Title: Texture of Intimacy ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #10.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

No matter how many times I reread the Psy-Changeling series, there is something about Lara and Walker’s story that I absolutely adore. The fact that it isn’t a standalone actually kind of works. They have a less angsty relationship than some of the other couples in this series. But, I think the joy and simplicity of their tale is a good way to break up some of the heavier aspects of the Psy-Changeling storyline.

Although Walker and Lara’s relationship starts in Play of Passion, it is in Texture of Intimacy that all of the little pieces come together. Not just their slow falling in love, but also the way that they are able to make their lives fit together. Plus, this story incorporates Walker’s children, Marlee and Toby, in the beginnings of the relationship. Showing how both children choose to accept Lara into their family with excitement and love. 

I think one of the things that I really enjoy about Lara and Walker’s story is Lara’s giving nature and ability to love. As someone who works in the “caring fields”, I kind of understand this drive to do anything and everything for the people under my care. I also know what it’s like to have that capacity to care, until you end up burning yourself out. The fact that Walker manages to balance this out, by placing Lara above everyone else and caring for her, it just worked perfectly. And makes me hope that one day I’ll find someone who is able to pull me back from giving too much too.

This novella took place over a decent period of time, but was also kind of sweet and light. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and look forward to diving into more of the Psy-Changeling world. Even if it is just to get a glimpse of Walker and Lara again as they support and love one another, and the children they both love.

Image source: Nalini Singh

Title: Declaration of Courtship ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #9.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

I freaking love Cooper and Grace’s love story. A lot of the stories I read feature quite dominant men and women, and it isn’t common for me to read about a more docile type. Particularly a more docile type of woman. But, their side story is one of my favourites in the Psy Changeling world. The fact that Cooper has to balance his needs with Grace’s in a way that not everyone does is kind of adorable. And, I love how strong Grace is, even if she is a quieter presence in the hierarchy of the pack.

One of my favourite aspects about this romance is how Grace and Cooper have to negotiate their power imbalance. Although Cooper might be the one to initiate, he also gives Garce the time and space to say no. All relationships have some kind of power imbalance in places, but I love how these two are able to work with that and find a way that they are both safe and secure in their love. Particularly as this is quite a large power imbalance, in the system of the Psy Changeling world.

Grace’s siblings and their protective stupidity is kind of cute. I love how this gives more insight into the more submissive members of the Changeling world, and how valued they are. But, it also highlights that familial love and stupidity often go hand in hand. No matter what kind of species or reality we’re talking about. This novella provides a great insight into how power shifts, love and loyalty all play together to create a really sweet and caring happily ever after.

Image source: Nalini Singh

Title: Stroke of Enticement
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #4.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

It doesn’t matter how many times I read this novella, Zach and Annie are still so incredibly sweet and cute. I mean, they just zing from the first moment, and I love that Zach understands the need for patience in courting his sweet mate. Plus, there’s the absolutely beautiful nature hike dates that they go on… picture perfect in every way.

Zach’s qualifications as a PhD work brilliantly to subvert Annie’s family expectations of who and what an academic should be. I also love that he is quiet about it, and doesn’t use his intelligence to show off or put others down (something I’ve seen too much of in the recent past).

I seriously enjoyed how Zach slowly builds the relationship. However, like many people, he makes a few too many assumptions, and probably could stand to be a little more honest in the future. Still, it doesn’t take away from how yummy and cute this whole story is. And I will reread this again and again and again.

Image source: Nalini Singh

Title: Beat of Temptation
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #0.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

No matter how many times I read it, I still absolutely adore Tammy and Nate’s origin story. They are just too damn cute and adorable. And their whole relationship is such an important foundation for a lot of stories and couples throughout the rest of the Psy-Changeling series. It’s also a great reminder that even the most solid couples have rocky moments throughout, and Tammy and Nate are no different.

Nate’s reluctance and controlling nature, whilst coming from an admirable place are incredibly frustrating to read about. I mean, I love that he’s originally supressed his urges because the age difference was yucky. But then, he just stubbornly decides that he knows more because Tammy is young and somewhat naïve. Luckily, before you get really irritated, he realises that he’s doing more damage than good. And makes amends…

As with most books / romances that I read, it’s the woman I like to resonate the most with. I absolutely adored Tammy from the first moment I read about her, and that feeling hasn’t changed with all of my rereads. I love that, even if she’s fumbling a little in her relationship, she is actually incredibly confident in her self and own abilities. She’s also, ultimately, confident enough in herself to actually go after what she wants in life.

Image source: Nalini Singh