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Psy-Changeling #10.5

Texture of Intimacy

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SnowDancer healer Lara knows primal ecstasy. She wakes to it every morning, skin-to-skin with the hard male body of the quiet, powerful telepath who is her mate. Lean muscle and rough heat, Walker is the only man she has ever wanted to call her own. But being mated to a man formed in the ice-cold cage of the PsyNet has its challenges.

Born into a race where emotion is a crime, Walker’s will is a creation of cold steel. Scarred by the life he has lived, the terrible choices he was forced to make, he never expected to find happiness. Now, his heart belongs to Lara and he will fight to the death to protect the bond between them . . . even knowing he might have been too long in the ice of the PsyNet to give her what she needs.

Before Lara and Walker can claim the wild promise of their future, they must first face the painful shadows of the past . . .

Timeline: Takes place some time after Kiss of Snow.

This story can be found in the short story anthology Wild Invitation.

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2013

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About the author

Nalini Singh

232 books26.1k followers
I'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.

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5 stars
1,789 (42%)
4 stars
1,504 (35%)
3 stars
796 (18%)
2 stars
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1 star
14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
Profile Image for Sophia Triad.
2,240 reviews3,659 followers
February 3, 2019
Walker (Psy) and Lara (SnowDancer healer)

"You knew who I was when you accepted my courtship." If she couldn't take him as he was, the fractures inside him would be permanent and irreversible.

"And you knew who I was." Wolf amber brilliant against the lush hue of her skin. "I'm not fragile. I won't break if you let me see your pain, your fury, your worry."

It felt as if she'd kicked him in the heart. "I've told you things I've told no one else on this earth." He wanted to yell, but his voice came out deadly calm.

"Yes." Tears shone wet in the amber, her voice dropping to a whisper, "It means everything that you invited me into your secrets. Everything." The panic struggled to recede under her passionate vow, hit a snag.

"Then why?" Why was she walking away from him, ripping him to pieces?

"It's not enough to allow me into your past if you shut me out of your present. Our present," she said softly. "I need to walk beside you, to be your shield as you're mine. I can't handle being shut out, being cut off when I know you're in pain."


Walker and Lara mated in the book “Kiss of snow". Their story ran in a parallel way from Hawke and Sienna’s story.

Walker is Sienna’s uncle and he keeps trying to come into terms with the fact that he abandoned “silence" and the “net" in order to save his family. He did not accept his feelings for Lara easily. And although he was always tender and affectionate with her, although he tried to look after her all the time; still it was not easy for him to become her lover. He may have had a child, but he never have had sexual or emotional relationships with a woman.

Lara is the pack's healer. She is hardworking, easygoing, ready to help and ready to fight for what she wants. She will try to win Walker, but she will stop trying after a while. Walker was the one who persuaded her to keep trying after he realised when he would lose.

As you can realise, it was not easy mating. And all these happened in book “Kiss of snow”.
So, naturally I thought that all their problems were sold and now they could live happily ever after.

Alas, apparently they have more issues and this little novel is mainly about these issues.

This back and forth in action can be frustrating for many readers.
I thought it was a great way to emphasise the bonding between two obviously very different people.
Profile Image for Zero (semi-hiatus).
582 reviews24 followers
April 12, 2023
This is an easy-going novella showing Laura and Walker adapting to life as a couple. Some of the Psy-Changeling novellas can work as standalones, but this one is very entwined with book 10 in the series.

I've missed this series. I read a lot of Psy-Changeling books in 2020/2021, but haven't read any since then. It's nice to be back in the Psy-Changeling world and it might be time for me to re-read some of the books that I especially liked.
Profile Image for Lana Reads.
494 reviews217 followers
June 22, 2021
I've waited i bit to read this one. Even though wolf Lara and Psy Walker didn't have their own book for the full story, the development of their relationship in Kiss of Snow was good enough for me. I loved how Singh dived into the complications of a new relationship after the "happy ending" in the previous book, with their different backgrounds clashing. I loved the kids here, they were such a ray of sunshine, as always. And yeah, it's definitely not a standalone, you should read their beginning first. A sweet and emotional addition to the whole series.
Profile Image for Grecia Robles.
1,630 reviews425 followers
April 18, 2018
Aaaains, Lara Y Walker son tan akskllsllndnsk, los adoro, es la pareja más dulce de la serie.



—Te quiero más de lo que nunca seré capaz de decir, nunca seré capaz de describir. Eres mi luz de las estrellas en una noche oscura.


Desde que los leí en el libro de Hawke me encantaron, es que los dos son tan adorables, con ese personalidad protectora y cálida en especial hacia los niños, son una pareja tan perfecta y formaron una familia muy bonita.
Algo tienen los hermanos Lauren porque me enamoran, Judd es mi favorito favorito hasta ahorita de la serie pero Walker tiene lo suyo, todo correcto serio pero cuando está con Lara derrama miel.

Esta es una novella corta que no le pide nada a los libros de la trama principal
Profile Image for Angela (Angel's Book Nook).
1,634 reviews924 followers
May 3, 2021
** Read in Wild Invitation.

- 5 Stars -

This one contains Lara and Walker’s story from Kiss of Snow. They don’t get their own novel, but they do come together in Kiss of Snow.

I loved that we get to further explore their relationship. We get to see inside Walker’s mind, his past, his feelings, and his growing family. We also get a little focus on Alice and insight into possible future pairings, such as Tai and Evie.

This paring is also of a different kind with Walker being a Psy and Lara a Changeling. It was sweet to read about them after their mating and see where their relationship is at. It’s sizzling and tender.

As always Singh never fails to impress. The sexual tension is thick and the characters are lovable and memorable.

angelsgp-seethisreview-blure
Profile Image for Mara.
1,824 reviews4,184 followers
August 19, 2021
Walker absolutely melts my heart whenever he's on page- I just love how he managed to cling to his sense of nurturing despite how Silence tried to kill that part of him. A lovely slice of life novella
Profile Image for Monique.
550 reviews
July 21, 2017
Reread (Aug 6, 2015)

I adore Lara and Walker.

Reread (Jul 17, 2014)

Walker kills me with his intensity, his quietness, how private he is, and how he loves. I want a Walker of my own! I love Lara and Walker together, I may need to reread their parts in KoS.

Originally read (Apr 1, 2013)

This story is part of the Wild Invitation anthology.

Lara and Walker also had a chance to have their own novella. I felt their story was told beautifully throughout KoS. I loved that we had them a secondary romance plot. But this novella was a bonus and began basically as soon as they mated in KoS.

Walker is quiet, intense, private, possessive, protective... And boy is that man hot as hell! The sex scenes in this were so incredibly hot and steamy, and just UNF. I loved how physical he was, it makes my toes curl. And Lara is a wonderful heroine. She's the pack's healer, she's gentle, loving, compassionate yet she has a fierceness to her which I love so much.

They've created their own little family with Toby and Marlee. They faced the difficulties and conflict that arise from the mating between a female wolf changeling and a Psy who had to shield his fractured Silence in the PsyNet. It was wonderful to watch their bond, and their love for one another, grow, development and strengthen.
Profile Image for Fanny.
2,386 reviews52 followers
August 26, 2017



Texture Of Intimacy es una novela intermedia dentro de la saga Psi-Cambiantes y tiene como protagonistas a Lara y Walker.

En mi opinion estas pequeñas novelas no tienen nada que envidiarle a los libros principales, son tan entretenidas y buenas que las lees sin darte casi ni cuenta, ademas al tener menos paginas son mas precisas, no dan tantas " vueltas " como algunas de las historias centrales.

Me gusto que Nalini escribiera este libro para cerrar de una forma mejor la historia de Walker y Lara, por cierto las escenas con Toby y Marlee fueron adorables, me encanta la pequeña familia que han formado.

3 Estrellas!
Profile Image for Aly.
2,718 reviews89 followers
May 5, 2018
This novella is a continuity to Lara (a changeling healer from SnowDancer) and Walker (a Psy) romance that was part of one of the book in the series (sorry can't remember which one). I like Lara and Walker together so it was a pleasure to see them again and the family they made. This short story show us how doubts and guilt from the past are difficult to forget but how easier it is to deal with it when two people in love commit to cherish and communicate.
Profile Image for Vero Rinconin.
521 reviews132 followers
December 10, 2018
Lara y Walker me encantan juntos y por separado. Su esencia ha sobrevivido mientras estuvo sumido en el Silencio, aunque nunca estuvo 100% siempre tuvo su humanidad. Ahora le cuesta dejar de ser tan frío pero Lara está ahí para ayudarlo y compartir con él lo bueno y lo malo.
Si Judd es ♥♥♥ su hermano Walker no se queda atrás, los Lauren son unos hombres muy a tener en cuenta, cuando Toby crezca dará que hablar aunque también lo hará Marlee ^.^
Estas historias cortas son ideales para leer entre libros, tienen buena intensidad a pesar de ser cortas.
Profile Image for Mariana Bezerra.
748 reviews152 followers
September 30, 2017
So this story explains more about the new mating from Lara and Walker and how these two are living the everyday life. Lara is such a cute and protective wolf, that Walker didn't stood a chance. He has some scars from the past but is understandable and it means he's not that Silenced.

I liked their follow up novella.
Profile Image for Melann.
904 reviews21 followers
December 30, 2017
Je ne suis pas une grande fan de Lara, qui surjoue un peu trop ses sentiments. Walker parait plus fermé que Judd, ce qui me semble étonnant.
Néanmoins, c'est sympas d'entre apercevoir, à travers l'histoire de Lara et Walker (qui n'est pas le plus intéressant ici), les autres personnages de la série.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
4,777 reviews590 followers
August 29, 2018
I would have preferred to read Texture of Intimacy when I reached book ten-point-five in the series, but with the library missing some of the Psy-Changeling books, I jumped into Wild Invitations – with the short story collection containing Texture of Intimacy, I found myself reading it well before the point in the series.

In truth, I wasn’t crazy about Texture of Intimacy. I feel as though nothing really happened in this book, despite the fact I enjoyed getting to see a bit more of the SnowDancer world. It was nice to see them outside of the main events, getting to see beyond what I already know, but in terms of events I feel as though nothing happened at all.

In fact, I feel as though this story simply worked to tell us what had happened in prior books. Not being up to date with the series, it was a bit of a spoiler. However, I would have been fine with such a thing if something had happened. As it was, because nothing happened, I feel as though I’ve been given information of what is to come without receiving anything else.

I may have enjoyed this one more if I was up to date with the series, but I’m doubtful of the fact as I spent the entire story waiting for something to happen – something knowledge cannot change.
Profile Image for Ailin.
288 reviews91 followers
December 15, 2023
3 stars mostly bc of all the Lauren family appearing and how we got a lot of info from their rough past in the PsyNet and their defection :')

(Changing to 3.5 stars bc that was so unfair of me since Nalini shut me up with the very next book
Profile Image for Laura V..
734 reviews60 followers
March 14, 2016
Walker es uno de mis personajes favoritos, es un hombre muy valiente, con mucha carga sobre sus hombros, es increíblemente protector con los suyos, y esos pedazos de historia, de cómo vivían los Lauren antes de llegan a los SnowDancer, son muy interesantes. Ojalá supieramos más.
1,583 reviews12 followers
December 6, 2023
Extremely enjoyable continuation to Lara and Walker's story. Lovely to see them settle into their mating bond and fight together for better understanding in their relationship.
Profile Image for Julianna.
Author 5 books1,336 followers
February 12, 2024
Reviewed for THC Reviews
“Texture of Intimacy” is a short novella that falls between Kiss of Snow and Tangle of Need in the Psy-Changeling series chronology. It picks up Walker and Lara’s love story right after they go through with the mating bond. Then it follows them as they go about their daily lives, showing how things change for them as they move in together and begin to plan their official mating ceremony and how Lara blends into Walker’s family life with his kids. We also get to see how things have changed for the pack in the aftermath of the huge battle with the Psy and how Sienna’s power continues to flow through all of them, especially Lara as the pack healer. However, Walker hasn’t fully been able to let go of his Psy conditioning and when an emergency causes it to kick in, leaving Lara sensing his cold, emotionless state through the mating bond, it could cause some friction in their relationship.

I absolutely loved Walker and Lara’s scenes and the building of their romance throughout Kiss of Snow. I’d been shipping them for some time, and they were every bit as compelling of a couple as Hawke and Sienna were for me. Lara is a strong, determined woman, but as the pack healer, she has a gentle, nurturing side that is seen every time she treats a patient, and those qualities shine through in her relationship with Walker and his children as well. In his life before breaking Silence and leaving the PsyNet with his family, Walker was a teacher, mainly to Psy boys in the Arrow training program, and after becoming a trusted member of the SnowDancer pack, he was once again entrusted with teaching and mentoring the younger pack members. Walker is a kind, reserved man who has his own nurturing side, but at the same time, he wouldn’t hesitate to kill to protect his family and those he cares about. His enthusiasm for love-making after a lifetime without is sweet and adorable, while also making him a patient and observant lover. Walker and Lara are a wonderful couple who clearly love each other very much and blend together superbly as a family, too. I realized as I read this book just how much growth has taken place within the entire Lauren family since they were first introduced toward the beginning of the series, after taking refuge with SnowDancer. They’ve all made huge strides and continue to learn more about their powers and how to control them outside the PsyNet. It was also interesting learning what’s happening within the pack following the events of Kiss of Snow. Some things will be different moving forward, but the one thing that will never change is the love and support this pack shows to one another always. I can’t wait to read more about Walker, Lara, and all the other characters in future books of this series.
Profile Image for Mathilda Grace.
Author 102 books49 followers
July 26, 2020
Auch die Liebesgeschichte von Lara und Walker reiht sich nahtlos ein in Nalini Singhs umfangreiche Gestaltwandler-Psi-Geschichten und ist eine schöne Ergänzung zu dem Nebenplot, den die zwei schon im 10. Band der Reihe inne hatten.

Ich mag die beiden sehr und gerade Walker, der schwer an seiner Vergangenheit zu knabbern hat, braucht eine Partnerin, die stark genug ist, mit seinem Wesen, seiner ganzen Art, vieles am liebsten mit sich selbst auszumachen, klarzukommen. Lara ist dafür genau die Richtige.

Als Paar ergänzen sie sich wunderbar und ich fand es sehr schön, dass sie auch im weiteren Verlauf der Reihe immer mal wieder auftauchen und später sogar ein Kind bekommen.

Ein toller Kurzroman, den ich definitiv wieder lesen werde.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,626 reviews16 followers
July 5, 2023
Starlight in his eyes

This book was so beautiful that I couldn’t put it down. I love that we finally get to see a crack in Walker’s shield, and watch him as he finds the love and understanding that he worked so hard to make sure his family got. Lara is the perfect mate for him because she is gentle, kind and understanding, as well as tough with a backbone of steel. Together they nurture those around them and shower each other with the love they need. This book is just the addition the series needed. I’m looking forward to reading more books by the author.
Profile Image for Malinda.
1,852 reviews247 followers
October 22, 2019
4-4.5 stars

This was a really good short story and continuation of Lara and Walker's relationship. I did like that Lara and Walker got together in Kiss of Snow but because of that, their relationship didn't get a lot of in depth viewing (so to speak). This story helps to round that out a bit. We get to see Lara and Walker move in together and Lara become a step-mom to Walker's 2 kids (Toby & Marlee) and them dealing with the general issues that come with melding the lives and personalities of 2 very different people. It was a nice way to show Walker and Lara in a more solidified HEA. :)
Profile Image for Zaskya Benítez.
863 reviews25 followers
April 11, 2020
4.5⭐
Volver al mundo de los psi/cambiantes ha sido una delicia y hacerlo de la mano de Walker y Lara no podría haberme gustado más❤️ La familia que tienen es maravillosa, y ver como poco a poco Walker se libera de sus ataduras Psi es un sueño. Marlee y Toby son adorables y el momento "Eres mi luz de estrellas" me dejó babeando de amor. Sin dudas, las historias cortas le dan vida a esta serie
Profile Image for Erin.
1,815 reviews61 followers
February 25, 2019
Enjoyable, but I must admit I was quite distracted at work and did feel like I didn't know what was going on at times.

I like Lara, I like Walker. I like seeing them happy.

There was drama. There was love.

Yet another fine addition from Nalini Singh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews

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