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Psy-Changeling #11.7
Poker Night
A short story about a poker game between members of the DarkRiver & SnowDancer packs.
Timeline: Takes place some time after Kiss of Snow.
This story can be found in Nalini Singh's October 2012 newsletter.
Timeline: Takes place some time after Kiss of Snow.
This story can be found in Nalini Singh's October 2012 newsletter.
7 pages
First published October 2, 2012
13 people are currently reading
1955 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 10, 2019
Nate didn’t know how poker night at his and Tamsyn’s place had been invaded by a bunch of wolves, who well, played like wolves.
Wolves and cats play pocket. The highlight of the game is the sudden appearance of Nate's twins.
Cute.
Wolves and cats play pocket. The highlight of the game is the sudden appearance of Nate's twins.
Cute.
March 11, 2021
This short gives us a glimpse into poker night between the wolves and leopards as they plan a surprise for Mercy and Riley's anniversary.
The addition of Julian and Roman was a lovely addition.
Freebie can be found through this link: https://madmimi.com/s/216953
The addition of Julian and Roman was a lovely addition.
Freebie can be found through this link: https://madmimi.com/s/216953
August 1, 2022
First read in 2013, then again in 2022 as part of the Newsletter Collection of short stories. This is another vignette from mid-way through the Psy-Changeling series, and has the senior leopards and wolves catching up for a game of poker and planning a party for their pack mates. It’s sweet but unrealistic - more unrealistic than people who are part human part animal? Well have you ever known a bunch of men plan a party that doesn’t involve more than “who’s bringing the beer?”
December 31, 2012
I loved that I can join Nalini's newsletter and receive the free short stories, this one was another insight into how the two packs are now strong allies and are together for a poker night - unexpected guests arrive in the form of the cub twins and the game goes on... fabulous and homely!
Read
November 10, 2018The DarkRiver and SnowDancer men meet for poker night and try to plan a surprise for Riley and Mercy’s anniversary as they play. Two unexpected guests join in the fun. Cute, short story is free via the author’s newsletter.
September 5, 2021
1st read - November 2014
2nd read - September 2020
3rd read - September 2021
I love seeing the SnowDancer & DarkRiver packs intermingling like this, it shows how many friendship bonds they've made & how far they've come together since the first book!
Also, I'll never be able to read about Roman & Julian without a huge smile on my face :-)
2nd read - September 2020
3rd read - September 2021
I love seeing the SnowDancer & DarkRiver packs intermingling like this, it shows how many friendship bonds they've made & how far they've come together since the first book!
Also, I'll never be able to read about Roman & Julian without a huge smile on my face :-)
March 11, 2013
Fun & cute!
February 15, 2021
A free short story, 11.7 in the Psy-Changeling paranormal romance series, revolving around the SnowDancer wolf pack and the DarkRiver leopard pack outside San Francisco.
My Take
Oh, dang, this is funny enough as the leopards and wolves playing poker snark away at each other, even as they plan Mercy and Riley's anniversary party. I mean it, I crack up at these guys, but then the cubs come out and join the game. It's just too funny the way Singh describes these scenes via third person simple subjective point-of-view from Nate's perspective.
Singh's writing is amazing, as she creates a realistic world, that is however populated by shifters. And they have all the same likes, dislikes, and snark, ahem, as any of our own families. It's a place where I'd love to live where, not only your family, but the people around you support each other.
Even more amazing, is how thoroughly and concisely Singh provides so much background in so few words.
The Story
It's coming up on Mercy and Riley's one-year anniversary, and the packs are planning to celebrate.
The Characters
Mercy, a leopard sentinel, and Riley, a wolf lieutenant who likes to take control, met in Branded by Fire , 6. Bastien, Sage, and Grey are Mercy’s brothers.
SnowDancer is...
...the wolf pack led by Hawke. Drew is mated to Indy ( Play of Passion , 9); Brenna is Drew's sister ( Caressed by Ice , 3).
DarkRiver is...
...the leopard pack led by Lucas. Nate is the most senior sentinel; Tamsyn, a healer, is Nate's mate (Enchanted Season: "A Beat of Temptation", 0.5). The very mischievous Julian and Roman are Nate and Tamsyn's four-and-a-half-year-old cubs. Dorian, a.k.a. Boy Genius, is another sentinel ( Hostage to Pleasure , 5).
The Title
The title is more than just "Poker Night". It's a meeting of two formerly, viciously rival packs.
My Take
Oh, dang, this is funny enough as the leopards and wolves playing poker snark away at each other, even as they plan Mercy and Riley's anniversary party. I mean it, I crack up at these guys, but then the cubs come out and join the game. It's just too funny the way Singh describes these scenes via third person simple subjective point-of-view from Nate's perspective.
Singh's writing is amazing, as she creates a realistic world, that is however populated by shifters. And they have all the same likes, dislikes, and snark, ahem, as any of our own families. It's a place where I'd love to live where, not only your family, but the people around you support each other.
Even more amazing, is how thoroughly and concisely Singh provides so much background in so few words.
The Story
It's coming up on Mercy and Riley's one-year anniversary, and the packs are planning to celebrate.
The Characters
Mercy, a leopard sentinel, and Riley, a wolf lieutenant who likes to take control, met in Branded by Fire , 6. Bastien, Sage, and Grey are Mercy’s brothers.
SnowDancer is...
...the wolf pack led by Hawke. Drew is mated to Indy ( Play of Passion , 9); Brenna is Drew's sister ( Caressed by Ice , 3).
DarkRiver is...
...the leopard pack led by Lucas. Nate is the most senior sentinel; Tamsyn, a healer, is Nate's mate (Enchanted Season: "A Beat of Temptation", 0.5). The very mischievous Julian and Roman are Nate and Tamsyn's four-and-a-half-year-old cubs. Dorian, a.k.a. Boy Genius, is another sentinel ( Hostage to Pleasure , 5).
The Title
The title is more than just "Poker Night". It's a meeting of two formerly, viciously rival packs.
April 26, 2017
Julian y Roman son mis cubs favoritos y cada vez que leo sobre ellos me encantan mas
July 22, 2017
I have a huge smile on my face after reading this.
It's poker night at Nate's house with Lucas, Dorian, Drew, Hawke and Mercy's brothers... Of course hilarity ensues. Especially as they discuss their plans for Riley and Mercy's one year anniversary.
And then Julian and Roman join the fun. They are so damn adorable. And it was so cute reading about their interaction with Nate. The love Nate has for his mischievous twins is so heartwarming. The love Nate has for his mate is equally heartwarming.
I love these little insights Nalini gives us about the two packs, our favourite characters, and our favourite individual mated pairs.
It's poker night at Nate's house with Lucas, Dorian, Drew, Hawke and Mercy's brothers... Of course hilarity ensues. Especially as they discuss their plans for Riley and Mercy's one year anniversary.
And then Julian and Roman join the fun. They are so damn adorable. And it was so cute reading about their interaction with Nate. The love Nate has for his mischievous twins is so heartwarming. The love Nate has for his mate is equally heartwarming.
I love these little insights Nalini gives us about the two packs, our favourite characters, and our favourite individual mated pairs.
Read
May 3, 2021A little glimpse into SnowDancer (wolf) and DarkRiver (leopard) males hanging out together to decide what to do for Mercy and Riley's 1-year-anniversary. Fun poker night with the twins crashing in.
Can be read here in Nalini's Newsletter.
Can be read here in Nalini's Newsletter.
December 31, 2019
Darkriver y Snowdancer siendo amigos, mi pobre corazón no puede con tanto!
October 17, 2012
I just adore Nalini's Psy/Changeling short stories. So adorable and cute.
June 7, 2015
Shenanigans concerning members of DarkRiver and SnowDancer and the twins, Rome and Jules. I love when everybody's relaxing together :)
October 3, 2017
Cualquier escena en la que aparezca Julian y Roman es un must read para mi, me encanta estos dos pequeños diablillos, cada vez son mas lindos.
3 Estrellas!
March 17, 2021
Las mejores 10 páginas que leí.
October 22, 2019
4 stars
This is a very enjoyable short about a poker night that takes place at Nate's place while Tamsyn is away for the evening. Plans are made for Riley and Mercy's 1 year anniversary party (a surprise party) and then Julian and Roman sneak out of bed and visit with the adult males a bit. :)
This is a very enjoyable short about a poker night that takes place at Nate's place while Tamsyn is away for the evening. Plans are made for Riley and Mercy's 1 year anniversary party (a surprise party) and then Julian and Roman sneak out of bed and visit with the adult males a bit. :)
June 13, 2020
Nate es de mis personajes favoritos a pesar de no ser uno de los "principales" y que esta historia de centre entre simplemente una noche de juegos entre amigos me parece maravilloso, no sólo demuestra el vínculo existente entre las manadas, sino la buena relación que hay entre todos. Y ese final tan "hogareño" te deja irremediablemente con una sonrisa en el rostro
May 17, 2019
POKER NIGHT is one of the free vignettes that Singh provides for fans of her Psy-Changeling series that shows her characters living their normal lives. POKER NIGHT is about the poker night between the members of DarkRiver and SnowDancer including Nate, Drew, Hawke, Lucas, Dorian and Bastien. They are discussing plans to celebrate the one year anniversary of Riley and Mercy. There is also a visit from the twins Roman and Julian. This is one of the great vignettes and shows how the two packs are interacting on a personal basis. It shows a funny and sweet side to these dominant men.
April 26, 2013
D'awww. No family is cuter than the Ryder bunch. <3
Oh and I love the idea of a poker night with the SD and DR guys like this. How do I get an invite (so what if it's probably a guy night)? And can I sit next to Judd and Hawke? Or Drew? Dorian? I'd probably lose all my hands because I'd just be ogling them. Haha.
Oh and I love the idea of a poker night with the SD and DR guys like this. How do I get an invite (so what if it's probably a guy night)? And can I sit next to Judd and Hawke? Or Drew? Dorian? I'd probably lose all my hands because I'd just be ogling them. Haha.
April 26, 2015
I found myself laughing while reading this one. From the poker with predatory animals, to where the party should be and what the theme would be. But the best was Julian and Roman sneaking down and being let in for a hand.
February 4, 2017
This Cubs sure know how to melt my heart. In some ways it's going to feel insane when (hopefully) we get to read their books, of how they grow up and fall in love (mate..). It'll probably be a longggg way away, but even then. I love these little babies :)
February 4, 2022
A snippet in some changeling males lives.
The wolves inserted themselves in the cats night poker night without they noticing it!! ;)
The wolves inserted themselves in the cats night poker night without they noticing it!! ;)
June 5, 2019
Guys poker night with both Snow Dancer and Dark River members at Nate's house to plan a party for Mercy and Riley. Fun party crashers in the cub twins.
Cute story and loved the camaraderie!
Cute story and loved the camaraderie!
April 20, 2025
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" “Poker Night” is a short story of only about seven pages in Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling world that takes place sometime after Kiss of Snow in the series chronology. It’s written from the POV of Nate, lieutenant of the DarkRiver leopard pack. A bunch of guys from both DarkRiver and SnowDancer have gotten together for a poker night. As they play the game, they discuss what they could do to celebrate Riley and Mercy’s upcoming first anniversary since the couple were the first inter-pack mating. They’re interrupted by Nate’s two young cubs, Roman and Julian, who join the game, after which Nate spends a little quality time with the kids, putting them to bed.
This was a nice little story. I liked the camaraderie between the males of the packs as they tease each other during their game. It was also great for them to show that they can engage in a little party planning and aren’t leaving it all up to the females. Nate allowing Roman and Julian to be a part of the game and the ending where Nate takes time to put them to bed showcased some quality father/son bonding and was very sweet. We haven’t seen a great deal of Nate and Tamsyn and their family in recent books, so it was nice to catch up with them. Overall, this was a good addition to the Psy-Changeling shorts. “Poker Night” used to be available for free on Nalini Singh’s website, but I couldn’t find it anymore. I read in in her Newsletter Exclusives, Vol. 1 anthology, which I obtained for free by signing up for her newsletter a while ago, so it might still be in there.
"4.5 stars" “Poker Night” is a short story of only about seven pages in Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling world that takes place sometime after Kiss of Snow in the series chronology. It’s written from the POV of Nate, lieutenant of the DarkRiver leopard pack. A bunch of guys from both DarkRiver and SnowDancer have gotten together for a poker night. As they play the game, they discuss what they could do to celebrate Riley and Mercy’s upcoming first anniversary since the couple were the first inter-pack mating. They’re interrupted by Nate’s two young cubs, Roman and Julian, who join the game, after which Nate spends a little quality time with the kids, putting them to bed.
This was a nice little story. I liked the camaraderie between the males of the packs as they tease each other during their game. It was also great for them to show that they can engage in a little party planning and aren’t leaving it all up to the females. Nate allowing Roman and Julian to be a part of the game and the ending where Nate takes time to put them to bed showcased some quality father/son bonding and was very sweet. We haven’t seen a great deal of Nate and Tamsyn and their family in recent books, so it was nice to catch up with them. Overall, this was a good addition to the Psy-Changeling shorts. “Poker Night” used to be available for free on Nalini Singh’s website, but I couldn’t find it anymore. I read in in her Newsletter Exclusives, Vol. 1 anthology, which I obtained for free by signing up for her newsletter a while ago, so it might still be in there.
December 30, 2017
Listen, this is the story Nalini Singh (probably her assistant but let’s pretend it was a personal gift) emailed me as a thank you for subscribing to her newsletter, and it really felt like a personalised gift written especially for me. The whole Poker Night set-up is actually just a frame narrative used to talk about how amazing and loved and part of both packs my my ultimate Psy-Changeling OTP Mercy and Riley are. I MEAN. Oh right, except for the second half, which is actually just Nate meditating on how much he loves Tammy and their kids after Roman and Julian crash the Poker Night and Roman wins the pot while Julian cheers him on. I’M BEING MANIPULATED BY OTP APPRECIATION AND INCORRIGIBLE BABY CHANGELINGS AND I’M SO GRATEFUL FOR IT.
December 31, 2022
That was just fun. All of the Dark River and Snow Dancer sentinels gathered up to play poker, and plan a little bit of an anniversary party for Mercy and Riley. Of course you're going to end up with a couple of little demons sneaking their way in to join all the big cats/wolves. Rome and Jules are adorable and so cute as they learned a little bit of poker at their dads side.
April 18, 2024
This was a funny scene to read. God Drew is a hoot and definately beloved by both Packs. It was fun to see the Leopards and the Wolves interact and have fun together. It was also so cute when Nate's naughty cubs snuck down stairs and then Roman one the damn pot in Poker lol It gave me a good chuckle.
January 14, 2019
Nate, Hawke, Lucas and the sentinels have a card game to plan Riley and Mercy's one year anniversary. Of course Nate and Tammy's twins Roman and Jules sneak down to play. Both their individual selfs, and true brothers.
December 22, 2019
Roman and Julian make this for me! I’m weak for the babies~ and the love Nate has for his twins, as well as the bond Rome and Jules share is wonderful! Plus love the way both packs are working together to plan for anniversary of mated pair.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews