BRANDED BY FIRE by Nalini Singh is the continuing saga of survival versus supremacy and domination. It is an ongoing war pitting the Psy Council, the Human Alliance, and the Changelings against each other. Rather than living in harmony, somebody is pushing people and events into position for a greater stand over all. The stress is telling. The Silence as required by the Psy's to maintain their sanity is breaking down. People are dying through explosives and violence. When they do break down, they take others, innocents along with them. Is it natural evolution reasserting itself? Only with a partnership can the changelings, humans and the Psy's expect to survive the troubling times. Some of them have agreed and have joined the changeling team, however is it enough?

It's strictly a physical need when Mercy, a leopard changeling of the Dark River pack agrees to have animal passion sex with Riley "The Wall", a wolf changeling of the Snow Dancer pack. It is Sentinel versus lieutenant, each respected by their team members, each dedicated to their purpose. Riley's natural instincts are to protect his mate. It has never been an amicable relationship, but when sex is thrown in. logic adds one and one together, but since when has society ever said passion can lead to anything more? Can cats and dogs play nice?

The woman in her wants the dominating man. Can her cat settle for not ruling the nest? Can Riley let her be the person she is? As he learns his limits, she finds some things she is willing to give up for him. Not willing to give up their tribe for them. Each feeling strong ties to their mutual pack, but the dance while mating messes with their mind.

BRANDED BY FIRE by Nalini Singh is the 6th in this series. It is a truly a romance between two conflicting and stubborn characters. I don't recommend it for people coming into the series brand new. Rather go back to the first and continue to this one. You won't be sorry.