Wolf Rain (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #3) by Nalini Singh

Narrated by Angela Dawe

Synopsis (via Goodreads): New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh takes us on a new adventure in this next novel of the Psy-Changeling Trinity series…

The end of Silence was supposed to create a better world for future generations. But trust is broken, and the alliance between Psy, Changeling, and human is thin. The problems that led to Silence are back in full force. Because Silence fixed nothing, just hid the problems.

This time, the Psy have to find a real answer to their problems–if one exists. Or their race will soon go extinct in a cascade of violence. The answer begins with an empath who is attuned to monsters–and who is going to charm a wolf into loving her despite his own demons.

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I am loving the audiobooks for this series! I read a physical copy Silver Silence and own the entire Psy-Changeling Trinity series, but Angela Dawe is a phenomenal narrator. Every character has a distinct voice and I am never confused by who's speaking. She conveys their individual personalities so well, and never fails to amaze me with her conviction and creativity. I highly recommend this series on audio, if you like audiobooks!

Wolf Rain is currently tied with Silver Silence as my favorite book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series. I enjoyed Ocean Light and Alpha Night, but I think I prefer when the changelings are the males. Don't ask me why, because I honestly don't know. There's just something about a growly, insufferable man that appeals to me. A little rough around the edges, somewhat possessive and a lot protective, animal instincts occasionally overriding the human ones - - it makes for good reading! Also, their sex drive is insane! They're like an oversized Energizer Bunny... They just keep going and going...

My mind is totally in the gutter right now remembering Alexei and Memory's romp in the woods. Nalini Singh knows how to deliver a good story and amazing character chemistry. Nothing feels like insta-love despite a character's animal "knowing" when someone is their mate. They still develop feelings and a friendship before knocking boots. I really loved how patient Alexei was with Memory, and that he wanted to give her time to understand herself before acting on their emotions. She knew she had the stirrings of something for him, but neither could be sure it wasn't just because he'd saved her from a horrible situation. We know they're going to be forever lovers, but it was nice they took the time to figure some stuff out before jumping into a super steamy relationship. *cough* Sexy Lexie! *cough*

Alexei is dealing with his own demons, and I loved that Memory was able to support and understand him in a way no one else could. Her abilities and her personal connection to him allowed her to heal some of his hurt and jagged edges. She was there for him as much as he was there for her, and I laughed every time she growled or poked him in the stomach.

I also really liked the secondary characters and how well they were written! It's fun when old favorites make an appearance, or when it's clear the author is setting up a future book for someone you already adore. Additionally, there were multiple mysteries woven into the story, and it was fun figuring out how they tied together and what they meant for the world as a whole.

Singh has delivered another amazing story with relatable and memorable characters. I've already finished Alpha Night and will hopefully find the time to review it soon. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the original Psy-Changeling series, and while it was enjoyable, I've already noticed some significant differences. More on that later! If you need a series to get lost in, this is definitely one to consider. (★★★★★)

Ocean Light (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #2) by Nalini Singh

Narrated by Angela Dawe

Synopsis (via Goodreads): New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh dives beneath the surface of her Psy-Changeling world into a story of passionate devotion and selfless love...

Security specialist Bowen Knight has come back from the dead. But there's a ticking time bomb in his head: a chip implanted to block telepathic interference that could fail at any moment--taking his brain along with it. With no time to waste, he should be back on land helping the Human Alliance. Instead, he's at the bottom of the ocean, consumed with an enigmatic changeling...

Kaia Luna may have traded in science for being a chef, but she won't hide the facts of Bo's condition from him or herself. She's suffered too much loss in her life to fall prey to the dangerous charm of a human who is a dead man walking. And she carries a devastating secret Bo could never imagine...

But when Kaia is taken by those who mean her deadly harm, all bets are off. Bo will do anything to get her back--even if it means striking a devil's bargain and giving up his mind to the enemy...

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I read Silver Silence waaaay back in July of 2018! AGES ago! I can't believe it's been that long! I easily fell back into Singh's world, and the peppered-in details from the previous book jogged my memory without making me feel like the author was repeating herself or info-dumping. I was hesitant to start this one after loving the bears so much, but I shouldn't have been worried. Bowen Knight may be human, but he's an excellent character. Kaia was the changeling in this story, and I love that the author chose to keep her animal a secret until the end.

My guess about Kaia's animal was wrong, and I blame Bowen for that. His thoughts about her were distracting, and I think the author was intentionally misleading. I didn't love Ocean Light as much as Silver Silence, because bears. There was just something about those rowdy, raucous bear changelings that endeared them to me forever. However, the idea of being able to swim in the ocean's depths was appealing. No one really knows what's down there, and being a part of that world would be fascinating! I also really enjoyed learning about the different types of water changelings. Keeping their other selves a secret seemed to be a game they enjoyed playing with outsiders.

Kaia suffered from a childhood trauma that prevented her from ever going on land. She lives her life in the deep, and she's happy cooking for her people and caring for them with food. It's obvious how much the rest of the clan adores her (especially since she takes the time to learn their favorite foods), and Bowen's interest in Kaia and the people around her was clear from the start. He was immediately intrigued by the creatures and changelings that called the water home, and he never made Kaia feel bad for her mental limitations. He loved fiercely and was immensely protective of those he cared about. I really enjoyed watching their friendship grow and their relationship bloom. Both were hesitant at first, but quickly accepted there was something special between them. Their romance was subtle but intense, and I loved how sweet they were with each other.

I also really liked how many mysteries and problems the author wove into the story. Bowen was shot previously, and while that wasn't immediately addressed, the repercussions were something they had to deal with. A lot of water changelings have been disappearing - - taken for unknown reasons. Kaia is struggling with her past and the recent loss of her best friend. Bowen's brain and the chip implanted there, plus the untested experiment he's subjecting himself to. A betrayal from within the clan, and possibly one from within the Human Alliance - - there is a lot going on, but it never felt overwhelming. The author expertly tied the various threads together to make one cohesive and thrilling story.

I've already started- - and am nearly finished with - - Wolf Rain (the third book in the series). I cannot wait to see what the author writes next! I do know that these books are technically a continuation/spinoff of a previous series, so I might have to go back and read the others (it's like 15 books) when I'm finished. Additionally, the audio for this series has been fantastic, but I also have physical copies of the books for future re-reads. If you're looking for fun adventures with amazing characters and complex stories, definitely give this series a shot. (★★★★⋆)

Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove, #1) by Shelby Mahurin

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.

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I was so worried about starting this one, because it has been hyped like crazy since its release, and I didn't want to be disappointed. However, when I saw the audiobook was available on Hoopla (this is my first experience with Hoopla, and I love it) I decided to give it a go! The audio for this book was amazing! I'm really glad that's how I initially experienced the story, because there are several words and phrases that I wouldn't have been able to pronounce on my own. I also think it enhanced an already amazing story. Mahurin is definitely a new favorite, and Holter Graham and Saskia Maarleveld are narrators I will be looking for in the future!

Serpent & Dove is full of magic and adventure, daring escapes and new friendships. I really loved all of the characters and how the author portrayed them. Both Reid and Lou were hard on the outside, and super soft on the inside. Lou wanted to stay hidden and remain safe, and her haughty attitude was a front to hide how scared and vulnerable she was. She wanted to love, but was afraid what that love would end up costing her. Reid wanted to eradicate the evil in the world, which he firmly believes to be witches and anything magical. He was a young captain, and the perceived pet of the Archbishop. They had a weird sort-of-father and son relationship, and Reid was totally devoted to him and their cause. Reid and Lou couldn't have been more different, but they still found a way to connect and form a unique and unbreakable bond.

All of the secondary characters were remarkably well-written as well. Lou's best friend, the baker that made sticky buns, Ansel, and even the villainous Cretans that made the main character's life very difficult. People constantly surprised me in this book, and appearances were definitely deceiving. I really loved the twists and turns that kept me on my toes, the ones that made my heart break, and the moments of joy that made everything worth it.

I also really enjoyed the setting! There's just something breath catching about a sword fight, especially when there's magic involved. You never know what's going to happen! It also feels very personal and in-your-face. I think the author created a fantastic fantastical world, and one I will absolutely be revisiting in the future. I believe the next book is called Blood & Honey, and I already cannot wait for its release! If you've been avoiding this book because of the hype, know that it's well-deserved and go experience this book for yourself. I think I listened to the audiobook in three days, which is really saying something for me. Normally, they expire a few times before I can reach the end! ;) (★★★★★)