REVIEW: Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh

I am very lucky to have been able to borrow an ARC of Nalini Singh's upcoming novel, Mine to Possess, from a friend of mine, and am thrilled to have this fantastic book be the first official book review on my blog. If you haven't read Nalini's Psy-Changeling series yet, I recommend you do. It is one of my most favorite paranormal series. Not only are the love story arcs sensual and romantic, but the overall story arc of the entire series is very thought provoking.

Series Overview:

The Psy-Changeling world is a futuristic one in which the population of Earth is made up of different beings, namely Psys, Changelings, and humans. The Psy are emotionally desensitized, cold and calculated beings with varied psychic talents, who are connected to each other via a psychic network called the PsyNet. The changelings are the complete opposite. Able to shift, or change, to their animal form at will, Changelings are emotional, tactile, instinctual beings who hold strong bonds with and intense loyalty to all members of their Pack. The humans in this futuristic world are not very different from the humans of today, and in book four of the series, some light gets shed on their subtle but crucial role in keeping the peace between the very different Psy and Changeling beings. In Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling world, both the Psy and the Changelings strive to not just survive, but thrive as well. Each story in the series takes the reader on a fantastic journey as these different beings often clash and sometimes come together with love, passion, and understanding--all the essential elements of an intense and satisfying paranormal romance saga.

Book Review: NO SPOILERS

Mine to Possess is the fourth full length novel in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series--the story of Clay, leopard changeling sentinel in the DarkRiver Pack, and his human heroine, Talin. Having lived in the same apartment complex as children, Clay and Talin both lived a difficult childhood and developed an otherwise unlikely friendship as they found solace from their daily traumas with each other. After an extremely traumatic incident involving both Clay and Talin, they were separated and Clay was left thinking Talin dead. Years later, Talin becomes desperate for the help she needs in order to save innocent children whom she works with after some begin to turn up missing or dead. She turns to the one man she knows is strong and deadly enough to save the children and stop the killings before it's too late.

Mine to Possess is an emotionally and sensually intense story as Clay and Talin are brought face to face after years of separation. Working together to save the children from the possible genocidal motives of an undisclosed group, Clay and Tally are also forced to face their past and confront their feelings for each other. As a human, Talin doesn't have a thorough understanding of changeling behaviors and hierarchy, which adds an interesting challenge to their relationship. Clay's alpha behavior is intense, but he's also so very tender and definitely sensual. Nalini has a wonderful talent for characterizing her alpha males, and Clay is possibly the most perfect epitome of a changeling alpha male so far. He is protective, loyal and very sensual. Clay and Talin's journey to their happily ever after was incredibly emotional and satisfying. I'm looking forward to the next installment in Nalini's Psy-Changeling series, Hostage to Pleasure, which is the story of Dorain--yet another DarkRiver sentinel-- due out in September 2008.

Grade: A-