The review will go up tomorrow, June 5. Here's the text...

I have a guest reviewer here at the Fishbowl today. My friend Lillie. She is a huge Nalini fan, so she graciously volunteered to read and review Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh. for me. Here you go…

I was so incredibly excited when Nalini Singh posted the blurb for Wolf Rain. A new type of empath! I love all the books with the empaths so revisiting them with something new had my expectations high. And this book more than exceeded those expectations.

Memory’s journey to find herself and discover her own self-worth in turns broke my heart and brought fierce joy. She’s now one of my favorite heroines of the series. I wasn’t surprised that I loved her. We often hear about authors writing the book of their heart. In Wolf Rain, Nalini Singh somehow managed to write the book of my heart. It has everything I love.

The surprise for me came from Alexei. I didn’t have any feelings toward him one way or the other prior to this book. I remembered him as a pretty playboy type. But things had happened in Alexei’s life since the last time we saw him on the page. Singh delves deeper into the rogues in Changeling society, something that has been briefly mentioned in past books, an illness that even with all the advances in medical care they now have, Changelings don’t understand how or why it happens. They only know the devastation it leaves behind. And Alexei is part of that devastation. I was just as invested in his journey to forgiveness and trust. And how the things he had faced made him the perfect hero for Memory.

After Heart of Obsidian I questioned what kind of realistic external conflict we could expect to see in this world now that the most powerful person in the world was on the side of good. We’re still seeing them deal with the corrosion of the PsyNet but what else? Wolf Rain starts laying the building blocks for the next big bad in the PsyChangeling world, and while I can’t yet see where exactly we’re going with it, I can’t wait to follow.

Thanks, Lillie, for the great review! I might just have to try this new trilogy. Readers, here’s a secret: Lillie often tells me what to read. I’ve given up arguing with her. It may take me a while, but I always read what she recommends to me.

If you want to keep up with Lillie, she can be found on Twitter talking books, which Chris is the best Chris, and the cows that showed up in her front yard late one night.

This novel starts a bit differently than any of the others I can remember and it leads us into a bevy of plots and subplots but at the heart of it all is the romance between Memory and Alexei which is pretty slow burn but written in such an exceptional manner that I found their interaction as enthralling as the "end of the world" type plot that is but 1 of several plots.

We get to see almost every character from other books that I can think of with a very few exceptions and the several plots interweave and 1 that seems to be a massive main plot turns out to be an easy fix by the time it comes to fruition.

I could hardly put it down and you have things that turn out as you expect they will and a few that turn out in ways you never considered.

So in addition to some really good stressful scenes and what appears to be at least 2 really evil bad guys the exceptional romance just adds to this story and makes it 5 Stars for me.

The book was okay. I guess I'm just tired of serial killer bad guys and multiple viewpoint story telling. I skipped a lot to get to the parts I was interested in.

Alexei is a wolf changeling and he finds a hidden bunker with a Psy female named Mercy being held captive. Mercy has been a captive since she was a child and her mother was murdered. She was told her Psy gifts are evil. In this story you find out more about the Psy-net, secrets the council kept and more. I enjoyed seeing the older characters and how they were doing. A great read and addition to the Psy-Changeling stories.


I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

I pretty much read this in one sitting as it sucked me straight back into the Psy-Changeling world that I love.

Wolf Rain's main storyline is solid and moves the series forward well. But it is the secondary storyline that I am obsessed with. It was done as a mystery element and quite well. I am hoping it sets up those characters for their own books down the road.

A terrific paranormal romance for readers and longtime fans will not be disappointed.

I'm going to be honest, I had to read this book twice in two weeks just to complete a review that had more words than "OMGILOVETHISBOOKSOMUCH." Nalini Singh is my gold standard author, and her Psy-Changeling series is one of my most beloved series of all time. I was a little nervous about WOLF RAIN just because, once again, this wasn't a couple or story I had expected. Of course, Ms. Singh knows her world best and this might not have been the story I originally wanted, but it's the story we all need.

Sexy Lexie and his small, yet ferocious E named Memory are young, fun, hilarious, and the perfect addition to the Psy-Changeling world I know and love. I don't want to give anything away, but your favorite wolves are back and so are many characters from the original series. I enjoyed getting to check in on the Arrows and Es as well as the overarching plot to save the PsyNet.

Memory might be one of my new favorite heroines. Her resilience, humor, and complete devotion to her wolf brought tears to my eyes many times and kept a huge smile on my face. I enjoyed the lack of angst between Memory and Alexi, there was plenty of external conflicts to keep things interesting, it made sense for the story and allowed Ms. Singh to push the series plot forward.

Overall, this book was everything I want in a Psy-Changeling novel. My favorite part of any book Nalini writes are the nuanced plot points and seemingly small characters who make a big impact. I've reread her books countless times, and I still manage to catch new layers and depth each time, I am always surprised and delighted by the developments in this series. I have a list a mile long of characters who both need and deserve a story. If you need me, I will just be sitting over here dying for the next installment in this series until 2020.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

The third book in Nalini Singh's Trinity series, Wolf Rain continues to explore life after the fall of Silence. Humans, Changelings, and Psy are learning how to co-exist in this new world but are also learning more about the dark secrets kept under Silence, and some of what drove the ruling Psy to instigate Silence in the first place. Many Psy have finally admitted that what it comes down to is: for every power there is a price. As a whole, the psychic race wanted to see themselves as superior to humans and changelings, but weren't willing to admit there was a price that they needed to pay, or a balance that must be struck. Ignoring the high rate of psychopaths and killers in their midst seemed like a small price to pay for control. With the fall of Silence, those psychopaths have a harder time hiding from the rest of the world.

Memory has been held prisoner by a psychopath since she was a child. Discovered by SnowDancer Alexie, she must learn to control her Empathic abilities and become strong enough to save herself from the killer who wants to reclaim her. Memory is a delightful character who, when given the chance, fully embraces her new life. She may consider herself dark and damaged, but to the reader (and Alexie) she is soft, strong, and caring, light and sparkles. She learns what makes her happy and she goes for it. Alexie is a wolf who tries to hold himself apart from others, afraid his family's darkness has infected him as well. He decided a long time ago to never mate, and when we meet him in the beginning of Wolf Rain he is grieving and in pain from losing his beloved big brother. But his intentions can't stand up to Memory and he finds himself in love with her before he quite realizes what's happened. One thing he knows for sure- the killer hunting Memory is going to have to get through him to have her.

As usual, Singh does a wonderful job of blending a personal story with the story of the evolving world she has built. Memory is an unusual E, and it takes a long time for anyone to figure out exactly what it is she can do. She has to try and find her place in the post-Silence world, as an individual and also as an E trying to help her people. Without humans, changelings, and strong empaths in the PsyNet, the Psy as a whole are in danger of extinction. With the end of Ocean Light readers might be surprised that the next Trinity book doesn't follow the idea of bringing humans and Psy closer together- but don't worry, as always Singh has tricks up her sleeve to surprise and delight the reader and bring her characters (and world) together in unexpected but perfect ways.

Wolf Rain is a wonderful addition to the Psy/Changeling world, and will fill readers with all of the emotions they could want. We get to see old friends from previous books and watch new bonds form. Readers new to the series shouldn't have trouble figuring out what's going on, although having read at least Ocean Light and Silver Silence will help you appreciate some of the nuances. I defy any first time reader who picks up Wolf Rain to not immediately fall in love and need to read all of SIngh's Pay/Changeling books- and then wait on the edge of their seat with the rest of us to discover where Singh will take us next!



I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I didn’t realize how much I missed the SnowDancer wolves and DarkRiver leopards until I opened up Wolf Rain and got to visit with all my favorites. No matter how immense this world gets, I always enjoy coming back home to the original characters who made me fall in love with them and this series.

Ms. Singh introduces readers to Memory Aven- Rose. Kidnapped as a young girl after the murder of her mother, she has been held captive by a psychopath who needs her for her special Psy abilities. You would think she would be broken, but she’s not. Memory is strong and bright and brave, and just needs a little tenderness and understanding to flourish.

Her hero is Alexei Vasiliev Harte. A SnowDancer lieutenant with a tragic family history who has sworn to never fall in love and mate. Then he rescues a fiesty E-Psy from an underground bunker and his whole world changes. He is determined to keep Memory safe and kill the man who hurt her for so long.

My favorite pairings in this series have always been Psy/Changelings and this couple did not disappoint. Alexei is a typical predatory dominant changeling male, all growly and protective, but fascinated by the woman who would end up being his mate. Memory is a strong heroine who blossoms once she is able to be herself and starts to truly understand her abilities and what she can do with them. I loved all the little ways Alexei courted her with gifts of food and sparkly shoes and how eager Memory was for intimate skin privileges with her wolf. Despite their tragic backgrounds they work through their problems together to find their HEA.

They were yet another fabulous couple in a world full of fabulous couples. It’s why I keep reading this series.
The world building is deep and expansive, and it continues to grow with every new book. The PsyNet continues to degrade and the ruling council is still battling and looking for ways to build it back up. Ms. Singh introduced some new characters and I’m excited for what comes next. As deep and complex as this world is, this author manages to keep and hold my attention no matter how many twists and turns there are. I’m always ready for more.

Final Grade- B+

Introducing a new plot thread seemingly separate from the one still dangling after the last book, the author brings us back to beloved wolf and cat changeling country with this tender, emotional, and suspenseful latest entry in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series.

Wolf Rain is the third of the second season Psy-Changeling Trinity series and the eighteenth in the overall series. This is a series that frequently ties into many earlier books by recurring characters and mentions of significant events in the past while still introducing new players and a plot is fresh.

Wolf Rain felt like a big shift in the series because it leaves the previous path of a secret organization attempting to overthrow the Trinity Accord and its leaders and focuses on a new twist in the Psy lore- dark E-talents- but also had a secondary series plot of the ongoing deterioration of the Psy people's psychic net that keeps them alive and the clock ticking down until the Psy Net fails. I was not disappointed with this seemingly new direction because I can see how it had to be inserted for later future repercussions.

So, Alexei, one of the wolf changelings encounters a mysterious woman locked away in a bunker and carrying a dark psy talent. She has been in the grasp of a psychopath Psy who uses her gift for his own dark purposes since he killed her mother and stole her while she was a child. Memory is disgusted by her talent, but starts to pull together the shattered pieces of her life with the help of Alexei, Sascha, and other new friends she is making while determining that she will get vengeance on the one who took her and tried to break her. And, she will convince that stubborn, heart-broken wolf that he is hers.

Alexei has had to see his grandfather, father, and brother put down as rogue wolves and the women mated to them suffer and die of it. He grieves and hurts particularly the loss of his brother. He carries that gene and he will not perpetuate it even if he and his wolf side find feisty survivor, Memory, a bright and shining source of light in his life. There is an evil being out there who would do anything to get Memory back and a second out of control dark Psy who is hurting Arrows and Empaths like Memory. He may resist the mate bond, but he will protect her to his last breath.

Alexei and Memory's story is not told in isolation and many regular characters as well as all the races are well represented. Caleb is given brief narration bits along with a mysterious afflicted Psy sprinkled throughout Alexie and Memory taking turns.

I swear the author specializes in showing the dark in the world and then showing how strong people, determined to do right and not let evil win find a way in both their ability to be together and their ability to thwart a powerful danger.

I like how the romance is there and developed well as are the pair as individuals, but that its part of a larger plot driving forward to an exciting series of suspenseful moments at the end of the book. There were friendship moments for both Alexei with his pack and Memory with other E-Psy and the Arrows, sensual times, fun and sad, but a couple big triumphs and a few twists. Just an all-around fantastic series entry.

If you're new to the series, don't be intimidated by the number of books. It's so worth it for the paranormal romance fan.

Link to live tweeting: https://twitter.com/aarya_marsden/status/1116417886464151552?s=21

This is my favorite Psy Changeling book since KISS OF SNOW.

***

I didn’t end up writing a full fledged review, but I did discuss WOLF RAIN on my post about how different readers respond to anticipated releases (I’m a Level 5, don’t judge me).

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2019/06/guest-post-wolf-rain-and-the-art-of-reading-an-anticipated-release/

"Wolf Rain" is the third book in Nalini Singh's Psy Changeling Trinity series (and the 18th overall Psy Changeling book) and it's definitely one of my favorites.

Alexei, a SnowDancer Lieutenant haunted by a family curse meets a captive Empath named Memory and frees her. As she learns about the world and her powers--powers that show a darker side to the Empathic designation, the Psy must find a way to fix the problems that are producing more and more violent outbursts in some of the Psy.

While I was initially disappointed that we were going back to SnowDancer territory in this book (it was really wonderful seeing different changeling groups and how they interacted), in a lot of ways it felt like slipping into a pair of comfy and well-loved pajamas. Not only do we get an update on a lot of the previous couples, it was great to see and expand upon the E Compound and the Arrows there. Some of my favorite parts of this book were Memory's interactions with the Arrows at the E Compound. While we hadn't seen a lot of Alexei previously, he's a solid hero (with a haunted past! because of course!) I will admit that I could have done with less of the ruminating on his past and why he couldn't have a mate, but overall the romance is very cute. Memory is a great heroine. She'd been captive since she was a child due to a twist in her empathic talent, and as she learned about and experienced the world around her, it was reminiscent of Sascha and Faith doing the same thing so many books ago. She's funny and feisty, and it's delightful how she throws herself into life.

It was also great to catch up with Sascha and Naya (who has a few adorable scenes!) and some of the others. The politics were definitely interesting, and I'm really excited to see where this arc goes next.

More, this book gives us a new danger for and from the Psy and more information on a few new players on the scene, and I'm excited to see whether they'll be friend or foe. Overall, this is a great new chapter of the Psy Changeling story and I want to know what happens next!

You all know how much I adore Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series so it was a good bet that I was going to at least enjoy this latest installment. But I freaking loved Wolf Rain so much! Being back with the SnowDancer pack felt like coming home in the best way. It was fun seeing old favorites and seeing them interact with both of the main characters.

I've been hoping we'd get Alexei’s story since his excessive amount of dominance challenges was mentioned. How could I not be interested? Especially when Alexei is also known as the Russian Bridegroom. His story was so not what I imagined it would be. It was actually much better and felt more real! He's grumpy and angry and so very much a dominant changeling. His first thought when he got hit by a wave of grief from an unknown E was to find them and help.

Said E turned out to be one of my favorite heroines of this whole series and that's saying a lot because I've loved all the heroines so far. Memory was fierce and girly and I loved her so much! She is a more prickly version of the empaths and I loved her for it. She has been through hell but she still retained her sense of self. I loved that she went toe to toe with Alexi without even blinking and eye.

And my god! I loved the romance so much! Alexei and Memory are just perfect for each other! The banter was so good but they were able to be soft with each other in a way they couldn't be with others. They could understand each other's grief and pain and are able to bring out the best in each other. I found myself alternatively laughing and tearing up throughout this whole book. I couldn't help but hug my tablet when I finished reading it. I was grinning like a madwoman. This book was so great!

I've mentioned before what an amazing job Nalini Singh does with the worldbuilding and it just gets better and better. We go into this book knowing that the PsyNet is in serious trouble but we find out just how serious it is. One of the things I loved about this book is how it confronted two of the ugly sides of the Psy and Changeling races but did so in such a way where it was meaningful and not info dumpy. Also, we got to see what happens to some of the Psy when Silence isn't enforced and it's going to be a game changer that I'm intrigued to see where the author goes with it. I couldn't put this book down once I started it and I finished it in one sitting. These books are my favorite kind of book crack.

I can honestly say that in a series full of favorites, Wolf Rain has easily made it into my top three. But as much as I loved being back with SnowDancer, I can't wait to see who the next book is about. I'm really hoping if we have another changeling main character they'll be from BlackSea or WindHaven or RainFire. I'd take more Bears too! Or I could go for another book featuring one of the many Arrows. I'm still hoping for a romance between a certain civilian tech and older Arrow. I can't wait for the next book and I can reliably say that no matter who the main characters are I'll probably love the hell out of it. Nalini Singh hasn't written a book yet that I haven't loved.

Can anyone ever have enough of Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling world. Well now that she is three books into the Psy-Changeling Trinity world, we don’t have to worry about it.

In this installment, the Snowdancer Lieutenant Alexei is coming up on the 1 year anniversary of his brother’s death. He has been functioning as a shell of himself since the loss.

Deciding to take a run into the deep wilderness by himself sounds like the perfect way to avoid more contact with his packmates. While running Alexei is almost brought down by overwhelming grief. He quickly discovers that it is not his own and searchers for the source. Alexei finds a hidden Psy bunker. Breaking into the bunker he finds a Psy-E being held prisoner in the bunker and rescues her.

Memory has been held prisoner by an insane psychopath teleporter / telekinetic since she was 7 years old. Now a grow woman she is faced with a new world outside the bunker. After all she has been through, she is still courageous and strong and quite possibly a top contender in my favorite character list from this series.

Immediate attraction is felt by both Memory and Alexei, but Alexei tries to hold himself back from the precocious Psy. But that is challenge Memory is up for even recovering from her years of confinement, she isn’t going to miss another day of living.

There should be no surprise that I LOVED THIS BOOK. If you haven’t read Nalini Singh, YOU. ARE. MISSING. OUT!

Magical romances, fantastic fantasy, amazing paranormal aspects, what more can a reader ask for.

I received this ARC copy of Wolf Rain from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Wolf Rain is set for publication June 4, 2019.

My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity (Book 3)
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: June 4, 2019
ISBN-10: 198480359X
ISBN-13: 978-1984803597
Genre: scifi | romance

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Psy-Chang...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wolf...
Itunes: https://books.apple.com/mt/book/wolf-...

A new novel from Nalini Singh is always, always cause for celebration. Both her romance series are like works of art to me. They are creative, unique, interesting to read time and time again, and make me glad to be a reader. Wolf Rain is yet another unique venture from Nalini Singh. I seriously do not know how she always comes up with new plot lines in this series. It is utterly amazing.

I really do not want to spoil this book for anyone because it is best savored going in kind of blind. This book stars Alexei from the SnowDancer Wolf Pack and an empath named Memory. Longtime readers of the Psy-Changeling series already have a familiarity with the empaths but Wolf Rain takes this psy designation in a slightly different direction and it proves to be an exciting turn in what this means for the coming books.

Let me just say, I thoroughly loved this book. I haven’t had a lot of luck in 2019 with my reading. Not a lot is holding my attention (not the fault of the books or authors) unfortunately and considering how long this series has been running, it seems like it would be tough to keep things going but… IT IS NOT. Nalini clearly continues her vision for these characters in Wolf Rain. It is so exciting to revisit the SnowDancer pack and see characters we already know while also spending time getting to know Alexei better and of course, getting to know Memory. This book opens with a scene that had me crying. It felt so different from how other Psy-Changeling books have begun.

Storylines that have been teased out in other areas of this world become more fully fleshed out. There are new friendships (Mercy and Memory made me smile so much), there are sightings of a certain changeling cub, and there are new characters introduced who have a lot of potential for future books.

I know I am being very obtuse in this review. The fact is, I was immersed immediately into Memory and Alexei’s story, both as individuals and as a growing couple. I was intrigued by the characters that make a reappearance and I have high hopes for what the future may bring for the Psy and Changeling world. Nalini Singh is a true romance master. Wolf Rain is fabulous from beginning to end. I recommend just starting the book with only your faith in Nalini and her storytelling skills. Don’t read spoilery reviews because this book shines when you just jump in. Bravo Nalini, bravo!!

Nalini Singh follows the Psi Changelings into Wolf Rain as the wolf shifters team up with the E psis to keep the world in balance and fight off psi psychopaths and other dark actors in the psi web. Exellent paranormal adventure with interesting romantic and business relationships in a near future psi and shifter world. Be sure to read this.

Return to the beloved world of the SnowDancer pack in Wolf Rain. I love all of Nalini Singh’s pairings, no matter what the combination of human, Psy, or Changeling is, but I admittedly have a soft spot for Psy-Changeling pairings. Combine that with returning to an area in the Psy-Changeling world that already has a strong grip on my heart and it’s no surprise I was eager to dive into this book. Ms. Singh did not disappoint. Alexei and Memory are engaging, interesting, endearing protagonists and their romance is lovely to watch unfold.

Memory is a survivor, a fighter, and – quite simply – a wonderful heroine. She was kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, suffered mental violations that would break most, and still managed to keep her core self alive and vibrant. We first meet her after a heartbreaking loss, one that touched me deeply, and I was immediately drawn to her. I loved her spirit and strength, how even though she was physically weakened and led to believe she’s a monster she doesn’t break. When she’s introduced to the empaths, Arrows, and Changelings, Memory blossoms, quickly coming into her own when she has friendship and support. I loved her journey and was eager to see her find love with the Alexei. The gorgeous wolf is loving, a protector to the core, and bears invisible wounds that bleed daily. He’s lost so much, but he never stops giving. Alexei melted my heart and I was glad to see him start to heal over the course of the story. He and Memory fit one another like lock and key and their slide into love is seamless. I loved watching them challenge each other and their romance was fun, sexy, and heartwarming all at once.

Wolf Rain is the third book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series, but fans of the original Psy-Changeling books will be delighted to see many of their favorite heroes and heroines play supporting roles in this story. Whether you’re new to the series or are a longtime fan, it’s impossible not to be drawn to the supporting cast. The SnowDancer and DarkRiver packs are filled with wonderful, vibrant characters that bring warmth and energy to the page. They add depth to the world while never pulling focus from Memory or Alexei and I loved seeing all the various friendships intertwine and come into play. I recommend at least being familiar with the Psy-Changeling world before starting Wolf Rain, as the troubled state of the PsyNet is an important plotline. The PsyNet is barely holding together with the help of the empaths, and a new power has arrived that could mean the disintegration of large parts of the Net, killing thousands of Psy at a time. I found this storyline as compelling as the romance and I love how Ms. Singh keeps developing her world in new and fascinating ways. The only downside to this is that after I finished the book I desperately wanted to keep going and discover what happens next in the Psy-Changeling Trinity world.

Snow Dancer lieutenant Alexei is out for a run in the Sierra Nevadas when he’s bombarded with psychic pain. He knows it must be coming from an empath, but is shocked when he finally finds Memory trapped in a bunker where she’s been held by a psychopath since childhood. Once she’s safe, Alexei and the pack work to track down the Psy who hurt her.

Alexei has his own trauma though, connected to his brother’s death two years earlier. His history with Rogue Changelings is something we haven’t heard much about in the series. It makes Alexei reluctant to form attachments to anyone. But despite her sheltered and traumatic history, Memory’s quickly attracted to Alexei and willing to fight for what she wants.

Memory’s story is reminiscent of a few earlier in the series, particularly Kaleb’s and Sienna’s, though more in a nostalgic way than an “I’ve read this before” way. Add in appearances by Sasha, Hawke and lots of the Snow Dancer wolves and long-time fans are the series are sure to love Wolf Rain. We also learn a lot more about the Empaths and how they work in the PsyNet. And don’t skip the chapter headers! The excerpts from research on Empaths is fascinating, but the bits from Wild Woman magazine might be my favorite thing in the whole book.

I was surprised by the return to the California pack since the other Trinity books have been set in other parts of the world. Plus, I really wanted to see more of the Russian shifters. But I wound up loving Wolf Rain. This series has always been a comfort read for me so the setting and characters are like old friends. And I didn’t have a complaint about the ending like I’ve had with the two previous Trinity books. I do, however, still have some unanswered questions about Memory’s powers so I hope that Singh will return the Empaths soon. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

4.5 stars

Alright, this one deserved some slow reading because Nalini always has beautiful writing and a lot of information to gather.

First off: characters.
I loved going back to the SnowDancer pack because honestly, Hawk. Yet it was also nice to see other characters again as well as the new ones. No pun intended but I have no previous memory of Memory- she wasn’t a character from previous books that I had a lock on or really pushed for her own story. Alexei though? Yes I do remember him and it was exciting to get his own story. Despite my lacking knowledge. the two characters had a real chemistry. Memory had a feisty personality that made her endearing when it could have pulled her into annoying.

Second: story.

I thing Nalini has this beautiful way of creating stories that bring a subtle message for those who truly understand literature and their meanings. Nalini writes books that could probably be dissected as easily as “Crime and Punishment”. The story unfolds as an unstable relationship between Psy, Changeling and Humans- but evolves to messages of peace, unity, and ultimately acceptance of race and cultural differences.

Overall Conclusion: It’s a beauty in its own right and really another beautiful story told by this author. It was a pleasure to read this story and dive into this world that I truly wish was real and apart of our own. I have slowly grown with these characters and developed personal attachments to them, every time I get to read their stories and see another one find happiness is something a proud mother could easily understand despite them not really being mine.

Can I share in a join custody agreement, Nalini?
No?
Maybe i’ll try again next year..

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this and be apart of an early look at this book, it was a slow ride, true. But the story deserves someone’s full attention.

4.5 STARS

When a series is still going strong at book 18, still intriguing, still surprising, then it has something special that makes it outstanding from the rest. Both the Guild Hunter and Psy-Changeling series are favorites of mine because the worlds Nalini Singh has created are complex, huge, creative and stunning. I could spend weeks in this universe and never get bored and I get excited whenever a new installment lands on my Kindle. With WOLF RAIN we are going back to the Snow Dancer den and our beloved wolves.

Alexei and Memory were super-cute. Alexei had a beautifully playful side that I absolutely adored. He and his growly wolf made me grin so much, my face hurt from it. His protective side, the one that needed to feed Memory and take care of her was so sweet and endearing. Alexei was lost the minute he experienced Memory's sass and brave heart.

"She was so tough, his E, but she had a soft heart that incited every protective instinct in his body."

Memory was everything you wish for in a heroine - she had a huge dose of spunk and sass, she was smart and determined to move on from the ordeal she experienced at the hands of a Psy-psychopath. The things this guy did to her and her mother were atrocious and for a while she thought she wasn't just "other" but bad, wrong. I was hoping that Sasha and all the other empaths would be able to instill some confidence in herself. And oh did they.

Here is where I had to deduct a half star: (view spoiler) I loved them together - both had such a huge capacity for love. I think my most favorite part was when Memory started to poke the bear...err...wolf.

"Memory was color and light and a primal joy in life."

Of course Nalini Singh makes us gasp and hold our breath with her super-evil villains. They always give me the chills and Renault is no different. We can catch up a little with the other Snow Dancer and Dark River changelings and that's always a wonderful treat. Of course Kaleb and the Arrows make an appearance, too. One of the most touching scenes were Hawke's acceptance of Memory. What a beautiful, tender moment.

"A deep sense of acceptance, primal protectiveness, wild affection, it sank into her soul. This was why he was alpha. Because he had the capacity to hold every member of his pack in his heart. “You’re one of mine now,” he said, brushing back her hair with his other hand before leaning down to kiss her cheek. “Wild, a survivor, a fighter, you do this pack proud.”

The seeds for a new story arc are being planted and I can't wait to see how this is going to play out. I'm super intrigued.

WOLF RAIN is a worthy successor in this series. It has Ms Singh's trademark lovable characters and her beautiful prose that I can't get enough of. Now I wonder who we'll get next. Maybe we go back to Russia? Or up in the air? Who knows, who cares! I'll read it!

Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh, the 3rd book in the Psy/Changeling Trinity series, brings us back to Snow Dancer territory. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so this review is short.

Snow Dancer lieutenant Alexei is out on patrol when he feels something..off. After a bit of investigation he finds an Empath hidden away in a bunker inside Snow Dancer territory. A bunker he – and no one else – knew existed. Inside he finds Memory, a woman who has clearly been kept captive for some time. He helps her escape and takes her to the pack, but Memory is damaged. Alexei knows an E when he sees one, but Memory doesn’t behave like the other E’s he knows. Trying to discover who’s been holding her captive, while helping her heal is trying enough. He’s also dealing with the betrayal and loss of his brother, and he’s in no place to be in a relationship. Not even with a sexy E he can’t stop thinking about.

Wolf Rain is probably my favorite Psy-Changeling book since Heart of Obsidian. I loved Alexei and how he and Memory dealt with one another. Her trust in him was sweet, and I loved how they challenged each other. I did struggle a bit with the quick timeline of her recovery. I would have thought she’d need more time to deal with her past and the way she was held captive. I laughed out loud several times while reading, and my heart melted other times.

The mystery behind Memory’s Empath abilities and why she was held captive was really well done. I was drawn in from the start.

Nalini Singh is a master at pulling at my emotions. I laughed, I got teary eyed, my heart melted. Wolf Rain was a wonderful addition to an already wonderful series.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5