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Psy-Changeling #5.1
Dorian
A changeling who can never shift lives a life of quiet frustration—until he learns how to let his leopard come out and play . . .
Timeline: Takes place right after Hostage to Pleasure.
This story can be found in the short story anthology Wild Embrace.
Timeline: Takes place right after Hostage to Pleasure.
This story can be found in the short story anthology Wild Embrace.
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2016
12 people are currently reading
857 people want to read
About the author
Nalini Singh
251 books26.7k followersI've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
July 15, 2018
Part of Wild Embrace (Psy-Changeling #2.5, 5.1, 11.5, 12.1) by Nalini Singh.
Dorian managed to find and wake his inner leopard in Hostage to Pleasure.
Dorian managed to find and wake his inner leopard in Hostage to Pleasure.
April 23, 2021
** Read in Wild Embrace.
Dorian - 5 Stars
This one spans a number of years in Dorian’s life. We get to see him as a cub, as a teenager, and as an adult. Plus we are treated to teenage Lucas and the other Sentinels, who aren’t Sentinels yet. In this one we learn about his strength, his tenacity and most of all how important pack bonds really are.
The cat comes out to play.
Dorian - 5 Stars
This one spans a number of years in Dorian’s life. We get to see him as a cub, as a teenager, and as an adult. Plus we are treated to teenage Lucas and the other Sentinels, who aren’t Sentinels yet. In this one we learn about his strength, his tenacity and most of all how important pack bonds really are.
The cat comes out to play.
April 15, 2021
Super cute novella! It was a lot of fun seeing Dorian as a teenager with Lucas, Mercy, Vaughn, and Clay. The story also shows Dorian as a little kid and as an adult.
Found in Wild Embrace.
Found in Wild Embrace.
October 24, 2020
Kind of a meandering look at Dorian's life from when he was 10 or so to a mated adult. I think this story would mean more to those who have read the whole series or at least the book where he meets his mate...
October 2, 2017
Dorian es uno de mis personajes favoritos, asi que tenia muchisimas ganas de leer este pequeño relato y tengo que admitir que fue muy agradable, me encanto volver a leer lo muy cercanos que son todos los miembros de esta familia.
3 Estrellas!
May 1, 2021
Dorian is in the novella collection Wild Embrace.
I enjoyed this novella which gave an extended look at Dorian's past and present being latent. It was definitely something I wanted more detail after or during Hostage to Pleasure.
I enjoyed this novella which gave an extended look at Dorian's past and present being latent. It was definitely something I wanted more detail after or during Hostage to Pleasure.
February 18, 2023
I have serious issues with this cover - the female MC is described to have brown skin with wild frizzy hair.
Aside from that, it's great to have more backstory on Dorian.
Aside from that, it's great to have more backstory on Dorian.
October 4, 2020
4 stars! These novellas are so damn good! I’ve gone back to read all of the ones I’ve missed thus far, and have loved most of them! This one was so sweet it made me tear up a bit. I love Dorian 💕
Safe
Safe
May 4, 2021
This is what I was missing in the last book! I wanted more insight into Dorian and this delivered. I loved seeing him as a child and adored seeing his interactions and relationships. It really helped to get a better sense of his feelings about being latent as well, and how he'd overcome it - AND what it meant to him to be able to finally shift. Even more striking was the pack's response. Loved this!
February 24, 2018
Some sweet scenes in Dorian's life, both before and after he was able to shift.
August 29, 2021
a series of vignettes from dorian's life, worth the read
January 23, 2022
A short novela about Dorian's struggles with being latent when he was a kid, and what happened when the serum worked and he did turn into a leopard, the pack happiness and the new struggles to let the cat lead while in leopard form.
So cute!
So cute!
May 20, 2019
Loved this again, such a great read! Dorian has had it tough, and I really enjoyed this so much!
*First read September 22nd, 2016*
Loved this collections of scenes, when Dorian was a child who was latent, and Dorian as an adult, who can now shift. Such a great read!
*First read September 22nd, 2016*
Loved this collections of scenes, when Dorian was a child who was latent, and Dorian as an adult, who can now shift. Such a great read!
December 22, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐.5/5.
Type: 📖 physical book.
Genre: adult paranormal novella.
Overall impression: Dorian should have stayed a kid because he was far more likeable and cuter than as an adult in his full-length novel. It was interesting to see his childhood scenes but the rest were just random scenes of him shifting for the first few times as an adult. The novella was only ~25 pages long and kind of a waste of time. It would have been better as an additional chapter in his full length novel. I would not recommend reading this if you haven't read the previous books in the series as it relies on prior knowledge and has zero storyline on its own.
Best bits:
✅ Glimpse into Dorian's childhood
✅ Dorian's first shifts
Worst bits:
❌ Nothing really happened
Type: 📖 physical book.
Genre: adult paranormal novella.
Overall impression: Dorian should have stayed a kid because he was far more likeable and cuter than as an adult in his full-length novel. It was interesting to see his childhood scenes but the rest were just random scenes of him shifting for the first few times as an adult. The novella was only ~25 pages long and kind of a waste of time. It would have been better as an additional chapter in his full length novel. I would not recommend reading this if you haven't read the previous books in the series as it relies on prior knowledge and has zero storyline on its own.
Best bits:
✅ Glimpse into Dorian's childhood
✅ Dorian's first shifts
Worst bits:
❌ Nothing really happened
July 2, 2020
A changeling who can never shift leads a life of quiet frustration. But when he learns how to let his leopard come out and play, he is met with new challenges and feelings.
A quick and insightful novella, following Dorian, a changeling who is not able to shift. It was fun to find out how he dealt with being different and it was very heartwarming to follow some of his challenges now he is able to shift into his leopard.
A quick and insightful novella, following Dorian, a changeling who is not able to shift. It was fun to find out how he dealt with being different and it was very heartwarming to follow some of his challenges now he is able to shift into his leopard.
May 15, 2021
Awwww. I loved this. Dorian being latent was one of the most interesting changeling aspects. As much as I love Ashaya and his relationship, I love that it took a Psy to help him.
That shows the beauty of the intermixed of the races and that they never should have been split up.
That shows the beauty of the intermixed of the races and that they never should have been split up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2018
TAN HERMOSO
September 12, 2023
Anyone so freaking happy that Dorian can shift and think it can't be better, then she shows him as a 6 year old boy... I'm a sucker for this man.
September 26, 2024
Rating: 4/5 🌟
Characters: Dorian
Characters: Dorian
December 4, 2025
Well that was just joyful
June 12, 2019
Very enjoyable.
December 19, 2019
Stars: 3 / 5
My Recommendation: Another good novella that would give the readers a glimpse into the Psy-Changeling world, filled with Psy, Changeling and Humans, who are living together, ruled by Psy but the other two races making the playing field even. Of course there is romance, passion, war, friendship, loyalties and betrayals along the line.
Dorian is the eighth novella in the long running Psy-Changeling Series by Nalini Singh, published in August of 2016, as part of Wild Embrace anthology.
Psy-Changeling series focuses on three races living side-by-side on Earth - The icy Psy who rule the world struggling with fall of Silence; the Changelings with natural mental barriers to fight the Psy invasion; and the Humans having decided to level the playing field. The series takes the readers through the downfall of Psy, their drawbacks, why all three races are needed for survival of each other, and above all finding mates across races thus disintegrating the walls further.
In continuing with the series that intrigued when I picked it's spin-off, Psy-Changeling Trinity Series, here is my take on the next novella in the parent series. This time Nalini takes us on a journey with Dorian Christensen.
In Shards of Hope, Nalini had concluded this arc of the Psy-Changeling series with a promise of four cute novellas along with one big plot of all the ensemble. We read and enjoyed the ensemble in Allegiance of Honor (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). Now on to the second one of those fun novellas that were published later in the same year as the big plot.
We have met Dorian Christensen in the very first book in the series, and have been seeing him ever since, even read his story in Hostage to Pleasure where he gets mated to Ashaya Aliene, an M-Psy, and adopts Keenan Aleine as his own.
Yet, I was surprised that Nalini still found something more about Dorian to show the readers. And after I read it, I realized, there are so many things about him that we don’t know. I am sure it would be the same about the other characters too.
Anyways, Dorian's story begins when he was age 6, proceeds through his years as he grows into a loyal friend, strong lieutenant and above all finding his mate at the end. The story goes a little beyond Hostage to Pleasure plot though.
We see Dorian's struggles, how he braves through them and comes out in flying colors. That was the best part of this very short story. To see someone coming out on top. Again no major surprises or battles other than what Dorian faces with his own.
This sweet little tale comes heavily dosed with friendship, love, triumphs and humor. She has very less of repeat paraphrasing and hardly any sub-plots or inconsequential details that she normally leaves though.
Another sweet little tale that gives the readers more insight into of this fantastic series. A good novella that would definitely intrigue the readers to pick up the series.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Sub-Plots:
a. For all Psy Designations are mentioned in the series go here (https://psychangeling.fandom.com/wiki...).
b. Psy terms:
i. Honeycomb Protocol - PsyNet connected by Empaths to all Psy across the world; missing the critical human element with only three known Psy-Human bonds; disintegrating slowly unless humans join without coercion.
ii. The Consortium - headed by The Architect, formed of Psy, Human and Changeling power hungry people taking advantage of the fallen Silence at the cost of lives. The Architect plans to assassinate the top members of the Trinity Accord, including Silver Mercant.
iii. Trinity Accord - consists of Ruling Coalition; Devraj Santos; Bowen Knight; Lizbeth Shafer (head of a humanitarian group called Hope Light); Miane Leveque.
iv. United Earth Federation aka UEF
v. Emergency Response Network aka EmNet - The world-wide rapid response network as the first line in any critical situation; headed by Silver Mercant.
c. Various Psy:
i. Ruling Coalition: Nikita Duncan; Kaleb Krychek (mated to Sahara Kyriakus, an F-Psy, in Heart of Obsidian(https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Anthony Kyriakus; Ivy Jane Zen; Aden Kai; Lucas Hunter (representing all the Changelings)
ii. Empathic Collective - formed by 5 empaths including Sascha Duncan, Ivy Jane is President; Sahara Kyriakus as specialist; Alice Elridge as Consultant.
iii. Ex-Councilors: Ming LeBon; Shoshanna Scott
iv. Other Psy: Latham; Sione; Juniper; Gia Khan; Silver Mercant (Kaleb's sr. personal assistant, introduced in Caressed by Ice); Lenik (Kaleb's admin assistant); Samuel Rain; Keisha Bale; Tanique Gray (Faith's brother); Chang; Concetta; Teri; Dechen; Isaiah; Brigitte; Pax Marshall; Payal Rao; Ena Mercant
v. Psy Couples: Clara Alvarez & her human mate Patrick; Gwen Jane & Carter Hirsch (Ivy Jane's parents)
vi. Kaleb has a vision for the square beneath his official buildings. A short story perhaps.
vii. Amara, Ashaya's twin, gets distracted by one of the males working in her lab in Tangle of Need.
viii. In Heart of Obsidian:
1) To avenge Sahara, Kaleb imprisons and tortures ex-Councilor Tatiana Rika-Smythe.
2) Nalini connected every knick-knack in Kaleb's home to a shared memory between him and Sahara except for one single piece of twisted metal. A short story for it?
ix. In Shield of Winter: Isaiah and Concetta seemed to bond, although Isaiah is injured in that plot.
x. Since Shards of Hope, a relationship is brewing between Anthony and Nikita.
d. Arrow Squad:
i. Aden Kai - Leader. Mated to his Commander Zaira Neve in Shards of Hope (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)
ii. Commanders: Vasic Zen (mated to Ivy Jane, an E-Psy, in Shield of Winter (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Cristobel Rodriguez; Amin; Axl (sparks fly between him & Tamar, financial genius, in Shards of Hope)
iii. Members: Gutierrez; Suhana; Alejandro; Sione; Ella; Tavish; Mica; Nerida; Beatrice Gault; Yuri; Pip; Carolina;
iv. Other Couples: Stefan Berg married to Tazia Nerif in Echo of Silence (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Marjorie Kai & Naoshi Ayze (Aden's parents); Abbot (Bonded with Jaya, an E-Psy); Bond seems to be forming between Cristobel and Amin in Shards of Hope.
e. Forgotten Psy - Introduced in Caressed by Ice:
i. Devraj "Dev" Santos is their leader, marries Ekaterina "Katya" Haas, an M-Psy, in Blaze of Memory (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
ii. Members: Rangi; Dr. Glen Herriford; Jonquil "Jon" Alexi Duchslaya (a 14 year old rescued from Psy Anchors imprisonment); Noor Hassan (rescued along with Jon. Keenan, Ashaya's son want to marry her); Aubry; Aryan; Tag & Tiara; Cruz; Maggie; Dr. Connor; Eva; William;
iii. In Heart of Obsidian, one of the female Forgotten assists the EmNet; who is mated to a DarkRiver male. Who is she?
f. Humans:
i. 18th Century Territorial (Changeling) Wars - Adrian Kenner had help draft laws that ended the war.
ii. Bowen "Bo" Kinght - Introduced in Branded by Fire. Human Alliance Security Chief; striving to make the Alliance a strong and powerful one along-side Psy and Changelings; 9 other men and women support him.
iii. Members: Sara; Lily (Bowen's adopted sister); Alice Eldridge (Introduced in Branded by Fire; Consultant to Empathic Coalition); Trooper Michel Benoit; Allie Livingston;
iv. In Tangle of Need, Bo and his top aides get The Human Alliance Implant planted in their brains. In Allegiance of Honor, they find a fatal flaw that could give them only few more months to live.
v. Stories:
1) Max Shannon - Security Chief for Nikita Duncan, married to Sophia Russo, a J-Psy, in Bonds of Justice (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
vi. Other Couples: Father Xavier Perez - marries Nina in Allegiance of Honor; Lisette & Emil; Isaac & Jesse
g. Various Changelings:
i. DarkRiver Leopards (Territory: San Francisco)
1) Lucas Hunter - Alpha. Mated to Sascha Duncan, an E-Psy, in Slave to Sensation (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). In Kiss of Snow, they have a girl, Nadia "Naya" Shayla Hunter.
2) Packmates - Kit & Rina Monaghan; Zara; Tara; Nico; Cory; Jason; Nicki; Aaron; Mia; Sarah; Lysa; Cian; Jamie; Meenakshi (Desi's mother); Barker; Joe; Keely; Owen; Monroe; Nicki; Sage and Grey (Mercy's remaining brothers); Anu; Issy; Behali; Bryan;
3) Sentinels - Nathan "Nate" Ryder (mated to Tamsyn "Tammy" Mahaire, healer, have twin sons Roman and Julian, Story in Beat of Temptation (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Vaughn D'Angelo (mated to Faith NightStar, an F-Psy, in Visions of Heat (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Clay Bennett (mated to Talin "Tally" McKade, a human, in Mine to Possess (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Dorian (mated to Ashaya Aliene, an M-Psy, in Hostage to Pleasure (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Mercy Smith (mated to SnowDancer Lieutenant Riley Aedan Kincaid, in Branded by Fire (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), have triplets in Allegiance of Honor (two male wolf pups Acton "Ace" Lucas Smith-Kincaid and Michael "Micah" Hawke Smith-Kincaid; one female leopard cub, Isabella "Belle" Maeve Smith-Kincaid)).
4) Other Couples:
a) Emmet, mated to Ria Wembley, a human, in Whisper of Sin (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... have an infant daughter, Mialin Corrina, as of Allegiance of Honor.
b) Zachary "Zach" Quinn, mated to Angelica "Anne" Kildaire, a human, in Stroke of Enticement (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), have an infant boy Rowan Kaleb Quinn as of Allegiance of Honor.
c) Bastien Smith, Mercy's brother & financial genius, mated to Kirby Rosario, a Lynx Changeling, in Secrets at Midnight (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
d) Desiree "Desi", a senior solider, is mentioned as mated in Allegiance of Honor. To whom?
ii. SnowDancer Wolves (Territory: California)
1) Hawke - Alpha. Mated to Sienna Lauren, an X-Psy, in Kiss of Snow (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
2) Packmates - Dalton; Lucy; Kieran (a human); Joshua; Brace; Sylvia; Maria & Lake; Riordan; Simran; Ines; Mariska; Sam Baker (a human); Mack; Nell; Shawnelle; Ivy; Becca; Pierce; Felix; Vivienne & Todd (Twins); Daniel; Margo; Vitoria; Sebastian; Paul; Elizabeth; Diego; Revel & Pia (siblings); Baker Family - Iain & Enid; son Nash; daughter Willow (Lynx family tied to pack); Heather; Dani
3) Lieutenants - Judd Lauren (an Arrow Psy, mated to Brenna Shane Kincaid, in Caressed by Ice (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Riley Aedan Kincaid; Indigo Riviere (mated to Andrew "Drew" Liam Kincaid, a Tracker, in Play of Passion (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Riaz Delgado (mated to Adria Morgan, a SnowDancer Sr. Soldier, in Tangle of Need (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Cooper "Coop" Shaw (mated to Grace Burke in Declaration of Courtship (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Garnet "Jem"; Kenji Tanaka; Alexei; Mathias; Tomas;
4) More Stories:
a) Walker Lauren, a Tp-Psy, mated to Lara Knight, healer, in Texture of Intimacy (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), is pregnant as of Allegiance of Honor.
b) Kenji and Jem are fighting sparks.
c) Drew and Indigo are set to take over Alexei's sector in a month while Alexei to come back to the den as of Tangle of Need.
5) Other Couples: Tai, dating Evangeline, Indigo's sister, since Kiss of Snow.; Elias, his mate Yuki & daughter Sakura; Greg; D'Arn & his human mate Sing-Lui; Spencer & Ava Stone, their son Ben (wanting to mate with Marlee) & daughter Elodie; Shamus Lopez & his mate Emma; Tarah & Abel - Indigo and Evie's parents; Melina and James - Grace's adopted parents' Aisha & Mack - Lara's parents; Riordan dating Noelle, Zach's, a DarkRiver Changeling, sister since Texture of Intimacy.
6) In Texture of Intimacy, Lara and her assistant Lucy are looking for a dedicated admin person.
7) In Shield of Winter, Hawke and Sienna's plan to eliminate Ming takes a little detour in the wake of fallen Silence.
iii. BlackSea Changeling Coalition aka Conclave - First mentioned in Kiss of Snow. Members: Miane Leveque (Leader, introduced in Tangle of Need); Malachi Rhys (Security Chief, Introduced in Tangle of Need); Emani Berg; Olivia Coletti & her daughter Persephone; Leila Savea; Costas; Andres; Dr. Night
1) Approx 21 BlackSea water changelings are missing; the hunt for them would no doubt slip and slide to several future plots by Nalini.
2) Malachi Rhys is evolving as the series is progressing. And now Malachi is getting added to my list of characters that I want to read more and more about - Hawke, Kaleb, Aden, Bowen
iv. BlackEdge Wolves in Moscow. First mentioned in Caressed by Ice. Selenka Durev (Alpha); Gregori
v. RainFire Leopards in Smokies. Introduced in Beat of Temptation. Remington "Remi" Denier (Alpha); Finn (Healer); Lark, Angel & Theo (Sentinels); Jojo (with markings of an alpha); Jasper;
vi. WindHaven Falcons. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Adam Garrett (Wing Leader); Naia (healer); Jacques (second to Adam)
vii. Rats Changelings. Introduced in Mine to Possess. Members - Teijan (Alpha); Suyi; Zane; Aneca;
viii. AzureSun Leopards in Brazil. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Isabella Garcia (Alpha. Grandmother of Mercy); Eduardo and Joaquin (Sentinels).
ix. IceRock Lynx Changelings in Calgary, Canada. Introduced in Secrets at Midnight. Members: Kiya Teague (Alpha);
x. PineWood Hyenas - First mentioned in Caressed by Ice. Members - Kevin; Mahal; Lou-Ann;
xi. Snake Changelings. First mentioned in Mine to Possess plot.
xii. Lynx Changelings. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members:
xiii. SilverBlade Leopards. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Hamilton (A Sentinel)
xiv. WinterFire Leopards in North Dakota. First mentioned in Play of Passion.
xv. StoneWater Bears - First mentioned in Kiss of Snow.
xvi. WhiteSteppe Wolves in Siberia. First mentioned in Tangle of Need.
xvii. WaterSky Eagles in New York. Introduced in Shield of Winter.
xviii. SkyElm Ocelots in Texas. Introduced in Allegiance of Honor. Members: Monroe Halliston (Alpha);
My Recommendation: Another good novella that would give the readers a glimpse into the Psy-Changeling world, filled with Psy, Changeling and Humans, who are living together, ruled by Psy but the other two races making the playing field even. Of course there is romance, passion, war, friendship, loyalties and betrayals along the line.
Dorian is the eighth novella in the long running Psy-Changeling Series by Nalini Singh, published in August of 2016, as part of Wild Embrace anthology.
Psy-Changeling series focuses on three races living side-by-side on Earth - The icy Psy who rule the world struggling with fall of Silence; the Changelings with natural mental barriers to fight the Psy invasion; and the Humans having decided to level the playing field. The series takes the readers through the downfall of Psy, their drawbacks, why all three races are needed for survival of each other, and above all finding mates across races thus disintegrating the walls further.
In continuing with the series that intrigued when I picked it's spin-off, Psy-Changeling Trinity Series, here is my take on the next novella in the parent series. This time Nalini takes us on a journey with Dorian Christensen.
In Shards of Hope, Nalini had concluded this arc of the Psy-Changeling series with a promise of four cute novellas along with one big plot of all the ensemble. We read and enjoyed the ensemble in Allegiance of Honor (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). Now on to the second one of those fun novellas that were published later in the same year as the big plot.
We have met Dorian Christensen in the very first book in the series, and have been seeing him ever since, even read his story in Hostage to Pleasure where he gets mated to Ashaya Aliene, an M-Psy, and adopts Keenan Aleine as his own.
Yet, I was surprised that Nalini still found something more about Dorian to show the readers. And after I read it, I realized, there are so many things about him that we don’t know. I am sure it would be the same about the other characters too.
Anyways, Dorian's story begins when he was age 6, proceeds through his years as he grows into a loyal friend, strong lieutenant and above all finding his mate at the end. The story goes a little beyond Hostage to Pleasure plot though.
We see Dorian's struggles, how he braves through them and comes out in flying colors. That was the best part of this very short story. To see someone coming out on top. Again no major surprises or battles other than what Dorian faces with his own.
This sweet little tale comes heavily dosed with friendship, love, triumphs and humor. She has very less of repeat paraphrasing and hardly any sub-plots or inconsequential details that she normally leaves though.
Another sweet little tale that gives the readers more insight into of this fantastic series. A good novella that would definitely intrigue the readers to pick up the series.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Sub-Plots:
a. For all Psy Designations are mentioned in the series go here (https://psychangeling.fandom.com/wiki...).
b. Psy terms:
i. Honeycomb Protocol - PsyNet connected by Empaths to all Psy across the world; missing the critical human element with only three known Psy-Human bonds; disintegrating slowly unless humans join without coercion.
ii. The Consortium - headed by The Architect, formed of Psy, Human and Changeling power hungry people taking advantage of the fallen Silence at the cost of lives. The Architect plans to assassinate the top members of the Trinity Accord, including Silver Mercant.
iii. Trinity Accord - consists of Ruling Coalition; Devraj Santos; Bowen Knight; Lizbeth Shafer (head of a humanitarian group called Hope Light); Miane Leveque.
iv. United Earth Federation aka UEF
v. Emergency Response Network aka EmNet - The world-wide rapid response network as the first line in any critical situation; headed by Silver Mercant.
c. Various Psy:
i. Ruling Coalition: Nikita Duncan; Kaleb Krychek (mated to Sahara Kyriakus, an F-Psy, in Heart of Obsidian(https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Anthony Kyriakus; Ivy Jane Zen; Aden Kai; Lucas Hunter (representing all the Changelings)
ii. Empathic Collective - formed by 5 empaths including Sascha Duncan, Ivy Jane is President; Sahara Kyriakus as specialist; Alice Elridge as Consultant.
iii. Ex-Councilors: Ming LeBon; Shoshanna Scott
iv. Other Psy: Latham; Sione; Juniper; Gia Khan; Silver Mercant (Kaleb's sr. personal assistant, introduced in Caressed by Ice); Lenik (Kaleb's admin assistant); Samuel Rain; Keisha Bale; Tanique Gray (Faith's brother); Chang; Concetta; Teri; Dechen; Isaiah; Brigitte; Pax Marshall; Payal Rao; Ena Mercant
v. Psy Couples: Clara Alvarez & her human mate Patrick; Gwen Jane & Carter Hirsch (Ivy Jane's parents)
vi. Kaleb has a vision for the square beneath his official buildings. A short story perhaps.
vii. Amara, Ashaya's twin, gets distracted by one of the males working in her lab in Tangle of Need.
viii. In Heart of Obsidian:
1) To avenge Sahara, Kaleb imprisons and tortures ex-Councilor Tatiana Rika-Smythe.
2) Nalini connected every knick-knack in Kaleb's home to a shared memory between him and Sahara except for one single piece of twisted metal. A short story for it?
ix. In Shield of Winter: Isaiah and Concetta seemed to bond, although Isaiah is injured in that plot.
x. Since Shards of Hope, a relationship is brewing between Anthony and Nikita.
d. Arrow Squad:
i. Aden Kai - Leader. Mated to his Commander Zaira Neve in Shards of Hope (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)
ii. Commanders: Vasic Zen (mated to Ivy Jane, an E-Psy, in Shield of Winter (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Cristobel Rodriguez; Amin; Axl (sparks fly between him & Tamar, financial genius, in Shards of Hope)
iii. Members: Gutierrez; Suhana; Alejandro; Sione; Ella; Tavish; Mica; Nerida; Beatrice Gault; Yuri; Pip; Carolina;
iv. Other Couples: Stefan Berg married to Tazia Nerif in Echo of Silence (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Marjorie Kai & Naoshi Ayze (Aden's parents); Abbot (Bonded with Jaya, an E-Psy); Bond seems to be forming between Cristobel and Amin in Shards of Hope.
e. Forgotten Psy - Introduced in Caressed by Ice:
i. Devraj "Dev" Santos is their leader, marries Ekaterina "Katya" Haas, an M-Psy, in Blaze of Memory (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
ii. Members: Rangi; Dr. Glen Herriford; Jonquil "Jon" Alexi Duchslaya (a 14 year old rescued from Psy Anchors imprisonment); Noor Hassan (rescued along with Jon. Keenan, Ashaya's son want to marry her); Aubry; Aryan; Tag & Tiara; Cruz; Maggie; Dr. Connor; Eva; William;
iii. In Heart of Obsidian, one of the female Forgotten assists the EmNet; who is mated to a DarkRiver male. Who is she?
f. Humans:
i. 18th Century Territorial (Changeling) Wars - Adrian Kenner had help draft laws that ended the war.
ii. Bowen "Bo" Kinght - Introduced in Branded by Fire. Human Alliance Security Chief; striving to make the Alliance a strong and powerful one along-side Psy and Changelings; 9 other men and women support him.
iii. Members: Sara; Lily (Bowen's adopted sister); Alice Eldridge (Introduced in Branded by Fire; Consultant to Empathic Coalition); Trooper Michel Benoit; Allie Livingston;
iv. In Tangle of Need, Bo and his top aides get The Human Alliance Implant planted in their brains. In Allegiance of Honor, they find a fatal flaw that could give them only few more months to live.
v. Stories:
1) Max Shannon - Security Chief for Nikita Duncan, married to Sophia Russo, a J-Psy, in Bonds of Justice (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
vi. Other Couples: Father Xavier Perez - marries Nina in Allegiance of Honor; Lisette & Emil; Isaac & Jesse
g. Various Changelings:
i. DarkRiver Leopards (Territory: San Francisco)
1) Lucas Hunter - Alpha. Mated to Sascha Duncan, an E-Psy, in Slave to Sensation (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). In Kiss of Snow, they have a girl, Nadia "Naya" Shayla Hunter.
2) Packmates - Kit & Rina Monaghan; Zara; Tara; Nico; Cory; Jason; Nicki; Aaron; Mia; Sarah; Lysa; Cian; Jamie; Meenakshi (Desi's mother); Barker; Joe; Keely; Owen; Monroe; Nicki; Sage and Grey (Mercy's remaining brothers); Anu; Issy; Behali; Bryan;
3) Sentinels - Nathan "Nate" Ryder (mated to Tamsyn "Tammy" Mahaire, healer, have twin sons Roman and Julian, Story in Beat of Temptation (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Vaughn D'Angelo (mated to Faith NightStar, an F-Psy, in Visions of Heat (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Clay Bennett (mated to Talin "Tally" McKade, a human, in Mine to Possess (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Dorian (mated to Ashaya Aliene, an M-Psy, in Hostage to Pleasure (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Mercy Smith (mated to SnowDancer Lieutenant Riley Aedan Kincaid, in Branded by Fire (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), have triplets in Allegiance of Honor (two male wolf pups Acton "Ace" Lucas Smith-Kincaid and Michael "Micah" Hawke Smith-Kincaid; one female leopard cub, Isabella "Belle" Maeve Smith-Kincaid)).
4) Other Couples:
a) Emmet, mated to Ria Wembley, a human, in Whisper of Sin (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... have an infant daughter, Mialin Corrina, as of Allegiance of Honor.
b) Zachary "Zach" Quinn, mated to Angelica "Anne" Kildaire, a human, in Stroke of Enticement (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), have an infant boy Rowan Kaleb Quinn as of Allegiance of Honor.
c) Bastien Smith, Mercy's brother & financial genius, mated to Kirby Rosario, a Lynx Changeling, in Secrets at Midnight (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
d) Desiree "Desi", a senior solider, is mentioned as mated in Allegiance of Honor. To whom?
ii. SnowDancer Wolves (Territory: California)
1) Hawke - Alpha. Mated to Sienna Lauren, an X-Psy, in Kiss of Snow (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
2) Packmates - Dalton; Lucy; Kieran (a human); Joshua; Brace; Sylvia; Maria & Lake; Riordan; Simran; Ines; Mariska; Sam Baker (a human); Mack; Nell; Shawnelle; Ivy; Becca; Pierce; Felix; Vivienne & Todd (Twins); Daniel; Margo; Vitoria; Sebastian; Paul; Elizabeth; Diego; Revel & Pia (siblings); Baker Family - Iain & Enid; son Nash; daughter Willow (Lynx family tied to pack); Heather; Dani
3) Lieutenants - Judd Lauren (an Arrow Psy, mated to Brenna Shane Kincaid, in Caressed by Ice (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Riley Aedan Kincaid; Indigo Riviere (mated to Andrew "Drew" Liam Kincaid, a Tracker, in Play of Passion (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Riaz Delgado (mated to Adria Morgan, a SnowDancer Sr. Soldier, in Tangle of Need (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Cooper "Coop" Shaw (mated to Grace Burke in Declaration of Courtship (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Garnet "Jem"; Kenji Tanaka; Alexei; Mathias; Tomas;
4) More Stories:
a) Walker Lauren, a Tp-Psy, mated to Lara Knight, healer, in Texture of Intimacy (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), is pregnant as of Allegiance of Honor.
b) Kenji and Jem are fighting sparks.
c) Drew and Indigo are set to take over Alexei's sector in a month while Alexei to come back to the den as of Tangle of Need.
5) Other Couples: Tai, dating Evangeline, Indigo's sister, since Kiss of Snow.; Elias, his mate Yuki & daughter Sakura; Greg; D'Arn & his human mate Sing-Lui; Spencer & Ava Stone, their son Ben (wanting to mate with Marlee) & daughter Elodie; Shamus Lopez & his mate Emma; Tarah & Abel - Indigo and Evie's parents; Melina and James - Grace's adopted parents' Aisha & Mack - Lara's parents; Riordan dating Noelle, Zach's, a DarkRiver Changeling, sister since Texture of Intimacy.
6) In Texture of Intimacy, Lara and her assistant Lucy are looking for a dedicated admin person.
7) In Shield of Winter, Hawke and Sienna's plan to eliminate Ming takes a little detour in the wake of fallen Silence.
iii. BlackSea Changeling Coalition aka Conclave - First mentioned in Kiss of Snow. Members: Miane Leveque (Leader, introduced in Tangle of Need); Malachi Rhys (Security Chief, Introduced in Tangle of Need); Emani Berg; Olivia Coletti & her daughter Persephone; Leila Savea; Costas; Andres; Dr. Night
1) Approx 21 BlackSea water changelings are missing; the hunt for them would no doubt slip and slide to several future plots by Nalini.
2) Malachi Rhys is evolving as the series is progressing. And now Malachi is getting added to my list of characters that I want to read more and more about - Hawke, Kaleb, Aden, Bowen
iv. BlackEdge Wolves in Moscow. First mentioned in Caressed by Ice. Selenka Durev (Alpha); Gregori
v. RainFire Leopards in Smokies. Introduced in Beat of Temptation. Remington "Remi" Denier (Alpha); Finn (Healer); Lark, Angel & Theo (Sentinels); Jojo (with markings of an alpha); Jasper;
vi. WindHaven Falcons. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Adam Garrett (Wing Leader); Naia (healer); Jacques (second to Adam)
vii. Rats Changelings. Introduced in Mine to Possess. Members - Teijan (Alpha); Suyi; Zane; Aneca;
viii. AzureSun Leopards in Brazil. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Isabella Garcia (Alpha. Grandmother of Mercy); Eduardo and Joaquin (Sentinels).
ix. IceRock Lynx Changelings in Calgary, Canada. Introduced in Secrets at Midnight. Members: Kiya Teague (Alpha);
x. PineWood Hyenas - First mentioned in Caressed by Ice. Members - Kevin; Mahal; Lou-Ann;
xi. Snake Changelings. First mentioned in Mine to Possess plot.
xii. Lynx Changelings. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members:
xiii. SilverBlade Leopards. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Hamilton (A Sentinel)
xiv. WinterFire Leopards in North Dakota. First mentioned in Play of Passion.
xv. StoneWater Bears - First mentioned in Kiss of Snow.
xvi. WhiteSteppe Wolves in Siberia. First mentioned in Tangle of Need.
xvii. WaterSky Eagles in New York. Introduced in Shield of Winter.
xviii. SkyElm Ocelots in Texas. Introduced in Allegiance of Honor. Members: Monroe Halliston (Alpha);
March 17, 2022
I always adore these short stories, this one was beautiful.
March 10, 2019
Serves as another epilogue to Dorian's own story Hostage to Pleasure
The overachiever Boy Genius, sniper, gorgeous blond sentinel, and now a mate and a father finally shifts and now another nickname has been added - dubbed as 'the newborn' by his packmates.
I love this! It showed just how much Dorian was accepted, loved and adored in his pack. Squash it. I just love the whole pack and the whole series.
The overachiever Boy Genius, sniper, gorgeous blond sentinel, and now a mate and a father finally shifts and now another nickname has been added - dubbed as 'the newborn' by his packmates.
I love this! It showed just how much Dorian was accepted, loved and adored in his pack. Squash it. I just love the whole pack and the whole series.
December 17, 2021
A bit of a background to one character.
Not a necessary read at all. I don't think it added a lot to the story that the book didn't already give. The little background information might be nice to know if Dorian is your favorite character, but otherwise its just a good little story, thats not really adding anything to the overall psy-changeling world or plot point.
Not a necessary read at all. I don't think it added a lot to the story that the book didn't already give. The little background information might be nice to know if Dorian is your favorite character, but otherwise its just a good little story, thats not really adding anything to the overall psy-changeling world or plot point.
August 11, 2020
Loved this look into Dorian's past and learn more of what happened after his change.
February 2, 2022
#0.5 Beat of Temptation: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#0.75 Whisper of Sin: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#1 Slave to Sensation: ★★★★✮ | 4.5 stars
#2 Visions of Heat: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#2.5 Echo of Silence: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#3 Caressed by Ice: ★★★★★ | 5 stars
#3.5 Stroke of Enticement: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#4 Mine to Possess: ★★★☆☆ | 3 stars
#5 Hostage to Pleasure: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#5.1 Dorian: ★★★✮☆ | 3.5 stars
This is a very short little story about Dorian both as a child struggling with his latency and as an adult after Ashaya's medical treatment allows him to finally shift.
Three Thoughts:
1. Dorian's thoughts about his latency and the ways we compensate for our perceived lack was really quite emotional.
2. Lucas crying tears of joy for his friend about had me crying too.
3. I really liked seeing Dorian as a teen with the rest of the sentinels - especially them meeting Clay for the first time.
Not really a necessary read, but a fun one for fans of the series.
content warnings: bullying (off page), grief
#0.75 Whisper of Sin: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#1 Slave to Sensation: ★★★★✮ | 4.5 stars
#2 Visions of Heat: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#2.5 Echo of Silence: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#3 Caressed by Ice: ★★★★★ | 5 stars
#3.5 Stroke of Enticement: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#4 Mine to Possess: ★★★☆☆ | 3 stars
#5 Hostage to Pleasure: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#5.1 Dorian: ★★★✮☆ | 3.5 stars
This is a very short little story about Dorian both as a child struggling with his latency and as an adult after Ashaya's medical treatment allows him to finally shift.
Three Thoughts:
1. Dorian's thoughts about his latency and the ways we compensate for our perceived lack was really quite emotional.
2. Lucas crying tears of joy for his friend about had me crying too.
3. I really liked seeing Dorian as a teen with the rest of the sentinels - especially them meeting Clay for the first time.
Not really a necessary read, but a fun one for fans of the series.
content warnings: bullying (off page), grief
October 3, 2019
Wild Embrace
The “alpha author of paranormal romance”* presents a stunningly sensual collection of four all-new Psy-Changeling novellas, in which taboos are broken, boundaries are crossed, and instincts prove irresistible...
2.5) Echo of Silence
In a deep-sea station, Tazia Nerif has found her life’s work as an engineer, keeping things running smoothly. But she wants nothing more than to break down the barrier of silence between her and her telekinetic Psy station commander...
5.5) Dorian
A changeling who can never shift lives a life of quiet frustration—until he learns how to let his leopard come out and play...
11.5) Partners in Persuasion
Still raw from being burned by a dominant female, wolf changeling Felix will never again risk being a plaything. But for dominant leopard Dezi, he’s the most fascinating man she’s ever met. She just has to convince this gun-shy wolf that he can trust the dangerous cat who wants to take a slow, sexy bite out of him…
12.25) Flirtation of Fate
Seven years ago, Kenji broke Garnet’s heart. Now the wolf packmates have to investigate the shocking murder of one of their own. And the more Kenji sees of the woman Garnet has become, the deeper he begins to fall once more. But even his primal instincts are no match for the dark secret he carries...
The “alpha author of paranormal romance”* presents a stunningly sensual collection of four all-new Psy-Changeling novellas, in which taboos are broken, boundaries are crossed, and instincts prove irresistible...
2.5) Echo of Silence
In a deep-sea station, Tazia Nerif has found her life’s work as an engineer, keeping things running smoothly. But she wants nothing more than to break down the barrier of silence between her and her telekinetic Psy station commander...
5.5) Dorian
A changeling who can never shift lives a life of quiet frustration—until he learns how to let his leopard come out and play...
11.5) Partners in Persuasion
Still raw from being burned by a dominant female, wolf changeling Felix will never again risk being a plaything. But for dominant leopard Dezi, he’s the most fascinating man she’s ever met. She just has to convince this gun-shy wolf that he can trust the dangerous cat who wants to take a slow, sexy bite out of him…
12.25) Flirtation of Fate
Seven years ago, Kenji broke Garnet’s heart. Now the wolf packmates have to investigate the shocking murder of one of their own. And the more Kenji sees of the woman Garnet has become, the deeper he begins to fall once more. But even his primal instincts are no match for the dark secret he carries...
June 28, 2019
Dorian ist ein DarkRiver-Leopard, der sich nicht wandeln kann. Doch merkt man ihm das nicht an. Bis er seinen inneren Leoparden freien Laufen lassen kann.
Eine gefühlvolle und einfühlsame Kurzgeschichte über Dorian. Genau wir kehren zurück in eine Welt, die uns so bekannt ist, das man glaubt sie wäre echt. Obwohl es eine wirkliche sehr kurze Geschichte ist, bringt sie mich zum Weinen, Lachen und man bekommt ein warmes Gefühl ums Herz. Dorian und sein Leopard endlich vereinten und man darf erleben, wie er seinen ersten Schritt geht. Wie die Familie und Freunde darauf reagieren, das Rudeln. Ehrlich gesagt habe ich die Kurzgeschichte gleich noch einmal gelesen. Ich habe es genossen eine so schöne Geschichte zu lesen. Auch wenn sie so kurz war.
Eine gefühlvolle und einfühlsame Kurzgeschichte über Dorian. Genau wir kehren zurück in eine Welt, die uns so bekannt ist, das man glaubt sie wäre echt. Obwohl es eine wirkliche sehr kurze Geschichte ist, bringt sie mich zum Weinen, Lachen und man bekommt ein warmes Gefühl ums Herz. Dorian und sein Leopard endlich vereinten und man darf erleben, wie er seinen ersten Schritt geht. Wie die Familie und Freunde darauf reagieren, das Rudeln. Ehrlich gesagt habe ich die Kurzgeschichte gleich noch einmal gelesen. Ich habe es genossen eine so schöne Geschichte zu lesen. Auch wenn sie so kurz war.
July 27, 2019
Gelungene Kurzgeschichte zu Dorian. Sollte man allerdings erst lesen wenn man den Rest davor kennt da man sich sonst spoilert. Gefangener der Sinne sollte man daher vorher schon gelesen haben. Daher ist Dorian als 5.5 von der Reihenfolge anzusiedeln.
Es gibt noch einen Kurzgeschichtensammlung Wilde Umarmung 15.5 wo diese auch drin vor kommt.
Mir hat die Einsicht in Dorian seine Kindheit gut gefallen aber auch wie das da schon mit seinen Rudelgefährten ist. Es wirklich toll hier nochmal einen Einblick zu haben zumal die Autorin auf den wenigen Seiten es schafft einen wieder in die Geschichte richtig eintauchen zu lassen. Die Gefühle die Dorian erlebt sind einfach schön dargestellt.
Der kurze Einblick hat auf jeden Fall Spaß gemacht zu lesen.
Es gibt noch einen Kurzgeschichtensammlung Wilde Umarmung 15.5 wo diese auch drin vor kommt.
Mir hat die Einsicht in Dorian seine Kindheit gut gefallen aber auch wie das da schon mit seinen Rudelgefährten ist. Es wirklich toll hier nochmal einen Einblick zu haben zumal die Autorin auf den wenigen Seiten es schafft einen wieder in die Geschichte richtig eintauchen zu lassen. Die Gefühle die Dorian erlebt sind einfach schön dargestellt.
Der kurze Einblick hat auf jeden Fall Spaß gemacht zu lesen.
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