Branded by Fire

Branded by Fire   #6 Psy/Changeling series
Nalini Singh
Published: Gollancz
Date:2011
Format: Paperback
Pages:  345
Genre: Paranormal romance
Source: Local Library

Summary from book cover.

Though DarkRiver sentinel Mercy is feeling the pressure to mate, she savagely resists when Riley Kincaid, a lieutenant from the SnowDancer pack, tries to possess her.  The problem is not simply that he pushed her buttons; the problem is that he's a wolf, she's a cat, and they are both used to being on top.

But when a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped from DarkRiver territory, Mercy and Riley must work together to track the young man - before his shadowy captors decide he's no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it could leave them both branded by fire...

My thoughts:
Again I enjoyed reading another book in this paranormal series.  The story of Mercy and Riley was different again - because this time the romance is between two changelings, with a twist. One is leopard the other wolf, one a lieutenant to his alpha, one a sentinel to her alpha, and both have a huge commitment to their own pack.  What happens when two dominants mate? Can one to surrender to the other? Will one have to leave their own pack and join the other?  And the most basic question - will they mate at all?

Many of the characters from previous books have small parts to play. I especially liked Sascha and Lucas' news. I've been waiting for this! Yay! Looking forward to following that line of the overall story.   Mercy is a very family oriented person and she has three brothers who are out to protect her, providing some humour.  Also she has a very alpha grandmother who thinks she can get in on the act as well.  I also liked the update on the child Psy Toby who is the wolves now.  He is developing his abilities under the watchful eye of Sascha and Judd.  Sienna too, is on the brink of something, and that story is going to be great to follow.

The Human Alliance become more sinister in this book and more about them is revealed.  There is death and some very odd goings on.  The Ghost is still an unknown in the background, the Psy council remain active - and who is trying to murder some or all of them?  This book asks some questions and leaves others unanswered.

I love the way this series is interlinked.  Each book is just a piece of the puzzle.  Wonderful plotting and characters that grab the reader's interest and often heart strings.