Alpha Night (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #4) by Nalini Singh

Synopsis (via Goodreads): New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to her breathtaking Psy-Changeling Trinity series with a mating that shouldn’t exist…

Alpha wolf Selenka Durev’s devotion to her pack is equaled only by her anger at anyone who would harm those under her care. That currently includes the empaths who’ve flowed into her city for a symposium that is a security nightmare, a powder keg just waiting for a match.

Ethan Night is an Arrow who isn’t an Arrow. Numb and disengaged from the world, he’s loyal only to himself. Assigned as part of the security force at a world-first symposium, he carries a dark agenda tied to the power-hungry and murderous Consortium. Then violence erupts and Ethan finds himself crashing into the heart and soul of an alpha wolf.

Mating at first sight is a myth, a fairytale. Yet Selenka’s wolf is resolute: Ethan Night, broken Arrow and a man capable of obsessive devotion, is the mate it has chosen. Even if the mating bond is full of static and not quite as it should be. Because Selenka’s new mate has a terrible secret, his mind surging with a power that is a creature of madness and death…

“Have you met Mr. Tall, Dangerous, and Smoldering before?" Margo put a hand on Selenka's shoulder, the contact instinctive between packmates. "It's a serious breach of the girlfriend code to hide snacks like that.”

Nalini Singh took insta-love to a whole new level with Alpha Night. Normally, I'm firmly against anything that even remotely resembles love at first sight, but Singh made it work by placing the blame squarely on Selenka's animal instincts. Her human side was very surprised by the shotgun mating, and it took that part of her a while to develop feelings for Ethan naturally. She wanted to know what he was like as a man (other than tall, dark & handsome), and it was nice seeing them slowly learn new things about each other. It was both sweet and intense, since their mating also made them crave close physical contact. 

I really, really love this series! The audio is amazing, and it's so easy to lose myself in the world Singh has created. Every character has value and ends up being incredibly important to me by the end of the book. I also like it when there's a pack or clan focus, since we'll frequently see younger changelings running around the adults and acting adorable. It just makes everything feel more realistic and gives this series a charm that I've found lacking in other books. 

Selenka is dealing with issues both inside and outside of her pack, and I enjoyed seeing Ethan seamlessly become a part of her life. He had no idea how to be an alpha to a pack of wolves, but he could guess what Selenka needed by watching and mimicking some of her behaviors. He never tried to be her equal - - even though Selenka thought of him as one - - but quietly supported her from the sidelines. He was quick to use his powers to protect her and others, but he would never try to overpower or outrank her place within the pack. They maintained an effortless balance despite barely knowing each other.

Selenka's father can rot in hell.

Ethan's previous jailor (both mentally and physically) can also rot in hell.

I just love how vividly Singh has portrayed her world, and revisiting it never fails to amaze me. There are so many facets and people vying for peace and power, but it never feels overwhelming. She ties various threads from multiple books into one cohesive story (every book can stand on its own, but it's like they're all collectively building towards something bigger), will have character's crossover from one book to the next, and introduces new people in a way that makes you feel like you've known them forever. Valentin was around in this one (from Silver Silence), so I was thrilled! Because bears...

If you haven't read this series, I highly suggest giving it a shot! If you want a second opinion, check out the post Nick from The Infinite Limits of Love posted today! She also paired every book cover with a delicious-looking dessert, so it's really a win for everyone. I think I'm going to steal her idea and add a little twist! ;) (★★★★☆)