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Psy-Changeling #0.5
Beat of Temptation
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.
This story can be found in the short story anthology Wild Invitation.
79 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Nalini Singh
249 books27.1k followersI've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 1, 2022
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 💁♀️
Tamsyn deserves better, there, I said it 💁♀️
October 18, 2022
May 2020
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
February 4, 2022
4.5 ⭐
Nathan & Tamsyn 😍😍😍
P.S : I forgot to add this one onto my shelves so I reread it once again 🤩
Nathan & Tamsyn 😍😍😍
P.S : I forgot to add this one onto my shelves so I reread it once again 🤩
May 3, 2024
"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.
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November 8, 2025
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 🎅🏻🌲
May 18, 2022
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
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
November 10, 2024
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!
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!
February 24, 2022
5 stars
Nice to see Tamsyn and Nate's story.
Nice to see Tamsyn and Nate's story.
July 22, 2022
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.
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.
October 5, 2023
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 😭
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 😭
May 13, 2022
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.
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.
August 17, 2023
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.
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.
February 6, 2025
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
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
September 8, 2023
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.
June 27, 2025
Nate was such an ass, I was never able to get over it in the story to see the love.
August 26, 2025
Aw, that was great!
January 27, 2022
#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)
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)
April 12, 2022
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.
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.
August 22, 2015
Oooohh esta mini historia me llegó al alma.
Triste y dulce a la vez. Muy linda!
Triste y dulce a la vez. Muy linda!
May 23, 2023
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.
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.
Read
August 14, 2026If you have read the psy series, you’ll know that tamsyn and Nate has been mated for years before the first book. This story tell us about when they first mated. Tamsyn was only 19 to Nate’s 29 when they finally mated. The conflict of the story is Nate’s refusal to cement the bond that they both knew they had since she was 15. I understand Nate’s hesitation and in my opinion was right to do it. She was far too young and he was going on 30 by the time she was 19. I think if she was anyone else it would be different but as a healer, she is innately a homebody and has no desire to go outside her pack. Their power dynamics was unbalanced because even when he saw her as a woman, he still expected her to obey her as a juvenile and tamsyn didn’t do anything to change that. When she realized she played into their current dynamic, she took control back and wanted an equal partnership even though she was already the pack’s head healer after the death of Lucas’s mother. I didn’t expect Nate to be so aggressive and dominant as he’s so mellow in the main series. I guess it makes sense he is as he is the most senior sentinel and this version of him is younger. The version we see now is over 40 and been mated with children, it’s nice to see. The timeline of the story takes place two years after the death of Lucas parents and the pack is still healing from it. Lucas and the young sentinels are still juveniles before we know them now. I didn’t realize Tammy was older by 4 years but it makes sense. Also, I didn’t expect Finn to pop up lol because if you read the series, he becomes the healer for nightfire pack that remy runs. It’s was interesting to see darkriver rising in power and was considered a minor pack in comparison to snowdancers as they already have their reputation of being a deadly pack. This story show glimpses in what they become as the psy continues to be delusional of their grip on power and soon darkriver will become one of the most powerful pack in the country.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2026
It was cute and the characters seemed to be really nice people, very kind and lovable.
But I hated how the hero was whitholding not only sex from his mate but also any kind of romantic relationship for so long making the heroine cry, be miserable and question her own attractiveness a lot. And it wasn't for any good reason other than "I've witnessed what mating too early did to my parents so we won't mate for as long as I deem you too young, it will happen someday but till then I want you to live freely and experience life but god forbid you entertain the thought of another man and also don't leave me for more than a day because I have to have my fix of you".
The patronizing way of hero's behaviour made my ground my teeth. What tf do you mean Sir "you know better what I need and what I'm ready for"??
The heroine had a damn good reason to be angry with him. They knew about their bond when she was 15, wanted him then and now she's 19 and he still has no plans of making her his despite her literally begging him a day in and day out for them to start their life together because it genuinely physically hurt her at this point. I was angry at how she immediately forgave him but it dulled out since both of them are just so nice and completely smitten with each other. And he really thought he was doing them a favour, it wasn't that he had her on hold while going to other women (but he wasn't a virgin before he realized who his mate was at 25).
Overall really nice for such a quick read but like I said, he pissed me off and the fact that they waited another 15 years for kids also rubbed me the wrong way because I couldn't stop thinking it was another decision he made with her "not being ready" in mind. (Nowhere said other than the hero thinking it when she was 19 which was fair but still not only his choice).
But I hated how the hero was whitholding not only sex from his mate but also any kind of romantic relationship for so long making the heroine cry, be miserable and question her own attractiveness a lot. And it wasn't for any good reason other than "I've witnessed what mating too early did to my parents so we won't mate for as long as I deem you too young, it will happen someday but till then I want you to live freely and experience life but god forbid you entertain the thought of another man and also don't leave me for more than a day because I have to have my fix of you".
The patronizing way of hero's behaviour made my ground my teeth. What tf do you mean Sir "you know better what I need and what I'm ready for"??
The heroine had a damn good reason to be angry with him. They knew about their bond when she was 15, wanted him then and now she's 19 and he still has no plans of making her his despite her literally begging him a day in and day out for them to start their life together because it genuinely physically hurt her at this point. I was angry at how she immediately forgave him but it dulled out since both of them are just so nice and completely smitten with each other. And he really thought he was doing them a favour, it wasn't that he had her on hold while going to other women (but he wasn't a virgin before he realized who his mate was at 25).
Overall really nice for such a quick read but like I said, he pissed me off and the fact that they waited another 15 years for kids also rubbed me the wrong way because I couldn't stop thinking it was another decision he made with her "not being ready" in mind. (Nowhere said other than the hero thinking it when she was 19 which was fair but still not only his choice).
October 5, 2026
Overall rating: 2.5/5
Spice: 2/5
Narrator: 3/5
Cliffhanger: 1/5
Age: 16+
Spice: 2/5
Narrator: 3/5
Cliffhanger: 1/5
Age: 16+
Wow, this was a disappointment. What fan of the Psy-Changeling series hasn’t fallen in love with the leopard couple, Tammy and Nate? They are the perfected mated couple. Well, I like them a lot less now, especially Nate.
This takes place 18 years before “Slave to Sensation.” Tamsyn is 19 and Nate 29 and they’ve known they were mates for four years. Nate is determined to keep Tammy at a distance until she is older and lived a little, only he won’t really let her roam or be adventurous. He is also so determined he knows what’s best for her that he won’t listen to her or anyone else.
Tammy’s self-esteem just gets worse and worse as Nate pushes her away (despite being beloved by the pack and being a gifted healer), until she can’t take it anymore and runs away.
It was very obvious that this was written early on in Nalini Singh’s career. The characters were two dimensional and the dialogue didn’t feel natural. Nate came off like a misogynistic baby and Tammy like a doormat. They did show growth but not enough.
There was an attempt at plot with a Psy villain who had an ominous chapter early on, then was easily defeated off page. It was a big build up for nothing. The author should have stuck to the romance and the Christmas theme (that was fun).
Cautions: Ten year age gap. Obnoxiously alpha male.
I actually wish I hadn’t read this. I liked Nate and Tammy better before and it adds nothing to the overall story. It does make me appreciate how amazing her later books are.
December 28, 2024
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
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.
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.
December 15, 2023
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
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
February 17, 2023
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!
January 4, 2024
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.
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.
January 3, 2023
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.
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