Branded by Fire (Psy/Changeling, #6)

by Nalini Singh

[Berls]

Well hello sexy flames! Branded by Fire is absolutely the right title for this book because it was by far the hottest book of the series so far - right out of the gate! *fans self* Funny enough, I don't love these books because of the romance - I' in it more for the UF plot development - but this one had such a healthy dose of both that it is now my favorite of the series.

Clearly, I can't talk about this book without talking about the couple- Mercy and Riley. Umm yeah, best couple of the series so far. And not just because they are sexy as fuck (language absolutely necessary to express the degree of hotness). They are also just really awesome characters. We've seen a bit of them previously, but honestly, I had no idea I was going to love them so much from the glimpses I saw previously. Also - I think they hold the distinction of being the ONLY couple in the series (so far) that I adored from the word go. I was never frustrated with them, their struggles made sense, they were honest with each other, honest with themselves, honest with their families and packs.

Mercy is a sentinel, a very dominant female. As such, she worries about her ability to find a mate - in part she needs someone equally (or more) dominant, but she also has to be willing to surrender to them on some level which is a challenge for her dominant nature. And finding a dominant male that will respect her dominance and not try to squash it because of their protective instincts - also a problem.

Riley is a Lieutenant (so more dominant) and has the potential to be exactly what she needs. Two problems: (1) he's a wolf and she's a cat (2) his protective instinct is heightened because of what happened to his sister Brenna (she's already had her book). Beyond those problems though, he's kinda perfect. I loved watching him with the kids. I loved watching him with his family. With her family. Learning to be what she needs and being so incredibly honest.

Beyond their relationship, there's the implications for their packs. The Snow Dancers Wolves and Dark River Cats (mostly leopards) already have a blood alliance. In fact, that's why Riley and Mercy are able to connect - they are the pack liaisons and training their teens together. But both groups still are hesitant and secretive with each other. So it's tricky for them to mate.

And then there's the developments on the political front. Another HOT (intense) situation! The human group that emerged as a player in the last book are front, center, and dangerous. The Psy Council Members continue to scheme, while Silence and the PsyNet are having impacts of their own, not to mention Ghost. All that, combined with the developments with the Changlings led to an exciting plot.

I'm very excited by some of the developments that the book ended with and cannot wait to continue reading along with Anne (we're buddy reading the series for the readalong and I'm loving chatting with her about the books). She also gave the book 5 stars, agreeing that it's the best thus far.

I'll continue listening, Angela Dawe is a fantastic narrator and has not let me down yet!