When the hunter is your mate, being prey is anything but terrifying Coyote shifter Tate Allen has been watching. Learning his mate every possible way before he moves in. Protecting her through the night, always from afar. He’ll be the one to teach her about her gifts. He’ll be there when she changes for the first time. With him, she’ll fulfill her destiny. Elise Ralston loves Tate for the … Elise Ralston loves Tate for the patience he’s shown. The faith he’s demonstrated–denying himself what he needs sexually, even as he teaches her about pleasure.
For Tate, Elise is willing to try. To revel in touch, to give him control…and to embrace her healer’s need.
But someone unknown is still stalking the clan, threatening more than Tate and Elise’s bond. And Elise is a prime target–precious for the magic she hasn’t even learned yet.
This book is approximately 102,000 words
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“Only wisdom learned through time allows us to change our responses. The pain of the past is what makes us who we are.”
Confession, I don’t read paranormal. Well, at least I didn’t until I fell in love with the work of an amazing author and followed her mystic side to the world of Ancient Ink. What can I say, she blew my mind with her Men of Haven, and I wanted more of her wonderful word wizardry. Now, I’m a believer….sigh.
Tate is a tattoo artist by day and sometimes a coyote by night. Since learning that Elise is his mate he prowls the perimeter, keeping her safe, and keeping himself sane. His lust and need for her are out of control and shifting lets him run off the excess energy while he waits for her to learn about her heritage and her gifts. His patience is running out and his desire to fulfill his fantasies in the flesh is only getting stronger. His possessiveness is not something he’s able to hide though. His clan finds it very amusing to watch him suffer and purposely poke his beast, urging him to claim her.
Holy Hotness Batman! I almost burst into flames reading this story. The inner companions of the many amazing characters that purred, swished, fluffed and growled only added to the heat level, amping up the sexual tension. I loved every second of learning about the clan and their magical gifts. I wouldn’t mind having one of those ‘special’ tattoos. I couldn’t tear myself away. The darkness and suspense were riveting also. I really enjoyed the journey as they stalked their stalker, glad that I was on the safe side of my Kindle. I’ll not be so reluctant to explore the PNR world in future. The line forms here…
Healer’s Need is a fascinating and wonderfully unique shifter romance full of bold, convincing characters that seize readers by their imaginations and refuse to let go. The characters are bold but Elise may not end up being some readers’ favorite because of her shyness and insecurity which stems from childhood issues but Tate and Elise has some rocking chemistry that sets senses aflame as Elise works through those emotional obstacles and takes her place among the clan and building a relationship with Tate which has quite a bit of heated passion and lots of sweetness as Tate courts his mate.
The plot has a steady build up with a magnetic pull that keeps readers glued to the pages with lots of thrilling suspense and excitement with an adrenaline pumping climax. There are twists and turns throughout and while some of the suspense takes place in the relationship between Tate and Elise, the story also builds intrigue regarding their enemy and the steps the clan is taking to find him. The author has created a fascinating world with some creative and unique elements that make for an ideal change regarding shifter romances. Readers love how the characters receive their beasts through a “Soul Quest” and how the author integrated the tattoos as part of their magic and culture. This book can be read as a standalone, but to receive maximum enjoyment and understanding, they should be read in sequential order.
This is my first book from the series and although can be read as a standalone there are some pieces that I felt missing. Tate is a shifter who meets his mate. Problem is because Elise is new to his world, shy, a girl with baggage from past. So we see a slow pace of Tates devouring and courting, sexually exploring each other and finding Elise’s place in the clan. I liked the book, the characters they were well developed. We see how Elise blooms toward the end of the book gains on confidence and strength. Tate is also likable very caring toward his mate. Toward the end is an intense moment in which the all-important members of the clan cooperate. Great paranormal read.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
This is not the first offering from this author I have read but not having read alot either she managed to capture me. She takes you into this world with their rules showing you many aspects with a relationship that will be built strong. Tate and Elise take you into their story every step of the way. They are going for one goal. As they strive though the obstacles will also come into play with you getting mixed up in it also. I love when a story has them teaching and learning about each other but this also has suspense too. This was a surprise and delight glad I did not miss.
3.5 Stars
Review by Morgen
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Healer’s Need by Rhenna Morgan is the second book in the Ancient Ink trilogy. This book is about finding yourself, being confident in who you are and doing what feels right.
Elise is hoping for a fresh start and to finally be able to put her past behind her. Elise’s mother rejected her heritage and left clan life and as result, Elise grew up not knowing that side of herself. She is shy, sweet, and wary of strangers.
Tate knows how strong and important the bond between mates is but hopes he doesn’t find his other half until he gets better at controlling his basic animal urges. He has lived with his clan his whole life. He is an amazing tattoo artist, gorgeous, and fiercely protective of those he cares about.
Elise is pretty quickly thrust into a world she didn’t know existed when her life is put in danger. A threat against their clan means bringing everyone together and strengthening the wards. Immediately Tate feels the connection to Elise. Not wanting to frighten her, he decides to take things slowly and ease her into clan life. Secrets lie between them and a threat looms over all their heads. Can Elise and Tate find a balance for her skittish nature, their burning passions and the learning curve for what powers she has within to protect the clan?
This book is written in dual POV but in third person. It gives the reader a good sense of what is happening throughout the story line. The main characters go on a journey of self discovery that is beautiful to watch. They’re given a depth that adds a weight to their emotions. From their first touch, sparks fly. Their mating bond strengthens with each caress. The more time they spend together the more they need each other.
Tate trying to take things slow and get to know Elise just amps up the fire between them to a near boiling point. When they finally erupt it’s so well written you’re sucked in and taken for a ride. The pace is at times slow and occasionally I found it difficult to follow the side characters. It’s definitely worth a read and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys watching someone grow into themselves.
OMG! I’ve been blown away- so far away that I may never make it back again 😮 lol … I give this a 6 star review- plus bonus stars!! 😮 “Healer’s Need” is the 2nd novel in the ‘Ancient Ink’ world, and one of the most phenomenal PNR books I’ve ever read! And trust me, I’ve read hundreds upon hundreds and I am still reeling from the ending- but thank God for the HEA, after such an intense, page-turning, emotional roller coaster ride! … I had heartbroken tears, to happy tears! This fresh, new & most unique storyline had me hooked from the start, kept me glued to my seat, would not let go and now has left me having withdrawals & craving more!! … PLEASE, Ms. Morgan, I beg you to keep this world going with more fantastic stories, and soon! … Such amazing attention to detail & well defined characters with witty dialogue pulled me into the story. *Warning* Must wear gloves due to the abundance of smoking hot romance between the H/h 😉 Ice cold drinks & the A/C on high will help some, too 😉 lol … I’m talking about this is so extraordinary, that this could match or beat out bestselling stories by Nora Roberts and even be in the same league as J.K. Rowling, and other big names! … I never write spoilers or recap blurbs, and even tho I volunteered to read this early, it was without any outside influences, and I can honestly recommend this to 18+ adult readers who love contemporary fiction, especially paranormal or fantasy like I do. You do not want to miss out on this book or series, or any other must read genres by this amazing author! Whatever Ms. Morgan writes-I guarantee I will read it!!!
Healer’s Need by Rhenna Morgan
Ancient Ink #2
Coyote Shifter and warrior Tate Allen is taking his time as he courts Elise Ralston. He believes that Elise is not ready for his more aggressive side so is courting her tenderly and letting her grow comfortable with him. He KNOWS she is his mate but she is perhaps not as up on all things Volάn as she needs to be thus the slower going than his coyote might like.
Elise has a vision-quest to go through, a position in the clan to assume, her past to put into perspective, power to claim and a man who knows she is his…quite a bit for her to tackle but tackle it she does. She is a lot stronger than Tate might think and their relationship was a joy to watch.
Throw in Draven (the terrible evil of this series) and coming up with a way to thwart him while saving another is also dealt with in this book as is the setup for book three in what may be a trilogy although a longer series would not be a bad idea according to me 😉
I really enjoyed spending time with the Volάn and look forward to reading book three when it is ready.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Healer’s Need is book two in the Ancient Ink series by Rhenna Morgan. Where I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Guardian’s Bond, I loved this one. Each of these books is about a different couple but there is a story line that runs through them both. That is brought to a conclusion at the end of this book. I asked the author if there were going to be further books in this series and she said it was possible in the very distant future. But for now, we could consider this a duet.
Tate Allen! Oh Tate! I loved this coyote shifter. In the Volan race, the male knows immediately when he finds his mate. It is up to him to woo the female. She chooses whether or not to accept him. He has found his mate. But she is an innocent. She is new to their culture, their customs. But he can’t stand to be far from her. So he protects her from a distance. But he is always near, she just doesn’t realize it.
Elise Ralston’s mother didn’t accept her gifts, but she always regretted it. She has told her daughter for years about the clan she would someday be a part of, of the magic that she would come into. But Elise never really believed it, until they moved to Eureka Springs and she saw it for herself. They tell her they believe she will be a healer when she accepts her gift. But no one knows for sure. Then there is Tate. Elise has no experience with men at all. She was bullied as a child and withdrew from social situations. But something about Tate calms her. He is awakening something inside her she didn’t even know was there.
“Say yes, mihara. Say you’ll come with me tomorrow. One day at a time, say you’ll take a chance and stay in this with me.”
Tate is so patient with Elise. He treats her like glass. They slowly get to know each other, have their first date, their first kiss. They start to get to know each other’s bodies. The build is slow but the heat in this book is scorching. Tate has all the words, ladies. The things he whispers into her ear!
I loved watching Elise awaken. And after she does receive her gifts, she is amazing. She is no longer the sweet little Elise. She is a strong woman who has earned her place in this clan and beside her mate.
All while this is happening, they are still in danger of Priest’s evil brother, Draven. They are using every resource available to find him and stop him.
I loved this book. For me, it was mostly a love story. It was amazing watching Elise and Tate grow together as mates. But as I said, there is darkness waiting outside of their little bubble. Draven wants the power, all of it. Will he get it or will they find him and stop him before it’s too late?
“I’m yours.
All mine.
Only mine.”
Men who know who their fated mates are upon sight and go all out to claim them? Where do I sign up for that? Until I discover a parallel universe where men are all alpha protective on the outside, but sweet teddy bears on the inside, I guess I’ll have to settle for reading Morgan’s books.
I didn’t love Elise. Her background, which made her into a shy mouse, was bad but not exactly unusual enough to derail her entire life. Luckily, she gets a second chance to become the person she was always destined to be. Then, the faith the clan had in her seems justified.
Now, Tate? Tate, I did love. He’s hot, protective, and sweet as all get out. It turns out he’s a bit too protective. Fortunately, Elise had a plan to take care of that.
The story of how the clan is being hunted falls to the background here, which is a bit of a shame. Instead, this story focusses more on romance. I love me some romance so no troubles there, but the characters were a bit too introspective for me. Way too much thinking. Not enough doing. This made the story seem a bit longer than necessary.
I recommend this novel to lovers of paranormal romance. It helps if you’ve read the first story in the series but is by no means necessary.
***4 Stars***
After the very interesting reaction Tate had to Elise in Guardian’s Bond, I couldn’t wait to see how everything played out for them and I wasn’t disappointed! I was sweet, smexy and filled with a lot of heart, as well a good dose of meddling by well meaning friends and family.
I really liked Elise. She has a sweet, sassy side that most don’t get to see or experience because of the walls she has constructed around herself. Not that I could blame her after learning all she’d gone through in her short life, especially most recently. But I loved watching as those walls started to break down and evolve into a stronger version of herself. Tate, I loved. This man is all kinds of alpha AF. Protective and dominant, but compassionate and sweet all rolled up into one smexy package.
I really enjoyed Elise and Tate’s journey to their HEA. It was that strange mix of insta and slow burn all rolled into one that made the sexual tension between them off the charts all the while giving them the time needed to actually fall in to something like love to make it all work. I loved watching as their relationship evolved and the sweet and swoony moments were all kinds of heart melting.
Healer’s Need was a lot of fun. It was very much a character driven story that didn’t have a lot of angsty-ness going on. Oh, there was drama and moments, but everything was kept on an even keel. My one issue, which took me a bit to work out and when I did I’m putting it on the “It’s not you, It’s me” shelf, is that I wish there had been more of the Draven situation. This isn’t to say that he isn’t “present” in everyone’s mind or that I had any issue with where things were at with him in the end, but I would have like a little more. Other than that though, I loved hanging out with Priest, Kateri, Alek and Jade and getting to know them all better and am quite curious to see what the next book in the series brings us!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
Elise was almost done with the courses for her degree in Kinesiology which she would use to pursue a job in sports rehabilitation. She had moved to Eureka Springs with her mother so they could be protected from the dark, outside forces who wanted to steal her healing powers. Her mother had never told her about the mystical part of their family and now she was unprepared for how much her life had changed. Elise was living in a quaint and cozy house with her mother and every night she could sense someone watching her, keeping her safe and guarding the house. She knew who it was: Tate, the hot tattoo artist with the long hair and sexy beard. She was certain that for the past two weeks Tate had been lurking around but he had never approached her or tried to talk to her which really confusing. Elise had no idea what he wanted with her but she knew she was safe, and that was enough.
Tate had been in love with Elise since the first time he saw her and he knew that someday she would be his mate.This would happen in time because he refused to pressure her into doing anything she wasn’t ready for. She was an innocent in life, in love and in the workings of her new world. She would be the prima healer of their clan someday, but she wasn’t ready yet. It was a conscious decision on his part to guard her house because it allowed him to be close to her and at the same time get a sense of who she was. Each night he shifted into his mountain coyote form and prowled the grounds, keeping his mate safe until the time was right for them to be with each other for the first time.
Will Tate be able to protect Elise from the evil that darkens their door?
“Healer’s Need” is the second book in the Ancient Ink series and Rhenna has masterfully written the love story of Tate and Elise with patience, devotion and understanding. The feelings and emotions of the characters are so intense that you are swept away into their world. When you truly love someone you will wait until they are ready to be with you and that is how Tate captured the heart and love of his mate, Elise. He got to know every aspect of her soul and he promised to keep her safe forever.
Wow, what a beautifully written story filled with so much depth and emotion. I never anticipated feeling such a connection to these characters.
I enjoyed Elise’s journey from vulnerable and innocent to fully capable and confident. Even as she experienced her soul quest I cried at the pain, the beauty, the healing that comes from choosing to let go of the past and embrace a different way. How one decision can change the outcome in so many ways. It moved me in a way I would have never expected.
Tate was the epitome of an alpha male hero. His sole focus was always on Elise. He exhibited all the alpha traits of jealousy, though there was really no reason to be jealous except if someone happened to look at Elise, possessiveness and overall protectiveness…even from his base desires. And yet that too gave me an opportunity to witness Elise’s transformation as she proves to him she is his perfect mate in every way.
The pacing here is slower, the story all the richer for it. The chemistry between the hero and heroine perfectly perfect causing the heat level to reach volcanic proportions. I loved that despite their intense desire, this couple did not fast forward into consummating their relationship. There really wasn’t much drama here, despite the background this clan has and the danger lurking, and this story is centered mostly on Elise and with her, Tate.
It’s been some time since I read the first book, Guardian’s Bond, and with the slew of books I’ve read between then and now I simply could not remember all the details of the events that led to the opening of this story. That caused a bit of trouble for me and leads me to advice readers to read the first book of the series prior to this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Carina Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Healer’s Need is the second book in the Ancient Ink series and I would suggest reading book one first. You learn everything you need to know about the clans and their history. This also picks up right where it left off in book 1.
In Healer’s Need we get Elise and Tate’s story. Well, it felt more like Elise’s story with Tate guiding her along. Tate realizes in the beginning that there is a past trauma that Elise guards herself from which has him taking things very slowly with her.
As we learned in book two, the males recognize their mates in an instant but the women do not. Its a great mix of instant love and a slow burn love. It’s instant for the male but he has to gain the love and trust from their mates to form the mate bond.
While Tate is taking things slow, it in no way means there is lack of heat for these two. In fact, I feel like the heat was on high because Tate had to constantly restrain himself. It was pretty hot.
I also really like how Tate supported her completely. When you have a heroine that has some insecurities, there is nothing better than a hero who will do anything to protect her and bring her out of her shell.
I was a bit surprised with the ending, which I won’t talk about and spoil. It just makes me really curious where the author is taking this series next. I’m not even sure who will be the next couple. I like that we are left with no hints and look forward to the next installment.
Tate has known that Elise was his mate for a few weeks, although you’d never know it. He has been avoiding her. He tells himself it’s been to allow her time to settle into her new life but it’s more that he’s not quite ready to admit she is his mate tom himself! That doesn’t stop him looking out for her from a distance. But when push comes to shove, Tate recognises that Fate doesn’t wait for you to be ready, you get your mate when it’s time.
Elise is new to the world of magic and shifters. Her mother never accepted her gifts and she thought her mum had flown off the deep end when she explained the new reality she has landed in. But even when she sees things with her own eyes, it is still a lot to process.
Tate is one crabbit shifter when he doesn’t get his own way! The banter between himself, Jade and Priest is totally believable. Taking the nick out of one another as only family can.
Elise is learning what her magic can o and her place in her new world, all whilst trying to evade Priest’s brother and dodge the future he has set out for her. I loved the extended family feel of the pack and their inclusive nature of all beings, not just shifters.
Can’t wait for the next one. Word to the wise – definitely read them in order!
Healers Need by Rhenna Morgan is book Two in the Ancient Ink Series. This is the story of Tate Allen and Elise Ralston. These two did meet in the first book ‘Guardian’s Bond’ but nothing progressed in their story other than Tate getting the feeling that Elise is his mate. This book opens us up to Tate going forward to start to claim Elise. The group is still fighting the danger that is threatening them and Elise coming to terms with what she is going to be and with Tate.
I am so in love with this series and this author’s writing. I just can’t wait for more books in this series to come out….love it!
Rhenna, you have blown my expectations out of the water with Tate and Elise’s story!
I could go on about the great characters, the family dynamics with clan interactions, how I got a kick out of the ribbing Tate was taking from his friends over Elise, and how much I loved the fantastic romance and sizzling attraction between Tate and Elise. Instead, I want to say what surprised-and delighted-me most was the personal journey Elise took. It was pretty powerful stuff and made a bigger statement than anything else could!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve not read the first book (Guardian’s Bond) and as it’s a story that continues in this book, I felt a few details were missing.
Tate is a coyote shifter, he’s known Elise is his mate for a while now, but he’s unsure how proceed, he knows she is running from something, her past has shaped her into the scared and nervous female.
Until a couple of months ago, Elise was unaware of the shifting community, she hadn’t believed her mother when she was told about her heritage (her mother had given up her magic and a chance of combining with an animal spirit) but now, (after something that happened in a previous book) Elise is in a community that not only does magic, but a breed of people who commune and change into animals.
Elise has to do a spirit quest to find out if she will receive an animal sprit, but more importantly, where she will fit into this new world.
The darkness that is chasing Elise is already known to the group of shifters, Priest (their leader) is in fact fighting the darkness, and watched as he lost family and members of his clan.
It’s a different twist on the usual shifter story.
It’s well written, well thought out. The characters are really likeable. And I will definitely be reading the first one, and the last one when it comes out (as far as the authors website says, it’s a trilogy) I was hoping for a few more characters to get a story.
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/2020/01/18/review-healers-need-by-rhenna-morgan/
When I finished the first book, Guardian’s bond, I wasn’t sure about reading the next one of this saga. But almost two years later I have decided to give another chance to that shifter world full of magic. I should have listened to my younger self (and wiser as it seems) and skip this saga all together. This book is not worse than the previous one. It is just as bad…
We go back to this tribe of shifters to get to know Elise better, a still human who was rescued in the previous book and is supposed to be the next healer prima. She has lots of confidence issues with her body, which has convert her in little more than a recluse. That is why Tate is keeping his distance after discovering that Elise is his mate. Going too strong could scare her, but he is adamant about claiming her sooner or later. While those two try to make any sense of their love life, the supervillan of the tale, Draven, is still plotting the demise of our heroes. Will there be blood and guts spattered in the face of the lovebirds or will everything be easy peasy lemon squeezy?
First, let’s focus on the story. Can anyone please point me to the direction of the story? I must have missed it. In my opinion, in a Paranormal Romance book there must be a clear balance between the romantic part and the paranormnal one. This book is 95% of bad romance and 5% of rushed action. The first part of the Ancient Ink saga ended with a promising future about looking for the primos and avoiding the dark magic of the cruel Draven. It hinted to a lot, but it has been blatantly ignored in this second installment of the series. Yes, we have mentions about it now and then; but they are not enough to keep the reader engaged. Zero action, danger or trepidation. In much simpler words: SO boring! And when we finally get to the story almost at the end of the book, it feels like a joke. All for that? All the investigation, fear and training just for that? It’s the same ending a TV show gets when is cancelled prematurely. Yes, everything is tied, but the bow is far from pretty…
The characters do not help at all to improve my mood towards this book. They are so flat and unimaginative that is a pain to read about them. Elise is the lesser of two evils. She was bullied in high school due to the size of her breasts and that made her extremely self-conscious in public. And that is all we are told about her. Even Elise’s soul quest to meet her companion is all about her bust… And Tate. Who is Tate? He must have a void personality, because the author doesn’t mention anything about it. I have no clue who was Tate before meeting Elise. His traits, his hobbies, his favourite food or movie… In the book he is all about his mate. A character reduced to his obsession. No fun at all.
Is at least the romance enjoyable? With those characters there was a slim chance of being so. In fact, the romance is a torture and I must be a bona fide masochist for being able to endure it from top to bottom. I have always dislike the fated mate resource in Romance books, but in this saga it gets to a level that sickens me. Tate is a caveman who treats Elise as his most precious possession. Maybe that doesn’t sound that bad, but it is taken too far in my opinion. The anger, the fear, the hunter/prey dynamics and more factors make the romantic part of this book a challenge for a reader like me. I hated everytime Tate made Elise mention whose her “owner” was. The constant “mine” bothered me immensely and made the reading of the sex scenes an ordeal. This couple has rubbed me the wrong way since the first moment.
I don’t think there is going to be a third book, although it is pretty obvious that the author had already moved some pieces in that direction. If by any chance there is a third story in the Ancient Ink universe, I think I would pass on it. It is a shame, because I like the magical aspect of this story. The different roles of the shifter community are pretty original. Too bad that is not explored in more detail. In order to enjoy this saga you must be a hardcore fan of fated love and possessive males. Otherwise, you will like it as much as I do.