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Psy-Changeling #3.5
Stroke of Enticement
In Stroke of Enticement , Annie a wary young teacher, skeptical about love, arouses the man—and the animal—in an aggressive leopard changeling who must prove his affections are true.
This story can be found in the short story anthology Wild Invitation.
This story can be found in the short story anthology Wild Invitation.
75 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
13 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Nalini Singh
252 books26.8k followersI've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 15, 2024
This couple hasn't been mentioned a lot in the series, but their story is terribly sweet. I had a tight-chest feeling moment in just the first part while reading Annie’s letter to Santa and knew in that instant that I would love Zach and Annie as much as any other character.
Kaleb Krychek fans, keep a lookout.
January 27, 2026
June 2020
September 2023
Not a bad novella, although it doesn't stand out much from the rest of the series. It started out slow, but picked up about halfway through.
********************
Original review:
I wish that the end was more fleshed out, but it was still a sweet little story.
September 2023
Not a bad novella, although it doesn't stand out much from the rest of the series. It started out slow, but picked up about halfway through.
********************
Original review:
I wish that the end was more fleshed out, but it was still a sweet little story.
June 25, 2024
A really short story about Annie (human) and Zach (a Dark River Soldier) which I enjoyed enough but feel that it didn't add anything important to the whole series or world-building.
November 15, 2025
Zach and Annie's story is as fun and refreshing as it was the first time I read it, such beautiful writing and such a beautiful story.
January 23, 2026
3.75 stars
Nawww, this was a sweet little novella. The plot was simple (and maybe a bit thin on its own), but I really liked it as a return to the Psy-Changeling world after finishing the first “season”. The community/family vibes in this one were strong.
Nawww, this was a sweet little novella. The plot was simple (and maybe a bit thin on its own), but I really liked it as a return to the Psy-Changeling world after finishing the first “season”. The community/family vibes in this one were strong.
September 18, 2025
Mehh
Igual que el 0.5, sentí que estaba leyendo lo mismo.
Igual que el 0.5, sentí que estaba leyendo lo mismo.
April 15, 2018
3,5/5
Es un libro corto de la saga, que me dio un buen rato.
Me encanto Annie y ame a Zach
Es un libro corto de la saga, que me dio un buen rato.
Me encanto Annie y ame a Zach
February 24, 2022
5 stars
Enjoyed this story a lot.
Enjoyed this story a lot.
November 10, 2024
4.25⭐️ Psy-Changeling Book: 3.5 Annie & Zach (Human & Leopard)
I never paid much attention to Zach the few times he was mentioned but this story was adorable. Little Brian was my favorite character. I like the handicap-able and plus-sized representation in this book. Also, the easter egg about Kaleb Krychek! *screams internally with anything regarding Kaleb* This one was yet another cozy holiday romance. Just like the first one was. I think this story was the perfect length. It was cute as hell and this one did contain spice.
I never paid much attention to Zach the few times he was mentioned but this story was adorable. Little Brian was my favorite character. I like the handicap-able and plus-sized representation in this book. Also, the easter egg about Kaleb Krychek! *screams internally with anything regarding Kaleb* This one was yet another cozy holiday romance. Just like the first one was. I think this story was the perfect length. It was cute as hell and this one did contain spice.
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November 12, 2025
3-3.5 stars.
This was so cute. I love Annie’s character and story. I especially love in a later novella/short story when we find out who her Psy savior is 👀 and that whole interaction. For a short story this was a fun read, but not as good as some of the others. I do love the insta love/insta mating of a shy, disabled teacher who people underestimate and a dominant shifter who knows exactly what he wants.
This was so cute. I love Annie’s character and story. I especially love in a later novella/short story when we find out who her Psy savior is 👀 and that whole interaction. For a short story this was a fun read, but not as good as some of the others. I do love the insta love/insta mating of a shy, disabled teacher who people underestimate and a dominant shifter who knows exactly what he wants.
May 21, 2022
2.5 These Psy/Changeling stories all range from fine to boring. This one bored me.
September 12, 2023
I'm trying to figure out if we see these two anywhere in the series.... This was a fun and easy little story. I really enjoyed these two.
July 22, 2022
Found these short stories at the library so I backed-tracked before moving forward. This one is 3.5.
Here we have Annie who is a human teacher who has come to the area to teach the young kids. She has to deal with different packs and different races. She is young, but she is skeptical about love because of her parents. In strides Zach Quinn. He realizes that they are meant for each other. She is his mate, but he wants to court her and prove his affections are true and forever.
Squeeee I adored Zach Quinn!!!! He was perfect for Annie. I loved how he realized he needed to move slow-ish for Annie. He is the sweetest!
Yes, they start dating pretty quickly, but Zach doesn't want her to get scared of the mating bond and that if done right they will be together forever. She is a commitment-phobe and doesn't want her heart broken.
Loved this one so much. I loved seeing them all celebrate Xmas. I wish this had been a full novel. I love them.
In the end, you can read this without the others. I don't recall hearing about Zach and Annie in the others...now I'll have to keep my eyes out for their names. Cute couple. They were perfect for each other! 4 stars from me. Not 5 because I felt like we needed more time with them. They deserved a full book darnit!!!!! LOL I could be biased though....
Here we have Annie who is a human teacher who has come to the area to teach the young kids. She has to deal with different packs and different races. She is young, but she is skeptical about love because of her parents. In strides Zach Quinn. He realizes that they are meant for each other. She is his mate, but he wants to court her and prove his affections are true and forever.
Squeeee I adored Zach Quinn!!!! He was perfect for Annie. I loved how he realized he needed to move slow-ish for Annie. He is the sweetest!
Yes, they start dating pretty quickly, but Zach doesn't want her to get scared of the mating bond and that if done right they will be together forever. She is a commitment-phobe and doesn't want her heart broken.
Loved this one so much. I loved seeing them all celebrate Xmas. I wish this had been a full novel. I love them.
In the end, you can read this without the others. I don't recall hearing about Zach and Annie in the others...now I'll have to keep my eyes out for their names. Cute couple. They were perfect for each other! 4 stars from me. Not 5 because I felt like we needed more time with them. They deserved a full book darnit!!!!! LOL I could be biased though....
February 9, 2025
In a twist nobody could’ve seen coming, the novella tops the leaderboard! When the description started off with a ”skeptical teacher” and an “aggressive leopard”, I seriously considered skipping straight to #4, but I’m glad I didn’t!
Couple Leaderboard Update:
1. Annie and Zach
2. Brenna and Judd
3. Sascha and Lucas
4. Tamsyn and Nate
5. Faith and Vaughn
Couple Leaderboard Update:
1. Annie and Zach
2. Brenna and Judd
3. Sascha and Lucas
4. Tamsyn and Nate
5. Faith and Vaughn
January 25, 2022
Annie (Human Teacher) & Zach (DarkRiver soldier) story.
August 29, 2024
This was such a cute novella. It was way less stressful than the novels. Just a little slice of life romance and love.
March 23, 2024
I loved Zach and Annie ☺️
September 6, 2023
Stroke of Enticement on Books On Track
Stroke of Enticement - Nalini Singh
RTC
December 17, 2019
2019 Re-read II
It's still 2019 and I still love this story. I just read it again, when I just wouldn't want to part with the Psy-Changelings. I love the world of the Psy-Changelings and it always feels like coming home reading one of the stories. But Annie's and Zach's story is one of my all time favorites. It's romantic and sweet - not as action driven as some of the other novellas and books. It has a different dynamic.
2019 Re-read
I've already read Annie's and Zach's story as part of an anthology (which I couldn't find, so I bought this edition) some time ago.
It's still a sweet and sexy short story set in the world of the Psy-Changeling. It's charmingly romantic.
It's still 2019 and I still love this story. I just read it again, when I just wouldn't want to part with the Psy-Changelings. I love the world of the Psy-Changelings and it always feels like coming home reading one of the stories. But Annie's and Zach's story is one of my all time favorites. It's romantic and sweet - not as action driven as some of the other novellas and books. It has a different dynamic.
2019 Re-read
I've already read Annie's and Zach's story as part of an anthology (which I couldn't find, so I bought this edition) some time ago.
It's still a sweet and sexy short story set in the world of the Psy-Changeling. It's charmingly romantic.
September 2, 2015
Los cambiantes me tienen cautivada
August 18, 2020
Hasta ahora son mi pareja favorita. Annie y Zach siempre estarán en mi corazón.
Si bien todo paso en casi dos días me encanto como fueron afrontando las cosas.
Si bien todo paso en casi dos días me encanto como fueron afrontando las cosas.
January 25, 2021
Annie (teacher with snobby parents) + Zach (park ranger and pack member)
May 27, 2021
Was in the mood for a teacher and a shifter so I picked this up for a reread.
Not my fave NS novella but still a great intro to some Psy/Changeling characters.
Not my fave NS novella but still a great intro to some Psy/Changeling characters.
February 1, 2022
#0.5 Beat of Temptation: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#0.75 Whisper of Sin: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#1 Slave to Sensation: ★★★★✮ | 4.5 stars
#2 Visions of Heat: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#2.5 Echo of Silence: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#3 Caressed by Ice: ★★★★★ | 5 stars
#3.5 Stroke of Enticement: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
I loved this little short story between Annie (human teacher) and Zach (DarkRiver soldier). I especially liked the meet cute - Annie is Zach's nephew's teacher. And Zach comes to pick Bryan up after he got in trouble at school. The conversation between Zach and his nephew was so sweet.
Though Zach is a dominant changeling, he wasn't pushy in the same way that Lucas and Vaughn where to their mates, and I really liked that change of pace. It was also nice to see a hero who didn't take ages to figure out that the female main character is his mate. Is it a little like insta-love? Yeah. But, this is a fated mates story so it works.
I appreciated the disability rep in this book - Annie was in an accident as a child and her leg was hurt so she has some chronic pain and sometimes uses a mobility aid. But, the best part? Zach - an athletic, built changeling never bats an eye at this or assumes she's incapable.
Three Thoughts:
1. Annie's mom is the literal worst. I know we learn about why she is the way she is which is supposed to humanize her. But, she needs to go to therapy and stop putting all her crap on her daughter.
2. Bryan is adorable. I know you're not supposed to condone violence between kids, but I kinda wanted to give him a high five.
3. Mercy giving Zach a talking to was A+ girls looking after girls. And, I'm here for it.
This was a sweet and swoony love story, and I really liked reading it after the intense, and angsty Book 3.
content warnings: ableist slur (challenged), overbearing mother, fatphobia/internalized fatphobia, sex (on page)
#0.75 Whisper of Sin: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#1 Slave to Sensation: ★★★★✮ | 4.5 stars
#2 Visions of Heat: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#2.5 Echo of Silence: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#3 Caressed by Ice: ★★★★★ | 5 stars
#3.5 Stroke of Enticement: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
I loved this little short story between Annie (human teacher) and Zach (DarkRiver soldier). I especially liked the meet cute - Annie is Zach's nephew's teacher. And Zach comes to pick Bryan up after he got in trouble at school. The conversation between Zach and his nephew was so sweet.
Though Zach is a dominant changeling, he wasn't pushy in the same way that Lucas and Vaughn where to their mates, and I really liked that change of pace. It was also nice to see a hero who didn't take ages to figure out that the female main character is his mate. Is it a little like insta-love? Yeah. But, this is a fated mates story so it works.
I appreciated the disability rep in this book - Annie was in an accident as a child and her leg was hurt so she has some chronic pain and sometimes uses a mobility aid. But, the best part? Zach - an athletic, built changeling never bats an eye at this or assumes she's incapable.
Three Thoughts:
1. Annie's mom is the literal worst. I know we learn about why she is the way she is which is supposed to humanize her. But, she needs to go to therapy and stop putting all her crap on her daughter.
2. Bryan is adorable. I know you're not supposed to condone violence between kids, but I kinda wanted to give him a high five.
3. Mercy giving Zach a talking to was A+ girls looking after girls. And, I'm here for it.
This was a sweet and swoony love story, and I really liked reading it after the intense, and angsty Book 3.
content warnings: ableist slur (challenged), overbearing mother, fatphobia/internalized fatphobia, sex (on page)
May 23, 2023
I read this story in Wild Invitation
This story started off really sweet with a letter to Santa from seven-year-old Annie Kildaire and a simple wish. It was evident then how kind and sweet she was. Fast-forward to the present, and Annie is a teacher. One of her students got into trouble, and when (Uncle) Zach Quinn showed up, he immediately recognized Annie was his mate.
So, the mate bond in this series seems to happen quite suddenly, but I would equate it with instalove because no one is declaring themselves right away, however the path to love is definitely hastened along by explanations of complete fidelity for eternity, the mate bond appears to be inevitable and inescapable. Who wouldn’t like that level of guarantee that one’s heart would never be wounded? Anyway, Annie was no stranger to changelings or the pack, but she didn’t fall at Zach’s feet instantly either.
I liked Annie and Zach together. She had reasons to feel a bit insecure, and a bit intimidated about bringing a changeling around her mother. I thought for sure her mother would be the drama to complicate the relationship, but she surprised me. I thought it was a nice way of showing that not every overbearing mother who initially disapproves of a match is doing it because she’s a snob or hateful.
Like Nate, Zach also made a mistake and had to get straightened out by another pack member. The romance was a little steamier than the first story, but it seems with each story the author takes things a little further.
Rating: 3.5 stars
This story started off really sweet with a letter to Santa from seven-year-old Annie Kildaire and a simple wish. It was evident then how kind and sweet she was. Fast-forward to the present, and Annie is a teacher. One of her students got into trouble, and when (Uncle) Zach Quinn showed up, he immediately recognized Annie was his mate.
So, the mate bond in this series seems to happen quite suddenly, but I would equate it with instalove because no one is declaring themselves right away, however the path to love is definitely hastened along by explanations of complete fidelity for eternity, the mate bond appears to be inevitable and inescapable. Who wouldn’t like that level of guarantee that one’s heart would never be wounded? Anyway, Annie was no stranger to changelings or the pack, but she didn’t fall at Zach’s feet instantly either.
I liked Annie and Zach together. She had reasons to feel a bit insecure, and a bit intimidated about bringing a changeling around her mother. I thought for sure her mother would be the drama to complicate the relationship, but she surprised me. I thought it was a nice way of showing that not every overbearing mother who initially disapproves of a match is doing it because she’s a snob or hateful.
Like Nate, Zach also made a mistake and had to get straightened out by another pack member. The romance was a little steamier than the first story, but it seems with each story the author takes things a little further.
Rating: 3.5 stars
April 4, 2024
4.5 stars
I adore this short story. It was another Psy-Changeling story included in the book Wild Invitation. Not all authors can write a great novella, but so far this author is 2 for 2 with me.
Zach, a soldier with the DarkRiver pack, meets schoolteacher Annie when picking his nephew up from school. Annie isn’t exactly shy, but she’s a bit of an introvert. Zach’s confidence and blatant flirting throw her off at first as Annie feels she’s always seen as not living up to other’s expectations. But Zach is drawn to Annie and cannot wait to learn more about her.
This story is very sweet. Zach knows body language and is very observant so he not only seems to intuit Annie’s needs, but he also understands her reticence once he meets her parents and spends more time with her. He’s patient and kind but never lets her doubt how much he wants her. Annie finally has someone who believes in her as much as she believes in herself.
I adore this short story. It was another Psy-Changeling story included in the book Wild Invitation. Not all authors can write a great novella, but so far this author is 2 for 2 with me.
Zach, a soldier with the DarkRiver pack, meets schoolteacher Annie when picking his nephew up from school. Annie isn’t exactly shy, but she’s a bit of an introvert. Zach’s confidence and blatant flirting throw her off at first as Annie feels she’s always seen as not living up to other’s expectations. But Zach is drawn to Annie and cannot wait to learn more about her.
This story is very sweet. Zach knows body language and is very observant so he not only seems to intuit Annie’s needs, but he also understands her reticence once he meets her parents and spends more time with her. He’s patient and kind but never lets her doubt how much he wants her. Annie finally has someone who believes in her as much as she believes in herself.
December 22, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5.
Type: 📱 e-book.
Genre: adult paranormal romance novella.
Overall impression: a cute addition to the psy-changeling series where we see another mated pair form between a human + leopard. I loved the disability representation, where Annie had an acquired and permanent injury to one of her legs since childhood. Other than the romance, nothing really happened - so I'll probably forget all about it by tomorrow.
Best bits:
✅ Human Teacher / Leopard Soldier
✅ Insta-lust romance (fine for a novella but I hate it every other time)
✅ Fated mates + bonding
✅ Disability representation
✅ Pet name Angel
✅ Part of a series
✅ Happy ever after (HEA)
Worst bits:
❌ Nothing really happened
❌ Pet name Teach
Type: 📱 e-book.
Genre: adult paranormal romance novella.
Overall impression: a cute addition to the psy-changeling series where we see another mated pair form between a human + leopard. I loved the disability representation, where Annie had an acquired and permanent injury to one of her legs since childhood. Other than the romance, nothing really happened - so I'll probably forget all about it by tomorrow.
Best bits:
✅ Human Teacher / Leopard Soldier
✅ Insta-lust romance (fine for a novella but I hate it every other time)
✅ Fated mates + bonding
✅ Disability representation
✅ Pet name Angel
✅ Part of a series
✅ Happy ever after (HEA)
Worst bits:
❌ Nothing really happened
❌ Pet name Teach
March 26, 2023
Zach and Annie... leopard changeling and human... guard and teacher (many students are changelings)...
when one student hits another, he asks his uncle be the one to come in to meet with teacher... he was defending her honor (another called her fat and on the fence)...
and Zach is enamored...
He invites her to a clan celebration... she invites him to mom's for dinner... mom is anti-changeling - but Zach convinces her...
He's trying to give her time... she is in love, but sure he will leave after he tires of her (like her dad and mom)... but... love wins the day!
when one student hits another, he asks his uncle be the one to come in to meet with teacher... he was defending her honor (another called her fat and on the fence)...
and Zach is enamored...
He invites her to a clan celebration... she invites him to mom's for dinner... mom is anti-changeling - but Zach convinces her...
He's trying to give her time... she is in love, but sure he will leave after he tires of her (like her dad and mom)... but... love wins the day!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2023
The “disabled people are less desirable” rhetoric was a little too heavy handed for my taste. I appreciate diverse representation but when it comes across as a caricature it just becomes obvious the author has no personal experience interacting with the disabled community to draw from in order to create a realistic person.
I love to see more disability representation but I would love it more if it felt natural
I love to see more disability representation but I would love it more if it felt natural
February 18, 2023
I adore Zach, he is amazing and I love him and Annie together. This is such a sweet story and the letter to Santa at the start is so adorable and made me a little emotional.
Read as part of Wild Invitation anthology.
Read as part of Wild Invitation anthology.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews