Healer's Need by Rhenna Morgan

PARANORMAL ROMANCE

Publication date: 10/22/2018
Kindle Unlimited: No
Cliffhanger: No

Guest Review by mom, romance fanatic, and (someday) published author Summer Raines!

I. Loved. This. Book! I want to find Rhenna Morgan and hug her for allowing me a glimpse of this world. If you are at all interested in paranormal or fantasy romance, you should absolutely 1-Click the Ancient Ink series.
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I’m going to divulge the fact that two things biased me in favor of this book:

1. It’s set less than an hour drive from my house. I tell ya, from now on when I go camping with the family, my imagination will go wild about the magic and power that could be humming in those woods!
2. I’ve got exactly ONE book that I’ve reread over the years. Of all the wonderful books I’ve read, it’s still the only book I’ve ever had the desire to reread, Beneath a Midnight Moon by Madeline Baker/Amanda Ashley. So, it’s pretty obvious I’m a sucker for a woman magically drawn to a shifter.

On the other hand, there were elements I should’ve hated but didn’t. I can always tell I’ve discovered a phenomenal author when they can make me believe or like things I normally hate in romance novels. Example: Virgins who are older than 19. I’m aware that there are people out there who remain virgins until later in life, but I personally feel like it’s become redundant in romance writing. The virgin in this story has an impeccable backstory so I did not roll my eyes. (And believe me, that’s saying something!)
Elise Ralston has just learned about the clan, it’s magic, and the threat to them all. It’s imperative that she accept their ways and earn her magic in time to help save her new family. Most of all, it’s urgent she accept and bond with the mate she’s been given so she can trust him with her life.

Tate Allen is going to make sure he earns her trust. He stalks her from the sidelines while she assimilates to clan life. His companion coyote is restless, but his human side knows patience is the key. He’s a fierce protector in the background as he learns everything he can about his cherished mate.

When the time comes for Tate to introduce himself to Elise, he proves to be a gifted and gentle mentor. He teaches her about the abilities she deserves from her magical heritage. He makes sure he’s right by her side when she changes for the first time. With his patient tutelage, Elise will find the destiny that was always hiding just below the surface.

Magic isn’t the only area of study that Elise needs a crash course in. Part of growing into the woman she needs to be is discovering her sexuality. She needs to accept that it’s okay for a woman to revel in the magic that a lover’s touch can bring. Not just any lover… her mate. A bewitching and primal connection.
Tate’s proximity proves to be a heady mix of distraction and need for Elise, but he’s well-equipped to take care of his newfound love. He allows Elise time to explore his body and ask questions. He never pushes, never demands. He denies his own sexual needs while teaching her what true pleasure can be.
This story really has everything. A mystery for the clan to solve, a threat looming in the background, action, suspense, magic, twists you don’t see coming, and sexy times that are sure to heat up your Halloween season!

5 stars — It absolutely crushes it!
       
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from NetGalley, free of charge.

Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
But does this book break the romance stigma? Let’s see… Elise has a believable virgin story. Tate fights the animal inside him to give her time. Even though they’ve been assigned as mates, the romance develops slowly instead of insta-love.

Other reading suggestions
Other than Beneath a Midnight Moon, when it comes to shifters, I’ve also been partial to Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews. (Ah, sweet William…)

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