CARESSED BY ICE

Author: Nalini Singh ISBN: 0425218422 9/2007 PARANORMAL Publisher: BERKLEY SENSATION

As an Arrow, an elite soldier in the Psy Council ranks, Judd Lauren was forced to do terrible things in the name of his people. Now a defector, his dark abilities have made him the most deadly of assassins—cold, pitiless, unfeeling. Until he meets Brenna. Brenna Shane Kincaid was an innocent before she was abducted—and had her mind violated—by a serial killer. Her sense of evil runs so deep, she fears she could become a killer herself. Then the first dead body is found, victim of a familiar madness. Judd is her only hope, yet her sensual changeling side rebels against the inhuman chill of his personality, even as desire explodes between them. Shocking and raw, their passion is a danger that threatens not only their hearts, but their very lives.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

CARESSED BY ICE is the third book in Nalini Singh's incredible Psy/Changeling series. I have been lucky enough to read and review each of these books, and all I can say is that this series is truly a remarkable read! As each book stands on its own, I do recommend you read the previous two, SLAVE TO SENSATION and VISIONS OF HEAT first, to gain a better understanding of the characters and the plot. There is a lot going on in CARESSED BY ICE, and knowing the background of the main characters will definitely help you enjoy this book to the fullest.

CARESSED BY ICE is Brenna and Judd's story. You may remember Brenna from SLAVE TO SENSATION. She was the one who was kidnapped and tortured. She's still recovering, but is able to function with her pack. However, she knows that something is still not right in her head and she goes to Judd, a dangerous and powerful Psy defector, for help and guidance.

Judd, a once elite soldier for the Psy Council, is now living within the Snow Dancer compound. Although he lives with them, he is considered a loner, and due to his dangerous abilities tries to distance himself from the other changelings. Although his demeanor is stern and very serious, he manages to be the only one able to help Brenna.

Brenna finds herself not only a target of yet another serial killer, but she is suddenly having "visions". Judd seems to be the only person to help keep her sane. As their feelings for each other intensify, deep, dark secrets that Judd has been hiding about his abilities surface, and Brenna must decide if she can continue to love a man who is more powerful than the kidnapper who tortured her.

Brenna and Judd are incredible characters! Even the secondary characters—those from the previous books—play a big role in this story. There is something for everyone in this gripping paranormal: danger, drama, romance and redemption.

CARESSED BY ICE is the type of book that once you get started reading it, you're not going to want to put it down. It's a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat romantic paranormal that will pull you straight into the story and into the amazing Psy/Changeling world that Nalini Singh created! Another superb book from up and coming author Nalini Singh. A definite recommend read!

Julie Kornhausl