Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh Series: Psy-Changeling #1
Published by Berkley on May 2015 (first published 09-01-06)
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Libro.fm
In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of “rehabilitation”—the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was…Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a Changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy coexistence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several Changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice-cold Psy is very capable of passion—and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities—or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation…
Psy – Changeling series has been enjoyed by friends and recommended to me for a long time. When Berkley offered me the option to get the first book, Slave to Sensation, to review when the newest book, Shards of Hope #14 is coming out, I decided it was time to finally read it. I love stories about the mind so I thought the Psy part would appeal to me. It does but it wasn’t what I expected so it was hard to read initially.
I read so many books and many of them are of good quality. I have access through publishers and the library so much, I have become sometimes very picky about what I will read. I wanted to love the Psy people as a whole and I didn’t. That surprised me. I noticed when writing the review it is set in / near San Francisco but I didn’t realize that while reading.
But Sascha is a worthwhile heroine. She really tries so hard and I liked her. I related to her very much. Actually, I relate to the Psy. I often choose to live in my head since it feels safer than feelings. Lucas seemed as though he might be stereotypical but really, he isn’t. I came to love the members of the Pack.
I guessed the “villain” almost immediately and knew the couple would make it because it is paranormal romance, after all. I enjoyed the details and the fierce love which allowed them to succeed. I will try to read on in this series over time and see how it continues.
Giggle worthy quote:
Lucas gripped the back of her neck, pulling her toward him.
He was very careful with his strength, but the dominance of the gesture wasn’t lost on her. “ Stop it.” He might be alpha but she was a cardinal.
He didn’t bother to answer, speaking to his sentinels instead. “ Why the hell did you let her disobey my orders?”
She kicked out with her boot, catching Lucas on the shin. He didn’t wince. “You’ll pay for that.” It was a silky warning.
And it made her explode. She might have been a failure as a cardinal, but she had a little specialty not many people knew about. Reaching out with her mind, she pushed Lucas Hunter so hard, he was two feet from her before he could blink.
Everyone froze.
Sascha realized she’d just attacked the alpha of DarkRiver. Too bad. He’d been acting like a complete Neanderthal. Meeting those eyes, which had gone more panther than human, she put her hands on her hips and tried to pretend the telekinetic effort hadn’t worn her out.
“Still want to play?”
It was a taunt she’d never have made before she’d started spending so much time with changelings.
About Nalini Singh
I’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 read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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I’m listening to this now. I am more a fan of the Changlings. I’m trying to get used to their free touchy-feely-kissy ways though. I know they are pack, but I have a jealous streak! LOL
I stopped around book 5 or 6 and I liked the Changlings more too. I just couldn’t get into the Psy and of course the next two books in the series (where I left off) is Psy books. I think that’s why I’ve not continued. LOL
Tanya – yes it is much easier to love the Changelings. I love the concept of the power of the mind, so I want to give the series more of a chance. I’ll read on and see how it goes. Anne