A Psy Changeling Novella (Psy/Changeling Series) - Whisper of Sin

At the risk of sounding like a total fan-girl, I LOVE Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, and this story is no exception. Like it says in the description, this story was first published in the anthology "Burning Up" and I have read it many times. Emmett is a Dark-River cat who, along with a younger Dorian, saves Ria from an attack and then protects her while DR tracks down the bad guys. This is set earlier in the series and we get to see how DR comes to be the dominant group in the San Francisco area. Ria's grandmother was an awesome supporting character, funny and understanding of her granddaughter's desire to not follow the traditional Chinese path that her parents planned out for her. Emmett and Ria's interactions were a blast to read, with Emmett wanting to keep her safe, and keep her as his mate, but having to take it slow since she is human, while Ria wants to assert her new independence, having just finished college, and being drawn to Emmett, needing to feel capable and not smothered by his protectiveness. All in all, if you enjoy the series, this is a wonderful addition.

Whisper of Sin was previously published in the Burning Up anthology and is also available as a separate ebook. The story is set before events in Slave to Sensation but to be honest I think you'll probably have more appreciation for the characters if you've already familiar with the world building so I would recommend reading at least one book first. Although I've read the whole series now I don't actually remember much about either Emmett or Ria, their names were vaguely familiar but they definitely haven't been major players in the series so it's a testament to Nalini Singh's writing that she was able to make me care so much about both of them in less than 90 pages!

Events take place at a time when the DarkRiver leopards are only just solidifying their claim over San Francisco, the Psy still think they are in charge but the leopards are definitely claiming territory and part of that claim comes a duty to protect the citizens who live within their boarders. Unfortunately a gang of human thugs seem determined to muscle in, something that DarkRiver will not stand for, not if they don't want to lose face and risk a territory dispute with other packs of predatory changelings. When human Ria is attacked on her way home she is rescued by Dorian and Emmett and the pack take her whole family under their protection. Emmett has more than Ria's safety on his mind though, he immediately recognises Ria as his mate and he will do whatever it takes to convince her to take a chance on him.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, Ria and Emmett's courtship is so sweet but I also love the fact that Ria is strong enough to stand up to Emmett and won't let him push her around even though he's obviously so much stronger than her. The banter between them was great but Ria's grandmother was absolutely hilarious and she made me giggle out loud more than once. The rest of Ria's family aren't so keen on Emmett to start with but he isn't the kind of guy to give up without a fight and it doesn't take him too long to win them around. This is a lovely little edition to the Psy-Changeling series and I'm sure fans will devour it.

Whisper of Sin was what I would call a prequel.The beginning of DarkRiver Construction and dominance in the city of San Francisco It is the story of Emmett A DarkRiver lieutenant an Ria a human whose family was being attacked and threaten by a extortion gang.Ria was almost raped by one of the gang members.While on patrol Emmett comes upon her being attacked and saves her. The novella is only about 88pgs if that and the story while Ok for secondary characters in the long running Psy Changling series, its way overpriced at $2.99. The novella moves fast the romance is good for a novella. The villains are done away with quickly. I enjoyed Ria grandmother Miaoling. She was a very entertaining character. As a whole it Ok as a novella!!

Interests: Paranormal Romance, Futuristic, Shifters, Psychics

Quick Summary
The DarkRiver leopard pack is working to make San Fransisco a safe place for both changelings and humans, and a small time gang isn't going to mess with that. When human Ria gets attacked walking home she finds herself with a leopard bodyguard in Emmett. But is she ready for him to be more than a bodyguard?

What I Liked
I enjoyed this one even though it's a short one. Nalini Singh can really develop a story and characters in a short of amount of pages so I still feel like we got to know Ria and Emmett really well. I loved how feisty Ria was and how it's obvious she gets that from her grandmother; now she was a firecracker! Emmett was also great because he was protective without being overbearing.

What I Didn’t Like
I love this series so there was nothing that bothered me.

Once again I find myself conflicted about rating a Singh offering. Compared to the run of the mill this is excellent, compared to the action pacted conflicted emotional full length novels of the psy-changfling world only average. Still it was nice getting background on Ria, Luc's PA only mentioned in previous books. Her family is hilarious especially her grandmother. Emmet, Ria's mate is delectable as are all the Dark River males. Too bad there isn't that kind of one stop shopping in the real world but I digress. This a Singh novella you can't really go wrong but is not really necessary to the advancement of the series. Your choice dear reader.

Another good book to read from this series. I'm glad that I started reading it. I like the world and settings in these stories and think it would be an interesting world to live in. The idea of the Psy race is different in a good way. And I'll keep on reading books about this reality that Nalini has made up for us. It would be cool to be a part of either shapeshifter den if they existed! Even maybe a Psy with powers!! Blessings to all!!!!!

Terrific! Great to see this published in it's own right. Gang warfare and two people's fight to drive them out. A great read and a must have for everyone who has read the main series or is a Dark Fantasy fan

I didn't read this until after the fifth book in the series, so I was already familiar with all of the characters in the story except for Ria's family. I loved the story between Emmett and Ria though and it added a little insight into Ria and Emmett, which you don't really get much from the other books, especially Ria. Now that Clay has mated with a human, hopefully we'll get more exposure to Ria.

Ria, a human, attacked and rescued by Emmett -an enforcer in DarkRiver changelings(he's a leopard). They have instant connection but they must deal with Ria's family and who they think she should be with.Loved Ria's grandmother-wise,loving,funny.Emmett is rough around the edges but cleans up his act a little to gain acceptance from Ria's family's. Emmett claims her,they become mates. Can't wait for Vasic and Ivy- the Arrow and -E- Psy,can't wait til June!

I made the mistake of purchasing the actual Book, "Burning Up" 2 times... I was NOT about to purchase this as well... but my boyfriend didn't realize it and bought it for me on his kindle..lol... Gotta Love Him AND This Story :)

It's an excellent series. This side story was short but captured all of Singh's usual perfection! It went back in time a little so that we caught a glimpse of characters' personalities before the war started. Absolutely loved it!