Reading this book was so fantastic! Bo's been a part of the series for a long while now, and Kaia is new to me, and I think new to the series, so it was great to both meet her, and watch these two interact! So great to read!

One of the most fantastic things about this book, for me, was the setting. I mean, the bottom of the ocean? That doesn't really happen all that often! This is also the first full length novel with a BlackSea changeling member being one of the leading characters. Oh, not to mention that BlackSea changelings make up the majority of the cast, mostly because it's their installation at the bottom of the sea!

The chip that Bo had implanted in his head to prevent Psy intrusion, and how they're trying to keep it from killing him is one of the 3 main thrusts of this story, the romance is another, and the final one is the BlackSea members kidnappings. They all had a certain amount of tension, given how they were woven together!

I really enjoyed watching all the interactions between Kaia and Bo, and with the other new characters as well, because there was just a lot of rich history that didn't need explaining, and it was very comforting!

This book was fantastic, I loved how everything worked out, and I can't wait for the next book!

"This woman was no princess. She was a warrior. One Bo was dead certain was fighting the compulsion to stab him."

FINAL DECISION: Hopeful, sweeter than I expected but with lots of intrigue and double crosses, I really enjoyed this book which continues to explore the struggles to create a united world with a man and woman who both need to overcome damaging pasts.

THE STORY: Bowen Knight of the Human Alliance should be dead. He was shot through the heart in an attempted assassination attempt. But even surviving that, Bowen has a ticking time bomb in his head -- a chip he had implanted to prevent psychic rape by the Psy is degrading and threatens to kill not only Bowen but his friends and family at the top of the Human Alliance. Taken to an undersea facility controlled by BlackSea, Bowen has to confront some of his deepest fears. And when he meets the sweet and sexy cook Kaia Luna, Bowen decides that he doesn't want to spent what might be the last few weeks of his life, without her. Kaia has faced so much loss in her life and getting involved with the seemingly doomed Bowen only threatens her with more sadness and grief.

OPINION: The Psy-Changeling series is one that I re-read every year. It takes weeks now as this is book number 17 (not including the novellas and free stories), but I never regret those weeks because the series is nuanced and complex and presents at its center a sense of hope and the possible.

OCEAN LIGHT takes readers into the mysterious world of the changeling group of BlackSea (which covers the ocean dwelling changelings). By the end of the this book, I still find this group very mysterious as it doesn't follow many of the "rules" readers have learned about changelings. I hope that we get more books about the BlackSea characters as this book only made me more curious.

This book leaving me even more curious is a theme for me in this book. In fact, I ended this book with even more questions about where the overarching storyline is going than when I came in. There is some serious stuff going on in this series and while some parts are resolved, the core of the mystery still remains after this book. The Trinity series continues to investigate the conflict between those for and those against the Trinity alliance. The "villains" have managed to efficiently organize Psy, humans and changelings and the question still remains whether the "good guys" can manage to form their own connections in time.

Bowen Knight is familiar to readers of the series. Nominally the security head of the Human Alliance, Bo is, in fact, the leader and the person keeping the Alliance together. Bo has been obsessed with the idea of protecting the vulnerable humans from the psychic powers of the Psy. His singlemindedness has led him to have an experimental technology implanted in his brain to shield his mind from Psy. As we learned, however, Bo (along with his sister and friends who also got implants) are living on borrowed time as the implant is unstable. But as readers of the series will recall, although Bo has but months to live, Bo was shot protecting his sister in SILVER SILENCE. This book begins on the heels of those events.

In this book, we learn the origins of Bo's determination to find a way to protect humans. In the face of Bo's intense dislike of the Psy, ironically, Bo finds himself attracted to a woman who has her own reasons for disliking humans and wanting nothing to do with Bo. Bo's brush with death creates a determination in him to not miss a moment of possibility when he finds himself attracted to Kaia.

As the "alpha" of the Human Alliance, Bo's world is complicated and filled with the possibility of betrayal. The Trinity world is more political and dangerous because it is unclear who can be trusted. And the lack of trust extends not only between groups but within the groups themselves as both the Alliance and BlackSea have to consider if there are traitors within.

Kaia is a new character to the series and one I really, really liked. She is caring and smart and not willing to put up with any nonsense from Bo. Her heart is so big and life has bruised her up pretty badly. Yet she still opens herself up and risks more pain with Bo. Kaia's storyline here had much more interest for me. She is the one who is risking so much (because Bo could end up dead or as good as). And I admit that I was intrigued to find out what type of changeling she is. (I also want a cookbook with her recipes because they sound so good!)

I thought the romance between Bo and Kaia was intensely sweet. We get to see a side of Bo that he himself didn't know existed until he met Kaia. There is something to be said for what a clever and determined man will do when he finds the woman. There is a bit of innocence in how Bo approaches his courtship of Kaia because he has truly never connected with a woman before. And that continues the irony of Bo's life, just when he finds what matters in his life, this life has a countdown for him.

Most of the conflict here ends up being external and there is quite of bit of intrigue in this book. On the plot end, I was pleased to get to see some of my favorites from the series. Although we end up in a new environment, I like feeling the series grounded in its roots and with the characters who I already know and miss when they don't appear.

I walked away from this book with a sense of warmth and joy and loved all the characters we got to spend time with in this book.

WORTH MENTIONING: I tilted between a 4 and a 4.5 for this book. The epilogue, however, firmly tilted this book to a 4.5 -- any book where Kaleb and Sahara make a significant emotional appearance gets a little boost from me!

CONNECTED BOOKS: OCEAN LIGHT is the second book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series. The books are interconnected with continuing storylines although the romance is self-contained. The Psy-Changeling Trinity series is a spin-off or Season 2 of the Psy-Changeling series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

I always know I want to read Nalini Singh’s books, but when I learned Ocean Light was Bowen Knight’s book … I kicked it into high gear to get my greedy little hands on a copy. I have no shame in telling you I shed a few tears when I thought we lost Bowen (in a previous book). Then also there’s the fact that Nalini Singh’s writing is so beautiful. It’s emotional, warm, evocative, the flow and cadence … it’s like a hug from an old friend. You feel comforted and cared for and know you’re in for a good time. I’ve been reading the Psy-Changeling series from the start, I’m on board for this spin off “trinity” series, and I will read every vignette. … Especially if it has Kaleb, Hawke, or Bowen. Ideally, all three. (Can we please make this happen?!?!)

Kaia Luna is so wonderful. I don’t think you even notice how Nalini writes such a layered and complex character – beyond the norm. Kaia’s got a host of mental health issues – and they’re part of who she is. You aren’t hit over the head with it, but they’re there, and she works through them in such a subtle way but it’s present and honestly in another book this might be the entire focus, but it isn’t in Ocean Light – it’s just another piece of the wonderful puzzle that is Kaia. (I’m trying to say this is a good thing – how utterly dynamic and intricate and special yet normal Kaia is, in a way we don’t really see but I wish we would in romances.) She’s so warm and loving and stubborn. Generally the word “sassy” makes me balk but … she is. And it’s good. I think you need the larger than life attitude; one who is mischievous and bratty and moody. She needs to be a lot to be a match for Bowen. She feels the attraction from the first, but Bowen is taken out at the knees. I loved that Kaia also had such a network. While she lost her parents at a very young age, she has aunts, uncles, cousins who are more like siblings, and a great (who knows how many times) grandmother. Plus clan.

So, speaking of Bowen … he’s one of my favorites in this entire large – large – cast of characters in the Psy-Changeling world. I love that he’s human but so fucking amazing. A girl (or guy!) would be so lucky as to have their own Bowen. He’s hard. He’s made mistakes, and he owns them, and he’s almost crushed by all the responsibility he carries, and at the same time he isn’t – because he’s that steady. That special. Bowen can carry the weight and do what nobody else can. (I also love his history, being a descendent of Adrian Knight.) In Ocean Light it’s possible his closest friends wouldn’t even really “recognize” him because … this book is pretty much all about him falling in love and courting. Which is excellent – he deserves a beautiful glittering romance, and then there’s the fact that he might die at any moment. There’s a lot going on. Even taking full responsibility when he doesn’t have to, Bowen puts Kaia first. He puts others first. He’s willing to sacrifice himself for his sister, his friends, for humanity. That’s not an exaggeration. For Bowen it’s literally what he does and is doing. He’s willing to risk himself for the good of the whole.

Some people might say it was a bit too pat or perfect how Kaia’s phobia is resolved, but it actually worked for me. In fact, the first ~part of the book is what I didn’t connect to, because it’s a Psy-Changeling book you know it’s a romance, you know there’s a happily ever after, so the repetitive “he only has a 5% chance to live” was of course stressful but not a definite for me – because in fact you know he’ll live and survive the experiment. I did want to know more of the how and why of it, so I wish there had been a bit more of that. I actually expected a little bit of the mating bond/psychic connection to come into play … but it didn’t! I have to confess at times I haven’t been as invested in the Trinity books – which might be my mood (likely is my mood and current state?) … but from the successful injections on … I was all in. I know I’ll be re-reading Ocean Light. I think when I started my happy freak out was chapter 63. (Thank you, occasional book live tweeting! We had a lot of “😍😍😍❤❤❤” going on. As well as excited hand waving and chair dancing.) Basically the last 10% of the book is constant action and you’re sucked into the vortex of everything and just grab hold and enjoy the ride. (There were so many plot twists that I wasn’t expecting and I loved, even as I was all 😱😱😱.)

I’m normally team heroine – but in this case I felt that Kaia was sometimes a bit extra. It works for their relationship though, and didn’t make me dislike her. In fact, it just made me like Bowen even more for being able to handle so much with such grace. (I feel like this is important to note because generally something like that is a turn off that makes me grumpy. So not the case here. It all works, and it’s necessary.) Then of course there’s the fact that Kaia admits her mistakes and apologizes for them … and that she’s so contrite about it. I liked that they make mistakes, and Ms. Singh showed us some of the growing pains of their relationship. That utter fear and potential devastation of the countdown does really get to you though – and that both are fighting the attraction and connection – which Bowen does for Kaia’s sake. Just thinking about the moment the mating bond snaps into place still puts a smile on my face. That Kaia. She’s something. I definitely think I’ll be finding more about each character and the story with each re-read. (I also feel I have to note the utter torture Kaia puts herself through just to be by Bowen’s side near when they go off to [spoiler] – you kind of miss it in the flurry of activity, but she’s handling a phobia to do what’s necessary right.)

I think you’ll really enjoy this book if you’re a fan of the Psy-Changeling series. In fact, it might be one of my favorites. Of course I love Lucas and so many others – but I really love Hawke, Kaleb and Sahara … and Bowen. I adored the ending. I have really high hopes of future scenes we might see in upcoming books. We all know various characters often have cameo appearances, and I think to show the progression of the Alliance they’ll have to make appearances, and it’s going to be great. Kaia and Bowen are just so perfect for each other. Each makes the other grow and heal in unexpected but necessary ways, each can be themselves with the other, without burden or the faces (or masks) and expectations others ask of them, and that they can play together.

Oh! And! I love how it was such a game/secret of what the BlackSea Changeling forms were. I can’t wait to see what the others animals are … and I have to say I knew – knew! – what Kaia’s was. 😀

I haven’t been reading much this year – I’ve been in the dreaded reading slump, but after reading Ocean Light … I’m excited to dive into other books, and that’s a gift.

The last time we saw Bowen Knight, human security chief of the Alliance, he was being shot by an assassin and falling into the waters of Venice, presumed dead (Silver Silence). He was already on limited time thanks to a degrading experimental chip in his brain designed to create a shield against psychic manipulation. Thankfully for him (and readers!) his sister Lily calls in help from the mysterious changelings of BlackSea, who have a possible, highly experimental, solution to all of these problems. Two months after being shot and the events of Silver Silence (not necessary to read before this, but highly recommended because it is a fantastic book!) Bowen comes out of a coma in a BlackSea clinic and meets the station's chef, Kaia Luna. Kaia and Bowen have plenty of suspicions to overcome, multiple traitors to uncover, and different worlds to reconcile before they can be together- if his brain doesn't kill him first.

Bowen and Kaia are an incredible couple. He's scarred from a Psy attack when he was a teen and has dedicated his entire life to building the Alliance and protecting humans from the stronger Psy. She's afraid of loving and losing those who matter most to her. He is a deadly predator, a hunter determined to see the three races build bridges and live on some level of equality. She is a graceful creature of the deep who cares for everyone within her sphere. Two worlds meet and clash, and the sparks between them are both instant and amazing. I especially loved Kaia- a strong and independent woman who is willing to overcome past trauma and crippling fears for a chance with the man she loves. Bowen does a great job of figuring out how to blend their two worlds together, not allowing all the obstacles to keep them from the happiness they both deserve. Despite the almost certain death sentence he is under, he lives every moment to its fullest and never gives up. There are some fun cameos by characters from earlier books (especially Kaleb and Sahara!) but Ocean's Light, like the rest of Singh's Psy-Changeling series, can be read as a stand alone book.

Ocean's Light is the first time Nalini Singh really allows us into the mysterious world of BlackSea- the loose 'pack' of all the water changelings on the planet. Interestingly, she doesn't have one of the alpha, political, leaders being our introduction, but a more 'regular' person. While readers (and Bowen) know Mal and Miane slightly from earlier books, Kaia is new and a more accessible person to show us the alien world of the water changelings as if it is normal. Because to her, it is. Singh remains very coy about who shifts into what and although we get some hints, it is clear we're going to have to wait for future books to confirm our guesses. We don't even get solid confirmation of Kaia's animal until pretty far into the book- a nice piece of careful writing on Singh's part!

An intense, thrilling, and emotional read, Ocean's Light is a brilliant, must-read, addition to the Psy-Changeling world and hopefully opens doors to exploring some new aspects of that world. Wonderfully written, with excellent characters and chemistry, this is a book you won't be able to put down after starting- so make sure to clear your schedule for a few hours and enjoy!

4 Hearts SJ, Romance Junkies

From New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh comes the second in her Psy-Changeling Trinity series, a continuation of her bestselling Psy-Changeling books.

In OCEAN LIGHT, Bowen Knight, the leader of the Human Alliance, has been in a coma following the events that happened in SILVER SILENCE. (But this book remains a stand-alone, so a new reader isn't lost.) Bowen has a chip implanted in his brain that is sure to go off, leaving him brain-dead in a matter of weeks.

Awakened from his coma, he finds himself among the BlackSea Changelings, the home of shapeshifers with an affinity for the sea. There, Bowen meets Kaia, a female changeling with a grudge against the handsome human. Changelings are being taken from the waters, and many are sure Bowen is behind it. But is he?

There's a mystery to solve and a sudden attraction between Bowen and the beautiful and deadly Kaia. Conspiracy, danger, and a consuming love fill the pages of another Psy-Changeling story set in Nalini Singh's complex and masterful world.

While this story stood on its own,and Bowen has been a fascinating character from his first introduction several books into the original Psy-Changeling series, the chemistry between the protagonists felt off. Bowen falls in insta-love with Kaia. And though the two build up to a romance, it never felt credible enough to suspend disbelief. Perhaps the fast pacing of the story is to blame, as the events take place within a few weeks--all the time Bowen has before the chip in his mind turns deadly.

The mystery was well developed, and the glimpse into the Blacksea changelings was fascinating. But a deeper buildup, or at least a lengthier time frame to let the lead characters realize their feelings, might have helped the romance.

Still, a worthwhile read for Nalini Singh fans and those taken with the Psy-Changeling world. But this book doesn't quite stand up to the exquisite romance delivered in SILVER SILENCE.

Finally, the book we have been waiting for- Bowen’s story. After being shot and in a coma for two months, Bowen awakens in a room he doesn’t know surrounded by strangers. He is with the BlackSea changelings and they are using new technology to speed up his recuperation. Kaia, a cook at the station is the one who happens to be in the room when he awakens and Bo has a strange reaction to her, both attraction and a sense of danger.
Kaia’s best friend told her Bowen was responsible for the disappearance of several BlackSea changelings so Kaia regards him with a great deal of distrust mixed with a weird sort of attraction. Kaia’s cousin is working on the problem of the deadly chip implant that is slowly killing Bowen and the outlook does not seem very positive. As time progresses, Kaia begins to wonder if Bowen is really the monster her friend portrayed him to be and she finds herself more and more attracted to him.
When Bo discovers that his human alliance might be connected to the disappearances, he has to decide who to trust and try to investigate the possibilities. Meanwhile, someone keeps stirring up the pot, causing discord among the clan and distrust towards Bowen. As in so many of the Psy-Changling books, it seems impossible to have this love story get to its HEA.
I loved all of the new BlackSea changelings and watching Bowen figure out what each person changed into (especially Kaia). This book has so many new characters and complicated plots running through it. The chemistry between Bowen and Kais is amazing and yet threatened even though you know it will work out somehow. The eventual revealing of the bad guys makes the reader angry and sad at the same time. Even Kaleb Krychek makes himself part of the story and further cements his reputation as a good guy in wolf’s clothing.
The only bad part about the book is that it ends and there a long time before the next one comes out.

Ocean Light was fabulous, character driven beautiful story giving us a glimpse into BlackSea! While this wasn't fast paced action packed liked previous titles in the series, it's an all around awesome book with a new to the series heroine!

Another great entry into this series. Nalini Singh builds a world with such detail that sneaks up on you in ways. After I read this book I went back and reread some of my favorites in the series. I started to notice small mentions of Black Sea that show up in this book and it made me love this book even more.

I have always liked Bo, so it was great to get to know him more and Kaia was just wonderful. The best part of his book was getting to know more about Black Sea, and there are still so much we don't know about them! I'm hoping we get to visit with Black Sea some more in future books.

Can this series get any better?Of course it can!I loved so much Ocean Light, even more than the first book!I was hooked from page one till the end!

Ocean Light is the second installment of the Psy Trinity series and omg from the beginning it's full of tension and I was intrigued with the romance!This one is a little bit low in action like the previous book but believe me when I say the romance in this one is something else!

I'm so happy that I found this series, I can easily say Ocean Light is one of my favorite paranormal books!I'm looking forward to see what Nalini has for us!

4.5/5 Stars

I'm going to be real honest here. I've been wanting a Psy-Changling book about Bowen Knight since he made his first appearance in Branded by Fire. I've been dying to know his backstory because something pretty traumatic had to have happened to make him hate the Psy so much. Sadly, that little insight of mine was dead on. I've also wanted to know what kind of person his mate was going to be. I was kind of hoping he'd end up with a Psy partner but I'm totally happy with where the romance went. I ship it pretty hard actually.

Ocean Light worked for me on so many levels. If you read Silver Silence, then you know that our favorite Human Alliance security chief/leader is in bad shape and not just from the failing chip in his brain. I loved how BlackSea came into play with that. Plus, we got to finally learn more about BlackSea and the underwater deep sea station some of them reside in was absolutely fascinating!

BlackSea was more intriguing than I ever thought possible! They have so many different kinds o changelings in their pack and honestly the options to what creatures there could be are unlimited. I found it intriguing that they all are very secretive about what they changed into but nonetheless are fiercely protective of each other. It was a beautiful thing to read. The sea changelings aren't as charismatic overall as say the bears from the previous book but they were fascinating in their own way. I really hope the author writes many more books about BlackSea in the future.

Nalini Singh is a master of her craft and I was sucked into this book as soon as I picked it up. I just love this world she has created and how she continues to expand it. I was really into the sweet romance between Bo and Kaia from the start. They've both had some seriously traumatic things happen in their pasts and the learning curve for them to over come them is a steep one. Add in some treachery and deception that threatens to resolve the alliance between the two groups and the literal ticking time bomb in Bo's head and you have one hell of a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat until you turn the last page.

I instantly fell in love with Kaia's character. She has a very playful and loving nature that has a bit of an edge to it. She's tough but she's also kind of a big softy when comes to the people she views as hers. I loved that her way of taking care of her pack was to cook them their favorite foods! Kaia has issues aplenty but she made me laugh and smile. I was also very intrigued to find out what her changeling form was and I kept trying to guess as the clues were dropped. It wasn't until the last quarter of the book before I could finally have my suspicions confirmed on what her other form was. I did find her animal form to be very fitting. You'll just have to read to find out what she is. :)

I loved that we got to learn more about Bo and see a completely different side of him. He's still the paranoid security chief but he has a softness and protectiveness when it comes to Kaia that made me love him even more. I will admit that I am completely intrigued by so many of the side characters in this installment and I want to know more about them. High on that list is Miane and Malachai. They definitely need their own book(s) and soon so I can know what the heck they change into! I also want to see Kaia's other cousins get books or novellas! They remind me very much of Mercy's brothers in DarkRiver and I need more mischievous and lovable rogues in my life.

Ocean Light wasn't the book I imagined it would be when I first heard who it was going to be about but it was a perfect addition to one of my all-time favorite series! I'm dying to know who it's going to be about! I want more BlackSea but I also want a WindHaven falcon book or a Rainfire book. Sadly, we have another year of waiting for the next book when I just need it in my hands already. I guess it's time for another reread, right?

Bowen Knight has been hidden in an undersea location since the shooting that destroyed his heart. He wakes up when Kaia monitoring him while her cousin, the doctor responsible for his care, takes a break. His heart has been replaced. His brain chip is failing, and his sister gave him into BlackSea's care to see if they can heal him and stop the chip from degenerating.

Kaia is angry about Bowen being there as she distrusts humans. She has information on Bowen from her best friend, Hugo, who is now missing, and loathes Bowen because she blames him for the missing BlackSea changelings. So it's more than a bit of a surprise that they are attracted to each other. The forced proximity works very well here because this is the first time in his adult life that Bowen gets a break from being the head of the Alliance. He gets to know some of the Changelings as he heals and gets to woo Kaia surrounded by her friends and family. Most of the book takes place under the sea.

The tension throughout the novel is very well done. Singh keeps the storyline tightly woven and there's a lot less bouncing around through other character's stories as there have been in the series. The focus is on Bowen and Kaia, and the fact that he possibly has only two weeks left as her cousin tries a series of treatments designed to stop the chip from imploding. There's a lot of external conflict once the distrust between them in settled. I really enjoyed this new cast of characters and wonder if the next book will be here or back in bear territory, or which changelings could be next. I like the mysteries of the BlackSea changelings and that there's more to learn there. As more pieces of the mysteries of the disappearing changelings unfurl, the more we get closer to knowing who is behind it all.

Grade: A- Another winner from Singh! I think this one could work as a standalone though it helps to have Bowen's backstory.

It’s been over eight week’s since the attempt on the Human Alliance Security Chief, Bowen’s life, when he took a bullet and fell into the waters of Venice. Waking from a coma, he discovers he’s been in the care of the BlackSea physicians who are using him as an experiment to see if they can eliminate the degradation of the Psy blocker in his (and other’s) head. Agreeing to the high probability of experiment failure so he (and other humans) can live on his own terms, Bowen finds himself falling for the talent BlackSea chef, even though she brings him news of traitors within the Human Alliance.

Kaia has lived her adult life deep in the blackest parts of the ocean, happiest when she’s cooking for her pack mates. Suffering from the loss of her best friend, Kaia is on guard against the Human Alliance security chief, who may be behind the kidnapping of her kind. However, her instincts tell her Bo is trustworthy, and she is torn between walking away or loving him only to lose him.

Kaia and Bo are mates, each recognizing it from the first time they speak to one another, though neither is willing nor able to accept or acknowledge it. Their immediate attraction, coupled with the fact he may only live a few more weeks, gives each the push needed to just live life and enjoy each other. The opt for open communication and sharing quiet moments rather than allow the evidence the Alliance may be behind the brutal taking of the BlackSea members. It’s not smooth sailing, and the both make mistakes, but they don’t fall apart at the first sign of problems.

I love that Ocean Light focuses on the relationship between Bo and Kaia. While there is the seriousness of his procedure and the mystery of the Alliance betrayal, the story spends the bulk of its efforts sharing the tender moments, fun times, and all the instances in between for Bo and Kaia. The romance is always front and center, yet never overwhelming. The romance is woven around each aspect of the story, creating cohesiveness and even warm-fuzzies when the more serious moments shift to center stage.

In addition the wonderful romance between Kaia and Bowen, Ocean Light shares more fragments regarding the mysterious Consortium and the shifting balance in power since the fall of Silence. Furthermore, we finally see the inner workings of the BlackSea clan, something that has been illusive for far too long. There is still much to be unravelled and uncovered, but the author is developing strong ties and alliances that will be needed down the road if our heroes was to stop the Consortium.

In the end, I really enjoyed Ocean Light for its romance, action, and intrigue. As Ms. Singh’s Psy-Changeling world continues to grow, it only gets better and better.

My Rating: B, Liked It

I’m sorry to say it, but OCEAN LIGHT was kind of a disappointing read for me. After adoring the first book in this Psy-Changeling spin-off/continuation series, SILVER SILENCE, I was sure I’d love this one too. But the change in tone, character archetypes, and tropes meant that this story didn’t work for me nearly as well as the previous one.

After the assassination attempt that left him fatally wounded, human security expert Bowen Knight is airlifted to the BlackSea changeling base to undergo experimental cardiac and neurosurgeries. Helping him despite her fear and distrust of humans is Kaia Luna, BlackSea Changeling and scientist-turned-cook. Bo’s taken with the beautiful and enigmatic woman immediately, trying everything he can think of to prove that not all humans are dangerous to Changelings. If the experiment doesn’t take, the chip in Bowen’s brain that prevents telepathic manipulation by the Psy will kill him before he has the chance…

Although I liked Kaia and Bowen as characters, their romance fell flat for me. There’s some serious insta-love going on, and I confess that I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit at just how quickly they fall for each other and the grandiose declarations they made. I get that Kaia’s a Changeling so mate bonding is a thing, but I thought Singh handled it way better in SILVER SILENCE than she did here. Bo and Kaia’s love for one another was sweet but rather abrupt for my liking.

I am enjoying the overarching plot of the series so far. Who’s the shadowy group know as the Consortium, and why are they trying to sabotage the Trinity of Psy, Changeling, and human efforts? If you’ve been keen to try Singh’s Psy-Changeling series but you’re intimidated by its length, I recommend giving this series a try. If you’ve not read the original series, some major plot elements will be spoiled, but that hasn’t impacted my excitement to go back and read the first Psy-Changeling books!

Things ended on rather an ominous note the last time human Alliance Security Officer, Bowen Knight, was in the picture and now he turns up down deep in a Black Sea Changeling facility. I’ve always liked Bowen since he got his act together, but I have to confess that I was most intrigued when I learned that we were finally getting to pull the curtain aside on these most mysterious of the Changeling races. I was not disappointed. Just Magical!
Review

Ocean Light is the second installment of the Psy Trinity series which is the second season of the overall Psy-Changeling series. This is not a good place to jump into the series as much about it is already in play from previous books.

From the get go, Ocean Light has tension. Bowen’s mind is a ticking time bomb since the chip he has installed there to shield from Psy mental attacks is malfunctioning and will kill him when it goes. Now, he has been kidnapped with the aid of his sister to this deep underwater Black Sea facility where one of their leading research medical scientists is trying a long shot experimental treatment. Bowen learns that if it fails, he could be alive, but a vegetable. He wants no other human in the trials so he agrees to press forward.

Meanwhile, Kaia, the facility cook is angry and hates that this particular human is there. She sees Bowen Knight as the embodiment of all evil since, not only is he from the race that killed her parents, but her friend Hugo fingered him as the guy responsible for the disappearances of their people before he, too, disappeared. Only, things aren’t adding up when she observes Bowen and interacts with him.

The pair feel a sizzling undercurrent of attraction in their enemies to lovers romance, but Bowen’s got less than a five percent chance of surviving and he is from the land and she, from the sea. Doomed, or are they?

This one doesn’t get as action-packed as others in the series with the built in conflict of potential enemy and the deadly life situation with Bowen. There is building tension in the romance, but also in the intrigue going on as Black Sea slowly starts to realize that they might have Consortium moles.

There are a few character-driven plot threads including Kaia’s struggles now to work through her prejudice against humans that is rooted in fear and grief from losing the people she loves. Bowen, too, has to face his worst nightmares while he is vulnerable that lead back to traumatic past events. I was rooting them both on.

Beyond the insular romance and personal growth threads, the setting, backstory, and intro to a large new cast of characters to love in the Black Sea pack. Each time I get introduced to a new Changeling pack group from the leopards to the wolves, and most recently, the bears, I fall in love with the whole familial group. The Black Sea pack with all its different sea shifter types is no exception. Kaia, her large group of cousins, aunts and uncles, and her grandmother along with her best friends were all a delight. From whales to sea turtles, they were fabulous.

The end had some great twists and reveals, heartbreaking moments mixed with such lovely swooning times that I was not ready to close the last page on this wonderful, touching, and suspenseful story. Yep, already feeling the need for the next book. If you haven’t started, these are great for those who enjoy a marvelous blend of paranormal, sci-fi, and action-suspense.

My thanks to Penguin-Random House for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series (Psy-Changeling #17) didn’t start with a bang, but rather a gentle, easy getting to know you as readers are finally introduced to the Blacksea water changelings.

If you’ve followed this series through the years, and yes I consider it all one series even though there has been a shift to a new series title, you will recognize the name Bowen Knight. He’s the head of the Human Alliance and has been presumed dead after jumping in front of a bullet meant for his sister. Not that he wasn’t on limited time to begin with, since the chip in his head meant to keep out the Psy is literally a ticking time bomb. He wakes up from a coma to find himself at the bottom of the ocean, in the middle of a Blacksea stronghold and at the mercy of a brilliant doctor who thinks she might have a way to save his life.

Kaia Luna is a beloved member of the Blacksea community. Orphaned at a young age, she was taken in by her extended family and doted on by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is a scientist, a chef, a friend and is intrigued by the human man who is under her cousin’s care. She only knows Bowen from rumors and suspicions about how his Human Alliance might be involved in the disappearances of her clan mates. Her heart and body know him almost immediately as someone different. Her mate.

I always enjoy diving back into this world and will admit that I’m a sucker for Ms. Singh’s changelings. It doesn’t matter which kind of changeling, I just like reading about skin privileges and mates and families that are families by choice and love. The Blacksea world is fascinating and I loved how well thought the underwater station of Ryujin was. Transparent walls where changelings in human form can watch their brethren swim, areas to rest and work and descriptions of how this tight-knit community comes together to eat and play and find comfort. The secondary characters introduced were interesting and there are quite a few I hope to see in the future. *cough* Malachai *cough*

Kaia and Bowen have an easy, soft, quiet love that begins almost from the first chapter and steadily builds throughout the book. Despite knowing Bowen may only have a short time left, and that Kaia has a few secrets she isn’t quite ready to share about how her past has effected her, they don’t fight their attraction for each other. There are a few bumps in the road, but they really weren’t that large or hard to get around. Kaia and Bowen won’t make your reader’s heart frustrated or worried, you might sigh a few times, just be prepared to fall in love with this hero and heroine as they fall in love with each other.

The pacing doesn’t really pick up until the last 25%, which is when some of the mysteries from the previous books start to come together and the identities of the villains kidnapping and killing water changelings are finally unmasked. There are even several appearances from familiar and much-loved faces. While there is a definite HEA for our main couple, one of the bad guys remains at large so I’m guessing that the ongoing plot of disappearing changelings and the involvement of the Consortium will continue in the next book in the series. I look forward to it and whatever comes next. Final Grade- B

Favorite Quote:

“Bridges are built over thin air. Someone must lay the first plank, the first brick, take the risk.”

Throughout the Psy Changeling series and the Trinity Arc, Bowen has been one of my favorite characters, and I was very excited to get my hands on this one. I'll admit I wasn't in love with the beginning of this book, but after we got over the initial bumps and bruises in the first part of Kaia and Bowen's relationship, the rest of the book really settles into a gripping read that definitely had me crying on my kindle through parts of it.

I love our heroine, Kaia, and the rest of her family. And it's really great to see a part of the Psy Changeling world, and get to know the Black Sea changelings. Not only that, but we get to see a lot more of the Human Alliance, which has been really pushed to the background since their introduction. It's also nice to see some old friends make an appearance, some in unexpected places.

For me, though, the romance really takes a backseat to the political stuff going on with the Trinity Accords, alliances, potential betrayals, and how it moves the whole Trinity Arc forward. I can't wait for the next one!

This review will post on The Blogger Girls on June 11, 2018.

4.5 Stars

This series is my ALL TIME FAVORITE series so I'm a bit biased but this book was amazing. I was sucked in right from the start and couldn't put the book down. I literally read this in just a few hours, which is rare for me nowadays because I just don't have the time. But I definitely made the time for this one and when I paused, I was jonesing to get back to it. I won't go too deep into the book because I don't want to give any spoilers. What I will say is this one explores more of the BlackSea changelings and the Human Alliance but also the fledging bond that stands between them and how easy it is for betrayal to run too close to home. It's set deep in BlackSea territory and deals mostly with Bowen's current condition after the shooting (if you don't know what I'm referring to then you definitely need to read Silver Silence). It was fascinating to see how the BlackSea changelings differed from the other changelings in this series so far. Not drastically but you could definitely tell their dynamics were different than the changelings on land.

I was honestly extremely intrigued with the situation Bowen was in and how he recovered from the shooting and the degeneration of the chip in his brain. It's been a while since we've had a human as part of the couple so I liked that we were able to see that POV again and not just in a few snippets. It was interesting to see the different side of worries that Bowen had to deal with that the other leaders haven't had to deal with. They might seem mundane to a changeling or a Psy but humans are the most vulnerable and Bowen has the most responsibilities because of that and he takes those responsibilities very seriously. With that said, it was great to finally see a water changeling but even better that Kaia didn't instantly fall for him or show her attraction. In fact, she hated him at first because of something she heard from a friend. But she made Bowen work for it and the bond they created had me so emotionally invested, I couldn't help but feel what they felt. I loved that Bowen and Kaia sorta knew things wouldn't last long because of their situations but they still took a chance anyway and I loved every minute of it. They were both such strong characters and they had their differences but their strengths complimented each other. I loved the banter between them and ultimately how Bowen was able to charm his way into becoming part of the BlackSea changeling family.

My only issue with this one was I was confused on how Kaia was once a scientist. It's mentioned in the beginning that she stopped being a scientist to become a chef but in the timeline that was mentioned, there was no hint of when she switched from being a scientist but instead it seemed like she's been a chef for years, since maybe she went to college after coming of age, which conflicts with the mentions of her handling the medical part of Bowen's recovery and being able to monitor him during his recovery. So every time it was mentioned that she was a chef or scientist, my mind would shout WHEN did this happen. Especially since she it was mentioned she hadn't left the station in like two decades so how did she even go to school to be a scientist, let alone a chef. I was very confused with that.

Overall, this was another great addition to an already phenomenal series. I loved getting Bowen's story and getting more involved with the BlackSea changelings. It was intriguing to see how things played out after Bowen's incident but I adored the chemistry between Bowen and Kaia. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series and hope it's another BlackSea changeling because, honestly, I want ALL of Kaia's brothers stories. Right. Now!

Well one of the reasons I don't write books (outside of that no talent and no imagination thing) is that I have no patience, I would have all bad guys dead by page 10 and wonder "where do I go from here". Fortunately Nalini Singh does not suffer from any of those afflictions and we have a story that manages to have drama, romance, loyalty and my favorite, violence all thrown together in a story to warm the heart while making the blood boil for those who suffer and takes us along on a pace that changes to suit the scene.

First of all my memory is terrible and I spent several chapters while reading trying to remember if Bowen had been thought dead in any previous books but since I was too lazy to go back and research it I finally decided it really did not matter (and it did not). Suffice it to say he was pretty much dead when we start this book and some medical miracle are the only thing keeping him alive and those might not be enough.

Then Kaia enters the scene and pretty much hates him on sight which always makes for a good story in the hands of a talented writer. We have a slow romance with a touch of insta-love thrown in but not too heavy handed (meaning there is no "MINE" moment just minutes after they meet). He will have to work at this one IF he manages to live long enough which does not look all that promising.

Enter a subplot of some residents of BlackSea disappearing over the last few months and it looks like humans (specifically the organization Bowen heads up) might be behind it.

Throw in a couple of hints, some red herrings, a bevy of suspects with a good mystery and along with an excellent romance you have a 5 Star story (which I actually rated 4.5).

We do get a slight bit more than a cameo of our favorite Psy - Kaleb Krycheck (who I personally love because he pretty much kills anyone who ever did Sahara wrong in any way LOL) but we do get a cameo of Sahara also towards the end. They obviously add to any book they are mentioned. We also get a really short cameo of Hawke just to add a bit of flavor into the story in how outsiders actually see him which I found interesting since we all still have Kiss of Snow in our heads which warps out viewpoint a bit.

My only minor complaint (go back and read paragraph 1) is that everybody I wanted to kill was not dead at the end of the book . I am assured there will be justice for all since this is actually book #17 of this series it is also book #2 of a trilogy with a bit of an overarching plot, so I can hardly wait to see where it goes from here. I did love the way she handled everything so there is nothing that resembles a cliffhanger but does leave a thread or two to make you want the next book immediately.

4+ Solid Stars

Before we get started, I have a confession to make...

I wasn't all that excited about reading this book.

I know, I know, how dare I, and all that jazz.

As I've said before in other Psy-Changeling/Trinity reviews, such as THIS one and THIS one, I prefer my P-C/T books to be about, well, changelings.

Or really powerful Psy à la Kaleb Krycheck.

Because I'm just snobby and alpha-driven like that.

Thus, when I found out that this book was about Bowen...

You know, we-thought-he-was-dead, he-has-a-degrading-chip-in-his-brain-so-is-almost-dead-anyway, Human Alliance, HUMAN Bowen...

I just...wasn't all that excited, to be honest.

But, never fear, Nalini Singh is here...

And you know who else was here?

BlackSea.

Black. Friggin'. Sea.

That's right my friends, you heard me correctly.

Singh FINALLY took us down under the sea and introduced us to the ways of the BlackSea ocean changelings clan in this installment.

She has been taunting us with details about BlackSea for several books now.

And while we don't necessarily get ALL the details we are all pining for...

aka MALACHI DETAILS...we still get enough juicy underwater goodness to make my heart pitter-patter like little PNR slut I am.

What do we also get?

A decently solid plot line and several other awesome cameos that will make your heart sing and rejoice.

Bowen also turned out to be a very solid and magnetically engaging Hero.
Not gonna lie, he's no Lucas/Hawke/Kaleb/Malachi...but, then again, who is?

Boom.

Cannot wait for the next one.

Ocean Light is pure delight! Life under the sea has not been this much fun since The Little Mermaid. Every time Nalini Singh invites readers into a new part of the Psy-Changeling world, I fall in love all over again.

Bowen Knight – the champion and effective leader of the Human Alliance – is living on borrowed time. The chip implanted in his brain to stop Psy attacks on his mind is failing and will more than likely take his brain down with it. His only shot at survival comes when he is taken to a clinic on Ryūjin, a BlackSea installation deep under the sea. Bo was an intriguing secondary character in the Psy-Changeling series and I’m thrilled that I finally got to read his story. Bo is incredibly smart, deeply caring, and protective. He also carries scars from his past that have made him all-too-aware of human vulnerability to psychic assault. His determination to protect humanity and put them on equal footing with Psy and Changelings may cost him his life, but Bo is the kind of man who will always put himself in the line of danger to protect others from harm. For so many years Bo’s focus has been on learning to defend himself and others, leaving no time for fun. That’s why I found myself smiling over and over as Bo found the playful, fun side of himself with Kaia.

Humans have long been positioned as the weakest race, but Kaia Luna knows that they can be just as deadly. The BlackSea Changelings’ history is filled with harm done to them by humans and Kaia herself has experienced trauma at human hands. Upon first meeting Bo, she’s suspicious of him, but her cousin needs her assistance treating the far-too-attractive male. Kaia’s wariness doesn’t last long and I loved watching her open up to Bo. Kaia is an absolutely wonderful heroine. She’s a chef who shows her love through food and her warm, caring nature simply sprung off the page. She’s the kind of heroine you wish were real just so you could be friends with her (and not just because she makes fantastic cookies). She and Bo are a perfect fit and their romance made me smile and sigh. The proverbial ticking time bomb in Bo’s head isn’t the only obstacle they face. Bo’s a creature of land and Kaia of the sea; finding a happy medium given their lives, obligations, and deep-seated fears isn’t easy. I was rooting for them every step of the way because I liked them both so much.

Ocean Light takes readers deep into the heart of BlackSea territory and I couldn’t be happier. What I wouldn’t give to live on the Ryūjin installation with its friendly, unique characters and fascinating feats of engineering. BlackSea is different from many of the Changeling groups we’ve seen so far not only because of the variety of species, but because they’re spread out across the world. It made for a different dynamic that was fascinating and fun to see. How often would you expect to see a conversation with a whale or shark or a fight with a walrus, all in human form? Every character Ms. Singh introduces us to is intriguing and when you add in a plotline involving the missing members of BlackSea, it’s easy to see why I didn’t want Ocean Light to end.

Romance, action, and a bright, vivid world all make Ocean Light a captivating read. I read Kaia and Bo’s book late into the night until I couldn’t possibly keep my eyes open any longer, only to finish it as soon as I woke up the next morning. Ms. Singh’s writing continues to be incredibly addictive her characters never fail to grab my heart. I loved Ocean Light and I hope to see more of BlackSea soon!