Beat of Temptation

Psy-Changeling #0.5

by Nalini Singh

Innocent Tamsyn has always had a place in her heart for Nathan, a blooded DarkRiver sentinel. But is she ready for the fierce demands of the mating bond?

This story can be found in the short story anthology Wild Invitation.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Novella

79 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2013

About the author

I've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.


I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).

So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, this was not fun. Nathan was an overbearing, allegedly self-sacrificing, but in reality selfish ass, and the only entertainment I derived from this story was when everyone would call him out on it.

Tamsyn deserves better, there, I said it 💁‍♀️

[Zero · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st read: May 2020
2nd read: September 2023

I've teared up both times that I've read this novella (which is very rare for me). I really like Tamsyn, although she should have pushed Nate harder. Nate was frustrating most of the time.
********************
Original review:
This actually made me tear up. Tamsyn's emotions are so real and understandable. I love her character even more now. This is a prequel to the series and, even though I knew that Tamsyn and Nate would be good in the end, I was on the edge of my seat.

[Riz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

Nathan & Tamsyn 😍😍😍

P.S : I forgot to add this one onto my shelves so I reread it once again 🤩

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beat of Temptation" is a heartwarming dive into the early love story of Tamsyn and Nathan. Seeing them as central figures has enriched the series.Witnessing Nate's misguided attempt at giving Tammy freedom was fun. I loved Tammy's resilience and having the younger versions of Vaughn, Dorian, and Lucas.

[Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this before in the compilation of short stories: Wild Invitation, but I’m revisiting it since it’s an audiobook on hoopla and I’m in a rereading kind of mood for my favorite series 🫶 I’m so glad Nalini wrote this short story for Tamsyn & Nate, loved them and their twins in Sasha & Lucas’ book so it was nice to go back in time and see the origin of their love story, definitely needed to be told. Very cute ☺️ also loved seeing all the characters we know and love so young. This was also a little Christmassy which is perfect because it’s approaching that time of year and I’m ready for some festive cheer 🎅🏻🌲

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved going back and getting Tamsyn and Nate's story in BEAT OF TEMPTATION. They're one of my favorite couples and they're such a solid pair in the series, so it was nice to see that just like everyone else, they had to work for their mating.

Tammy is so self-assured in the later books but I enjoyed seeing her just starting to grow into the strong woman she would become. As for Nate...well...he got on my nerves a bit because he's pretty heavy handed in this one and he wants everything to be done his way. But I liked seeing Tammy learn to stand up to him and prove that they're partners who can rely on each other.

This was also a nice and simple introduction to the Psy-Changeling world that would be great for new readers to the series.

Content Warning: Nate's mother was an alcoholic and it led to her death; references and moments of grief over the murder of Lucas's parents

[Greyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ Psy-Changeling Book: 0.5 Tamsyn & Nate (Leopard Healer & Leopard Sentinel)
I entered this book with sooo much excitement at learning Tamsyn and Nate’s beginning. This was just the ooiest gooiest love story. I wish with my whole heart that this was a full- length book. This was exactly what I needed right now. I love them and wish Nate hadn’t been a knucklehead for so long that way I could have gotten more of them together. There is no spice in this short story. I just love them!

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Nice to see Tamsyn and Nate's story.

[Carole Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found these short stories at the library so I backed-tracked before moving forward. This one is .5. The events take place a few years before book 1.

Tamsyn and Nathan are meant to be. They are mates, but Nathan wants her to enjoy her youth before they complete the mating bonds. That is not what Tamsyn wants, but is she ready for the fierce demands of the mating bond? Can she stand and just wait on Nathan's time table?

I wanted to smack the crap out of Nathan. YES, I get him wanting to wait until she was an adult. They first met when she was 15 and he was 20's (or something like that) and they realized they are mates, but she is a baby. Yes, yes. I am happy he wanted her to be an adult before anything could happen. Good on him. BUUUUT the moment she turned 18...and then 19...she was ready but he was all "Nooooo I don't want to tie you down yet. Be freeeeeeee first!!!" Which.... I get I understand he had a fear because his parents were youths when they mated and they became miserable. But if Tamsyn is ready and you feel ready...then you are ready. Gah dumb men.

Even though I enjoyed this a lot, I was just so annoyed. Hell...the rest of the pack was all "DUDE JUST COMPLETE THE MATING BOND ALREADY IDIOT!" And then he gets all surprised she has enough and doesn't feel wanted and leaves?????

But yes. I enjoyed it even though Nathan was a dumb-dumb. I loved seeing them as a young couple. I loved seeing some of my beloved folks as youths. Teenage Lucas was adorable!

In the end, this was fun but I was mad at Nathan for 90% of the story. Sighs. Men are dumb and selfish sometimes. But yes, if you love the series I recommend back-tracking and checking this one out. 3 stars from me.

[A Myers ☀️ · Rating 1 out of 5]

1,75/5

A short little story that I quite enjoyed bc it was short, silly and a funny read and sometimes you just need that and it also had some little elements there about the world building that really caught my attention. I was actually going to rate it a 2-2,25/5 bc of those little things but as soon as Nate said that he always felt something for her since she was 15 or younger that was a big NO NO to me. That guy was 25 back then, have some shame and decency. And look, I'm usually not picky about the age gaps in fantasy stories bc who tf cares but this was a little too much, that guy is a predator and a pedo if you ask me. Why on earth would you like a teen when you're on your mid 20s????

Also why is Tammy so insufferable? Like, yeah, she's 19 but dude??? Why??? I don't understand it 😭

[Tanya (Girl Plus Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Oh my heart! This story of how Tamsyn, the DarkRiver healer, and Nathan, a DarkRiver Sentinel, came together about broke me. Tamsyn had known she was meant for Nathan for several years but he refused to complete their mating bond, convinced that because of her age she needed to be free and experience life before being mated. I felt Tamsyn's hurt and heartbreak on every page and at one point had tears running down my face. In just 78 pages, Singh managed to destroy me... and I loved it.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamsyn is DarkRiver's healer and the story of how she came to that role is really heart-wrenching.
Having to cope with the responsibility of the clan's well being and an overbearing, withdrawn mate on top of that, drove Tamsyn to her limits.
Nate knows that Tamsyn is his destiny, but for some gallant reason known only to himself, he decides that she must take her time to mature and live her life before he claims his rights.
Of course, Tamsyn will have none of this and so she plans to bring the stubborn male to his knees, sooner rather than later.

[Lisbeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

NO.

[Holland · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75⭐️

Nate had good intentions, but he lacked the emotional intelligence and communication skills for the proper execution. Also, the ten year age gap. Come on. It’s giving Jacob Black and Renesmee instead of George and Amal Clooney. Need I say more?

Couple Leaderboard Update:

1. Sascha and Lucas
2. Tamsyn and Nate
3. Faith and Vaughn

[Katie Utterly Unashamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally taking the time to add these novellas into my reread. Seeing Lucas before he was alpha and how Nathan and Tami got together made me so happy after seeing them though the entire series.

[Tawnya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nate was such an ass, I was never able to get over it in the story to see the love.

[Salpy KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw, that was great!

[KP · Rating 4 out of 5]

#0.5 Beat of Temptation: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars

This was such a cute little short story about how Tammy (DarkRiver Healer) and Nathan (DarkRiver Sentinel) fell in love. I adore these characters after meeting them in the "regular books" so it was nice to be able to go back and see how their romance started.

Three Thoughts:
1. I wanted to smack Nathan upside his damn head for about 70% of this story.
2. The age gap kinda bothered me a bit - not going to lie. Though there was never anything inappropriate that happened between the two of them, the fact that the mating bond kicked into place when Tammy was 15 and Nathan was 25 just seemed a bit icky.
3. Not quite sure how Nalini Singh managed to make me feel so many emotions in less than 80 pages, but she did.

Though this story takes place 18 years before Slave to Sensation, I would recommend reading it after Visions of Heat (Book 2) because that's when the epilogue of the story happens. I think this short story will be more impactful when you already have a firm grasp on how the world works and already know and love these characters.

content warnings: loss of a loved one (in the past), past trauma, violence, sex (on page)

[Alexandra Taco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encantó esta historia, Tamsyn y Nathan son un amor.
La historia de ellos está llena de pasión, de perseverancia y de lealtad.

Fueron conscientes de su vínculo desde jóvenes, la voluntad de Nathe le dió la libertad de crecer. Cuando ya son adultos es donde la tensión aumenta acompañada de pena y pasión.
Realmente duele ver sufrir a Tammy por la terquedad de Nathe pero esto lleva a una conciliación muy dulce. Todo esto es contando como un recuerdo de Tammy y celebran ya 18 años de vínculo, con un amor más grande cada día.

La versión que leí, tiene dos mini historias que son un vistazo a la vida en pareja de Lucas y Sascha, ellos demuestran ser perfectos juntos, se complementan. Sascha aprende cada día del precioso mundo de los cambiantes.

[MsRomanticReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this story in Wild Invitation

Tamsyn Mahaire became the senior healer of her pack (Dark River leopard pack) at the age of 17—after the murder of her mentor and the pack’s former healer. At 15, she mate bonded to Nate Ryder—the pack’s top soldier and soon to be sentinel (a pack’s first line of defense)—but he won’t claim her completely. If telling him that she was ready wasn’t enough, then she’d have to show him.

Nate’s leopard knew Tamsyn was his mate, but the man wouldn’t touch her until she had had time to explore her freedom before settling down. It was the right thing to do, no matter how difficult it was to keep his impulses in check. Tamsyn was determined to get him to see that she didn’t need or want time apart from him.

For the first nine chapters, I was on the verge of tears. I felt sorry for the emotional turmoil she was going through. It’s not like she was playing games or expecting him to be a mind reader. She was using all of her words—and she couldn’t have been any clearer about her feelings and expectations—but he still did the thinking for her. Part of Nate’s problem was not only that he was used to giving orders and having them followed, but his parents’ struggle with a similar issue was making him very reluctant to repeat their mistake. It might have helped if he had confided in her. I liked Tammy, even though she pushed him for sex a lot, but I’ll chalk that up to her leopard instinct driving her. I liked Nate too, even if he was a bone-headed male most of the time.

The sex happened off page, but I think it would have been pretty hot considering the frustrations and buildup to that point. The epilogue was a nice, brief glimpse into their future.

[Mari · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been rereading series I liked and started Psy-Changeling. I had completely forgotten the story of Tammy and Nate and seriously wish it remained that way. I wanted to read their story after the story of Riley and Mercy, hoping to find something lovely and probably that's another reason I'm so frustrated...

Nalini Singh is a great writer, I love her style, it's like reading poetry and full of emotions that take you under. Well in this case anger took me really under... I was so mad at Nate, at his actions and his words... He was saying he wouldn't do what his father did to his mother and crush the dreams of his mate. But did he ever stop to ask what her dreams were? He just assumed what they were and tortured poot Tammy. He should have suffered more for what he put her through. After reading the POV of many other changelings in the series, I was shocked at how he refused to even touch Tammy. That is supposed to be the most basic need they have and even I would have been devastated as a regular human that expresses her love with touch... I wish Dorian and Lucas had actually beat some sense into him. Or Tammy had managed to suppress the mating bond on her side so he'd feel that pain. Or he should have cried and begged her to forgive him, not just throw out a few fantasies that showed his desire. He was beyond rude for %90 of the story, it just doesn't feel right anymore.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that I’ve discovered how much I love the Psy-Changeling series, I want to read everything I can that has to do with this series. Nalini Singh published a book, Wild Invitation, that has four novellas from the Psy-Changeling world. This is the first, which takes place years before the first book. It tells the mating story of one of my favorite couples, Tamsyn and Nathan.

While this story started a bit slow for me, once the explainers were out of the way (which honestly wasn’t that long) and it got to how Nathan and Tamsyn got together it pulled me in. There is so much yearning in this story and my heart bled for Tamsyn. The mating bond made itself known while Tamsyn was only 15 and Nathan had done the right thing and kept his distance. The story picks up when Tamsyn is an adult, yet Nathan is still not claiming his mate. He wants to be sure she can spread her wings and see the world if she wants. The problem is he doesn’t believe her when she says she’s content and ready to move their relationship forward.

Oddly enough I feel this angsty part of her life helped to shape the strong woman Tamsyn is now. She learned to stand up for herself and what she believed to be right. And it taught Nathan to trust his mate.

[Matilda (booksinwildplaces) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐/5.
Type: 📱 e-book.
Genre: new adult paranormal romance novella.

Overall impression: Nate has quickly overtaken Dorian as my number 1 most hated hero in this series. Sad thing is, nothing happened plot-wise (not surprised given it's a novella), so it can't even save this book from a crap rating. That whole 1⭐ is for you Tamsyn, you earned it for putting up with your abusive mate (not that you should have to).

1. 🚩Double standards - Nate ignores Tamsyn for YEARS but gets mad when she starts ignoring him for a few HOURS.
2. 🚩Grossly controlling - Nate thinks he has a right to tell Tamsyn that she can't wear tight fitted clothing or V-necks because it's basically "asking for it". He then proceeds to tell her that she's not allowed to use a vibrator on herself but that he also won't sleep with her... 🚮
3. 🚩Emotionally unstable - Nate gets angry at Tamsyn for literally no reason and says hurtful things. It honestly borders on verbal abuse tbh and I don't know why she'd stick around for him, mate bond or no mate bond.
4. 🚩Treating her like less than equal - Nate thinks because he's older and MoRE exPeRiENcED that he has a right to make Tamsyn's decisions for her. You might be older bro but I can tell that you're about as mature as a pup.

Best bits:
✅ Leopard Healer / Leopard Sentinel
✅ Fated mates + bonding
✅ Other characters call Nate out on his abusive behaviour
✅ Part of a series
✅ Happy ever after (HEA)

Worst bits:
🚩 Age gap (10 years, mating bond first felt at 15 + 25 y/o)
❌ Nate is the worst hero ever (see above)
❌ Nate never acknowledges that HE WAS THE ISSUE and acts surprised when Tamsyn is upset
❌ Zero plot
❌ Zero world-building

[Tara♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite short story. Look, I get it, Nathan is actually behaving as he should given the 10 year age gap and Tammy being SOOOOO young but she was also very clear that if he was going to continue putting off the mating bond then she wanted to move on and he wouldn't let that happen either which just came across as him stringing her along. Honestly felt like she had way more emotional maturity than Nathan and probably still does (in the current timeline) to be honest.

Anyways, Tammy made decisions that were best for her and her mental health and Nathan had to step up. I enjoyed that the WHOLE pack was on Tammy's side and had no problem letting him know that.

I give kudos to Nathan for blocking the bond in the beginning but not for making big decisions for Tammy as she got older. He really should have been a big boy and discussed emotional feelz with his pack healer mate!

[Becca | Life's A Pearl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars
Steam Level: 2
Format: 🎧

I believe there are four novellas in the Wild Invitation anthology but I only listened to this first story, Beat of Temptation, because I’m not too far into the Psy-Changeling series.

It was a quick listen. Pretty angsty. It was fun to be back in that world.

The last book I read in this series, Mine to Possess (4.5 stars), was really dark (terrible things happening to children) and made me wonder if this series was for me. I took a break from it. But this novella made me want to continue.

I enjoyed seeing how Tamsyn and Nathan got together after meeting them as an already established couple and family in the series.

There were little pops of Christmas but it wasn’t overly holiday themed. It was interesting to see how Christmas is approached in this futuristic world where the Psy race has eradicated all emotion.

I also liked the glimpses of younger Lucas, Dorian, and Vaughn – all characters who have their own books in the early series.

[Airaseem · Rating 5 out of 5]

So damn cute! There is a lot of heart and stubbornness in this cute story. Fans of the series would love the backstory of the most strong power couple from the series. As this would be my 3rd or 4th reread of the series I have a special place for these two. They were lucky to find each other but it came with a price for them. There was true friendship and love that Nathan had for Tammy at a young age. But their age gap presses and stop to anything to go further until she grew up. Love makes one act dumb but Tammy was done playing games and I love her fiery spirit and stepped up to Nathan. There was lot of heart ache that had to be worked out. Nalini wrote a lovely Novella for these two and even though there was not heavy spicy there was a lot of talk of love and it was as romantic. I was awwwwing and was swooning throughout the book.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

If ever a novella screamed out “Get a room you two” it's 'Beat of Temptation', a prequel to the 'Psy-Changeling' series.
Leopard Shifters Tamsyn and Nathan are fated mates (no question about it!) but the older Nate believes they should wait to seal the deal until Tamsyn has seen the world and broadened her horizons.
Four years later she's not happy but he's sticking to his guns (he's got reasons coming out the wazoo!).
Someone's gotta give …
There are hints of one, possibly two, others plots but they never resurface.
It has a nice ending but, overall, it's a flawed romance.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Law 5198: Deletion of Christmas and Associated Holidays was near certain to pass."

Nate and Tamsyn realized they were mates when she was only 15. He's older, seen more, experienced more, and is determined not to rob her of anything life has to offer. Nate respects Tammy, cares for her and protects her... But has he remembered to show her he loves her?

This done in one stand alone story centers on two characters that are cornerstones of the DarkRiver Pack, and really breath life into a lot of the Psy-Changeling series, so exploring their relationship makes for a great short story.

[Vampirerom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story... Nate & Tammy is one of my favorite couples!!!

I came back to change my review in Nate and Tammy's story. They need their own book, 400 plus pages.... not just a novel.
The 2 of them were the corner stones of almost all of the relationships in the whole series. The example of what a true loving mating should be like. They proved to all the others that endurance, respect and communication regardless of the mating call, was most important of all, working through all the obstacles. The best example there could ever be.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this series, but this is the first novella I finally decided to read. And...I hated it.

Nate was AWFUL. There is nothing sexy about a man who thinks his opinion is the only one that matters. I've liked Nate and Tamsyn together throughout the series, but their start made me seriously reconsider whether I like Nate.

And this is why I don't generally like novellas unless they are just fun little outtakes between books. Because when you attempt to showcase a new relationship in so few pages, a lot of nuance gets missed. And readers like me regret reading it.