BP NOTE: Oh we have a treat for you today. Our review of Wild Invitation is too long to fit in a single post so you are getting it in two parts today. This first post will contain the two previously published novellas. Part two will have the two new novellas. Enjoy!
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Publish Date: Out now
How we got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
A PSY-CHANGELING COLLECTION BY NALINI SINGH
In Beat of Temptation, innocent Tamsyn has always had a place in her heart for Nathan, a blooded DarkRiver sentinel. But is she ready for the fierce demands of the mating bond?
In Stroke of Enticement, a wary young teacher, skeptical about love, arouses the man—and the animal—in an aggressive leopard changeling who must prove his affections are true.
This blurb came from the author’s website.
Beat of Temptation (0.5)
MinnChica: This novella is by far my all-time favorite of the Psy-Changeling series. It might even be my all time favorite story of the whole series, not just of the novellas. I absolutely love and adore Nate and Tammy, from the first moment we met them, they were so solid and sweet together, so getting the story of their HEA was so amazing. I loved the age theme, especially since Nate so was resistant to mating with Tammy. And watching Tammy struggle with becoming a woman, trying to seduce the love of her life, and dealing with some insecurity was so well done. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve read this novella, and just how much I love the story of Nate and Tammy’s beginnings.
I give Beat of Temptation an A++
E: Nate and Tammy’s story was hinted at in several of the early Psy-Changeling novels before Singh released it originally. As a result I think I have re-read this so many time I practically have it memorized. I loved how Tammy decided that she had waited long enough for Nate and if he wasn’t going to give her what she needed than she wasn’t going to give him what he wanted. Her fierce determination to be treated as an adult and an equal by Nate despite her gentle healer nature was so much fun to see. I also really enjoyed the glimpse of the younger Lucas. I also liked how the entire pack banded together in support of Tammy when Nate was being his most intractable. I also loved that they started their own tradition when they finalized their mating and have continued it yearly. It completely makes my heart melt to see big tough Changelings show their softer sides.
I give Beat of Temptation an A
Has: I read Beat of Temptation a few years ago when it was first published, and it was a delight to reread the story because I remembered how much I enjoyed it the first time around. I loved how they got together and their issues over the age gap and experience, which really heightened the tension with their romance. It was also fantastic to see how the roots of the series first emerged, and seeing how it developed especially with the other cast of characters. This was gorgeous, and tender romance and it still remains one of my favourite novellas set in this world.
I give Beat of Temptation an A
Lou: I adore this short story, and I would love to read a full novel featuring Tammy and Nate. Nate and Tammy are the glue that holds their pack together. Tammy with her loving and sweet nature, and Nate with his maturity. Seeing Nate court Tammy was sweet and frustrating at the same time. Nate, you took long enough to get your Tammy :D.
I give Beat of Temptation a B+.
Stroke of Enticement (3.5)
MinnChica: I thought this romance between Zach and Annie was so sweet. I loved Annie’s quiet personality, and how she didn’t let her disability rule her life. She was patient and loving with her students, and when Zach first approaches her, she doesn’t hesitate to jump into a relationship, despite her lack of knowledge about the shifter lifestyle. While I think this was a very sweet story, I also didn’t think there was anything super special about it.
I give Stroke of Enticement a B+
E: When I am in a quiet mood but want some intense romance I turn to this story because it is so sweet and wild at the same time. Annie had such an internal strength caused by her accident and by dealing with her disability that I just loved her. I could see why she was such a good instructor for Changeling students because she understood the struggle between what the inner self wanted and what the outer self was restricted due to circumstances to allowing. I also really liked that she wasn’t physically afraid of Zach, just emotionally cautious. Zach was great too. The way he charmed Annie’s mother and also his refusal to let Annie throw away their relationship based on her fears was really wonderful.
I give Stroke of Enticement an A-
Has: I really enjoyed Stroke of Enticement, which was great because usually I am not a fan of human and changeling pairings in this series. But this was a cute and sweet story and I found Zach totally adorable! I loved the scenes where he was slowly winning her over despite her issues with her mother and her disability due to an accident as a child. The romance between them was also very sexy and did I mention Zach was adorable? And while I am also not a fan of a short stories, this was one of those novellas which ends beyond perfectly. I was also happy we got a little glimpse of them in the future in the latter novellas in this collection and really tied the knot on a perfect love story.
I give Stroke of Enticement an A
Lou: This has to be my second favourite short in the anthology. Zack and Annie’s romance was super sweet and very sexy at the same time. Annie was such a strong character, and she knew how to deal with the changeling pups. Whilst I’m not a huge fan of instant love and attraction, I bought the intensity that Zack had for Annie and loved how he courted her and went about showing her that she was worth it.
B+
BP NOTE: Don’t forget to check back later today for part two and our overall thoughts!