Elisabeth P. (BetsyP) reviewed Hostage to Pleasure (Psy-Changeling, Bk 5) on + 566 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Book 5 of the Psi-Changling series by Nalini Singh. This is my second favorite in the series, after the #1, Slave to Sensation. Dorian is a latent Leopard Changling - he can't shift into his Leopard form. And he's a deadly Sentinal for this pack, and a sniper, who hates the Psi. Ashaya is a Psi, pressured to work on a project for the Psi Council, that she doesn't believe it. But the Council made a mistake by taking Ashaya's son. Because Psi, or not, Ashaya will do anything to protect her son, even turn to her people's most formidable enemies. The ending made me want to cry. Great Book. Loved it.
Melissa F. (mitabird) reviewed Hostage to Pleasure (Psy-Changeling, Bk 5) on + 188 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Hostage to Pleasure was pretty good, though I had a couple of issues with it. Dorian is a DarkRiver Sentinel who does not have the ability to shift into his leopard form. He hates all Psy because a sociopath Psy murdered his sister and he feels a lot of guilt and rage. Ashaya is a Council scientist in charge of developing an implant that will make the PsyNet a hive mind. Ashaya is slowly breaking down from Silence and needs help to free her son. He's been kidnapped by the Council to make sure she cooperates.
Dorian and Ashaya met at the end of Mine to Possess and haven't been able to stop thinking of each other in the three months that have past. I really liked Dorian and Ashaya; they were perfect together and I thought their romance was sweet, in spite of the many issues they had to work around. Ashaya was the first female that I felt empathy for in the series so far. I liked the other women (except for Tally; I couldn't stand her), but she seemed more real to me. I think it's because of she was never really conditioned in the first place. Dorian was a great male without being overbearing. As much as he doesn't seem to want it, he loves fiercely and will do anything to protect what belongs to him. I did like the fact that the author introduced a new threat to the Changelings, keeping the storyline fresh and intriguing.
One of my issues was the surprising lack of passion between them. I just couldn't see or feel it. As I mentioned, it was sweet, but I was expecting more. Singh tends to get a little repetitious, which is probably my biggest pet peeve. I did find it a little distracting, but she eased off of it as the story progressed. Though the ending was a little to convenient for me, it was an entertaining read and a good addition to this series.
Dorian and Ashaya met at the end of Mine to Possess and haven't been able to stop thinking of each other in the three months that have past. I really liked Dorian and Ashaya; they were perfect together and I thought their romance was sweet, in spite of the many issues they had to work around. Ashaya was the first female that I felt empathy for in the series so far. I liked the other women (except for Tally; I couldn't stand her), but she seemed more real to me. I think it's because of she was never really conditioned in the first place. Dorian was a great male without being overbearing. As much as he doesn't seem to want it, he loves fiercely and will do anything to protect what belongs to him. I did like the fact that the author introduced a new threat to the Changelings, keeping the storyline fresh and intriguing.
One of my issues was the surprising lack of passion between them. I just couldn't see or feel it. As I mentioned, it was sweet, but I was expecting more. Singh tends to get a little repetitious, which is probably my biggest pet peeve. I did find it a little distracting, but she eased off of it as the story progressed. Though the ending was a little to convenient for me, it was an entertaining read and a good addition to this series.
Jennifer O. (bookloverjenni) reviewed Hostage to Pleasure (Psy-Changeling, Bk 5) on + 57 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I love Nalini Singh's Changelings-Psy series; 'Hostage to Pleasure' is the best so far. I came to the series late and have enjoyed being able to read one right after the other. But I've reached the end and can't wait for the next book to be released. Summer 2009...that's just too far away. And there are so many characters that I hope Nalini Singh will be writing a story for.
Helpful Score: 1
Nalini Singh's Psy-Changling series is one of the best paranormal romance series there is, without shorting either the paranormal or romance aspect of the story. The world building is outstanding and the romances are sweet and hot. These could be read as stand alones, as each focuses on a different couple, but there are story arcs that make them best read in order. This is Dorian's story and was well worth the wait.
So, I am in love with Dorian Christensen, the main character. I have read this book three times over since I picked it up. I have to admit I was not a fan of this series after reading the first book. Since then,I have read a couple other books that were good so I decided to keep reading, and I was blown away at how much I love this book!
Monica G. (champsmom) -
I think this one was my favorite of the books. Well written as always~!
By far my least favorite of the series so far. I couldn't get into this book or either character. I had been looking forward to Dorian's story but this just didn't work for me. I had to put it down after the first 50 pages just from boredom. I forced myself to finish in case Singh introduced important facts needed for the next book.
Singh took a long time to move to the romance part of this story and I'm starting to get tired of the intrigue and details of the Psy. I think this series is suffering from a case of being plot driven rather than character driven. We didn't get to know either main character very well yet this book has over 300 pages of internal thoughts and conversations between non-essential characters.
This is the first book in the series that I'll post rather than keep.
Singh took a long time to move to the romance part of this story and I'm starting to get tired of the intrigue and details of the Psy. I think this series is suffering from a case of being plot driven rather than character driven. We didn't get to know either main character very well yet this book has over 300 pages of internal thoughts and conversations between non-essential characters.
This is the first book in the series that I'll post rather than keep.
Can someone explain how a series as good as this with psychics, werewolves and sci-fi excitement carries porn worthy cheese covers like "Hostage to Pleasure"?
4.5/5.0
Whenever rating a book, one must take into consideration the genre and what the author is trying to accomplish. For example if it's light, humorous romance, how well did the author succeed in making us laugh while telling a good and believable story? In the genre of futuristic, paranormal romance, Nalini Singh comes as close to perfection in accomplishing her goals as any author I have read and this book is the perfect example. The story is intelligent, the world complex yet the characters very real and believable. The species each stay true to the nature given them while allowing for tremendous growth and plot twists. Singh also makes the romance emotionally rich as well as, deeply sensual. It is a totally, can't put down experience that is also intellectually satisfying.
* The 4.5 is for the cover alone, although, after reading, I realize the "Hostage" part probably relates to Dorian's cat being held hostage to his genetic discrepancy rather than to "pleasure" - quite a double entendre..
4.5/5.0
Whenever rating a book, one must take into consideration the genre and what the author is trying to accomplish. For example if it's light, humorous romance, how well did the author succeed in making us laugh while telling a good and believable story? In the genre of futuristic, paranormal romance, Nalini Singh comes as close to perfection in accomplishing her goals as any author I have read and this book is the perfect example. The story is intelligent, the world complex yet the characters very real and believable. The species each stay true to the nature given them while allowing for tremendous growth and plot twists. Singh also makes the romance emotionally rich as well as, deeply sensual. It is a totally, can't put down experience that is also intellectually satisfying.
* The 4.5 is for the cover alone, although, after reading, I realize the "Hostage" part probably relates to Dorian's cat being held hostage to his genetic discrepancy rather than to "pleasure" - quite a double entendre..
Penny B. (azcopperpenny) reviewed Hostage to Pleasure (Psy-Changeling, Bk 5) on + 4 more book reviews
I was so looking forward to Dorian falling in love and was NOT disappointed! Especially the end......I don't remember the last time I got so excited reading a book! I accidentally woke my husband up with my squealing!
The world of the Psys - an emotional-less society who live in constant touch with the mental stimulation of the Net - when one is not suited to the niche one has been assigned...
The world of the Changelings - a world of sensation, able to embrace both human and animals Changelings embrace emotion and touch...
The world of Humans - a world pressured from both of the other races, filled with people trying to get along...
Order is important with this series, each of the h/h are continuing characters in the later books - especially true of the first one because the hero is Alpha of the pack. After you've read the first you could probably skip around if you had to.
Psy/Changeling Series
1. Slave to Sensation (September 2006)
2. Visions of Heat
Free short Story: The Cannibal Princess available from the author's website
3. Caressed By Ice (September 2007)
4. Beat of Temptation in An Enchanted Season (October 2007)*
5. Mine to Possess (February 2008)
6. Hostage to Pleasure (September 2008)
7. Stroke of Enticement in The Magical Christmas Cat (October 2008) *
8. Branded by Fire (July 2009)
9. Blaze of Memory (November 2009)
The world of the Changelings - a world of sensation, able to embrace both human and animals Changelings embrace emotion and touch...
The world of Humans - a world pressured from both of the other races, filled with people trying to get along...
Order is important with this series, each of the h/h are continuing characters in the later books - especially true of the first one because the hero is Alpha of the pack. After you've read the first you could probably skip around if you had to.
Psy/Changeling Series
1. Slave to Sensation (September 2006)
2. Visions of Heat
Free short Story: The Cannibal Princess available from the author's website
3. Caressed By Ice (September 2007)
4. Beat of Temptation in An Enchanted Season (October 2007)*
5. Mine to Possess (February 2008)
6. Hostage to Pleasure (September 2008)
7. Stroke of Enticement in The Magical Christmas Cat (October 2008) *
8. Branded by Fire (July 2009)
9. Blaze of Memory (November 2009)
i liked this book-makes me want to get the rest of the series, to catch up!
Sandra E. (KlutzieMamma) reviewed Hostage to Pleasure (Psy-Changeling, Bk 5) on + 12 more book reviews
As always, Nalini Singh holds your attention. Good read, entertaining. Look forward to more Psy books!
Anjeanette S. (asausy74) -
Love this series.
I absolutely love this series!
