arc review: Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh

Release Date: July 7, 2009

Publisher: Berkley/Mass Market

ISBN: 978-0425226735

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 pushes her buttons; the problem is that he’s a wolf, she’s a cat, and they’re 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’ll leave them both branded by fire…

As the eighth Psy-Changeling story Branded by Fire really starts off running. If you haven't yet checked out this series, it is definitely worth starting with the first title Slave to Sensation. The reader has gotten to know bits of Mercy and Riley through the previous books, and now their relationship moves right into a much more personal stage.

I loved Riley and Mercy. I loved how they were each highly disciplined, motivated and committed key members of their respective packs. Their similarities are what draws them to each other, and it is also the greatest hurdle to their HEA together. Both Mercy and Riley struggle with the challenge of being less controlling and more yielding than than their intrinsic (Changeling) tendencies might allow. However, Mercy and Riley do show each other deep yet tender caring as easily without conscious effort.

With Riley and Mercy working closely as allies, there is ample opportunity for these two strong personalities to interact in both frustrating and rewarding ways! There is also important progression to the overall storyline involving the other major players, as well as charming visits (or interference might be a better word) from Riley's siblings, Mercy's three brothers (and dad!). We also connect more with Toby and Sienna of the Lauren Family, and of course Lucas and Sasha.

There is lots of the intrigue, danger and conflict in the story that we expect from the series, although I would consider the relationship took a greater focus this time than in the last two or three books. Perhaps by seeing so much of Riley and Mercy both on and off pack-duties, the reader feels that much closer to this changeling pair and what is happening to them as they bond. For me, Mercy and Riley may now be tied with Sasha and Lucas as my top favorites of the Psy-Changeling mated couples (and it is not easy to pick from among them all)!

I very much enjoy Nalini's writing style, as she almost writes sparingly with precise words that still convey a wealth of meaning. As an example, during one of Riley and Mercy (hot!) moments of connection, Riley thinks of it as "pure ambrosia" which I found a most lovely and multi-faceted description. I hope what I meant to just say did make some sense.... though there should be no doubt I recommend Branded by Fire as a rich, satisfying, very sexy and romantic read!