Mine to Possess (Psy-Changelings - Book 4) (Psy/Changeling Series)

While I love the character of Clay, the female lead Talin ruined the story for me. She was whiny, weak, self-centered and selfish; not someone I would have picked for Clay's mate. Coming after book 3 (the story of Judd and Brenna), the best in the series, the weakness of this story was made very clear. Books 1, 2, 3 and 5 are the best in the series.

I really didn't like the female lead in this book Talin I found her to be cold cruel and calculating. This is Clays and Talins story they were childhood friends. Clay loved and protected 3yrs old Talin who was being physically abused by her foster father. When Talin is 8yrs old Clay hears her scream and runs in to find her being beaten and molested (I hope you get my meaning) Clay is a changeling, he goes in a rage and tears out the throat of the foster father. The authorities where going to kill him, but because of him being so young and what he had witnessed they put him in Juvenile detention. Clay makes a silent promise with his eyes to come back for Talin. Years later when Clay is released he tries to find Talin only to be told she was killed in a auto accident, leaving Clay feeling he had failed to protect her. Clay was devastated. Talin had told the authorities to lie to Clay and tell him she was dead. The reason I hated Talin so much was she went on with her life, even to the extent of having several lovers over the years and not once in 20yrs. did she try to let Clay know she was alive and well. I know she went through trauma, but she got over it, she had more than one lover over the years. How could she do that to someone who had protected loved and provided for her. Clays life for 20yrs was miserable because he was in love with her, even though they where children. Twenty years later she needs him to help her and she goes to him. What a Surprise for poor Clay who was still mourning her death. Talin was selfish, mean to a man who was willing to give his life for her!! I can't recommend this book!! I am sick of authors who can't come up with a better story line than molestation and physical abuse to children and women!! SKIP THIS ONE!!

‘Mine To Possess’ is book 4 in Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling Series.

I have been loving reading this series and don’t have a horrible thing to say about it until this book. I did/do not like Talin. The one thing that has stayed true and that I have loved most about this series is the strong bond between Pack. Pack is everything to the DarkRiver pack. But she causes Clay to get upset with Faith, then Clay argues with Lucas about Talin needing to leave the room so they can talk about the Lauren’s (which is privileged information) and then later on he is wanting to knock Judd out over something he said to Talin all because she only cares about herself and not about the risks that other people would have to take.

Clay Bennet is a Leopard Changeling, a sentinel in the DarkRiver Leopard Pack. He has always been bit of a loner until Faith (Vaugh’s mate) is able to push through his walls and build somewhat of a friendship with him. But the comes along Talin McKade a human and Clay’s closest and only friend from his childhood who he thought was killed. Clay had always been protective of Talin when they will kids and even went to the extreme as to kill someone to protect her, in doing so he was sent to juvenile detention for the crime. When he is released he is told that Talin had died. But 20 years later Talin is back and all the strong feelings Clay had towards her are back and even more powerful as he is no longer a child but a strong male leopard.

I found Talin’s constant whining about the sexual partners prior to coming back to Clay very frustrating. Everytime she mentioned it I’d shake my head and it would make me want to scream. Not once did Clay ever mention or bring it up, yes he was hurt when she first told him, but let’s be honest that is understandable. Talin’s constant hot and coldness toward their relationship was another thing I couldn’t stand. Clay was always so loving and affectionate towards her and of course possessiveness but he always spoke his mind in regards to how he felt, but with Talin she would get so possessive over him when one of the women would talk about Clay then she would be like no we can’t be together I just want to be friends.

At times I just wanted to give up and stop reading the book because I just could not stand Talin but my OCD and curiosity to how the story would end wouldn’t allow me to stop. Having said what I have above does not mean I do not understand why Talin is like she is but it just annoyed me how often and frequently she would do something or say something that I didn’t like.

But on a positive I still love Nalini Singh’s work and I’ll most definitely be continuing with this series.

For some reason, the first book in this series didn't grab me. I almost didn't read the second book. But I am so glad I did as this world and it's characters grew on me. By now, the 4th book, I am hooked. While the tone of voice is dramatic at times and the subject matter not a light hearted one (which I normally prefer for leisure reading), what comes out most is the development of relationships within the main couples as well as the packs and groups. The psy as a race add a new dimension to the creatures that inhibite the paranormal world. I especially like the nature of the leopards. By no means are they romantic heros in the classic sense. They are no gentlemen with suave words. But their love is so loyal and deep and fierce once they admit to it. It shows in every action. Vaughn and Clay did need some getting used to though. I'm glad, I gave them a chance because within the vast range of male heros in the romance genre, they do stand out.

I, too was conflicted with Talin that for the first part I really hated her. This was such a mental and emotional stress for me but you can't reason with trauma. It is hard for those with "normal" childhood to imagine and we can't judge how anyone would react to it. Loved how the author kept on the fence with her character and I had to reach deeper to try to understand her messed up decisions that led to this mated lovers' unnecessary separation for two decades. This is no fluffy romantic story. It is raw, real and intense and the emotional ride challenged me to go beyond the typical heroine character. I did not cry as much as Lucas and Sascha's story but this is still way better that your typical paranormal romance story. I am in so deep in this unoque world that singh has created. I might go back and read Judd and Brenna's story because I skipped due to people's reviews about the h being whiny. Others also considered Tally whiny here but I disagree with that. She went through so much that she developed disassociative disorder. I felt for her during that one episode where she regressed to a young child that I knew I had to be more compassionate.

Mine To Possess by Nalini Singh is the story of Clay and Talin and makes this the first changeling-human mating story of this series.

We first met Clay in the first book this series, Slave to Sensation and I was intrigued by his whole dark, mysterious and brooding personality. Nalini Singh takes us deeper into this mysterious character's life in this book where he not only faces his unhappy past but also the one person who he thought was dead!

While not eager about reading Clay's story initially, I was thoroughly surprised and totally entertained in this book. Clay had been intriguing but in this book he became a memorable character. I enjoyed his slow unveiling as a strong. loyal and passionate character.

Talin has been running from her past but some unfortunate incidents force her to come back to that one person she never wanted to meet again!

The feelings of betrayal, anger, helplessness, responsibility, loyalty and friendship are all tested and beautifully brought to life in this book. I enjoyed the chemistry between Talin and Clay and their struggles to find their happy ending is so real and very heartfelt. The emotional play and physical scenes are all expertly balanced, making this another gem in the must read Psy-Changeling series.

The story is fast paced with beautifully crafted sub plots that keep us up-to-date on the present happenings in the Psy and Changeling world, engrossing us deeper and deeper in the world created by the author.

Nalini Singh's writing shines as usual and had me interested until the end, leaving me wanting more!

All in all, Mine To Possess is another entertainer that has a crisp story, engaging characters, ample suspense, passionate romance and total entertainment quota. 4 out of 5 to it and recommended to all paranormal romantic suspense readers above the age of eighteen.

This review is also available on Njkinny's World of Books & Stuff

I'll start by saying that I really hated the character of Talin. IMO she was weak, whiny, and the more Clay tried to say how strong she was for surviving all she did, the more I disliked her since it was clearly not true especially when she was shaking in front of him.

My real issue with this book (the one that prompted me to write this review anyway) were all the plot holes that left me wondering how the heroine had just turned into someone else on and off in the book. Perhaps she had a stunt double to deal with all the tough stuff. (spoilers ahead) The book starts with Talin sitting outside a bar trying to decide whether or not to go in and see Clay. She chickens out, thinking that he is probably going to kill her because the last time she saw him he'd killed her foster father right in front of her. So she runs. Ok, from what we know so far, I can see that making some twisted sort of sense. Then we learn more about her foster father, and I can't understand why she's so upset about Clay killing him. IMO he did her a favor, but she sees Clay as a murderer and monster and acts like he's going to kill her in her bed or something. After learning a bit about their childhood together I can't understand how she can feel that way, but she was young so ok...

Next - WOW - 180 all of a sudden she's getting jealous when Clay mentions Faith (she's still terrified of him, mind) and then all of a sudden we find out she told him she was dead when he got out of juvie, but it's not because he killed a man in front of her in horrific detail, but because she was angry he didn't stay with her after he killed the guy. It boggles the mind. Not only is she no longer scared to death of him like she was through the first 3+ chapters, but all of a sudden she's pissed because of something he couldn't control. She even went to watch him when he's in juvie but she's still so pissed, that the second he's able to reach her, she makes sure he can't. I can't understand how anyone would think this made sense. She's angry because he wasn't around to protect her but she's terrified that he's going to kill her - ?????

I loved all of the other psy-changeling books. As far as abused heroines go, Talin could have taken pointers from Brenna. She (Brenna) was abused and mind-raped but she never went to whimper in a corner or took it out on anyone else.

Talin and Clay have both been scarred by their past. Believing her to be dead, Clay has managed to forge a path with the Darkriver leopard pack but is skating the edge of darkness enough to cause his friends concern. When Talin suddenly reappears in his life and he learns her secrets, he has to take a gamble and grab his second chance..before its lost to him forever.

Singh's ability to write some seriously heavy, emotional moments and balance it with some of the lightest, comical lines make her a must read author for me. She never fails to pull me into the story to such an extent that I devour her books in one sitting..and MINE TO POSSESS is no exception! This is a wonderful, poignant, second chance romance!

I was waiting for a human to be a central character in one of these books and this is the one. Loved it.

Clay and Talin knew each other as children. Clay was living with his human mother and trying very hard to pretend he wasn't a leopard. Talin a human ophan living with others and was being abused. When Clay found out, his leopard took over.

Clay has made me nervous in the first few books in this series. Such a loner and on the very edge of going rouge. But his experience with Talin is the reason. She was his from a very young age. And when she was gone, he hurt. His leopard hurt. He never got over it.

When Talin unexpectedly shows back up in his life, it's a huge shock. These two have a strong relationship that started as children. But Talin just wants to stay friends. Clay has other ideas.

As they struggle to help the missing children and deal with their feeling for each other lots of sparks and words flare. These two are very much like a married couple who knows all of the buttons to push. I must say, the BEST fight was when Clay shifted to his cat to avoid talking about something he didn't want to. It was perfect. Such a guy thing to do. Hehe.

I loved the heat as Clay tried to convince Talin they were always supposed to be more. He's patient with her because she has so much pain and abuse in her past. Tender is the word I would use to describe how he treats her. And I never thought Clay and tender would be in the same sentence. I loved seeing this strong closed off male open up to the women he has always loved.

The story in this world continues as Clay and Talin deal with one problem but it effects the overarching story. I love how this author introduces characters that are needed for the next book and how the story unfolds effortlessly. I'm always satisfied at the end of book but wanting more. That's a great skill for an author to have.

If you haven't read this series and you love paranormal, then you need to get this one in the short line. I do think it could be read standalone because things are explained well BUT why? This whole series is so dang good.

Don't miss this one.

A second chance at love, mixed mates (she's human and he's Shifter) and a bit of drama made for a pretty nice read, indeed. I'm still not entirely wowed by the Psy-Changeling world but it's growing on me and Mine to Possess was a nice addition to the series. I enjoyed it and the mix up of having a human as one of the main characters.

The quick of it is that children are disappearing and Talin--in a last ditch effort--goes to the one person she knows will help her find the kids she cares for...if only he knew she was still alive. See...years ago after he saved her life when they were children...she faked her death and ran from Clay. Yeah. Might have had a bone to pick with the heroine over that.

Clay was a wonderful hero. The males are definitely my favorite thing about the series. They're possessive and totally alpha. Growly and just flat out sexy. And Clay was no exception. He's got a bit more animal edge to him because of his past and is blunt in how he deals with people--totally loved that. And he'll do anything for those he cares for once he's given his word. Just an all around amazing guy.

Talin was an okay heroine but I did struggle with some aspects of her character. She really cares for others and is determined in saving those that are hers. But like I mentioned I didn't love that she pretended to be dead all these years and let Clay think she was...until she needed him. And then kept acting scared of him though he'd never once done anything to harm her when all he'd ever done was protect her even if it meant horrible things for him. So some grrs I had to overlook but thankfully Clay was there to keep me happy. The times between them were fairly entertaining even if they didn't go too steamy.
e curious for the exact hows and whys. It was a little twisty and ended well.

Overall, Mine to Possess was a decent read. I loved little cameos of the cubs and the whole pack mentality of once you're in...you're in--The mob doesn't let you out. Go ahead and try. You're theirs and they'll fight to the death for you--I just love that. There was some nice humor and a little bit of steam and a happy ending for two people who have had a rough go in life and lost so many things and so much time. So not a bad read at all despite some heroine woes.

I can't believe I'm reading #4 now. I read #1 back in October 2013. Despite my slow pace, I still have the urge to finish the series no matter how long it takes.

Whenever I picked up a Psy-Changeling book, I knew what I will get.

Changeling will be passionate and possessive
Psy will be stoic, cold and unfeeling. We are always waiting for them to thaw.
Human will make thing interesting because they are more unpredictable.

In Mine to Possess, we have a Changeling hero, Clay, and a human heroine, Talin, who had a past friendship that ended in tragedy and subsequent caused them to be separated for two decades.

Now Talin worked as a social worker for the Shine organization and when her kids start disappearing and some are found dead, she decided to seek help from Clay, as he is a prominent member of the Dark River clan.

Clay was told Talin was dead and to find out that she is very much alive did not bode well to him. He can't believe she decided to stay away from him all these year because she was afraid of him.

I was angry at Tain about the whole thing too. But once we get to know her reason, it make sense to me and I wanted her to be strong for Clay. Despite, Clay intense possessiveness, I felt their romance was pretty subdue. It actually lack a pivotal moment and some 'omph' factor.

The mystery behind the kids disappearance is of course related to the Psy Council. It seems like they are the only villain in the series. We got a glimpse into the main characters for the next book, Dorian (the changeling who can't shift?) and the MPsy (don't know how to spell her name). Hope I don't wait too long to start on it. I'm still looking forward for the one who will top Slave to Sensation and Caressed by Ice.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

mine-to-possess-psy-changeling-nalini-singhClay is a loyal sentinel in the DarkRiver pack, always quick to defend their territory and his pack. But he always harbors darkness within himself and is the one leopard of the group. The pack fears he is the closest to going rogue and giving up his humanity altogether.

When he was younger, Clay found the only female that he ever loved; Talin. They were just kids at the time. But when he found out her foster father had been abusing her, he killed him in a fit of rage, right in front of her. He was forced to do what he promised he never would, leave her, when he was incarcerated in a juvenile detention center for four years. His heart was ripped out of his chest upon his release to hear that his Tally was killed in a car wreck and he’s never been the same since.

But now twenty years later, he discovers she’s very much alive when she comes looking for his help. Children are being abducted and murdered, including one she has been helping, Jon, and she desperately needs to find before it’s too late.

Clay lost Talin once and he refuses to lose her again.

“You try to leave and I will hunt you down.”

Relief poured through her, but she smacked at his thigh with the back of her brush. “Like a rabid dog? Very romantic.”

But will the sins of their past be too much to overcome? Will forces outside their control take their choice away?

I really enjoyed this story. The things Talin went through as a child were horrible; things no child should ever be subjected to. And, losing her one bright spot in her life, Clay, so suddenly had traumatized her in more ways than she was willing to admit, causing her to do things that shamed her. So their reunion and the journey they took to find each other once again and to forgive each other and themselves was touching and I loved every moment of it!

“It was you. Always. Only ever you.”

Before this book I really didn’t care about Clay. I didn’t like him, but I didn’t dislike him either. He was just there like a piece of furniture that I didn’t pick out, he served a purpose by being a member of the pack, but nothing more. After reading this book, I have a new appreciation for Clay and all that he has been through.

I also really liked Tally as well. She was strong and had a lot of obstacles from her past to overcome that still overflowed into her current life. And, I loved that she could give as good as she took when it came to Clay.

“Oh, Clay darling, if you had told me you were feeling irritated because of your…problems, I wouldn’t have made a fuss.” She knew very well the changelings around her could hear every whispered word.

“Tally.” It was a warning growl.

“I mean it must be embarrassing for you…being that you’re such a big man.” her tone implied all sorts of things. “Last night was an aberration, I’m sure. And if not, there are always the pills.”

Their teasing banter with one another was a lot of fun.

“Pa Larkspur?”

She smiled. “Don’t be so chauvinistic. He’s the best cook in the county. His baskets bring in more money than any others at the picnic auctions.”

“Jesus. Baskets? Picnic? Just how country is the Nest?”

“Very.” His horrified expression made her laugh. “Clay, you live in a tree. I don’t think you should throw stones.”

I also liked how she referred to him as a bad kitty cat:)

I really enjoyed this couple and hope to see more from them in the future; maybe even some little cubs running around? Wishful thinking maybe….

I also liked getting a little closer at Dorian and I know I am going to love his story as well, when I get to it!

This review and more at openbooksociety dot com

3.5-4 stars

This is a pretty good story. I had some trouble understanding Talin at first but was very happy to see her and Clay get their HEA once everything got worked out.

Talin is an orphan that was raised in Foster care. Her next door neighbor was Clay, who was 6 years older than her (they met when she was 3 years old). They were close for 5 years until a horrible incident split them up and sent Clay to Juvenile Hall. Talin gets sent to a better family but doesn't recover well and her issues cause her to take steps that make Clay think she’s dead and they don’t see each other again for 20 years.

Clay is a Leopard Changeling (shifter) that was raised in the human world. His father was gone (he doesn't know where) and his mother couldn't accept his animal side so Clay had to “act human” for her. He met Talin when he broke his leg and she called the ambulance, staying with him until it came. After that they were friends for years until Clay kills to protect her and gets sent away. When he gets out, Clay’s crushed to find that Talin was killed in a car crash.

Talin went through a lot as a child, abuse from Foster parents, witnessing a bloody murder and separation from the one person she trusted (Clay). Because of this she didn't take well to getting close to anyone else and didn't recover from her emotional scars very well. With her inability to deal with her emotional issues she also wasn't able to handle the thought of seeing Clay again and convinces her case worker to tell Clay she died. Clay gets out of Juvenile detention and when he finds out that Talin is supposed to be dead he goes out and gets drunk, picking a fight with a big bad. Fortunately for him, the big bad he finds is Nate (2nd in command of a Leopard pack) and Nate brings him in to the pack where Clay finds a home. Talin ends up working for a group that helps homeless and underprivileged kids. Through her work, Talin becomes aware of kids that are coming up missing and even dead. Around this time she also sees Clay in town and figures out where she can find him. When she finds out about the kids dying, Talin decides she has to gird her loins and go ask Clay for help.

When Clay and Talin meet back up for the first time in years it doesn't go smoothly...at all. Clay is shocked to find Talin is alive and not at all happy to find out she purposely had him lied to about her supposed death and then stayed away for so many years. Talin never got over a lot of her past hurts and scars and is full of self-hate and shame over her past actions. To be honest, the first part of the story had me a little confused about Talin’s feelings and motivations. She had a lot of past issues that colored how she looked at things and how she acted towards Clay and I sometimes had trouble figuring her out. Further in to the book, it becomes apparent that the reason it’s so hard for the reader to figure Talin out is because she didn't truly understand her own motivations and the reasons why she did the things she did in the past (like staying away from Clay) until part way through the story. Once she starts to figure things out it becomes much easier to get in to her character and like her more. Clay knows from the beginning that Talin is his but his pain and anger about her deserting him for so long made his behavior toward Talin a mix of hot and cold. Slowly things become revealed and they get to know each other again. Clay helps Talin try to figure out who’s taking the kids, why they’re taking them and how to save the one’s that haven’t turned up dead. Along the way they get help from others in the pack and even some friends from the wolf pack which helps things along greatly and they make progress in their efforts. As the story continues, it becomes more and more apparent that both Talin and Clay want to make a future together but it does take a while (maybe a little too long) for them to talk things out so they’re both on the same page about being together. There are some issues they have to get settled (the issue with the missing kids along with others) but things are worked out and once the drama is handled, Clay and Talin start their HEA.

I found this story to be pretty enjoyable. I liked both Talin and Clay and am happy things worked out for them. I had a little bit of trouble getting completely in to the relationship at first because of mixed up feelings Talin is showing in the beginning. With her varied emotions and thoughts it sometimes became hard to figure her out. Once she worked through things I liked her much better and I liked seeing her and Clay together. This was another good addition to the series and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I’d recommend this book. :)

* note - I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a good job.

This is the fourth book in the "Psy-Changeling" series and the story of Clay and Tally.

Clay and Tally knew each other since she was three years old and he was nine. Two little lost souls found each other in the worst of circumstances claiming and protecting one another from that moment on. But tragedy struck, fear got in the way and when they were forcefully separated Tally made the decision to never see Clay again... until now.

Even after twenty years Clay has never forgotten his Tally, has never been complete again and is now toeing the line with going rouge. Tally works with orphan children and lately they're being kidnapped leaving only their battered bodies for them to find. But when one of her kids, Jonquil goes missing she will do anything to get him back alive, even if she has to see Clay again after all these years. Because Clay is the only one that will be able to help her find Jon alive. Tally is broken still and is dying from a strange brain disease but with old buried feelings coming to the surface, will they be able to resist or will they finally realize they never had a choice? They belonged to one another since they met so many years ago so they're fighting against destiny.

We find out that the PsyNet is quickly crumbling and the Council is desperately trying to keep it together. There is also new and very important information about the history of all the races that no one should miss. This book has fast become one of my favorites in the series... But then again I feel the same about all of them ;) I really love this series and the world that Nalini Singh has created. I can't put these books down so I'm now off to read the next!

I have read the first four books in this series and have not felt the "urge" to write a review on any of them until now. Obviously I liked the first book enough to go out and immediately request the next 4 books on PaperBackSwap.com- and continued to enjoy them enough to keep on reading. Its an interesting series (I'm not really partial to Paranormal Romance but I was looking for something new and "Slave to Sensation"- book1, had really great reviews) and I loved all the characters...until I read this book.

It's not even so much that I disliked Talin per se, I actually think that developing characters and having a rounded background, flaws and all, is a difficult part of writing a good book. Which is why its so disappointing that I felt that this author had really great character foundations that I feel fell flat. I don't think Talin brought out the best in Clay & I don't particularly think they had any chemistry together; I even thought her interactions with the other characters were more poignant and emotionally connected. I guess this book just left me disappointed- I mean, it is a romance right?

*Slight Spoiler alert* Strangely enough, I think that if the "illness" had been played up more, their could have been a stronger connection or bond built- obviously i'm glad it got "resolved" so to speak, but that was a dramatic part of the story that was brought up in what seemed almost an afterthought except for a couple episodes.

I always enjoy seeing the rest of the characters throughout the rest of the series, and as always the books are well written, which is why I think it earned 3 stars- but because of the chemistry flaw in what had great potential, I think it deserves the 3 stars.

Incredibly enough, this series just keeps getting better and better!

With tragic childhoods, Clay Bennett and Talin McKade came together as only children with a shared pain could. Until Clay found out Tally's secret, and in a fit of violence and terror destroyed the one safe haven Tally had, leaving her to start over alone while Clay was sent to a juvenile detention center. After living years caged up, serving his time, the first thing Clay did when released was to find Talin again....only to be told that she died in a car accident. But her ghost haunted him, refusing the let go. And now, after two decades of self-hatred over his failure to protect her, Talin is back and asking for his help. Children are disappearing from the streets, children that she has promised to look out for. And she knows that there is only one man strong enough to help her and save them. But can Clay ever forgive Talin for her deception? And what will happen when the bond they shared as children explodes into the want of two grown adults destined to be together? Danger is around every corner, but the deadliest danger may come from within.

In the previous books, readers have been immersed in the world of the Psy, emotionless beings with physic gifts, and Changelings, human and animal in nature. But in Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh broadens the scope even further by adding humans into the mix and introducing readers to the Forgotten; humans with Psy ancestors that defected at the start of Silence. Many of the Psy gifts were deluded through the generations but now they're reappearing again, and stronger then ever. The sub-plot is an ever-expanding entity in the background of these books, gracefully moving the inner workings of the council and pack business along while readers delve into the lives of two lost souls. In this case, Tally and Clay.

From previous books I never would have guessed the past that DarkRiver Sentinel, Clay Bennett, emerged from. And he shares that past with another. A human that he believed dead for two decades, but who he's never forgotten. When Clay finally see's Talin again he is rightfully furious but unable to deny her his help. Not that his cat would let him, even if he wanted to. His road to a future with Tally is twisty and turning, brimming with lies and betrayals, hurts and misunderstandings. My heart hurt for Clay, for all the blame he shouldered and emotions that he had to stifle. There were so many unforeseen layers to his character that I couldn't help but fall for this panther.

Tally's abuse and Clay's unknowing abandonment have left deep scars on her, but she also suffers from a rare condition that is causing her brain to slowly deteriorate. It seemed like life was just throwing one hit after another to this girl and I empathized with her frustration over the hand life dealt her. At first though, I really didn't want to like Tally because of the pain she put Clay through. I felt that she needed to grow up at times instead of putting irrational blame on Clay for circumstances that were out of his control. But on the other hand, Tally was young and traumatized and I could sympathize with her feelings. Together, her and Clay must learn to trust and love again. But even if they can, can they find a way around the illness that is slowly taking her life?

Nalini Sings writing is superb. The characters and world-building is so vivid, they come to life on the pages. The plot is exciting, the characters memorizing. It is easy to loose yourself in the world of the PsyChangeling. This is a series that I wish I could just lock myself up in a hotel room or beach bungalow to read and finish without interruption. Sadly though, it's summer time which means hiding out from my kids in the bathroom to get some reading time in. LOL But this series is worth it!

4.5 Stars!

Clay and Tanlin are not the most likeable characters. I kept asked myself 'how old are these characters '. She has extremely low self-esteem. Granted, I get it ... she was abused yada yada. However therapy was apparently not that effective because all she does is whine and self-loath. While I am committed to reading more from this series -- in part because I wanted to read about Ghost -- I would be ok with not reading anymore about this couple.

Tally and Clay grew up together and were the best of friends from the moment they met until the day Clay killed her abusive step-father after discovering what he was doing to Tally. Clay was sent to juvie and Tally was so traumatised by the event that she begged her social worker to tell Clay she had died so he wouldn't come looking for her when he was released. Now Tally's job involves helping at risk children and when those in her care start to disappear in mysterious circumstances she can only think of one person to turn to for help. Clay is shocked when Tally returns from the dead and he is hurt by the way the person he has always loved the most is now so scared of him but now that Tally is back in his life he will do anything to keep her there. There is no way he's going to let her slip through his fingers for a second time and will do whatever it takes to prove he would never hurt her. As they investigate the disappearances it quickly becomes clear that there is more going on than meets the eye but can they figure out who is behind the murders and find a way to rescue the last boy who was taken before he is killed too?

I have become a huge fan of the Psy-Changeling series since I started reading it and I love the way the world is getting more detailed and complex with every instalment. Each book answers some of my questions but leaves me with new ones and I can't get enough of the characters or the world. It's great that we get to see how previous couples are getting along and also that we are slowly being introduced to more and more members of the DarkRiver and SnowDancer packs. Nalini Singh has a way of making you feel invested in the lives of all her characters, even the ones you don't know very well, which is one of the things that makes these books quite so addictive.

I have to admit that I found Tally a little irritating at times, the way she was so terrified of Clay and kept flinching whenever he even looked at her made me really angry when all he has ever done is love and protect her. Then as you start to find out more about her background and the things she went through as a child her actions become more understandable, I still didn't like the way she treated him but I could at least see why she behaved the way she did. She was terrified of putting her trust in him and ending up getting hurt again and for someone who has known pain and hatred since she was 3 years old that was bound to have an effect on her. When she starts to open up to Clay more I began to like her and I have to say I enjoyed the banter between them and the way she wasn't too scared to tease him even in front of other members of the pack.

Clay was an easy guy to love, he is a respected member of the DarkRiver pack and has the trust and love of everyone around him. They are all protective of him and worry that Tally isn't good for him but once they see how much he cares for her and that she feels the same way about him they are quick to welcome her into their family. Clay is the kind of guy who will do anything to protect those he loves, he is loyal, loving and kind but he can also be arrogant and domineering. His animal side is always quite close to the surface which can make him come across as quite scary at times (you definitely wouldn't want to be on his bad side!) but around Tally he is actually a big softy. The things he says to her just melted my heart and left me with a smile on my face.

Mine to Possess is another fantastic instalment to the Psy-Changeling series, I seriously don't think Nalini Singh could write a book that I didn't love! This is a series that needs to be read in order because the world building is too complex to skip around without missing half of the ongoing plot but it is well worth investing the time needed to read these books. I can't get enough of them and I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment asap.

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
REVIEW:
Clay Bennett has been chasing a ghost for years. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think that that ghost would seek him out. But that is what just happened. The most important person to him in his life and someone who was suppose to be dead just stepped back into his life. But along with turning Clay’s world upside down with the fact that she is a live, Talin brings with her many secrets. Secrets that Clay may not be able to overlook.

Talin McKade is in dire need of help and there is only one person in the world that can help her. But Will Caly help her after he learns what she did, who she has becomes and the fact that there can be no future?

Dang this girl can tell a story!!!! Can Nalini write a bad story? I think not!! Clay and Talin have such a tortured past. It broke my heart so many time while listening to this story. It was great to watch both of them grow and learn to trust and love.

My only complaint about this story was that I was not wild about the voice that Angela picked for Clay. But in reality it most likely was the perfect voice for Clay. He all dark, dangerous and very animal.

Serisoulsy in love with Nalini and the Psy-Changeling series!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Absolutely beautiful in its painful truth, Singh pulls readers into the most stunning book in the Psy-Changeling series yet. It plays in the gray and utter pitch blackness of evil. Clay's dark and mysterious past has been a taunting tale only hinted at in the previous books. So when Talin tracks him down and is about to confront Clay despite her fear of him . . . I new things were going to be complicated.

At first Talin put me off, she was so damaged that I got frustrated by her. Then as only Singh can truly achieve, every emotional level, fear, and scar was laid bare. To be honest I got the sniffles a number of times. Then rage would kick in over the indignation of how Talin's childhood and future was stolen and altered by such horrific events. After that, the awe settled in. The beauty of overcoming those trials, and becoming such as amazing woman was . . . really there are no words.

Digging into Clay was another treasure trove. Watching Clay and Talin find and understand each other was the epitome of amazing. Their childhood friendship and trust blooming into such a passionate love. It tops all of the other books in this series. The sex wasn't just about finding a mate or giving in to new emotions. It was about trust. A kind of trust that was so pure.

There were a few things that cut back on my enjoyment. Some minor grammar flaws and then a spot where the the names of the characters got a bit jumbled. Singh has a strong enough voice that I knew who was really speaking, but it was annoying. Talin's "sickness" was so obvious that I felt more agitated that it was used as a plot device that was supposed to add a huge dramatic effect. Waiting for Singh to step up her plotting, I'm out guessing!

Despite those annoying flaws Psy-Changeling series has gotten better and better after each book. The introduction of the Forgotten and how humans bind the world with Psy and Changeling is a wonderful idea. The world is developed well enough that the books are starting to plot out farther and farther into the Psy-Changeling universe. Mine to Possess is the strongest book in the series, this is the one you don't want to miss. A tale of romance and passion, and the healing needed to out run demons of the darkest Hell.

Sexual Content: Again nothing overly graphic for a Paranormal Romance. Children are abused and some of the things done to them are chilling. Talin has some really horrible things happen to her. While nothing is told in graphic detail readers know what happens.

5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

Ms. Singh definitely created a unique world in her psy-changeling series. This book just further expands this new world that I've come to love so much. Before I get into that, I'll review the main romance.

Tally and Clay have known each other since they were children growing up. Clay had always protected Tally, but an incident separated them and caused Clay to think that Tally was dead. Clay had never been right since, always walking a thin line between light and darkness, as was shown in previous books. What he didn't know was that Tally was never dead... and he's just about to have a rude awakening.

Tally, after a traumatic childhood, ran from Clay, from the only person who she'd ever trusted to protect her. But now, as a Senior Guardian at the Shine foundation-a foundation who helps special children in need-her kids are disappearing and turning up dead one by one. Having one of her most recent kid disappear, she seeks out Clay, whom she hopes she can trust and can help her save these kids.

The book instantly grabbed my attention. There is just so much raw emotions between Clay and Tally. Their first meeting was explosive but full of excruciating pain for both parties. Also, being a sucker for second chance romances like this, I couldn't help not being drawn into their story. However, that is until Tally showed her jealousy side. Then I just couldn't stand her. Jealousy is a normal emotion, I understand, but the way it was portrayed in the book just kind of kicked me in the gut and from then on I couldn't like Tally. However, on the other hand, she came through in the end. Tally is strong and courageous despite all she's been through in her life and I can't help but respect her for that. Her love for the children is nothing if not admirable and then it became hard to not like her.

As for Clay, he's got all the fine qualities of the other males we've seen within the series-dark, dangerous, protective to the core and wildly possessive of his female. He's always been darker than the others, a loner even in the pack. I've wanted to read his story since the second book. And it was extremely sweet to see his soft side with Tally. It just shows that love can heal even the worst wounds. I'm so glad they had their happily-ever-after.

Lastly, Ms. Singh weaves Clay and Tally's romance seamlessly with the overall plot of the series. The Changelings' fight with the Psy Council continues, as well as the small rebellion within the Psy population itself. We're introduced to the world of the Forgotten, those who dropped out of PsyNet after the implementation of Silence. Ms. Singh just keeps on surprising me with how well-thought out this world is and her ability to put everything together. In no way did the overall plot overshadow the romance between Clay and Tally, like some romance series end up doing. Also, I'm very curious as to the Ghost's identity. However, not as much as I want to know what happens with Ashaya and Dorian, which is the next book in the series.

As always, highly recommended!!

I am loving this series! I can't believe I did not pick these books up sooner. Nalini Singh is an amazing author who knows how to tell a story. The world she created is so in-depth and intriguing I get pulled in. Her characters work well together, complement each other, and the story is interesting and adventures.

“Mine to Possess” focus is about the main couple's complicated and enduring relationship rather than the world-building aspect of the over all story. We also learn about a new aspect in the Psy-Changeling world the Human side as well as finding out about the Forgotten.
Tally and Clay’s tragic yet inspiring love story was simply phenomenal. I liked that the main couple bonded as children and where separated by tragedy and violence which marked their destinies. They are brought back together by murder and mayhem and are now getting to know each other again.

Mine to Possess is a must read! I recommend reading the Psy-Changeling series in order, so you can understand the characters and world that Nalini Singh as created.

Nalini Singh has shot to the very tippy-top of my author auto-buy list with her latest novel, Mine to Possess.

Clay Bennett, a leopard changeling and a DarkRiver Sentinel, has intrigued me ever since he was introduced to us in Slave to Sensation. His exotic looks of coco skin and dark hair provided a perfect backdrop to showcase his intensely green eyes. While his dark exterior conveyed his mood and monosyllable speech told the world to back off; something just grabbed me from that very fist moment and never let go.

Clay's pain, we learn, is rooted in his self proclaimed failure to save his childhood friend, Talin McCade, from the horrible torture inflicted upon her by her stepfather. These glimpses into the past are laden with darkness yet the light of the friendship that Clay and Talin shared during their childhood was beautiful. It made you root from them, for their love, even when the future, so tainted by the blood of the past, made that love seem impossible.

Talin McCade, seemingly back from the dead, needs Clay's help to find her missing children that are disappearing off the streets. A Guardian of the Shine Foundation, Talin is a social worker for orphaned children. Her love and possessiveness of these children remind me of Changeling Pack, and their fierce protectiveness of their own. This trait immediately bonded me to Talin. This same possessiveness is projected on Clay from the start. God help any other woman who looks in his direction with anything more than civility. Although she is terrified of Clay she sucks up her pride and asks for his help. Clay can no more say no to Talin than he could stop the rain. Although he is furious over her secrets he still intends to help Talin and ultimately make her his in every changeling way.

I particularly loved all the scenes and dialogue devoted to Clay and Talin. Since Silence was not an issue here, Clay could immediately become possessive. From the very first page, we are alone with them together and silently offering encouragement while they battle to rise above the blood of the past and love each other without pain or punishment. The heat between the two was tangible and the love scenes were hot and emotionally intense.

The entire novel is peppered with cameos from our other beloved mated couples. Judd seems to have thawed out more while Faith is still learning to understand her emotions. Her protectiveness of Clay was really sincere and an interesting catalyst in regards to Talin understanding the depths of her feelings. Sascha's development was the most intriguing. She has really become `human' and out of all the changelings and Phy additions to the DarkRiver and SnowDancer packs, Talin, a human, related to her the most. We also got to see a lot of Dorian which sets up his story, Hostage to Pleasure, in the fall of 2008.

This addition to Ms. Singh's Phy/Changeling series was superb. The depth and clarity she brought the characters was truly awe inspiring. Mine to Possess now resides peacefully on my Keeper Shelf beside the first three novels in the series. I'll be waiting impatiently for her next.

The fourth book finds Clay, a DarkRiver leopard, seeing the girl who was his since they were kids, Talin, alive and terrified of him. Tally seeks Clay out, after allowing him to think she was dead for twenty years, to help her find her “kids” - she works as a Guardian for the Shine corporation, a group who help human children.

Talin starts off on the wrong foot with me - frightened of Clay and lets him think she’s dead for decades because she’s too scared of him was a total turnoff. For the most part, I felt really badly for Clay and while I could understand to some extent Tally’s trauma, her fear was a barrier to me enjoying their romance fully. That said, I still love the Psy-changeling universe and that overarching storyline is fascinating.

The Bottom Line
Not my favorite entry, but still enjoyable for the world-building. This series must be read in order, but it so worth it.

Reviewed by Another Look Book Reviews

Mine to Possess was the 4th instalment of the Phy-Changeling series. What a joy to continuously grant 5 perfect stars on a series and what a blast it is to read each book one after another. I am probably going to go into serious withdrawal after the last book. I call that my "Outlander Syndrome"

I love being introduced one at a time to each of these characters and their mates. Each book has such interesting storylines to captive me while I stay awake until all hours of the early morning. Yeah, I finished Mine to Possess this morning around 3:30AM and if you would believe it, I read the first few chapters of book 5, Hostage to Pleasure. Oh come on. I know you have done that too.

The angst level was escalated in Mine to Possess. Stories that involve abused children always pull at my heart strings and in Mine to Possess those heart string were stretched to their limit. My palms were sweaty and I was sad with the experimentation that some M-Phy were doing to the human children. I didn't like that part of the story but what a better way to get the readers to truly hate the villains.

I am so pleased that I continue to enjoy the mated couples and their personalities. With romance books in general I really like stories where the male and female characters have an established past so Clay and Talin fell right into that territory for me. They both had such damaged unfair childhoods so it was a true joy to see them fall in love and finally seal their mated bond.

Mine to Possess set up the next book Hostage to Pleasure perfectly so you'll have to excuse me while I go and continue where I left off this morning.

Talin McKade needs help. She's even willing to turn back to her past, a past she's tried to forget, in order to get that help. She's dedicated her life to helping save street kids but now someone is snatching and killing them. Talin only knows one person left she can turn to, a man from her past. There's just one problem... Clay Bennett, a DarkRiver sentinel, thinks Talin is dead. Will Clay be able to forgive Talin as his heart clamors to claim her as his mate? And just who is behind these horrific killings?

MINE TO POSSESS is the fourth book in what is simply one of the top paranormal series out there! Nalini Singh continues to expand her world of the Psy and Changelings, with each book only adding another fascinating layer filled with equally captivating characters. The series is best read in order so that fans can see how the various pieces fit together but MINE TO POSSESS can be read as a stand alone as Ms. Singh does provide some background history. Without a doubt, the Psy-Changeling series is one that any paranormal fan should read immediately!

Nalini Singh always does a beautiful job at showing the inner heart of her characters. Talin and Clay are both tortured by the horrors of their past. Clay blames himself for not protecting Talin while Talin fears her past has permanently scarred her. Together, their love can conquer the darkness they both fear... but are they willing to give that love a chance?

Talin's plight particularly affected me, both her past and her role helping street kids. As a social worker, I've worked with many people like Talin and her strength and courage to continue fighting her inner demons is commendable. She is perhaps one of my favorite heroines in the Psy-Changeling series as she truly embodies the human will to never quit fighting.

MINE TO POSSESS is a must read for any paranormal romance fan. Nalini Singh has written yet another gem that showcases her phenomenal writing skills with MINE TO POSSESS. What an absolutely satisfying and enjoyable read! Please keep them coming, Ms. Singh!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Talin McKade was just a child when she watched her best friend kill her abusive foster father. Though Clay had always protected her, Talin had a hard time reconciling what he did with protection rather than murder. Talin also has an eidetic memory, meaning she can recall everything that ever happened to her in vivid detail. While Clay served 4 years in prison, Talin did her best to forget what happened and make a life for herself again with her new foster family. Hiding is something she does instinctively, without thinking of the repercussions, and years later, when she needs Clay's help, she wonders if he'll be able to forgive her.

Clay Bennett is a sentinel in the DarkRiver changeling pack, and one of the strongest weapons in their arsenal. Clay has always been known as a man made of steel, with an iron will, and one of the few changelings who can exist without constant touch and support. This doesn't make Clay any less Pack--he's still an integral part of the DarkRiver community--but it means that he's the leopard most easily disposed to breaking from pack and becoming absorbed into his beast. And when the girl who was his best friend and his life as a child reappears into his life two decades later, and without a good explanation for why she'd left him, Clay has to become one with his beast in order to find true love.

Mine to Possess is by far my favorite book in the Psy-Changeling series. I have been a little indifferent to these books up until this point and could really take or leave them. Not so with this story. Talin is a complex and intriguing heroine because she is both strong and dark. Her past is full of one-night stands and self-abusive behavior because of the pain that she endured as a child. At that time in her life, Clay was the only person who stood up for her, and her only friend, so when he left she had nowhere else to turn. Reconnecting with him, and having his strength on her side, allows her to grow up and endure--to know that she can fight for herself and those she cares about. And Clay is a strong, alpha male who just needs the love of a good woman to bring him back from the brink (my absolute favorite kind of hero). As a sentinel at DarkRiver, he's known as a soldier, a strategist, and someone who can be trusted. He uses all of these characteristics and the basic emotion of love, to help Tally and to make her his mate. And it was pure enjoyment to watch it happen.

Mine to Possess is the fourth book in the Psy-Changeling series, and builds on the foundation already set up in the rest of the books. So I'd suggest you read the first three books (Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1),Visions of Heat (Psy-Changelings, Book 2), and Caressed By Ice (Psy-Changelings, Book 3)) before tackling this one. And I will say not to be discouraged if you don't quite fall for this series after the first couple of books. I was on the fence originally, but this book solidified the Psy-Changeling series's place on my bookshelf.

Clay Bennett is the half human/half Changeling sentinel of the DarkRiver leopard clan. Growing up he had to repress his animal nature, but one day it erupted in an act of violence which ended with him in jail and his best friend Talin deciding it would be better off if he thought she were dead. The years go by and now Talin is in trouble, and needs Clays help. But he's still walking the fine edge of violence, so as well as making a future together, they also have to resolve the troubles of their past.

As well as Clay and Talin's story (which I think it's perfectly possible to enjoy as a standalone) Mine to Possess also continues the major arc being played out over the course of the series. It's one of those series where you'll get more out of it, if you've read the preceding books.

The thing that's different between this book than the others in the series is that Talin and Clay already have a relationship. What they are doing here is forgiving the mistakes of the past and learning to move on. But because of this, the relationship at the beginning is somewhat combative. Clay pushes and Talin stands her ground, and they have a lot that they need to resolve.

"What happened to you, Tally?"
..."I broke."

Clay is a very solitary and brooding character and he knows it's possible he could turn rogue if he gives in to the violence inside of him. Faith (from Visions of Heat) is particularly protective of him, and is more than a little questioning of Talin's motives. Talin in turn can't help but feel jealous of Faith and the perceived place she has in Clay's life.

To begin with there are quite a few misunderstandings between our hero and heroine, and usually I'd be tempted to say they just need to talk. But in this case they both have so much baggage from the past and a major crisis to deal with in the present that it takes a lot for them to make it over that first barrier. But it makes it all the more worth it when they do. :)

The major arc of the story continues. The Psy are forging ahead with their plan to create a hive mind and are coming scarily close to achieving their goal. Luckily the unknown saboteur The Ghost is continuing to be a thorn in their side. One of the best things about this series is the fact that Nalini Singh makes it clear that neither the Changeling, Psy nor human way is perfect. Each species has its flaws and talents, which makes Sascha's conclusions at the end of the story very interesting. We also find out about more Changeling species, and some very intriguing hints are dropped about the snakes.

There are multiple points of view, but they are skilfully woven into the fabric of the story, so they neither feel intrusive or surplus to the plot. Everything here serves to push the story forward, and we have plenty of time with Talin and Clay to appreciate how their relationship develops.Highly recommend series. Hostage to Pleasure is out in September.

I bought this book with little expectations because the excerpt that I read really didn't excite me much but because it is part of a series I could not not read it. What I found after finishing this blew me away. Not only did it exceed my expectations but I found that Mine to Possess quickly became my all time favorite up to date.

In this book, Mrs. Singh introduced to us the third group that occupy the world beside the Shifters and the Psy, humans. When we think of humans in comparison to the shifters and the psy, we probably would think of them as the weaker being. Well in the world of Nalini Singh, they are not the weaker being. They do have a mind that can be powerful but not so powerful that we rolled our eyes and go "ok whatever". Instead they are the median. They are the bridge that neutralize the powerful. Tally our heroine of this book is half human. She was a heroine that I never thought I would come to adore so much. When I began reading about her, I had thought I got the ending smacked down. I had thought that it would be one of those typical ending where in the end she will gain some immense power that would rival Faith and Sasha. Boy was I wrong! And I'm not even unhappy that I am wrong! In fact I am very happy that she is what she is with just a little hidden secret that can still be explore and unlock. Even if there is none, it's ok cus being human aren't always so boring or bad.

Clay of course is a leapord from one of our favorite clan, DarkRivers. He's your typical alpha male who believe he and only he can keep the one he loves safe. He does it without thinking and does it without boasting.

I like how the love story between these two started when they were younger but because of things that could not be help due to Clay's nature, it didn't end nor did it weaken. Although Clay and Tally tried as hard as they can to not put themselves in that situation again, but because of their bond, they could not help but to be one. I like how they didn't just fall madly into each other's arm, but their love and relationship progresses and grew stronger from chapter to chapter.

This is the fourth book in the Psy-Changling series, and the first one to step away from Psy-Changling pairings. In this book our main female character is human, while the male lead is changeling.

There were some interesting developments in the overarching series plot, including the introduction of yet another faction that wouldn't mind seeing Silence taken down. There are also some things that set up the next book nicely.

I liked seeing more of Clay, who has always been depicted in the past as a very dark character. However, I wasn't enamored of Talin, his love interest. Despite trying to set it up as a relationship fated from a very young age, I just didn't feel a love bond between the two. Close friends would have felt better. Talin certainly didn't feel like a good match for Clay. Hoping the romance pairing in the next book works better.

As children Clay and Talin find one another in a time when they hunger for some warmth and compassion in their lives. Both have family that traumatizes them on an emotional level and forges a bond between them that can never truly be broken. But the fierce protectiveness of Clay roars in fury when he senses the pain of his Tally inflicted on her by her adoptive father and when the fury at last subsides he is soaked in blood looking at the face of Tally whom is in shock of what Clay did.

Now, about 20 years later, Talin needs Clay again in the search of kids who've gone missing, not just any kids, her kids. She is now a Shine Guardian who protects and guides kids from the street in to a normal life and when a few under her care end up dead pain lacerates through her and she will not rest until their murders are solved. With another teenager whom is still missing Talin hopes to prevent his death and she will need Clay as a DarkRiver Sentinel to aid her in her quest.

As they both meet for the first time old pain, old feelings and old memories drift to the surface and the bond forged between their hearts so long ago slowly flickers to life. Still Clay can't ignore the cat inside him nor can Talin ignore the violence she witnessed so long ago or the lifespan she has left. Together they start a journey to seek the truth and rescue a teenager whose life still holds so much promise. And when Clay introduces Talin to the DarkRiver pack in order to protect her they hold a chance in their hands to become true mates.

But when one knows so much of darkness can one dare to touch the light?

I'm awestruck by the raw intensity of this novel and I almost feel the urge to flash a warning signal that before starting in a Psy-Changeling novel of Nalini Singh you better have food, drinks and a comfortable place to snuggle yourself in because you aren't going anywhere before reading Mine To Possess from first till last chapter. For me Nalini Singh takes the shapeshifter theme to a whole new level and draws me effortlessly into another world of the Psy-Changeling. Though I haven't read the previous novels I know where I'm heading off to!

Clay and Talin are childhood friends and that time is beautifully captured by the author in memories of feelings, events and actions they have as adults. The unraveling of all those feelings and of their actions they've taking after a certain moment in their life sometimes had the impact of a sledge hammer, that is how intense I felt them, felt with them as both children and adults. Trying to find their way back to that unique, trusting and loving bond that can make you survive almost anything. Clay and Talin are a dynamic love couple whom sizzle with a passionate nature and came alive through the impeccable writing skill Nalini Singh possesses.

The DarkRiver pack leaped of the pages with its colorful characters and I just fell in love with the animalistic characterization of the Changelings. Clay is part human, part leopard changeling, the coexistence and sometimes struggle between those two sides in him is so life like told it gave his emotions all the more impact and authenticity making him all the more real to me. With this I could also empathize with, and understand Talin with her emotions and reactions to certain events even better. I felt that all the elements in this story flawlessly fits together in to a riveting romance story and for me, with that, it unexpectedly turned out to be such a gripping reading experience that it leaves me satisfied and closing the book with a fulfilled sigh.

I think that you will even appreciate Mine To Possess more, if this is possible, when you've read the previous three novels in this Psy/Changeling series, reoccurring characters do show up and the plot does show signs that it finds its origin in another novel, I experienced this almost solely with the Psy world and its plans with the Implant Protocol. I also was on the edge of my seat plot wise, slowly Nalini Singh revealed it all and had some cutting edge moments making my heart skip a beat in relief. The Psy with their world and plans makes me root for every victory on them, because what would the world be without emotions, without passion or love, without all the good and bad things to feel, to learn from it and grow. The author created a very believable race with the Psy as she adds layers to their plans and ended this novel with a certain revelation I appreciated and was intrigued by its possibilities.

What a wild ride Mine To Possess turned out to be and I reveled in it until I closed the book with contentment and knowing I have another series to add to my bookshelves as Nalini Singh became an instant favorite author of mine.

Reviewed by Leontine
Courtesy of Realms on our Bookshelves

This is the fourth in Nalini Singh's series of books about the world of the Psy, Changelings and Humans. The first two books "Slave to Sensation" and "Visions of Heat" featured Psy women who escaped from the world of Mr Spock-like emotionless after finding their mates amongst the Changelings big cats. The third book, "Caressed by Ice", took Werewolf Brenna as the heroine and Psy assassin Judd as the hero. This fourth book is the first that introduces a human as one of the main subjects - Talin McKay. Tally is a social worker whose troubled childhood still haunts her - as did her only real friend in her youth, Clay. Clay is a Leopard Changeling and when he killed Tally's abusive foster father and went to prison for the crime Tally disappeared from his life, requesting that he be told she had died in a car accident.

However when some of the children Tally oversees go missing and then are found dead she realises that she needs assistance to get to the bottom of the disappearances and her former friend Clay, now an important person in the DarkRiver Pack, can help. The Clay she knew as a young boy has changed into a wild and dangerous man of whom she is initially afraid. When Clay brings Tally back to his pack and she starts to interact with the others they work together to find out what's happened to the young people and it's a race against time to rescue young Jon before he is killed. But can Clay and Tally get past the issues of mistrust and abandonment of the previous twenty years in order to find their friendship again - and perhaps more?

The characters in the previous books all appear in this one, along with a couple of new characters who will probably feature in future books. Once again Nalini Singh has written a tightly-plotted and enjoyable book with her alternative world with the Psy/Changeling/Human triumvirate taking on a new twist. As with the previous three books much of the romance between hero and heroine is based on physical touch, 'skin privileges', and although Tally isn't Psy she is a damaged young woman because of her past. I wonder what the author would do if one of her characters didn't mind touch as that's such a part of her writing style! She wrote the character of Clay very well as a part-animal, part human and a frightening but also loyal and reliable man. Tally wasn't always as easy to get a handle on and the underlying thread of her illness was dealt with in a rather easy way. Still, like the other books in the series, this was a worthwhile read and I look forward to the next book.

OOOHHH!!! The suspense and intrigue continues! I loved this book; it's quite possibly my fave in the series so far, although the next one seems to promises to be even better (loved the preview to the next one at the end of this one).

The whole storyline of the Psy-Changeling-Human (now that Tally is in the Pack) world butted up against each other is becoming so thrilling and exciting. Plus with so many characters to choose from between the Dark River/Snow Dancer/Psy/Human worlds, the story has so many options on where to go to continue this storyline.

I love this series and can't wait to continue with it!

Genes are important but not for excluding or killing someone. Talin and Clay have a turbulent history. Clay has mated Talin but she is unaware of it. The Pys-council is trying hard to wipe her and the Shine Group forgotten kids out. They're experimenting with some of those kids to see if Protocol I can work. Another Serial Killer is lose. Changling win again. This standalone book also brings previous characters up. Its like a family reunion. I enjoy all Nalini Singh's books; they are well written.

I don't know about this series. This is the fourth book in the series, and so far they've all been super alpha He-man heroes with damaged, fragile women. Is this how the entire series goes? I don't know if I can keep going with this. The first 2 books were explained as "I'm a strong changeling shifter, and you're a physically weak Psy, so everything I say goes", so I thought the third book would be a nice change. But, even though the heroine was the shifter, she was still damaged and weak, and had to submit to her Psy lover and other changelings who knew better than she did what she needed.

Then we have Mine to Possess. Book four. Clay and Talin. Clay has been intriguing since the beginning, and I was excited to see how this was going to go, though I was leery of it, since his mate is a human and he's always been a bit of an overbearing jackass. Turns out I was right to be worried. Clay and Talin knew each other as children, but after a fairly traumatic event, Clay ended up in juvie, while Talin was shuffled from foster home to foster home. When Clay was released from juvie, he tried to find Talin, only to be told she had died in a car accident. That was twenty years ago, and now Talin has come to Dark River to ask Clay for his help. Obviously, the minute he sees her, he decides that she's going to be his, and that's the end of that conversation.

I mean, really. This guy was so overbearing and intense as a twelve year old that eight-year-old Talin felt the only way she could get him out of her life and have even a chance at something normal was to have him hear that she was dead. She recognized at eight that he was way too much for her and tried to cut him out of her life. But now she needs help - she's a social worker, and several of the kids under her care have vanished. A few bodies have turned up, but not many, and for some reason she decides Clay is the only one who can help her.

She arrives in DarkRiver, and before he even sees her, Clay knows she's there because he can smell her. Like the leopard that he is. (Also, and this is not specific to Singh, but the whole "I know you're turned on because I can smell it from across the room" thing that happens in a lot of PNR really squicks me out) Clay's leopard clearly sees Talin as prey and nothing more. One of the other shifters jokingly hits on her, and she makes some crack about not liking pretty boys, preferring men. Let the slut-shaming commence. Clay has spent the last twenty years doing whatever he wants to, but the knowledge that Talin was also, and that she wasn't "keeping herself pure" for him, almost drives him away at several points. It's disguised as "Poor Talin, having all of that sex because she obviously hates herself, and I hate that she's so miserable", but make no mistake. It's slut-shaming. He hates the thought of her being with anyone else. Never mind that she had him told she was dead and never intended to see him again. And for her part, of course Talin hates all the sex she had, too. It was dirty and anonymous and made her feel sick, but she just kept doing it because... reasons. And random blackouts. Caused by a disease that no doctor could diagnose, but all of them agreed would kill her in the next few months.

Once again, a damaged heroine and an alpha hero who doesn't give a crap what she says or thinks or feels. Because the shifters are so tactile, and touch is such a huge part of who they are with each other, all of the Psy and now human mates they've taken have had to accept that. Never mind that in the second book any sort of touch initially caused Faith pain. Vaughn didn't care. He was going to show her how great it could be and how his way is best, so he just kept touching her, even when it hurt her so much she was getting migraines and throwing up. This is immediately after he decided she belonged to him upon first seeing her. Same thing here. Talin is immediately subsumed with Clay and his intensity, but he refuses to let her out of his sight for even a second. He's constantly invading her space, constantly touching her when she doesn't want it. Everything is explained away with "We're Pack, it's what we do." "You're Pack now, it's how you have to behave." There's no room anywhere for any of these women to have any autonomy.

All of that being said, and the reason that after four books of being annoyed by it, I'm still considering moving on with the series, is that I love the world-building Singh has done. The world of the Psys and Changelings is fascinating. There are humans, too, clearly, (Talin is human), but this is the first book they've played much of a role. Silence, the protocol the Psy implemented in order to weed out the insanity that was plaguing them, is really interesting. The Psy part of the world is more interesting than the Changeling side, mainly because changelings aren't really anything new. We've seen them before, but the Psy is something new and different. The closest race I can think of is the Vulcans. The one thing I don't like about this world, and I alluded to it earlier in this post, is the apparent assumption that emotion is nothing but good, while the Psy's reason and cool calculation is always wrong. There's no indication so far that the Psy have contributed anything to society. I mean, there are nods to actual contributions they've made, but the implication has been that they made them despite their reliance on reason and lack of emotion, and that they should really rethink their entire philosophy.

Overall, I don't know if I'm going to keep going or not. The next book is Dorian, who interests me because he's a changeling, but he can't actually shift from his human form. It looks like the heroine is another Psy, one we met in this book, and that character was interesting, but interesting enough? Do I keep going? Is the fascination with the PsyNet and the world Singh has built enough to ignore the issues I have with the relationships? I don't know. I'll probably take a break and see if I think about the series or have any desire to move on with it.

Clay and Talin met in childhood but were separated when Clay killed Talin's foster father after learning he was sexually abusing Talin.
Then Talin requested that her case worker tell Clay that she was dead. Clay spend 4 years in juvie.
Now Talin needs Clay's help to look for missing street children who are turning up dead.

The chemistry and love is there but they have been too damaged during the years and now both of them need to build thrust.

To help things Talin has a degenerate decease.

This book has more personal drama and jealousy which made for an interesting read.

The Psy as always is the bad guy but new things are learned like the Forgotten.

Full of mystery and passion makes for a great read.

PS: I got this book from Goodreads first reads

Another great PsyChangeling story by Nalini Singh. Talin, former love interest of Clay, seeks his help with finding missing street children she works with. The only thing is that Clay thinks Talin's dead. When Clay sees her, game on. Clay decides no matter what has happened, Talin will never leave him again. I loved Clay's character but Talin's I'm still on the fence for. She was very flighty but it's understandable considering her background. While Talin is working with Clay, she has to fight her feelings and keep her secrets so she can leave him again when it's over. What she doesn't know is that Clay has already decided she is his mate, and he will never seek another. This story spends more time on the history of Talin and Clay instead of the missing kids which works. I like gettting to know my characters and creating a bond for future stories. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.

I picked up the first of these books very cheap, then looked for the next ones - and the next ones - and today I bought two more. They are addictive. And yet, they are far different from books that I mostly enjoy.
It seems to me that they can be enjoyed on two levels - 1. a romance with lots of sex - the covers chosen indicate that sort of story. Reading only for that, each novel is a complete story.
But 2. A fascinating world uncovered, and a developing plot unfolding across the individual stories. This is why I keep looking for the next, and this is why they are best enjoyed in order.
I am very much enjoying this series of books.

This latest book by Nalini Singh is a true fantastic read and her possible best. The future world of the Psy/Changeling culture is so unique with a balance of suspense and romance that can not be compared anywhere else.
Mine to Possess is about the Leopard changeling Clay, and his undying love and devotion for Talin, the human woman he thought was dead. Talin is very much alive and faked her death because she needed to break away from Clay. They were childhood friends who became soul mates because of the horrible life they had as children. Clay and his Tally became separated after he killed to protect her. Now twenty years later, Talin has "risen from the dead" and needing his help.
Clay, of course, is angry and feels betrayed because of what Talin did. But now that she is back, he will not let her go. Oh yes, Clay is the ultimate alpha hero and refuses for Talin to disappear again.
Talin needs Clay because the children she helps are being killed. Clay will lend a hand because this will give him the perfect opportunity to show his mate that they belong together, even though she may only be a human. But, Talin has demons and is very tortured because of her past. She is scared of Clay and of herself and doesn't think she deserves any happiness. Well, Clay has other plans and that is making sure Talin knows who and where she belongs- right in Clay's arms.
If you have read the other books in this series, you know what you are getting. The characters and the world they inhabit sucks you in and won't let you go. Clay and Talin's romance is scorching hot and those scenes will make you hungry for more. Hands down, Nalini Singh is a true superstar with this series and her writing. She is not to be missed and I can honestly say, you will not be disappointed. Kudos to Ms. Singh and her future as a writer to count on.

Katiebabs

Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1)
Visions of Heat (Psy-Changelings, Book 2)
Caressed By Ice (Psy-Changelings, Book 3)

The 5th book in the Psy/Changeling series by Nalini Singh (I'm including her short story) has finally reached my sunny shores. I have to be honest and say that going into this book I was very nervous. In all of the previous novels we have only heard about Clay, the main character, in asides. He has always been referred to as angry, and I guess I never really thought I'd like his story. So when I had the opportunity to read an ARC of the novel Mine to possess I was worried this might be my first bad review for Nalini.

Clay, a mature predatory Leopard Changeling belonging to the Dark River pack, is holding onto a deep anger that is starting to threaten his life. He once lost a woman that meant everything to him and then lost his freedom. Talin is a woman who has never finished dealing with her heart wrenching and dangerous childhood. The only constant at the time was her best friend and protector now known as Dark River's sentinel Clay.

After a parting of almost 2 decades they meet again. But Tally hasn't found Clay to attempt a reunion. She's there for help and has finally decided that the only person who can help her is the only friend she has ever had. He's strong and dangerous in his own right Tally knows that Clay will do all he can to help...if she can convince him. But once she starts to get to know Clay again she begins to realise that not falling for him is going to be the hardest part.

Like Nalini's other novels she develops an emotional and engaging story that I found hard to put down. I did feel that though there was definite climax to the story, there wasn't a lot of emotional climax. This doesn't mean that the novel doesn't keep you emotionally involved, it will, and it strikes lots of sparks, but it doesn't have the same emotional punch that some of the others have. On the other hand Nalini is one of the only authors that can make me cry like a girl and then again when I think about it later, so I think my bar on emotional involvement from Nalini is WAY too high.

The story allows for readers to revisit favourite characters again through the strong pack ties that the changelings hold to each other. Unlike many other novels, Nalini does this so that the other parts of the story in no way outweigh the main characters development. This novel also develops some new characters who I hope we'll have the opportunity to see more of. We also see more of the council and the Psy net. We also finally get to witness the goings on in the human world and just quietly, they aren't quite as helpless as I thought.

This book is a wonderful read. It makes me want the next one already. Nalini has woven a story that just makes the world she has created more developed and interesting without feeling strained or heavy on the information.

Tally McKade is dead. At least that is what Clay Bennett has been led to believe. Told years ago that she died while he was incarcerated for a crime he committed to keep her safe, Clay has spent the subsequent years without her. But he never forgot her. Now, just when he has found his niche with the DarkRiver leopard changeling pack as a sentinel, Clay is close to discovering that all he believes is a lie. With Tally's delicate scent guiding him, Clay comes face to face with the woman that the girl he used to know and love has become.

Talin McKade had social services tell Clay Bennett she was dead for a reason. She had been a mere child, unable to deal with the repercussions and aftermath of that horrifying time of her life. Never intending to let Clay know that she was alive, Talin has become a counselor that helps the same sort of child that she herself used to be. But, something is different with the children under her care. They are all prodigies and they seem to be disappearing at an alarming rate. With no one to turn to but Clay, Talin will risk everything to keep even one child from experiencing the horrific childhood that she herself experienced.

Mine to Possess is the anxiously anticipated fifth book in Nalini Singh's wildly popular Psy/Changeling series. Clay Bennett fought long and hard to find his place within the DarkRiver pack and his loyalty to his fellow pack mates and Talin was noteworthy indeed. For years he regretted the actions that tore his world apart. In one act of violence Clay protected the girl he was bonded with, but in doing so, he lost her forever. This loyalty to Talin was heartwarming and achingly beautiful.

Sadly, Clay's loyalty to Talin was not enough to soothe my romance loving soul. I wanted heat. I wanted passion. I wanted more than just Talin and Clay touching hands. This story was heavy in science fiction, which is fine - but it was much too light in the romance department. I wanted more between the two main characters. There was no heat, no sizzle, no pop.

While I loved the premise of Mine to Possess, it just didn't live up to the previous Changeling books. I found this upsetting because out of all the books in this wonderful series, Clay's story was the one I anticipated the most. In addition, side stories and too many point of view changes added their own confusion.

Talia
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Nalini Singh has a phenomenal ability to create worlds that (so far) have no contradictions. I appreciate the talent required to add elements to the early books and have to audience not realize their full meaning until books later.

Spoiler Alert!!!
We are introduced to a ghost in book 2.
Said ghost assassinates a Councilor in book 4
Claims to be only the caretaker of his own estate in another book.
Then the all reveal in book 12.

The flow is awesome and if they ever made it into onto the TV or movie screen I would be glued to my seat.
If you like well written sci-fi and romance, this is the series for you.

A lower rating this time because of Clay’s behavior in the first half... mild spoiler: shaming an abuse victim/survivor for reacting as Tally did? Not cool. Only reason it got two stars is because the plot moved, Tally had her moments, and Clay eventually realized how horrible he was... sort of.

Enjoyed Clay and Talin and their second chance at love. I had more sympathy for Clay and what he'd gone through but at the same time I felt for Talin because she was so very young and scared when they'd known each other before. Learned more about other characters. Funny and interesting that when it comes to bars and drinking young adult changelings don't make any better decisions than young adult humans. Have liked this series from the beginning but as the characters become more multi dimensional I am enjoying the series more.

This one was too hard to fathom. You're this strong confident heroine, but so damaged you keep regressing, but in no time at all turn it all around, it was asking too much of the reader to wrap their minds around. Clay's awakening wasn't that much more interesting. But you kinda have to get through all these books to know what the next one is really doing, so finished it I did.

It can stand alone, but if you're a sucker for a series, then have at it.

I liked this book because I think the Clay character was detailed very well. I liked the interaction between himself and the other former characters of the series. I think the bad parts of the book were Talin. Her character had a loud bark and soft bite. So I give the book stars because it moved the story forward, references and integration of past characters and I liked Clay. But as far a good romance between the 2 main characters, it was not so good. The sex scenes were hot, but not enough for me to really root for them. Her resolution of her main issue also seemed vague and rushed. Still excited about the series though!

Reading this series for me is like chemistry was for me in college. I liked the subject matter and it was interesting but I found myself going "huh?" far to many times.

The psy-changeling world that Singh is showing us is very odd and complicated. I sometimes find myself frustrated and confused with all the psy-net talk and the "web of stars" twist. I like the idea of different species and of "pack loyalty", but the biofeedback/psy counsel/silence ideas are difficult for me.

I'm also a romance first kind of girl. In this series, the romance sometimes is overshadowed by the war going on between the psy and changelings. I don't like that.

Mine to Possess did capture my attention because Tally and Clay have a past. They knew each other as kids and have loved eachother for that long. I am a sucker for "love throughout all-time" stories.

I don't know, I keep saying that each book I read from this series will be my last, but here I am again..reading this one. I can't say that I'm sceaming out for Dorian's story, but I can't guarantee that I won't read it:)! And so it goes........

Book 4 in Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series has us entrenched in yet another edge of your seat read. This story puts us back in DarkRiver territory with the tale of Clay and Tally: different from the other books in that Tally is human and has known Clay since childhood, we see a different kind of story unfolding.

The 'mating dance' between Clay and Tally is unique because of Tally's past relationships, her emotional pain and self doubt. Her gradual acceptance of Clay, his beast, and the family affinity of pack color this book in a wonderful way.

The 'mating dance' between each new couple and the way Singh portrays pack, either wolf or cat, as a family unit is what draws me back to this series again and again. Five Stars!!!!

I am loving this series. Clay and Talin -- loved the story of Talin --- you will cry and laugh. I really related with Tally. Clay is good but arrogant !! As they both say to each other "brat".. "bully". This is a keeper. I enjoy every bit of it. ( Okay a little bit too much sex
But that's just my preference ). It is steamy and I'm sure you will love it !

Terrific! Can ghosts become real? Two broken people find strength and hope in each other. I have read this several times and have a hard copy. Similar to Day and Ward. Highly recommended for all Dark Fantasy lovers.

Unfortunately this one just didn’t grab me the same way the first two books did. Talin was a little too weak for my tastes and there was nothing distinguishing about Clay to make me fall for him. In fact, I enjoyed the glimpse we got of the Psy scientist that help Clay and Talin more than reading about the couple. I couldn’t wait to keep reading the series because we get a hint that she and Dorian (who I want more of) are going to be hooking up.

"Slave to Sensation", book one, set the romance world on fire with a unique, new element in a genre rife with emotions - a race with the potential for cool, icy, emotionless precision, the Psy. Their counterparts are the animalistic and earthier Changelings, packs and herds of men and women that take on the forms of wolves, leopards, deer and much more than we could imagine. Now Singh brings mere humans into the fold. Are they just the worker bees of her futuristic society, or do they hold the key to so much more?

Clay Bennet is barely holding on. He's dangerously close to going rogue, even within the confines a loving and healthy pack - the San Francisco DarkRiver leopards. Too tangled in a tragic past, it eats at him still. The slaying of a depraved monster may have seen the streets rid of one more evil, but it cost Clay his freedom and the person he cared more about than anything. When he finds out she's dead, well, Clay no longer had a reason to be good himself.

Talin McKade vowed to stay away from the man who used to be her best friend. An act of violence, born of violence, triggered her flight and fear didn't allow her close...till violence once again brought her full circle to the one person she always wanted to count on. It's her job to see that children like she had been have a chance at a better life. And when her kids start dying, she takes a wild card from the past, hoping Clay will help her solve the mystery. Little did she know, once marked by a leopard, there's no going back.

What was interesting about Clay and Talin's relationship is how seamlessly it's integrated into the storyline in this installment. Actually, Singh does this extremely well in each book, the marriage of the love story with the overall plot, but the way it was done in "Mine to Possess" was just flawless! The events unfolding weren't just happening to and around the main characters, they were happening because of them and vice versa. Take one of them away from the other and suddenly neither will make sense. Everything happening in these books is happening for a reason and there's not an ounce of fat in the mix. "Mine to Possess" is perhaps the most integral book of the series to date. Not only does it reach all the way back to "Slave to Sensation" (book one) and reinforce what we found out there, but it seems to be a major turning point in the Changling struggles against the more insidious Psy Council. So, it is heavy on info, but you'll find no dumping of it here. I believe we're getting what we do because it's vital, necessary and the right time in the series. Beware, there is some rather shocking violence in this one as we continue to discover just how ruthless and cold the Psy are (though it's not portrayed as graphically as, say, a horror piece), but Clay and Talin's relationship, to me, never got dragged under because of it, but actually shone brighter because the dilemmas actually made them come together, closer than they'd ever been before. It helped them, sometimes forced them, to come to terms and I just don't think that anything happening less plot-wise would have enabled that transformation in their conflict better, but hindered it instead or made it seem unbelievable. I loved the way they came together and how they came to terms with their interwoven past. Hands down, this is my favorite book of the series to date, as well as my favorite couple. The next book is titled "Hostage to Pleasure" about DarkRiver sentinal Dorian.

I am always captivated by a story of two characters that have known each other since childhood. This was one of those stories. Tally McKade has known Clay Bennett since she was three and found Clay with a broken leg in the junkyard behind their apartment complex. He protected her as they were growing up. However, Clay, who is half-human half leopard, ended up in juvie after killing Tally's adoptive father. Now years later she has come to him for help as some of her children she is Guardian for end up missing or dead.

I always enjoy these books in this Psy Changeling series. The author builds the romance to a fevered pitch. We get more insight into the Psy world and see that things are falling apart in that world. This is definitely one of the better series being written in the paranormal romance category. If you are not reading this series, it is not too late to start.

A lifetime ago, Changeling Clay Bennett lost his freedom, as well as the only girl he loved. Although both were children at the time, his leopard knew his mate when it saw her. But a cruel twist of fate tore them apart, and when Clay was finally freed, he learned that young Talin had died years earlier.

Now a DarkRiver Sentinel, he has made a home with the powerful pack in San Francisco, but his beast walks a fine line between sanity and insanity, threatening the loss of his humanity. When Talin McKade turns up not only alive, but in need of his aid, he finds his salvation. Her presence stirs emotions he thought long forsaken to him and the leopard in him demands to take its mate.

But Talin has been damaged, scarred by the tragedies in her past and their shared history. Clay must tread carefully if he is to convince his mate that they belong together.

Through it all, Talin and Clay work together to save the children that have gone missing, only to have their bodies turn up later, gruesomely battered. The truth behind the murders is even more diabolical than they could imagine.

With the very first book in her Psy-Changeling series, Nalini Singh made this reviewer an instant fan! With seemingly effortless world building, she crafted a fascinating universe that is part science fiction, part paranormal, and part suspense - three genres that happen to be among my favorites. Yet through each book, she has kept the romance first and foremost, with stories that never fail to capture the hearts of the reader even as the hero and heroine are finding love with one another.

Mine to Possess exemplifies this perfectly. With Clay Bennett and Talin McKade, Ms. Singh delivers a couple with a long and tormented history. Although separated years earlier, their love for each other never wavered, and each of them do whatever they believe necessary to protect the other at all costs.

From the very beginning, the author engenders empathy for both of the main characters, as well as a feeling of familiarity. Of course, we have met Clay previously in the earlier books, even if we didn't get to know him intimately. Talin, however, is a stranger to us when the story begins, but she somehow never really feels like one. Indeed, from page one, I wanted to know this woman, discover where she had come from, what she was doing there, and most importantly - why she was watching Clay.

When we really get to know Talin, we find a woman who is courageous and caring, despite her troubled past and a bleak future. She'll do anything for the people she cares about, even at her own expense - much to Clay's dismay and utter frustration.

Of course, Clay shares the very qualities that so worry him in Talin. Being a hero, it is only natural that he prefers to be the one who takes all the risks while the woman he loves is safe and sound at home. Even still, Clay respects the woman that Talin has grown into and it isn't long before he realizes he loves here even more now than he did when they were children.

As fans have come to expect with Singh's Psy-Changeling saga, there is a very intriguing suspense woven throughout Mine to Possess, and our intrepid couple will stop at nothing to solve it before it is too late. Easier said than done. Although their immediate mission is, of course, successful in the end, the ongoing story arc continues as the Psy threat to humanity and Changelings alike grows even more.

Anyone who enjoys a well-written paranormal romance will love not only Mine to Possess, but the entire Psy-Changeling series. Bear in mind that with the continuing storylines that span the books, they are best read in series order, with the exception of the novella Beat of Temptation published in the anthology An Enchanted Season. That story is a prequel and can easily be read out of order. If you are new to the series, be sure to buy all of them at once. Once you get started, you won't want to stop reading this series until you've reached the last one!

Series Order:
Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1)
Visions of Heat (Psy-Changelings, Book 2)
Caressed By Ice
Mine to Possess (Psy-Changelings, Book 4)

Connected Stories:
An Enchanted Season

Each book tells a standalone story, but if read in series, the knowledge carries forward. I've read as the books become available through the e library, so I am enjoying finding out what happened. This talks about the forgotten and is a wonderful love story which includes triumphing over an incredible past. I loved it.

I'm not sure why a lot of readers didn't like Talin. She was emotionally scarred from child abuse, she thought she was dying because she didn't know her brain cells were dying because she wasn't getting feedback in the net. She had a lot of baggage in her background and was was trying to do her best for "her kids". She put them and finding them over her own problems. I liked her a lot. Clay was not an easy partner but she did find a way to work through that. All in all a very good story and I was glad to have a cameo appearance from Judd and Brenna. I loved their story.

This is the fourth book in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changling series. If you have enjoyed the others (Slave to Sensation, Visions of Heat, and Caresses by Ice) this one is a must read.

This is the story of DarkRiver loner sentinel Clay Bennett and his long lost love, Talin McKade.

Clay has been struggling with his dark side and is slowly slipping into the rage of his beast, becoming closer and closer to becoming a rogue, a changling who has lost his humanity. All of DarkRiver is concerned with Clay's withdrawal and slide into darkness. Hope enters Clay's life with the reappearance of Talin McKade, the best friend and the love of his life that he thought had died twenty years ago. Can he forgive her deception and take another chance at love? Or will his pain and rage push her away.

Talin, who is struggling with overcoming her fears from a childhood drenched in blood and pain, has come seeking help to track down the street kids that she has been working to protect and the killer that has been attacking them. Clay was the strongest man she had ever known and had been her one true moment of happiness in a childhood filled with pain, but fear and anger has replaced the trust and friendship that had once been between them. Can she overcome her fears and can she learn to trust Clay with her heart, soul and body?

This book was fantastic and a "keeper". A real pager turner that could not be put down. This story was both a riveting tale of true love and a suspenseful tale of tracking down the lost children and hunting down a killer before he can strike again. We meet new and exciting characters and see new facets of the characters we have already come to know and love. This story adds to the already lush and intriguing world of the Psy-Changlings with more history and for the first time we see how humans fit and interact within the Psy-Changling world.

Since this is the page for the audio book, rather than reviewing the plot as others have done, I'm going to review the performance of the narrator.
Because, let's face it, audio books are expensive! And beyond needing an entertaining plot; if I'm going to shuck out 25 bucks to listen to someone talk for 16 hours straight, ideally more than once, I darn well want to be sure that they're pleasant to listen to!
Personally, I've found that in a really good audio book there are three main things I look for.

1) Narrator to Main Character Vocal Compatibility: Did the recording company pick a reader whose voice sounds like it fits the main character?
2) Narrator Performance: Did the narrator pick up on cues from the story and put some effort into voice-acting to bring the characters to life?
3) Narrator Ability to Voice Opposite Sex (and supporting characters) Well: This is pretty self-explanatory, I think.

Now to rate 'Mine to Possess' read by narrator Rachel Dawe:

1- (Voice): A pretty generic woman voice (evidenced by the fact that she performs ALL of the Psy/Changeling series audio books) but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It seemed to fit Talin fairly well. It's little husky, which is nice. Overall, good.
2- (Performance): Ugh. This is where Ms. Dawe falls flat. Almost literally. She reads through most of the dialogue with very little emphasis or emotion. She also fails to pick up on literary cues; for example (TINY SPOILER HERE): a scene where the main character is speaking and is regressing to the tone of a small child. The book outright SAYS her voice is becoming childish and also that this change of syntax is alarming another character, but Ms. Dawe does not bother to modify her voice or act out the transition (or the resulting alarm) at all.
3- (Voicing the Guy): In this category Ms. Dawe rates on the better side of mediocre. She deepens her voice a tiny bit. It definitely doesn't sound bad, but it's not great either.

Overall, I'd have to say that the audio version of Mine to Possess was three stars out of five. Good for a listen or two when you know you like the plot but you're too busy to read the book and not too picky about how you hear it, or when you're in need of background stimulation while you concentrate on some other mundane task, but not something I'd listen to repeatedly or buy at full price.

If you have read the previous three books, the female lead in this one might just make you so annoyed you will give up on this interesting series. Forget she is a victim of abuse, an adult, a bit mental...her ridiculous fear of the only dude who was brave enough to protect her borders on the hysterical. You keep wondering if she needs a couple ( or ten ) more years with a shrink, or perhaps just a good old fashioned slap to see if her brain rattles into place. It is wonderful to have characters that carry all shades of grey, as this makes it more realistic when creating a sort of sci-fi paranormal romance, but Clay keeps throwing adjectives at us like brave, gutsy, spunky and similar, telling us how much he admires her and how proud of her he is...you just wonder if there was a mistake and they landed him in the wrong book. Where is Jane Yellowrock when you need her?
Don't give up reading the series because of this little miss-step. The plot advances and the supporting cast is wonderful, as usual. Tune out the irritating kid that is Tally, and mourn poor Clay, who does not deserve to be saddled with her for the rest of his life.

I rated this book 2.5 stars because of my dislike towards the heroine Talin.

Now my feelings towards Talin stems from the fact that I like the Psy series so much. I admire the way Singh portays her characters, especially her changelings, so when we have a grown 28 year old Talin, cowering from Clay as if he were a beast when she knows in fact what he is, I was disgusted by her and took an immediate dislike.

Talin is horrified at her memories of Clay killing her abusive step father, so much so that she let him believe that she was dead even though she knew the depth of his protective feelings for her. This my friends, is so cruel, so selfish , that I never came to terms with Talin being his mate. I can forgive the actions of a girl, but I can not forgive the woman who only reached out to him when she needed help.

Even after they become reaquainted her attitude towards his animal characteristics, while stems from fear, illustate how selfish she is. I think it's bad that we had to get a sob story about her abused childhood in order to feel compassion for her.

Heroine aside, the series is moving forward wonderfully, and I was intrigued by the unfolding of the storyline. I will recommend this book, as a continuation of the series, rather than for the romance.

Can't wait for Dorian's story!

I didn't read the other books, i just stumbled on to this one, so i found the book exciting and i wanted to keep reading. There was enough back story to get the jist of whats happening, no need to keep rehashing what everyone eles seems to know. But it defintly made me want to find the other books in this series. This was the first time i just picked up a book that was laying around the hospital waiting room i was hanging out in. It worked out well for me and cant wait till the other books arive from the store

Dark River Sentinel Clay a protector of his leopardshifter clan walks the edge, just a breath away from turning rogue and having his leopard fully take over his human side. His leopard is barely leashed after having been denied for years, first when Clay was forced to live as a human with the mother who hated his animal side and then later, when he was truly penned in prison for killing a murderous abuser in order to save his childhood friend. Now years later Tally, whom Clay was led to believe died while he was in prison, walks back into Clay's life. Barely overcoming the fear of the violence in Clay that caused her to fake her death, Tally is driven to seek Clay's help in her desparate race against time to track brutal serial killer who is targeting the at risk youths Tally works to protect before her missing charge becomes the next brutalized victim.

I enjoyed Mine to Possess, I love the Psy-Changling world. Singh did a great job with integrating her previous cast, many of our old favorites have parts to play in the story, and she also did an excellent job of weaving the elements of her larger plot for the series into the book to show us more of the Psy world and history. Also the banter and jostling for dominance between Clay and Tally was quite entertaining, but the excitement in the story and the tension between the leads in Mine To Possess didn't spike to quite as high a level as in the previous Psy-Changling books. Most of the conflicts in the story that could have really upped the emotional ante -- Tally's fears, Tally's illness, overcoming Tally's abusive past or the evil Psy who threatens Tally -- were all resolved just a bit too easily to deliver a big emotional payoff. Even so, Mine to Possess was a more than respectable entry into the series. I look forward to reading more from Singh, and it looks like Dorian's up next in Hostage to Pleasure out in September 2008.

There were two books I ordered this week: Of course, one was "Mine to Possess" (Psy-Changelings, Book 4) by Nalini Singh and the other was "The Fates" by GE0RGIOU. Both books are highly recommended, but this review is for the first book I bought. Tally and Clay are a fun pair, full of life, fully developed characters the bring this story in the realm of 5-star romances. Nalini Singh is a master at making the reader share with the problems the characters suffer; we share in their joys; we share in their overall experiences, and we share their pain. Singh is also a master at revitalizing former characters to all their wondrous glory without bogging down the story by trying to fit them in. This is a great book with a refreshing storyline that all will want to read. I'd also highly recommend reading the latter book I mentioned "The Fates" by Georgiou, again, a book you don't want to miss. The Fates

While this was still a good book, I was disappointed when comparing it to the other ones. To put it bluntly - I did not like anything about Talin. I found her whiny, selfish (for example, when she got mad at Judd for not wanting to expose his contact), extremely jealous, and unreasonable. The book repeatedly made references as to how "amazing" she was (I cringed in her conversations with Tamsyn and Ria where they tell here "that a girl!" to show she was spunky)- other than having it told to me repeatedly - I did not see it at all.

To me, a flaw was that in her rush to show Talin as not being a pushover, the author crossed over into making her heroine a brat. For example, the scene where she decides to stand up to herself to Clay by making reference to his "problem" - ridiculous. What was she - 16? None of this supposed spunkiness that was supposed to endear her to us worked for me. She was too annoying - hence the lower rating for this book.

That said, I enjoyed the rest of the story, really liked Clay, and the storyline as a whole (I have my suspicions as to who is the "Ghost"). I still will continue to read the series, and am looking forward to Dorian's story.

There are few authors that are able to maintain consistency in their work. Especially for an author writing a series. Most of the time the third, fourth, or fifth books seem rushed or follow a pattern and the plots are too predictable. Not so with Singh's newest book.

MtP is another winner in the series. Clay and Talin are linked by a tragic past and they struggle to move past it, but realize they must be together to move forward. I would go into the plot more, but it has already been done several times. Trust me when I say this book is a winner and don't hesitate to give it a try. If you are new to her series you will probably want to start at the beginning or the full of scope of the story will be lost.

Mine to Possess is a great addition to this series. While to a certain degree this series has repetitive aspects (as many paranormal romance titles do), it has picked a great set of themes to repeat. Most of her characters have an innocence or naivete, or are damaged in some way, but she does this in such a skillful way in her writing, that it really draws you in. I could imagine reading all of these in a row might really drive that home, but reading the new books every few months gives you just the right dose. And she really has put some interesting ideas into her story arc, and each new book expands on the ideas and has a lot of potential.

I had heard some good rumblings about this author so I picked up Mine to Possess thinking I had found an exciting new paranormal series to fall into. Well, the plot's origin is strong; however, if I don't connect with the characters, the story is not enjoyable.

I really disliked the heroine of this book, Talin. She treated Clay with fear and contempt through most of the book; she was selfish, shrill, and mired in the past, not someone you would want to be mated to for life. It was cruel that she let Clay believe she was dead for two decades, after he killed to protect her from an abusive foster father. But of course, when she needed those animal instincts to use for her own means, she had no problem coming back from the dead to enlist his help. Clay certainly deserved better than this bratty woman-child.

Also, Talin's sordid past was a huge turn off for me, the way she dealt with sexual abuse was entirely cliche. For the record, most abuse victims do not resort to rampant promiscuity to deal with their pain.

Unfortunately, since I started this series with Mine to Posses, I am not inclined to read any of the earlier books. Maybe I will pick the first few up from the library, but I don't plan to spend anymore money on this series or this author.

This was another great read from this great author. I'm glad she introduced humans into the mix, especially strong human characters. The only problem I had was between Clay & Tally. There is some inconsistencies about why Tally left in the first place. At the beginning, she is afraid of him and it's attibuted to the violence she witnessed. Then, she was hurt because he "left her" & went to prison. So, then why did she deceive him with the story of her death? That's my only issue, otherwise it was a fast paced story. It adds another interesting layer to the series.

In 2080 the war of attrition between the Earthlings and the Psy continues unabated with hot spots seemingly bursting everywhere as neither side trusts the other. Half breed Clay Bennett was raised by a human mother in the human slums without ever knowing the changeling leopard that sired him. Two decades ago as a youngster without a guiding pack he failed to learn how to control the animal instinct of his nature and caused a deadly incident that still haunts him even as he has dedicated his life since becoming a Dark River sentinel.

Thus when Clay sees half-breed Talin McKade for the first time in twenty years, he is euphoric. She was his best friend as a child before the incident devastated both their lives. Like Clay, Talin has dedicated her life since the incident that shaped them; she works at San Francisco's Shine Foundation helping needy children. Recently some of her kids have vanished only to return brainless; victims of Psy experiments to create a hive. As the half human half Leopard pair reunite and fall in love, they work together to try to protect the young from the heinous Psy experimentation.

The fourth Psy-Changeling tale, MINE TO POSSESS, is an excellent urban fantasy romance that stars two terrific half-breeds whose past contains warmth and friendship for one another, but also one shattering pivotal moment. There reconciliation is handled quite cleverly as they team up to save the children. The Psy is as insidious as ever; however to fully grasp the complex Singh saga, newcomers should read the previous three superb thrillers (see SLAVE TO SENSATION, VISIONS OF HEAT and CARESSED BY ICE).

Harriet Klausner

A society inhabited by Human, Changeling and Psy. So interesting. I would read anything this lady wrote. She writes intelligently and each story has a unique story line behind it. Mine to Possess is another in the Psy-Changeling Series. Read this lady. Start with the first book in the series and enjoy an interesting world with incredible characters and a truly unique perspective!

I usually get bored with series before I actually finish the last story - in too many of them the same story just gets rehashed over and over. However, Mine to Possess is more proof that Nalini Singh is a terrific storyteller and her Psy Changling series is one of the best out there. I can't wait to read the next one!

I loooooove Nalini Singh! This is the forth book in the Psy-changeling series apart form a short story in a collection book. I love the alpha males, I wonder where the real ones are hiding? Also her female characters are strong women who know when it is to their benefit to bend. I can't wait for the next one in her series.

I can't say enough good things about this series. It took me a long time to give "Slave to Sensation" a chance, but ever since, this series has fast become one of my favorites. This book is another fine example of how the paranormal genre can be taken to new levels. The relationship between Clay and Talin is believable, despite the fact that one of them is a leopard. That's one of the pluses in this series; the characters' reactions to the situations they find themselves in are realistic. Of course, the little blurb in the back for the next book nearly killed me, since I want to read it now, not next summer, but I'll manage I guess. Read and enjoy!

I am such a fan of this series, that I could barely wait until the book came out. She is such a wonderful writer, and each book in this series is becoming better and better. I couldn't agree more with all the praise she's been receiving for Mine to Possess. Read it, you won't be disappointed.

Nalini Singh is one of my very favorites. I have just discovered her and have already read all of her books!! I can't wait for the next installment. In my opinion she is up there with Christine Feehan and J.R.Ward.

I love Nalini's series. It's my absolute favorite. In "Mine to Possess" we get some great foreshadowing, meet new characters, and discover more about the world she has created. All of this was wonderful! However, the relationship between Tally and Clay was, in my opinion, almost creepy. I was uncomfortable about the emotions described existing between them as very young children. To be fair, I'm never a fan of stories about relationships with baggage...and these two have a lot of baggage!!! I appreciated that Nalini didn't go into graphic detail about the abuses Tally suffered, as some other authors seem compelled to do. So, to sum up, love the series, loved everything about the book except the main couple...and even with this, I was a happy reader by the end of the book. Except for the wait for the next one!

having always loved this series this one was a huge disapointment. i think my main problem was that i did not like tally. i could not root for her and clays relationship because i did not think she was good enough for him. i found tally to be selfish and uncaring. who lets the man they love believe thst they are dead for twnety years. tally thats who. every other book in the series is a definite keeper. but you can definitly pass on this one.

The whole thing is ridiculous. The characterizations are bizarre. The two leads have backstories that read like a soap opera on steroids and the mentality of 8 year olds. It's like a deliberate satire of paranormal romance.

Our hero, Clay, is a shapeshifter who was forced to grow up with poor humans because his mom was, uh, not all there...In this advanced future society, how does that work? It's never explained.

He is reunited with a childhood playmate he had thought dead for the past 20 years. Clay is veeeeeery angry with her because he murdered someone for her all those years ago, and she was still scared of him because of it. That was why she let him think she was dead all these years. But the guy he murdered was her scumbag adoptive father who liked to rape and abuse her. So he thinks she doesn't have any right to be scared of him, now or ever, and he feels betrayed by what she did.

As the reader, I am somewhat dumbfounded. I'm really sorry this guy feels ripped off that a little girl was traumatised by him mutilating and killing someone in front of her. But golly gee whiz, I think that's a natural reaction. I even think it's justified.

He's also pissed she had the gall to go ahead and grow up and sleep with other people. No mention was ever made about his sexual habits. But this 8 year old, who was marked out as his sexual conquest from the get go, should have known it and never ever betrayed him that way. Wow. I think that's a little disturbing. I love how the author even notes how it is wrong for him to judge her for her past liasons - but goes ahead and does it anyway!

Let's see, what else..Ah yes, when they meet again, he keeps pressuring her for sex even though she asks him not to. Also, she has some kind of totally unknown disorder that is shutting down her brain - that's a technical term - so it seems they might want to hurry it up. The only conclusion I can make is that the author was literally making up nonsense on the spot.

Talin, our aforementioned 8 year old, has looked Clay up again to help her find a bunch of kids who have gone missing. There's some kind of cover-up, the kids are different, Psy are evil, blah, blah, blah. Despite being sexually traumatized, she somehow manages to overcome this little problem in a day or two. She also manages to act petty and jealous at every opportunity, while insisting she just wants to be friends - right up until she drops the whole matter and falls into bed with him.

Look, romantic escapism can be very enjoyable, but I think it's kind of horrible to romanticize childhood sexual abuse and murder. Worse, to use them to set up what is, at heart, the sexist double standard; a dynamic where the woman is pressured into sleeping with a men, as well as made ashamed of her previous sexual experience. I just can't swallow it, and I really can't see any kind of justification for it in a modern day society. It's a lousy, lousy, lousy thing to do.

Bottom line - this is a terrible novel with immature, irresponsible themes and an author who didn't bother to put much thought it. It seems she was just churning out the next cookie cutter step in the series.

The initial three books of this series were so unbelievably amazing, that this newest installment pales in comparison.

As an aside, the story development in this book was superb - Singh has each book relating to the previous and the revelations are both shocking, yet understandable.

The major downside for me was the chemistry between Clay and Talin - despite what I felt was Singh's heartfelt attempt, there was no heat. No sizzle, which Slave to Sensation, Visions of Heat, and Caressed by Ice had in buckets. There was something very odd and disconnected in the relationship between Talin and Clay, and it just didn't mesh for me.

I am extremely excited for her next book, Hostage to Pleasure, which is Dorian's book. My hopes are that one will be better than this.

I REALLY like this series, the whole premise is incredibly interesting ..... BUT I just couldn't even really like this heroine, as other reviewers have said before me, she was selfish and immature (especially for a 28 year old) and extremely unlikeable. All in all I think Clay could have done so much better - I just couldn't help feeling sorry for him being saddled with her for life.

I am not sure what is happening, but I got a "recommended for you" email from the store about this book, making it sound like this is something new from Nalini Singh. This is not a new release, it is a re-issue. It looks like some of her books are being re-done through a different publisher, in the oversize paperback format instead of the mass market paperback style (the price on it is higher anyway)... I love this author, and it is a very good book, but be sure you don't already own it before you buy it (I have done this when they have re-released things in the past, lol)

Mine to Posses is excellently written. I like how the author creates completely different characters. Faith is nothing like Sascha and Vaughn is nothing like Lucas from Slave to Sensation. Her ability to create this new world and characters that are imaginable is truly a gift. If you like heat and passion, this is the book to get.