the show and a female alpha can't deal with that. It's a very real quandary.

One of the things I like about the changelings is that sex is a part of their lives. Touch, sensation, release ... they're all necessary for keeping a lid on their dangerous passions. They can easily lose their humanity if they don't 'git sum' regularly. Which, if you accept that context, takes care of a lot of baggage.

Mercy, however, hasn't been 'gittin sum' in far too long. Riley discovers her in the woods in quite a bit of discomfort. Even though they drive each other crazy as working partners, they've been driving each other crazy in a deeper sense as well. So, right there near the beginning of the book we get an explosive, erotic situation that sets the tone for their relationship for the rest of the book.

Best of all, it deviates from the template. *does happy dance*

Singh does a great job of showing the push and pull of an alpha/alpha relationship very believably. You know they're going to end up together, and you root for it, but you also can't quite figure out how much sacrifice will have to be made and by whom. It's an intriguing story line.

Yes, the inter-species love affair feels odd, but changelings mate with humans so it really isn't that far fetched. The problem is mainly two alpha personalities blood-bonded with two separate predatory changeling packs. Sparks do fly.

So, this has been my favorite of the series so far. There are some other story lines forwarded and more information is given about the Council so it's a very well rounded reading experience.

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Aug 29, 2010 Mollie *scoutrmom* rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of paranormal romance

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

This was another very good book in a very good series. I think what I like about this series is the author's refutation of the idea that one can or should put up emotional walls against feelings of pain, anger, sorrow, or fear. In this way, the stories are an affirmation that life is to be lived at its fullest.

The characters in the series run the gamut, but the heroes and heroines have a core of inner strength that I admire. In Branded by Fire, Nalini Singh chose for her heroine a woman warrior...more

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Mar 29, 2010 Zeek rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites-pnr, shifters

Riley and Mercy are so much alike their mating seems impossible. Both dominant, they've made a point of goading each other for years now but, much to both their dismay, it's become obvious there is more to their goading than friendly rivalry.

Add in the fact one is wolf changeling and the other feline and you've got an oil and water mix that's seems impossible to come together.

While they attempt to work through their highly charged emotions for each other, someone- or a group of someones- are try...more

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Dec 06, 2009 I ♥ Bookie Nookie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-pnr-uf, species-weres-and-shifters, zz-reviewed

This is one of my favorites so far. I love that Singh switched it up and paired 2 unlikely changelings to mate as opposed to the ongoing theme of psy & changeling and human & changling. With 2 changelings mating, there was raw passion and very little of the dilly-dallying around getting to the heart of the matter so to speak.

I will have to say that I am kinda bored with the back story and found in the last few books--including this one, that I am skimming the info about the psy-network a...more

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Apr 19, 2010 Shannon C. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: PNR fans

Shelves: magic-special-powers, shapeshifters, humorous

Another great addition to one of my favorite PNR series. I loved the main characters and supporting cast. Humorous at times, it was interesting reading the conflicts the hero & heroine went through coming together from two different packs. Like the earlier books, the author did a great job with world building and writing a storyline that pulls you in. I loved it when Mercy's Gran started matchmaking--sending available dominants her way. And then when Riley found out and was jealous. So funny...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Lili rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

aaawww!, such a sweet love story!

I hadn't liked a book in this series as much as I did the first one, Lucan is soooo sexy and romantic and so very very alpha!... so the news about Lucan and Sascha were just an added bonus.

But this book was amazing, the building of the story, the characters and the writing were all great, Singh is such a talented author, she makes it so easy for you to get involved.
I liked Mercy a lot, I totally could relate to her strugle and fears... and Riley is HOT!

I don't kn...more

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Jul 17, 2009 BJ Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: futuristic, paranormal, shapeshifters, series, keepers

this is a partial review - am in the middle of too many things right now to do justice to a full review, so just posting my thoughts on Mercy and Riley

I got so-o-o frustrated with Mercy - both her grandmother and her mother were strong females who figured out how to still be a take-charge person and share a life with a mate, but Mercy was still convinced she had to go it alone because giving even a little bit would be disastrous. I did like the resolution Singh provided for the only real problem...more

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Feb 01, 2012 Marina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, shifters, favorites, too-smexy-for-my-own-good

I could write a million reasons why I loved that book so very much but I should start by saying that it was the most sexually intense up to now! With Riley and Mercy as the main couple the sexual tension kicked me in the face from page 1 literally........

Riley is one hell of a good male! And that's a fact although there were ghosts in his closet he choose not to act irrational like so many others, he was cool and collected through the book no matter what Mercy throw at him.

Mercy was exactly the...more I could write a million reasons why I loved that book so very much but I should start by saying that it was the most sexually intense up to now! With Riley and Mercy as the main couple the sexual tension kicked me in the face from page 1 literally........

Riley is one hell of a good male! And that's a fact although there were ghosts in his closet he choose not to act irrational like so many others, he was cool and collected through the book no matter what Mercy throw at him.

Mercy was exactly the opposite. She was irrational, she was kicking and screaming and as Riley put it "She was fire". I liked her inner turmoil she had so many things to lose by becoming his mate, first it was the animals she is a leopard and he is a wolf, her family, her pack, both packs but she overcome them with grace and finally when the time was right she accepted the mating dance and Riley as her mate.

As you know I love the SnowDancers and in this book we get a healthy dose of all of them, Drew is the next one I anticipate very much, and Sienna and Hawke broke my heart in pieces.

Why are you being so helpful?” He shrugged. “I like my brother. And I especially like watching him off balance.” An evil grin. “You and he are the best entertainment I’ve had in years.”
“Why hasn’t Riley killed you yet?” “I keep bouncing back.” A shrug, wide-eyed innocence. Charmed despite herself, she came to a stop in front of the door he’d led her to.
“Now, listen carefully,” she said, leaning close, “if you dare come back here tonight, be prepared to sing soprano the rest of your life. Capisce?” Andrew’s eyes widened.
“Man, you’re scary. Lucky Riley.” And she could tell he meant it, too. “I’m outa here.” But he paused. “Be gentle with him, Mercy. He’s got a heart as big as Texas—he’ll die for you without blinking. But he doesn’t expect anyone to do the same for him.” Drew and Mercy.

“Whatever the hell is happening between you two, make a note that several different men, me included, will kill you if you touch her. She’s not ready.”
“I don’t know who you’re talking about.” Hawke’s voice remained unconcerned, but his hand was squeezing his pen so tight, he’d probably shattered it.
“But none of us will kill you for spending time with her.” He pulled open the door. “Track her down, taunt her into a sparring session. It’ll get you skin-to-skin contact.”
Hawke’s eyes were pure wolf when they met Riley’s. “I don’t think so.” Riley looked at his alpha and gave a slight nod. “Yeah, I see your point.” A little contact would only enflame the wolf.
“You need to draw some blood?” It was an honest offer, wolf to wolf, frustrated male to frustrated male. “Not yet.” Riley and Hawke for Sienna

To the main story line now…….can’t remember, what was this book about????? Oh yes about the Human Alliance…..it all went OK in the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)(less)

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May 23, 2009 Heather marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, books-to-acquire, erotica

This looks like its gonna be a hot hot book! Cant wait!
Excerpt from Book

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Apr 06, 2013 Glamdring rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, paranormal-romances, multiple-reading, 2013

"Then what is it about?" [...]
Leaning down, he locked eyes with her. "It's about having a mate who adores you."
[...] "Then we dance, wolf." [...] "Let's see if you can catch me."

Another action packed book. In this volume we have an inter pack couple made of two dominant Changelings -a cat and a wolf- and contrary to the others stories these two start they relationships by the physical bit right from the beginning of the book.

“Riley : "Do you want to claw at me, kitty-cat? Come on."
Mercy: "Sor...more "Then what is it about?" [...]
Leaning down, he locked eyes with her. "It's about having a mate who adores you."
[...] "Then we dance, wolf." [...] "Let's see if you can catch me."

Another action packed book. In this volume we have an inter pack couple made of two dominant Changelings -a cat and a wolf- and contrary to the others stories these two start they relationships by the physical bit right from the beginning of the book.

“Riley : "Do you want to claw at me, kitty-cat? Come on."
Mercy: "Sorry, I don't beat defenseless puppies.”

““You said I could pet you as long as I liked.”
“Didn't say I wouldn't try to fuck you in the middle of the petting.”
Her eyes snapped up to meet his. “That's feline logic. You're a wolf.”
“I'm learning from the best.””

Mercy is the last unmated sentinel and this is a problem because even though she never had any sentimental feelings for her fellow sentinels, as a dominant female they were the only ones able to match or top her and she’s afraid she will never mate. And to make things worse she's suffering of accumulated sexual frustration but can’t seem able to find a cat that could help her scratch her itch.

"He bit her lower lip.
Her eyes snapped open. "Kiss it better."
"No." He nipped her again. Sharp. Sexy. "You make me so fucking insane, I want to mark you all over. So everyone knows you're mine."

Riley “the wall” is Hawke second in command and a fundamental pillar of the pack as well as Drew and Brenna (Caressed by Ice) big brother. Both his parents were lieutenants and died protecting the pack when he was a kid. He is composed, strong, loyal, caring, sexy as hell and can't help being protective.

“Be gentle with him, Mercy. He's got a heart as big as Texas— he'll die for you without blinking. But he doesn't expect anyone to do the same for him.”

Since the DarkRiver-SnowDancer alliance, Mercy and Riley are the two in charge of the liaison between theirs packs and they push each other's buttons like no one else.

““Thanks.” She shot him a suspicious look. “Why are you being so helpful?”
He shrugged. “I like my brother. And I especially like watching him off balance.” An evil grin. “You and he are the best entertainment I’ve had in years.”
“Why hasn’t Riley killed you yet?”
“I keep bouncing back.” A shrug, wide-eyed innocence.”

I loved Mercy and Riley’s love story, the interactions with the other members of the packs, the kids, as well as the general plot.(less)

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Jun 21, 2011 Audrey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-sci-fi-or-otherworldly

Great story with two dominant personalities vying for the lead. Mercy is a hellcat (aren't puns punderful?), and it's fun to watch her sass out at Riley. The development of their feelings for each other revealed a lot about their respective alpha natures as each of them struggled in his/her own way with the burning attraction for the other. Mercy and her leopard kept wanting to assert their power, while Riley and his wolf continuously had to rein in their instinct for total dominance. I like tha...more

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Jun 06, 2010 Steph rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-favorites, 2010, series-ongoing, featured-favorites, author-웃, author-favorite, series-i-love

Duplicate Listing

1st read: 5 Jun 2010
Re-read: 19 Jul 2012

[Re-Read Review ~ Rating remains]

What do you get when you mix Mercy and Riley? Branded by Fire! The story begins at Dorian & Ashaya's mating ceremony. Mercy (Melisande), DarkRiver's sentinel, is in heat. Which is a problem because she's a dominant female leopard in a pack where none of the dominant males push her buttons. One male does though ... Riley Kincaid, SnowDancer's lieutenant, Hawke's second.

They've both been "noticing" eac...more

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Dec 03, 2009 Edna Lyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009, paranormal-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. So I said something about the first page..now how about that first scene between Mercy and Riley? Hot damn! The chemistry was off the charts, this book has such a fitting title LOL. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed the psy/changeling matches (well ok not all of them) and they all had some steamy scenes but it was really smokin' between these two. It's a definite welcome to have someone from DarkRiver mate with a SnowDancer especially dominants like Mercy and Riley. They could actually play in bo...more So I said something about the first page..now how about that first scene between Mercy and Riley? Hot damn! The chemistry was off the charts, this book has such a fitting title LOL. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed the psy/changeling matches (well ok not all of them) and they all had some steamy scenes but it was really smokin' between these two. It's a definite welcome to have someone from DarkRiver mate with a SnowDancer especially dominants like Mercy and Riley. They could actually play in both forms and even relate to each other since they held similar positions in their respective pack. There was that same sort of bantering I've seen in the previous books but this one did have a different pace with the relationship. I'm also satisfied with the ending about which pack they had loyalty to.

I loved finally getting a POV of a dominant female changeling. Mercy was badass, and it was just so nice to get this sort of perspective since we haven't really seen it before. She more than held her on in this book. Oh, P.S., I loved her brothers!

As much as I loved Lucas and Dorian, Riley was definitely giving them a run for their money. I mean HE MADE HER A NEST; echoing what Mercy said "aw". Hee! He got jealous of the two sentinals which cracked me up. Then how sweet was it when Riley went to Mercy's when he had a nightmare? Also the fact that he offered to leave his pack, so many good moments. I can't forget the teasing from his siblings TOO!! It had me cracking up

In terms of pack scenes, there were a lot of great moments. Jules and Rome distracting Willow. The pranks between the juveniles. Dorian and Sascha. I'm so happy for Sascha and Luc; that's going to be fun in the future. I'm very intrigued with the book she got from Nikita, plus the whole x-psy topic.

I loved the little bits of Hawke. Still charming yet hardheaded as ever. I feel so bad about him losing 'the one' when he was younger but there's no denying something's going on between him and Sienna. Speaking of, her scene with Sascha was heartbreaking. Even so, I do think it was a good idea for her to get some space. And OOOOH at the epilogue. I'd like to think it's just a friendship though, just something to stir up some trouble. In my opinion, it'll be a lot of fun.

And lastly I want to mention the council/alliance/ghost side stories going on because they all were compelling. This book was feeding my assumptions that Kaleb may be the Ghost. And I sense some cracks from that scene when the ghost talked to Judd. The murder plots, the chips, Bowen, Tatiana...it's been adding a lot to the overall plot of these books. (less)

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Nov 01, 2012 Capri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: alpha-throughout-book, hot-hot-smexing, nalini-singh, paranormal-mixed-love, paranormal-romance, part-of-a-series, possessive-hero, protective-hero, super-sexy-alpha-hero, will-read-again-keeper, shifter-hero

Nalini Singh out did her self with Play of Passion with a great plot, fun, sexy, witty dialog, kick butt Heroine and a yummy Alpha Hero. Even if there was no smexing going on I would still love it as Mercy and Riley had some sexy, witty bickering.

Favorite Quotes
Riley to Mercy: "Though right this second, I'd take plain old hot sex. Got an itch, kitty?"

Mercy: "So what, you followed me hoping I'd lower my standards and sleep with a wolf?"
Riley: "You want to claw at me, kitty-cat? Come on."
Mercy: "...more

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May 16, 2013 OpenBookSociety.com rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://openbooksociety.com/article/br...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Mercy has slowly watched all of the sentinels find mates. The latest mating being that of her best friend, Dorian, has truly left her feeling alone and a bit of an outcast. With her being such a dominant female, she isn’t sure if she will ever be able to submit to a male; forcing her into a life of solitude.

She ends up drowning her sorrows with a nice sexy roll on the forest floor with SnowDancer lieutenant, Riley. But w...more

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Jan 27, 2013 Wanderer ♔ Wanderlust ♔ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action, changeling, paranormal, part-of-a-series, read-in-2013, romance, sci-fi, smokin-hot, werejaguars, wereleopards, werepanther, werewolves

Another 5-star read. Riley and Mercy are up there as a favorite couple from this series. So well matched in every way. The chemistry was so strong between them that I almost felt let down when the story would switch to the mystery part of the book. I started reading and really didn't see what major obstacle could come between Riley, a wolf, and Mercy, a leopard, but then the author shows us the huge emotional loss one of them would suffer and really made me feel for both of them. I thought I had...more

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Sep 11, 2012 Jaix rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, romance-hall-of-fame

5000 stars. Ha, I'm kidding. Just 10,000 stars.

Ok, seriously, I give this an A+. It's so good, I didn't allow it to last me a whole day. Nope, I had to sleep late and wake up early just to finish it. And damn, I wish it was as long as Gone With the Wind. So I could've read it in three or five more days. But no, it ended and did so fast.

And now, I am lonely.

I want more Riley and Mercy! I want Nalini Singh to write a novella for them, entitled A Week with Riley and Mercy. I'd even not care about...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Chelsea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was absolutely amazing! I love Mercy so much, she's just so damn fierce, excuse my French.:) I've always liked Mercy, I was waiting for her to get her own book, and when I found out, I was fan-girling all over the place! And don't even get me started on Riley, he's just one hunk of bad-assness and sexiness combined. *Sigh* I wish I had a Riley. Anyways, this coupling was totally unexpected, I thought it would be a Psy for some reason, but I was pretty happy when I found out ot was Rile...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Aden rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, favorites, romance, shifters

This might have been my favorite of the series so far. Mercy is just what I expected from her previous appearances, as is Riley. It's nice to see him get some of what he dished out to Judd too. I did expect a little more Drew, but the use of Mercy's full family with parents was excellent. Given that these Changelings are such big family creatures, it really pleased me to actually see one with family that was around regularly. Also it could have used a touch more Indigo, since she's basically rig...more

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May 27, 2012 Jesica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: recommendations, reviewed

Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series may be the best series of paranormal romance in print. I'm not kidding. These books are addictive. But they're not simply entertaining; Singh has crafted a perfectly unique world with individual characters who seamlessly weave in and out of the books. She succeeds in tying the novels together in a plotline arc that manages to satisfy the happy-ending lovers of romance and the more complex serial demands of science fiction. No easy feat.

Of the six I've read so...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Romance Lovers fo...: Series Read: Psy-Changeling, #6: Branded by Fire (Start Date: June 20, 2012)	75	39	Jun 28, 2012 01:45pm
Nalini Singh Fans: Branded by Fire (#6)	42	143	Apr 06, 2012 01:07am

title link	preview: Branded by Fire
avg rating	preview: Branded by Fire Goodreads rating: 4.30 (8953 ratings)
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Branded by Fire (Psy-Changeling #6)

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