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Psy-Changeling #12.25
Flirtation of Fate
Seven years ago, Kenji broke Garnet's heart. Now the wolf packmates have to investigate the shocking murder of one of their own. And the more Kenji sees of the woman Garnet has become, the deeper he begins to fall once more. But even his primal instincts are no match for the dark secret he carries . . .
Timeline: Takes place during Tangle of Need.
This story can be found in the short story anthology Wild Embrace.
Timeline: Takes place during Tangle of Need.
This story can be found in the short story anthology Wild Embrace.
Paperback
First published August 23, 2016
15 people are currently reading
672 people want to read
About the author
Nalini Singh
252 books26.8k followersI'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 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.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 83 reviews
May 18, 2019
Kenji (Changeling, wolf) and Garnet (Changeling, wolf)
I simply could not stand Kenji! Kenji was Garnet's best childhood friend, until suddenly when they both started developing feelings for each other, Kenji became cold. And abandoned Garnet. And started sleeping with every available female except with Garnet. And after 8 years that he was behaving as a man-slut, we learn that he did it to drive Garnet away because he only wanted the best for her 😏
Sorry but YUCK!
There is also a murder mystery in the story and it did not help that I guessed who was the murderer from the beginning.
I simply could not stand Kenji! Kenji was Garnet's best childhood friend, until suddenly when they both started developing feelings for each other, Kenji became cold. And abandoned Garnet. And started sleeping with every available female except with Garnet. And after 8 years that he was behaving as a man-slut, we learn that he did it to drive Garnet away because he only wanted the best for her 😏
Sorry but YUCK!
There is also a murder mystery in the story and it did not help that I guessed who was the murderer from the beginning.
October 25, 2020
Wow, that was surprisingly disappointing!
A little ranting below with spoilers:
There's also a murder mystery that was pretty obvious from the get go too.
A little ranting below with spoilers:
There's also a murder mystery that was pretty obvious from the get go too.
June 22, 2021
It was a little detective story in the Channeling world, about two wolves, female Garnet and male Kenji. And while it was a nice "something different", the story itself was very much predictable (the detective part but also the part about Kenji's dark secret) and not too exciting compared to all the other short stories. Not to mention how not impressed by Kenji I was.
October 8, 2021
3.5 stars - Without getting into spoilers, I do like the idea for the conflict in this one. I just think it would have felt more emotional or earned if it had been drawn out over the course of a full novel. This solidifies my feeling that I wish Riaz & Adria had had this novella and Kenji & Gem could have had the "A plot" in Tangle of Need
March 21, 2019
3.75 stars ⭐️.
As usual a good story. They weren’t celibate during separation. But the reason of their separation was a solid one so I’m in obvious dilemma.
What I loved most was their special connection and the small-small things they did for each other even after they broke up.
Recommended.
As usual a good story. They weren’t celibate during separation. But the reason of their separation was a solid one so I’m in obvious dilemma.
What I loved most was their special connection and the small-small things they did for each other even after they broke up.
Recommended.
October 28, 2019
Three and a half
Not just a romance but a mystery to solve. This couple have been a tease on the periphery as this series has advanced but oh was it worth waiting for . Set against a backdrop of murder the couple who constantly play games have to pull together but as equal as they are its Garnet who is in charge and not the irascible but loveable Kenji.
I feel this is more aimed at those who are fans and already follow the series. Whilst it could be read by newcomers the subtle nuances might be lost and apart from the final story it wasn't typical to what I've come to expect from this hugely talented author. Yet as something to keep her hungry readers going whilst waiting for the next full length book it certainly plugs a gap.
Not just a romance but a mystery to solve. This couple have been a tease on the periphery as this series has advanced but oh was it worth waiting for . Set against a backdrop of murder the couple who constantly play games have to pull together but as equal as they are its Garnet who is in charge and not the irascible but loveable Kenji.
I feel this is more aimed at those who are fans and already follow the series. Whilst it could be read by newcomers the subtle nuances might be lost and apart from the final story it wasn't typical to what I've come to expect from this hugely talented author. Yet as something to keep her hungry readers going whilst waiting for the next full length book it certainly plugs a gap.
May 6, 2021
** Read in Wild Embrace.
- 5 Stars -
This one takes place near the end of Heart of Obsidian. Kenji and Garnet have been teasing us throughout the series. It’s a second chance romance along with a mystery to solve. He craves her and she craves him, but the past is hard to get over. These two constantly play games, but now they have to work together to solve the murder and in doing so maybe find that second chance at love.
This one was another wonderful addition to read.
- 5 Stars -
This one takes place near the end of Heart of Obsidian. Kenji and Garnet have been teasing us throughout the series. It’s a second chance romance along with a mystery to solve. He craves her and she craves him, but the past is hard to get over. These two constantly play games, but now they have to work together to solve the murder and in doing so maybe find that second chance at love.
This one was another wonderful addition to read.
August 30, 2021
I liked the murder mystery setup, it was way less dark than implied by the description.
December 6, 2024
A bit of murder mystery to spice up this novella about second chances.
It involves two SnowDance wolves, Kenji and Garnet, who, though they love each other, kept their distance for the last 7 years.
As they are investigating the murder that took place in the den where Garnet is the leader (which BTW was obvious to me almost from the start how it went down) it becomes clear to both that their feelings aren't going away and they better figure out how to overcome what's keeping them apart.
It involves two SnowDance wolves, Kenji and Garnet, who, though they love each other, kept their distance for the last 7 years.
As they are investigating the murder that took place in the den where Garnet is the leader (which BTW was obvious to me almost from the start how it went down) it becomes clear to both that their feelings aren't going away and they better figure out how to overcome what's keeping them apart.
May 12, 2019
I loved all the books in this series so far except two. First was the lack of mate bond between Adria and Riaz in Tangle of Need. That premise confused me so much that i couldn't connect with the romance between them.
Flirtation of Fate is another book that i didn't really connect with. I don't have patience for H/h who makes decisions for the other person they supposedly love. And to protect that person they love by hurting them in the worst way possible: sleeping around with other women, in this case, while he rejected her. There are other ways to keep distance if you really want to without hurting the other person that way.
I couldn't sympathize with or hurt for Kenji, throughout the story because of these reasons. I just hate that kind of behavior. Thats why i like the Psy H's and h's in this series. No matter the reasons for separation between the H and h, there's no whoring involved.
The sad thing with this book was that i couldn't feel any happiness for them when their mating bond clicked into place. I felt that Adria and Riaz from Tangle of Need had more right to that mating bond than these two did. I was relieved when it was over.
Flirtation of Fate is another book that i didn't really connect with. I don't have patience for H/h who makes decisions for the other person they supposedly love. And to protect that person they love by hurting them in the worst way possible: sleeping around with other women, in this case, while he rejected her. There are other ways to keep distance if you really want to without hurting the other person that way.
I couldn't sympathize with or hurt for Kenji, throughout the story because of these reasons. I just hate that kind of behavior. Thats why i like the Psy H's and h's in this series. No matter the reasons for separation between the H and h, there's no whoring involved.
The sad thing with this book was that i couldn't feel any happiness for them when their mating bond clicked into place. I felt that Adria and Riaz from Tangle of Need had more right to that mating bond than these two did. I was relieved when it was over.
October 9, 2020
2 stars. Not a fan of this semi predictable story. I hated how much of a sucker the heroine was for pursing him after all his poor treatment. I hated the hero for being a total asshole to her for years. I am never a fan of long separations because of bad communication. I didn’t care about their HEA because I didn’t feel like they should have been together.
Prob Safe; he was a manwhore during their separation, but both had other partners.
Prob Safe; he was a manwhore during their separation, but both had other partners.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2021
This one was an intense little novella. Murder within the pack. Plus the longing n anger of a decision made for someone else. Kenji annoyed me with that. Not allowing Garnet the choice. All because he didnt feel like he was good enough
June 22, 2022
5 stars
Enjoyed Kenji and Garnet's story.
Enjoyed Kenji and Garnet's story.
February 6, 2022
Gem (SnowDancer Lieutenat) & Kenji (SnowDancer Lieutenant) Story.
Finally!
Finally we are allowed to know what happened in Sienna & Hawke's mating ceremony and why.
Dominant male wolfs can really have thick and idiotic heads... xD
Finally!
Finally we are allowed to know what happened in Sienna & Hawke's mating ceremony and why.
Dominant male wolfs can really have thick and idiotic heads... xD
October 28, 2019
4-4.5 stars
This was a really enjoyable story. I liked both Kenji & Garnet and was glad they finally got together. While I understand Kenji's reasoning for what happened 7 years ago, that doesn't make it right. I'm glad that Garnet finally realized that something wasn't right and sought answers, forcing the issue and bringing things out in the open. Thankfully, things get worked out and Garnet and Kenji end the story starting their HEA. :)
* note - I listened to this story as part of the audio version of the Wild Embrace anthology and the narrator did a very good job.
This was a really enjoyable story. I liked both Kenji & Garnet and was glad they finally got together. While I understand Kenji's reasoning for what happened 7 years ago, that doesn't make it right. I'm glad that Garnet finally realized that something wasn't right and sought answers, forcing the issue and bringing things out in the open. Thankfully, things get worked out and Garnet and Kenji end the story starting their HEA. :)
* note - I listened to this story as part of the audio version of the Wild Embrace anthology and the narrator did a very good job.
July 5, 2020
Seven years ago, Kenji broke Garnet's heart. Now the wolf packmates are both accomplished lieutenants, but they have to investigate the shocking murder of one of their packmates. And the more Kenji sees the woman Garnet has become, the deeper he begins to fall once more. But even his primal instincts are no match for the dark secret he carries.
A really nice novella combining a romance story with a detective angle. Kenji and Garnet have to figure out a freaky murder that seems to make sense, but it isn't as clear cut as it seems to be in the beginning. The romance bit takes a second seat in this, but in the big picture it doesn't matter. The story is fun and worth your while reading.
A really nice novella combining a romance story with a detective angle. Kenji and Garnet have to figure out a freaky murder that seems to make sense, but it isn't as clear cut as it seems to be in the beginning. The romance bit takes a second seat in this, but in the big picture it doesn't matter. The story is fun and worth your while reading.
October 14, 2019
Such a great story. We’ve had hints of Garnet & Kenji here & there so far, so to finally get their story was really nice. I could take or leave the murder mystery aspect, I just wanted to get back to the relationship development, but still a great read.
December 21, 2019
Stars: 3 / 5
My Recommendation: Another good novella that would give the readers a glimpse into the Psy-Changeling world, filled with Psy, Changeling and Humans, who are living together, ruled by Psy but the other two races making the playing field even. Of course there is romance, passion, war, friendship, loyalties and betrayals along the line.
Flirtation of Fate is the tenth novella in the long running Psy-Changeling Series by Nalini Singh, published in August of 2016, as part of Wild Embrace anthology. The primary plot revolves around Kenji Tanaka and Garnet "Jem" Sheridan - both SnowDancer Wolf Lieutenants.
Psy-Changeling series focuses on three races living side-by-side on Earth - Psy who rule the world braving the fall of Silence; Changelings becoming more prominent; and Humans having decided to level the playing field. The series takes the readers through the downfall of Psy, their drawbacks, why all three races are needed for survival of each other, and above all finding mates across races thus disintegrating the walls further.
In continuing with the series that intrigued when I picked it's spin-off, Psy-Changeling Trinity Series, here is my take on the last novella so far published in the parent series. The story is set near the end of Heart of Obsidian but before the novella Secrets at Midnight.
In Shards of Hope, Nalini had concluded this arc of the Psy-Changeling series with a promise of four cute novellas along with one big plot of all the ensemble. We read and enjoyed the ensemble in Allegiance of Honor (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). Now on to the fourth and final one of those fun novellas that were published later in the same year as the big plot.
We met Kenji Tanaka in Play of Passion and although we met Garnet "Jem" Sheridan officially in Kiss of Snow, she was briefly mentioned in Branded by Fire in Riley's musings. And from the time we have met both of them together, we have been seeing sparks flying between them. Finally Nalini spins a tale for them.
Seven years ago Kenji had hurt Garnet and broke her heart. Now working as Lieutenants for the SnowDancer pack, they have managed to be working colleagues. But the fire between them hadn't died at all. But can Kenji figure out a way into Garnet's heart again without breaking her? Can Garnet forgive him and accept him back?
Two powerful dominants will have equal personalities and don’t necessarily bow to each other. That is what we see with Garnet and Kenji. Yet, they both are equally humble enough to bend a little, reach a little, to meet mid-way.
I am glad Nalini didn’t make the plot like walking on egg-shells for Garnet and Kenji. Instead she made it as a journey for them to find each other all over again and fall for each other. Would be fun to see how things would unravel for SnowDancers considering two of the lieutenants who handle two different regions are mated.
This tense tale comes with hints of love and romance, filled with shades of trust and finding each other, while ending happily in Garnet and Kenji's arms. She has very less of repeat paraphrasing and hardly any sub-plots or inconsequential details that she normally leaves though.
Another sweet little tale that gives the readers more insight into of this fantastic series. A good novella that would definitely intrigue the readers to pick up the series.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
2. Sub-Plots:
a. For all Psy Designations mentioned in the series go here (https://psychangeling.fandom.com/wiki...).
b. Psy terms:
i. Honeycomb Protocol - PsyNet connected by Empaths to all Psy; missing human element with only three known Psy-Human bonds; disintegrating slowly unless humans join without coercion.
ii. The Consortium - headed by The Architect, formed of Psy, Human and Changeling power hungry people taking advantage of the fallen Silence at the cost of lives. The Architect plans to assassinate the top members of the Trinity Accord, including Silver Mercant.
iii. Trinity Accord - consists of Ruling Coalition; Devraj Santos; Bowen Knight; Lizbeth Shafer (head of a humanitarian group called Hope Light); Miane Leveque.
iv. United Earth Federation aka UEF
v. Emergency Response Network aka EmNet - The world-wide rapid response network as the first line in any critical situation; headed by Silver Mercant.
c. Various Psy:
i. Ruling Coalition: Nikita Duncan; Kaleb Krychek (mated to Sahara Kyriakus, an F-Psy, in Heart of Obsidian (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Anthony Kyriakus; Ivy Jane Zen; Aden Kai; Lucas Hunter (rep. all Changelings)
ii. Empathic Collective - formed by 5 empaths incl. Sascha Duncan, Ivy Jane is President; Sahara Kyriakus as specialist; Alice Elridge as Consultant.
iii. Ex-Councilors: Ming LeBon; Shoshanna Scott
iv. Other Psy: Latham; Sione; Juniper; Gia Khan; Silver Mercant (Kaleb's sr. personal asst., introduced in Caressed by Ice); Lenik (Kaleb's admin asst.); Samuel Rain; Keisha Bale; Tanique Gray (Faith's brother); Chang; Concetta; Teri; Dechen; Isaiah; Brigitte; Pax Marshall; Payal Rao; Ena Mercant
v. Psy Couples: Clara Alvarez & her human mate Patrick; Gwen Jane & Carter Hirsch (Ivy Jane's parents)
vi. Kaleb has a vision for the square beneath his official buildings. A short story perhaps.
vii. Amara, Ashaya's twin, gets distracted by one of the males working in her lab in Tangle of Need.
viii. In Heart of Obsidian:
1) To avenge Sahara, Kaleb imprisons and tortures ex-Councilor Tatiana Rika-Smythe.
2) Nalini connected every knick-knack in Kaleb's home to a shared memory between them except for a single piece of twisted metal. A short story for it?
ix. In Shield of Winter, Isaiah and Concetta seem to bond, although Isaiah is injured in that plot.
x. Since Shards of Hope, a relationship is brewing between Anthony and Nikita.
d. Arrow Squad:
i. Aden Kai - Leader. Mated to his Commander Zaira Neve in Shards of Hope (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)
ii. Commanders: Vasic Zen (mated to Ivy Jane, an E-Psy, in Shield of Winter (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Cristobel Rodriguez; Amin; Axl (sparks fly between him & Tamar, financial genius, in Shards of Hope)
iii. Members: Gutierrez; Suhana; Alejandro; Sione; Ella; Tavish; Mica; Nerida; Beatrice Gault; Yuri; Pip; Carolina;
iv. Other Couples: Stefan Berg married to Tazia Nerif in Echo of Silence (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Marjorie Kai & Naoshi Ayze (Aden's parents); Abbot (Bonded to Jaya, an E-Psy); Bond seems to form between Cristobel and Amin in Shards of Hope.
e. Forgotten Psy - Introduced in Caressed by Ice:
i. Devraj "Dev" Santos - leader, marries Ekaterina "Katya" Haas, an M-Psy, in Blaze of Memory (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
ii. Members: Rangi; Dr. Glen Herriford; Jonquil "Jon" Alexi Duchslaya; Noor Hassan (Keenan, Ashaya's son want to marry her); Aubry; Aryan; Tag & Tiara; Cruz; Maggie; Dr. Connor; Eva; William;
iii. In Heart of Obsidian, one of the female Forgotten assists the EmNet; who is mated to a DarkRiver male. Who is she?
f. Humans:
i. 18th Century Territorial (Changeling) Wars - Adrian Kenner had help draft laws that ended the war.
ii. Bowen "Bo" Kinght - Introduced in Branded by Fire. Human Alliance Security Chief; striving to make the Alliance a strong and powerful one along-side Psy and Changelings; 9 other men and women support him.
iii. Members: Sara; Lily (Bowen's adopted sister); Alice Eldridge (Introduced in Branded by Fire; Consultant to Empathic Coalition); Trooper Michel Benoit; Allie Livingston;
iv. Other Couples: Father Xavier Perez & Nina; Lisette & Emil; Isaac & Jesse
v. In Tangle of Need, Bo and his top aides get The Human Alliance Implant planted in their brains. In Allegiance of Honor, they find a fatal flaw that could give them only few more months to live.
vi. Stories:
1) Max Shannon - Security Chief for Nikita Duncan, married to Sophia Russo, a J-Psy, in Bonds of Justice (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
g. Changelings:
i. DarkRiver Leopards (Territory: San Francisco)
1) Lucas Hunter - Alpha. Mated to Sascha Duncan, an E-Psy, in Slave to Sensation (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). In Kiss of Snow, they have a girl, Nadia "Naya" Shayla Hunter.
2) Packmates - Kit & Rina Monaghan; Zara; Tara; Nico; Cory; Jason; Nicki; Aaron; Mia; Sarah; Lysa; Cian; Jamie; Barker; Joe; Keely; Owen; Monroe; Nicki; Sage and Grey (Mercy's remaining brothers); Anu; Issy; Behali; Bryan; Sonal
3) Sentinels - Nathan "Nate" Ryder (mated to Tamsyn "Tammy" Mahaire, healer, have twin sons Roman and Julian, Story in Beat of Temptation (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Vaughn D'Angelo (mated to Faith NightStar, an F-Psy, in Visions of Heat (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Clay Bennett (mated to Talin "Tally" McKade, a human, in Mine to Possess (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Dorian (mated to Ashaya Aliene, an M-Psy, in Hostage to Pleasure (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Mercy Smith (mated to SnowDancer Lieutenant Riley Aedan Kincaid, in Branded by Fire (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), have triplets in Allegiance of Honor (two male wolf pups Acton "Ace" Lucas Smith-Kincaid and Michael "Micah" Hawke Smith-Kincaid; one female leopard cub, Isabella "Belle" Maeve Smith-Kincaid)).
4) Other Couples: Harry & Meenakshi (Desiree's parents)
5) Stories:
a) Emmet, mated to Ria Wembley, a human, in Whisper of Sin (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... have an infant daughter, Mialin Corrina, as of Allegiance of Honor.
b) Zachary "Zach" Quinn, mated to Angelica "Anne" Kildaire, a human, in Stroke of Enticement (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), have an infant boy Rowan Kaleb Quinn as of Allegiance of Honor.
c) Bastien Smith, Mercy's brother & financial genius, mated to Kirby Rosario, a Lynx Changeling, in Secrets at Midnight (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
ii. SnowDancer Wolves (Territory: California)
1) Hawke - Alpha. Mated to Sienna Lauren, an X-Psy, in Kiss of Snow (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
2) Packmates - Dalton; Lucy; Kieran (a human); Joshua; Brace; Sylvia; Maria & Lake; Riordan; Simran; Ines; Mariska; Sam Baker (a human); Mack; Nell; Shawnelle; Ivy; Becca; Pierce; Vivienne & Todd (Twins); Daniel; Margo; Vitoria; Sebastian; Paul; Elizabeth; Diego; Revel & Pia (siblings); Baker Family - Iain & Enid; son Nash; daughter Willow (Lynx family tied to pack); Heather; Dani; Madison; Louisa; Steele Sheridan; Jasper Sheridan; Lorenzo; Emi; Eloise; Gavin;
3) Lieutenants - Judd Lauren (an Arrow Psy, mated to Brenna Shane Kincaid, in Caressed by Ice (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Riley Aedan Kincaid; Indigo Riviere (mated to Andrew "Drew" Liam Kincaid, a Tracker, in Play of Passion (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Riaz Delgado (mated to Adria Morgan, a SnowDancer Sr. Soldier, in Tangle of Need (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Cooper "Coop" Shaw (mated to Grace Burke in Declaration of Courtship (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Alexei; Mathias; Tomas;
4) Other Couples: Tai, dating Evangeline, Indigo's sister, since Kiss of Snow; Elias, his mate Yuki & daughter Sakura; Greg; D'Arn & his human mate Sing-Lui; Spencer & Ava Stone, their son Ben (wanting to mate with Marlee) & daughter Elodie; Shamus Lopez & his mate Emma; Tarah & Abel - Indigo and Evie's parents; Melina and James - Grace's adopted parents; Aisha & Mack - Lara's parents; Riordan dating Noelle, Zach's, a DarkRiver Changeling, sister since Texture of Intimacy; Ruby Sheridan, Tex & their new born; Yejun & Sabrina; Shane & Athena
5) Drew and Indigo are set to take over Alexei's sector in a month while Alexei to come back to the den as of Tangle of Need.
6) Stories:
a) Walker Lauren, a Tp-Psy, mated to Lara Knight, healer, in Texture of Intimacy (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), is pregnant as of Allegiance of Honor.
b) Felix Grady, a submissive, mated to Desiree "Dezi", a DarkRiver Leopard Dominant Sr. Soldier, in Partners in Persuasion (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)
7) In Texture of Intimacy, Lara and her assistant Lucy are looking for a dedicated admin person.
8) In Shield of Winter, Hawke and Sienna's plan to eliminate Ming is put on hold temporarily.
iii. BlackSea Changeling Coalition - First mentioned in Kiss of Snow. Members: Miane Leveque (Leader, introduced in Tangle of Need); Malachi Rhys (Security Chief, Introduced in Tangle of Need); Emani Berg; Olivia Coletti & her daughter Persephone; Leila Savea; Costas; Andres; Dr. Night
1) Approx 21 BlackSea water changelings are missing; the hunt for them would no doubt slip and slide to several future plots by Nalini.
2) Malachi Rhys is evolving and now he is getting added to my list of characters that I want to read more and more about - Hawke, Kaleb, Aden, Bowen
iv. BlackEdge Wolves in Moscow. First mentioned in Caressed by Ice. Selenka Durev (Alpha); Gregori
v. RainFire Leopards in Smokies. Introduced in Beat of Temptation. Remington "Remi" Denier (Alpha); Finn (Healer); Lark, Angel & Theo (Sentinels); Jojo (future alpha); Jasper
vi. WindHaven Falcons. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Adam Garrett (Wing Leader); Naia (healer); Jacques (second to Adam)
vii. Rats Changelings. Introduced in Mine to Possess. Members - Teijan (Alpha); Suyi; Zane; Aneca
viii. AzureSun Leopards in Brazil. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Isabella Garcia (Alpha. Grandmother of Mercy); Eduardo and Joaquin (Sentinels).
ix. IceRock Lynx Changelings in Calgary. Introduced in Secrets at Midnight. Members: Kiya Teague (Alpha)
x. PineWood Hyenas - First mentioned in Caressed by Ice. Members - Kevin; Mahal; Lou-Ann
xi. SilverBlade Leopards. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Hamilton (A Sentinel)
xii. WinterFire Leopards in North Dakota. First mentioned in Play of Passion.
xiii. StoneWater Bears - First mentioned in Kiss of Snow.
xiv. WhiteSteppe Wolves in Siberia. First mentioned in Tangle of Need.
xv. WaterSky Eagles in New York. Introduced in Shield of Winter.
xvi. SkyElm Ocelots in Texas. Introduced in Allegiance of Honor.
My Recommendation: Another good novella that would give the readers a glimpse into the Psy-Changeling world, filled with Psy, Changeling and Humans, who are living together, ruled by Psy but the other two races making the playing field even. Of course there is romance, passion, war, friendship, loyalties and betrayals along the line.
Flirtation of Fate is the tenth novella in the long running Psy-Changeling Series by Nalini Singh, published in August of 2016, as part of Wild Embrace anthology. The primary plot revolves around Kenji Tanaka and Garnet "Jem" Sheridan - both SnowDancer Wolf Lieutenants.
Psy-Changeling series focuses on three races living side-by-side on Earth - Psy who rule the world braving the fall of Silence; Changelings becoming more prominent; and Humans having decided to level the playing field. The series takes the readers through the downfall of Psy, their drawbacks, why all three races are needed for survival of each other, and above all finding mates across races thus disintegrating the walls further.
In continuing with the series that intrigued when I picked it's spin-off, Psy-Changeling Trinity Series, here is my take on the last novella so far published in the parent series. The story is set near the end of Heart of Obsidian but before the novella Secrets at Midnight.
In Shards of Hope, Nalini had concluded this arc of the Psy-Changeling series with a promise of four cute novellas along with one big plot of all the ensemble. We read and enjoyed the ensemble in Allegiance of Honor (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). Now on to the fourth and final one of those fun novellas that were published later in the same year as the big plot.
We met Kenji Tanaka in Play of Passion and although we met Garnet "Jem" Sheridan officially in Kiss of Snow, she was briefly mentioned in Branded by Fire in Riley's musings. And from the time we have met both of them together, we have been seeing sparks flying between them. Finally Nalini spins a tale for them.
Seven years ago Kenji had hurt Garnet and broke her heart. Now working as Lieutenants for the SnowDancer pack, they have managed to be working colleagues. But the fire between them hadn't died at all. But can Kenji figure out a way into Garnet's heart again without breaking her? Can Garnet forgive him and accept him back?
Two powerful dominants will have equal personalities and don’t necessarily bow to each other. That is what we see with Garnet and Kenji. Yet, they both are equally humble enough to bend a little, reach a little, to meet mid-way.
I am glad Nalini didn’t make the plot like walking on egg-shells for Garnet and Kenji. Instead she made it as a journey for them to find each other all over again and fall for each other. Would be fun to see how things would unravel for SnowDancers considering two of the lieutenants who handle two different regions are mated.
This tense tale comes with hints of love and romance, filled with shades of trust and finding each other, while ending happily in Garnet and Kenji's arms. She has very less of repeat paraphrasing and hardly any sub-plots or inconsequential details that she normally leaves though.
Another sweet little tale that gives the readers more insight into of this fantastic series. A good novella that would definitely intrigue the readers to pick up the series.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
2. Sub-Plots:
a. For all Psy Designations mentioned in the series go here (https://psychangeling.fandom.com/wiki...).
b. Psy terms:
i. Honeycomb Protocol - PsyNet connected by Empaths to all Psy; missing human element with only three known Psy-Human bonds; disintegrating slowly unless humans join without coercion.
ii. The Consortium - headed by The Architect, formed of Psy, Human and Changeling power hungry people taking advantage of the fallen Silence at the cost of lives. The Architect plans to assassinate the top members of the Trinity Accord, including Silver Mercant.
iii. Trinity Accord - consists of Ruling Coalition; Devraj Santos; Bowen Knight; Lizbeth Shafer (head of a humanitarian group called Hope Light); Miane Leveque.
iv. United Earth Federation aka UEF
v. Emergency Response Network aka EmNet - The world-wide rapid response network as the first line in any critical situation; headed by Silver Mercant.
c. Various Psy:
i. Ruling Coalition: Nikita Duncan; Kaleb Krychek (mated to Sahara Kyriakus, an F-Psy, in Heart of Obsidian (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Anthony Kyriakus; Ivy Jane Zen; Aden Kai; Lucas Hunter (rep. all Changelings)
ii. Empathic Collective - formed by 5 empaths incl. Sascha Duncan, Ivy Jane is President; Sahara Kyriakus as specialist; Alice Elridge as Consultant.
iii. Ex-Councilors: Ming LeBon; Shoshanna Scott
iv. Other Psy: Latham; Sione; Juniper; Gia Khan; Silver Mercant (Kaleb's sr. personal asst., introduced in Caressed by Ice); Lenik (Kaleb's admin asst.); Samuel Rain; Keisha Bale; Tanique Gray (Faith's brother); Chang; Concetta; Teri; Dechen; Isaiah; Brigitte; Pax Marshall; Payal Rao; Ena Mercant
v. Psy Couples: Clara Alvarez & her human mate Patrick; Gwen Jane & Carter Hirsch (Ivy Jane's parents)
vi. Kaleb has a vision for the square beneath his official buildings. A short story perhaps.
vii. Amara, Ashaya's twin, gets distracted by one of the males working in her lab in Tangle of Need.
viii. In Heart of Obsidian:
1) To avenge Sahara, Kaleb imprisons and tortures ex-Councilor Tatiana Rika-Smythe.
2) Nalini connected every knick-knack in Kaleb's home to a shared memory between them except for a single piece of twisted metal. A short story for it?
ix. In Shield of Winter, Isaiah and Concetta seem to bond, although Isaiah is injured in that plot.
x. Since Shards of Hope, a relationship is brewing between Anthony and Nikita.
d. Arrow Squad:
i. Aden Kai - Leader. Mated to his Commander Zaira Neve in Shards of Hope (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)
ii. Commanders: Vasic Zen (mated to Ivy Jane, an E-Psy, in Shield of Winter (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Cristobel Rodriguez; Amin; Axl (sparks fly between him & Tamar, financial genius, in Shards of Hope)
iii. Members: Gutierrez; Suhana; Alejandro; Sione; Ella; Tavish; Mica; Nerida; Beatrice Gault; Yuri; Pip; Carolina;
iv. Other Couples: Stefan Berg married to Tazia Nerif in Echo of Silence (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Marjorie Kai & Naoshi Ayze (Aden's parents); Abbot (Bonded to Jaya, an E-Psy); Bond seems to form between Cristobel and Amin in Shards of Hope.
e. Forgotten Psy - Introduced in Caressed by Ice:
i. Devraj "Dev" Santos - leader, marries Ekaterina "Katya" Haas, an M-Psy, in Blaze of Memory (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
ii. Members: Rangi; Dr. Glen Herriford; Jonquil "Jon" Alexi Duchslaya; Noor Hassan (Keenan, Ashaya's son want to marry her); Aubry; Aryan; Tag & Tiara; Cruz; Maggie; Dr. Connor; Eva; William;
iii. In Heart of Obsidian, one of the female Forgotten assists the EmNet; who is mated to a DarkRiver male. Who is she?
f. Humans:
i. 18th Century Territorial (Changeling) Wars - Adrian Kenner had help draft laws that ended the war.
ii. Bowen "Bo" Kinght - Introduced in Branded by Fire. Human Alliance Security Chief; striving to make the Alliance a strong and powerful one along-side Psy and Changelings; 9 other men and women support him.
iii. Members: Sara; Lily (Bowen's adopted sister); Alice Eldridge (Introduced in Branded by Fire; Consultant to Empathic Coalition); Trooper Michel Benoit; Allie Livingston;
iv. Other Couples: Father Xavier Perez & Nina; Lisette & Emil; Isaac & Jesse
v. In Tangle of Need, Bo and his top aides get The Human Alliance Implant planted in their brains. In Allegiance of Honor, they find a fatal flaw that could give them only few more months to live.
vi. Stories:
1) Max Shannon - Security Chief for Nikita Duncan, married to Sophia Russo, a J-Psy, in Bonds of Justice (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
g. Changelings:
i. DarkRiver Leopards (Territory: San Francisco)
1) Lucas Hunter - Alpha. Mated to Sascha Duncan, an E-Psy, in Slave to Sensation (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). In Kiss of Snow, they have a girl, Nadia "Naya" Shayla Hunter.
2) Packmates - Kit & Rina Monaghan; Zara; Tara; Nico; Cory; Jason; Nicki; Aaron; Mia; Sarah; Lysa; Cian; Jamie; Barker; Joe; Keely; Owen; Monroe; Nicki; Sage and Grey (Mercy's remaining brothers); Anu; Issy; Behali; Bryan; Sonal
3) Sentinels - Nathan "Nate" Ryder (mated to Tamsyn "Tammy" Mahaire, healer, have twin sons Roman and Julian, Story in Beat of Temptation (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Vaughn D'Angelo (mated to Faith NightStar, an F-Psy, in Visions of Heat (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Clay Bennett (mated to Talin "Tally" McKade, a human, in Mine to Possess (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Dorian (mated to Ashaya Aliene, an M-Psy, in Hostage to Pleasure (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Mercy Smith (mated to SnowDancer Lieutenant Riley Aedan Kincaid, in Branded by Fire (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), have triplets in Allegiance of Honor (two male wolf pups Acton "Ace" Lucas Smith-Kincaid and Michael "Micah" Hawke Smith-Kincaid; one female leopard cub, Isabella "Belle" Maeve Smith-Kincaid)).
4) Other Couples: Harry & Meenakshi (Desiree's parents)
5) Stories:
a) Emmet, mated to Ria Wembley, a human, in Whisper of Sin (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... have an infant daughter, Mialin Corrina, as of Allegiance of Honor.
b) Zachary "Zach" Quinn, mated to Angelica "Anne" Kildaire, a human, in Stroke of Enticement (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), have an infant boy Rowan Kaleb Quinn as of Allegiance of Honor.
c) Bastien Smith, Mercy's brother & financial genius, mated to Kirby Rosario, a Lynx Changeling, in Secrets at Midnight (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
ii. SnowDancer Wolves (Territory: California)
1) Hawke - Alpha. Mated to Sienna Lauren, an X-Psy, in Kiss of Snow (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...).
2) Packmates - Dalton; Lucy; Kieran (a human); Joshua; Brace; Sylvia; Maria & Lake; Riordan; Simran; Ines; Mariska; Sam Baker (a human); Mack; Nell; Shawnelle; Ivy; Becca; Pierce; Vivienne & Todd (Twins); Daniel; Margo; Vitoria; Sebastian; Paul; Elizabeth; Diego; Revel & Pia (siblings); Baker Family - Iain & Enid; son Nash; daughter Willow (Lynx family tied to pack); Heather; Dani; Madison; Louisa; Steele Sheridan; Jasper Sheridan; Lorenzo; Emi; Eloise; Gavin;
3) Lieutenants - Judd Lauren (an Arrow Psy, mated to Brenna Shane Kincaid, in Caressed by Ice (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Riley Aedan Kincaid; Indigo Riviere (mated to Andrew "Drew" Liam Kincaid, a Tracker, in Play of Passion (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Riaz Delgado (mated to Adria Morgan, a SnowDancer Sr. Soldier, in Tangle of Need (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Cooper "Coop" Shaw (mated to Grace Burke in Declaration of Courtship (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... Alexei; Mathias; Tomas;
4) Other Couples: Tai, dating Evangeline, Indigo's sister, since Kiss of Snow; Elias, his mate Yuki & daughter Sakura; Greg; D'Arn & his human mate Sing-Lui; Spencer & Ava Stone, their son Ben (wanting to mate with Marlee) & daughter Elodie; Shamus Lopez & his mate Emma; Tarah & Abel - Indigo and Evie's parents; Melina and James - Grace's adopted parents; Aisha & Mack - Lara's parents; Riordan dating Noelle, Zach's, a DarkRiver Changeling, sister since Texture of Intimacy; Ruby Sheridan, Tex & their new born; Yejun & Sabrina; Shane & Athena
5) Drew and Indigo are set to take over Alexei's sector in a month while Alexei to come back to the den as of Tangle of Need.
6) Stories:
a) Walker Lauren, a Tp-Psy, mated to Lara Knight, healer, in Texture of Intimacy (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), is pregnant as of Allegiance of Honor.
b) Felix Grady, a submissive, mated to Desiree "Dezi", a DarkRiver Leopard Dominant Sr. Soldier, in Partners in Persuasion (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)
7) In Texture of Intimacy, Lara and her assistant Lucy are looking for a dedicated admin person.
8) In Shield of Winter, Hawke and Sienna's plan to eliminate Ming is put on hold temporarily.
iii. BlackSea Changeling Coalition - First mentioned in Kiss of Snow. Members: Miane Leveque (Leader, introduced in Tangle of Need); Malachi Rhys (Security Chief, Introduced in Tangle of Need); Emani Berg; Olivia Coletti & her daughter Persephone; Leila Savea; Costas; Andres; Dr. Night
1) Approx 21 BlackSea water changelings are missing; the hunt for them would no doubt slip and slide to several future plots by Nalini.
2) Malachi Rhys is evolving and now he is getting added to my list of characters that I want to read more and more about - Hawke, Kaleb, Aden, Bowen
iv. BlackEdge Wolves in Moscow. First mentioned in Caressed by Ice. Selenka Durev (Alpha); Gregori
v. RainFire Leopards in Smokies. Introduced in Beat of Temptation. Remington "Remi" Denier (Alpha); Finn (Healer); Lark, Angel & Theo (Sentinels); Jojo (future alpha); Jasper
vi. WindHaven Falcons. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Adam Garrett (Wing Leader); Naia (healer); Jacques (second to Adam)
vii. Rats Changelings. Introduced in Mine to Possess. Members - Teijan (Alpha); Suyi; Zane; Aneca
viii. AzureSun Leopards in Brazil. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Isabella Garcia (Alpha. Grandmother of Mercy); Eduardo and Joaquin (Sentinels).
ix. IceRock Lynx Changelings in Calgary. Introduced in Secrets at Midnight. Members: Kiya Teague (Alpha)
x. PineWood Hyenas - First mentioned in Caressed by Ice. Members - Kevin; Mahal; Lou-Ann
xi. SilverBlade Leopards. Introduced in Branded by Fire. Members: Hamilton (A Sentinel)
xii. WinterFire Leopards in North Dakota. First mentioned in Play of Passion.
xiii. StoneWater Bears - First mentioned in Kiss of Snow.
xiv. WhiteSteppe Wolves in Siberia. First mentioned in Tangle of Need.
xv. WaterSky Eagles in New York. Introduced in Shield of Winter.
xvi. SkyElm Ocelots in Texas. Introduced in Allegiance of Honor.
August 14, 2019
Eine richtig spannende Novelle.
Auf so wenig Seiten hat die Autorin jede Menge Spannung reingepackt, aber auch Humor und Leidenschaft.
Kenji hat mich schon aus den vorigen Bändern interessiert, um so mehr habe ich mich auf seine Geschichte gefreut. Kenji hat ein sehr schillerndes Auftreten aber es paßt zu ihm. Garnet war mir direkt sympathisch, und sehr hartnäckig wenn sie weiß was sie will.
Mit Kenji zusammen untersucht sie einen Mord, der sich bei ihr in der Höhle zugetragen hat. Doch so irgendwie scheint so einiges nicht zusammen zu passen.
Das Ganze wurde so richtig gut verpackt, auch wenn ich geahnt habe was passiert ist, ich war gespannt was der entscheidende Hinweis dann war.
Insgesamt besser geschrieben als Teils Bücher mit mehr Seiten, die Autorin weiß einfach eine Geschichte gut füllt. Gern hätte ich hier noch mehr gelesen.
Auf so wenig Seiten hat die Autorin jede Menge Spannung reingepackt, aber auch Humor und Leidenschaft.
Kenji hat mich schon aus den vorigen Bändern interessiert, um so mehr habe ich mich auf seine Geschichte gefreut. Kenji hat ein sehr schillerndes Auftreten aber es paßt zu ihm. Garnet war mir direkt sympathisch, und sehr hartnäckig wenn sie weiß was sie will.
Mit Kenji zusammen untersucht sie einen Mord, der sich bei ihr in der Höhle zugetragen hat. Doch so irgendwie scheint so einiges nicht zusammen zu passen.
Das Ganze wurde so richtig gut verpackt, auch wenn ich geahnt habe was passiert ist, ich war gespannt was der entscheidende Hinweis dann war.
Insgesamt besser geschrieben als Teils Bücher mit mehr Seiten, die Autorin weiß einfach eine Geschichte gut füllt. Gern hätte ich hier noch mehr gelesen.
May 14, 2020
I first read this story back in 2018 when I was reading Wild Embrace, but decided that in my most recent series re-read that I wanted to come back to Kenji and Garnet specifically after hearing SO MUCH about them in the last couple of SnowDancer focused books I've read (Kiss of Snow, Wolf Rain, and Play of Passion). I'm still not satisfied with Kenji's kind of bullshit reason for being a total cad to Jem for 7 YEARS, but glad that he finally fessed up and they got past it together. They deserve to be happy and, let's be real, they are totally perfect for each other. So even though I was irritated, it was still worth the read.
September 3, 2018
I am just being petty with the 3 stars because I expected more of Nalini SINGH, especially for this couple.
hetero
December 13, 2019Part of the Wild Embrace Anthology.
March 9, 2026
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" “Flirtation of Fate” is a long novella in Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling world that takes place after Heart of Obsidian. This one features Kenji and Garnet, both of whom are SnowDancer lieutenants, running their own dens in the wolves’ extended territory, and if memory serves, they’ve both been seen in other books of the series as supporting characters who needled each other. Kenji is best friends with Garnet’s brother, so throughout their growing up years, they were close. By their teen years, Garnet was totally falling for Kenji, but he was a bit of a player. Just as she thought he might finally be coming around to committing to her, he broke her heart on her twenty-first birthday by standing her up for a date. For the past seven years, they’ve had each other’s backs when it comes to pack business, but avoided any personal entanglements. Now a lieutenants’ meeting is scheduled to take place in Garnet’s den. However, only Kenji arrives before a major rainstorm hits, preventing the others from reaching them and stranding everyone already in the den, so the close proximity begins to wreak havoc on both of them. When a packmate is found dead of a stab wound and another pack member appears to be the culprit, Garnet and Kenji, as the only personnel on site qualified to investigate, must work even closer to solve the mystery. Garnet swore never to let Kenji hurt her again, but she can’t seem to stay mad at the flirtatious man who captured her heart so long ago. Kenji, it seems, though, is keeping a secret that could derail any possibility of them getting back together, but Garnet is determined to get to the bottom of it before he leaves.
Overall, “Flirtation of Fate” was a very enjoyable novella. Kenji and Garnet have a delicious sexual tension running just beneath the surface, waiting to burst into passion if only they can give it a chance. For her part, she’s still mad at him for standing her up with a lame explanation all those years ago and fears getting hurt by him again if she lets him in, but at the same time, no one else really compares to her childhood crush. As for Kenji, he fell in love with Garnet a long time ago, but some devastating news that would have affected their future together made him let her go, thinking it would be the best thing for her. But of course, they simply can’t deny their attraction to one another, and working in such close proximity stirs up all their old feelings. The mystery gives them something intriguing to do that they’re both good at. However, I have to admit that I pretty much had it all figured out quite a ways before the reveal, which is rare for me. I also figured out Kenji’s secret, so that was just a case of getting to his confession and seeing Garnet’s reaction. Even though these two parts of the story were a little too predictable, I still very much enjoyed it. I think that’s owing in large part to my love of the friends-to-lovers and second-chance tropes. I also can’t deny that Kenji and Garnet were simply perfect for each other, and their love shone through in all their interactions. When we finally get to the mating scene, it gave me all the feels that I look for in a romance, wrapping up this novella on a high note, so I couldn’t help giving it keeper status.
"4.5 stars" “Flirtation of Fate” is a long novella in Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling world that takes place after Heart of Obsidian. This one features Kenji and Garnet, both of whom are SnowDancer lieutenants, running their own dens in the wolves’ extended territory, and if memory serves, they’ve both been seen in other books of the series as supporting characters who needled each other. Kenji is best friends with Garnet’s brother, so throughout their growing up years, they were close. By their teen years, Garnet was totally falling for Kenji, but he was a bit of a player. Just as she thought he might finally be coming around to committing to her, he broke her heart on her twenty-first birthday by standing her up for a date. For the past seven years, they’ve had each other’s backs when it comes to pack business, but avoided any personal entanglements. Now a lieutenants’ meeting is scheduled to take place in Garnet’s den. However, only Kenji arrives before a major rainstorm hits, preventing the others from reaching them and stranding everyone already in the den, so the close proximity begins to wreak havoc on both of them. When a packmate is found dead of a stab wound and another pack member appears to be the culprit, Garnet and Kenji, as the only personnel on site qualified to investigate, must work even closer to solve the mystery. Garnet swore never to let Kenji hurt her again, but she can’t seem to stay mad at the flirtatious man who captured her heart so long ago. Kenji, it seems, though, is keeping a secret that could derail any possibility of them getting back together, but Garnet is determined to get to the bottom of it before he leaves.
Overall, “Flirtation of Fate” was a very enjoyable novella. Kenji and Garnet have a delicious sexual tension running just beneath the surface, waiting to burst into passion if only they can give it a chance. For her part, she’s still mad at him for standing her up with a lame explanation all those years ago and fears getting hurt by him again if she lets him in, but at the same time, no one else really compares to her childhood crush. As for Kenji, he fell in love with Garnet a long time ago, but some devastating news that would have affected their future together made him let her go, thinking it would be the best thing for her. But of course, they simply can’t deny their attraction to one another, and working in such close proximity stirs up all their old feelings. The mystery gives them something intriguing to do that they’re both good at. However, I have to admit that I pretty much had it all figured out quite a ways before the reveal, which is rare for me. I also figured out Kenji’s secret, so that was just a case of getting to his confession and seeing Garnet’s reaction. Even though these two parts of the story were a little too predictable, I still very much enjoyed it. I think that’s owing in large part to my love of the friends-to-lovers and second-chance tropes. I also can’t deny that Kenji and Garnet were simply perfect for each other, and their love shone through in all their interactions. When we finally get to the mating scene, it gave me all the feels that I look for in a romance, wrapping up this novella on a high note, so I couldn’t help giving it keeper status.
April 13, 2025
it's SO unheard of for me not to like a Nalini Singh story but this one gave me the ick big time.
I found it really hard to engage with for such a short story. Slow to pick up and then when they do get together, it's like snap and we're here which didn't feel right for this couple.
He was meant to be her man, her best friend - the guy who knew her better than anyone and instead he just continuously made choices for her to hurt her?
- Dating her nemesis FOR A YEAR
- Straight up abandoning her on her birthday - - and also why did he wait till 21? he was only 2 years older than her so that just felt weird. he realised she was his mate at 18 and then waited 3 years? when he knew she was clearly interested
- he's got a reputation as a manslut which is just not addressed between the couple in my opinion. As readers we hear that his rep is worse than reality but she never hears that from his mouth so as far as she knows, her mate left her at 21 to sleep his way through the pack.... and given females in the pack were worried about him because he'd stopped sleeping with people... surely there's some truth to his promiscuous ways. It's like a weird toss up between wolf culture being promiscuous and therefore fine but also being frowned upon like... it just didn't make sense? am I meant to be okay with him sleeping around with people or not??
- then it's like, yeah okay, he's got this really tragic side effect from life saving treatment... at no point in the 7 years did he think she deserved an explanation??? Like saving her from herself only goes so far... he just ... yeah Ew. I really didn't like him.
this story was a real miss for me. I just didn't find their journey well rounded. it felt like it needed to be a longer story because the way she flipped from."I'll never be a notch on your bedpost" to "you're mine"... nah. didn't work for me and then to be joking about being another notch on his bedpost??? like that's all we get? he was willing to sleep with and put all these other women above you for over 7 years... and that's all we get... how many of the pack know what he's like in bed? it doesn't make sense... you can't be annoyed at it one minute and then accepting of it the next. this story was confusing.
I found it really hard to engage with for such a short story. Slow to pick up and then when they do get together, it's like snap and we're here which didn't feel right for this couple.
He was meant to be her man, her best friend - the guy who knew her better than anyone and instead he just continuously made choices for her to hurt her?
- Dating her nemesis FOR A YEAR
- Straight up abandoning her on her birthday - - and also why did he wait till 21? he was only 2 years older than her so that just felt weird. he realised she was his mate at 18 and then waited 3 years? when he knew she was clearly interested
- he's got a reputation as a manslut which is just not addressed between the couple in my opinion. As readers we hear that his rep is worse than reality but she never hears that from his mouth so as far as she knows, her mate left her at 21 to sleep his way through the pack.... and given females in the pack were worried about him because he'd stopped sleeping with people... surely there's some truth to his promiscuous ways. It's like a weird toss up between wolf culture being promiscuous and therefore fine but also being frowned upon like... it just didn't make sense? am I meant to be okay with him sleeping around with people or not??
- then it's like, yeah okay, he's got this really tragic side effect from life saving treatment... at no point in the 7 years did he think she deserved an explanation??? Like saving her from herself only goes so far... he just ... yeah Ew. I really didn't like him.
this story was a real miss for me. I just didn't find their journey well rounded. it felt like it needed to be a longer story because the way she flipped from."I'll never be a notch on your bedpost" to "you're mine"... nah. didn't work for me and then to be joking about being another notch on his bedpost??? like that's all we get? he was willing to sleep with and put all these other women above you for over 7 years... and that's all we get... how many of the pack know what he's like in bed? it doesn't make sense... you can't be annoyed at it one minute and then accepting of it the next. this story was confusing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2021
Kenji and Garnet are another type of dominant/dominant pair, but one where everyone, including them, knew they were really supposed to be together and other things were getting in the way (namely Kenji's self-sacrificing delusions). It would seem that with Kenji being the one doing the pushing, that he would have to be the one to start repairing the rift, but that doesn't hold true when Garnet starts seeing things as they really are and decides she's not buying his lies any more. If not for Garnet knowing as surely as Kenji did that they were supposed to be mates, I doubt it would have (or should have) been so easy for the bond to have snapped into place. Despite both of them having very different emotional upheaval for different reasons over their seven year "separation," Kenji really did get off pretty easy in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
This is such a beautiful unrequited love story with a sprinkling of a murder mystery. Not to mention, Kenji is Garnet’s brother’s best friend. Plus, we’ve been watching these two chirp at each other for quite a while in previous books in the series.
While the changelings in the Psy-Changeling world can often come across as infallible, once in a while the author makes sure the readers know they are not. As is the case here when a changeling is murdered in a locked room. Yep, this is a locked room mystery and it throws Garnet and Kenji together when they are not often in the same place at the same time. They don’t have much of a choice but to face the past hurts and be honest with one another.
The chemistry, the history between the couple, the intriguing mystery, and the romance kept me fully engaged.
While the changelings in the Psy-Changeling world can often come across as infallible, once in a while the author makes sure the readers know they are not. As is the case here when a changeling is murdered in a locked room. Yep, this is a locked room mystery and it throws Garnet and Kenji together when they are not often in the same place at the same time. They don’t have much of a choice but to face the past hurts and be honest with one another.
The chemistry, the history between the couple, the intriguing mystery, and the romance kept me fully engaged.
January 4, 2019
¡Me encantó!
Ha pasado varios meses desde que dejé reposar esta saga —el último que leí fue Heart of Obsidian—, y lo bien que me sentó, porque era necesario un descanso para poder, ahora, arrancarlo nuevamente con ganas.
Amé la historia. Desde hace tiempo habíamos visto que entre Jem y Kenji pasaba algo, y estaba ansiosa por leer qué pasaría entre ellos; y, pues, ¡los amé!
Ahora que sabemos qué es lo que realmente pasaba entre ellos, sí, lamento que haya tenido que pasar tanto tiempo, pero todo sucede por algo. Todo tiene su tiempo.
Y hacen una pareja preciosa. Él es magnífico, y ella es una de mis favoritas en lo que a personajes femeninos se refiere.
Sobre la pluma de Nalini no hay mucho que decir: su escritura es clara, amena, ágil y te engancha desde el primer párrafo.
Ha pasado varios meses desde que dejé reposar esta saga —el último que leí fue Heart of Obsidian—, y lo bien que me sentó, porque era necesario un descanso para poder, ahora, arrancarlo nuevamente con ganas.
Amé la historia. Desde hace tiempo habíamos visto que entre Jem y Kenji pasaba algo, y estaba ansiosa por leer qué pasaría entre ellos; y, pues, ¡los amé!
Ahora que sabemos qué es lo que realmente pasaba entre ellos, sí, lamento que haya tenido que pasar tanto tiempo, pero todo sucede por algo. Todo tiene su tiempo.
Y hacen una pareja preciosa. Él es magnífico, y ella es una de mis favoritas en lo que a personajes femeninos se refiere.
Sobre la pluma de Nalini no hay mucho que decir: su escritura es clara, amena, ágil y te engancha desde el primer párrafo.
February 21, 2023
“Shut it down,” he ordered himself. “You let her be happy. If you love her, you goddamn let her be happy.”
Oh this one hurt my heart a lot at the beginning! The yearning is off the charts and Kenji really hurt poor Garnet. I mean we all know that there was going to be a good reason but I felt bereft waiting to find out and then I cried. I've been waiting for their story for a long time and I'm so glad they got their HEA and, like Garnet, I'm also cross with Kenji for waiting 7 years but I also want to give him a big ole hug!
The little murder mystery on the side was also enjoyable! I feel very smug that I worked in out very quickly!
Oh this one hurt my heart a lot at the beginning! The yearning is off the charts and Kenji really hurt poor Garnet. I mean we all know that there was going to be a good reason but I felt bereft waiting to find out and then I cried. I've been waiting for their story for a long time and I'm so glad they got their HEA and, like Garnet, I'm also cross with Kenji for waiting 7 years but I also want to give him a big ole hug!
The little murder mystery on the side was also enjoyable! I feel very smug that I worked in out very quickly!
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