This is the second book in this series but can be read as a stand-alone. Tate has been keeping Elise safe but he also plans to teach her about the gifts she has. Someone else also wants Elise for her gift. Will they break this new-found connection between Elise and Tate? Amazing characters with lots of depth and plenty of chemistry. The story is entertaining and lots of twists and turns. I was hooked from beginning to end. I really liked it.

Tate's entire world changed when he first laid eyes on Elise. She is his destined mate but being innocent to their world, he cannot reveal this truth without her running scared. She doesn't even know him but now she will get the chance to. His patient instruction and protective nature as he introduces her to her new life and helps her discover and hone her gifts soon win her over. She is a healer, and also a prime target for the Volcan's greatest enemy. Keeping her safe and eventually bonding with her are his sole focuses.

He guides her, helps her grow in skill and confidence as he struggles to hold back on being over-protective and stifling her. The last thing she needs to be is helpless and dependant on him. Their enemy is too powerful and she has an important role to play in the clan. It gets a tad intense as Tate begins to realize the extent of his position and his role as her mate and protector. But it is fun to see how both characters grow into their roles and become exactly what the need to be. Can't wait for the next book.

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

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.

I really liked this book. Great premise, characters and writing. I didn't realise that it is book 2 in a series but tbh it didn't affect the reading of the book. I would like to have read the 1st one but it didn't affect this one that I hadn't.

Healer’s Need by Rhenna Morgan
Book #2: Ancient Ink Series
Source: NetGalley
My Rating: 4½/5 stars

Holy hell!! I sure do love it when the training wheels come off and the real fun begins in a series. I enjoyed the first book in the Ancient Ink series, but it had to deal with all the ground work and introductions that are so common to first-in-a-series books. This book, Healer’s Need picked up right where book one left off, hit the ground running, and didn’t let up until the very last page!

Tate Allen knows exactly who is, his place among his people, and where his future lies. He and his companion are completely in synch, he is committed to eradicating the threat to his people, and he is absolutely devoted to the care and protection of his mate. The only problem, his mate has no idea she’s his mate, and she has spent much of her life outside the community and is new to the world Tate is so very entrenched in.

Elise Ralston has spent her life hearing about shifters and magic, but she has only ever half believed in the fantastical stories told to her by her mother. That is, until she is targeted by a powerful and vengeful figure hell bent on taking her life and the powers she didn’t even know she possesses. When the cavalry arrives and takes Elise and her mother into hiding and safety, everything she thought she knew, or half believed becomes crystal clear and her entire world turns upside down and inside out. Oh, then there’s Tate Allen, the stunningly sexy man who helped rescue Elise and her mother and has since refused to even look at her let alone speak to her.

As a gentleman and man of honor, Tate has tried to give Elise time to adjust to her new life and wrap her head around the implications of her new knowledge. By all accounts, once Elise meets the Keeper, she will be made head of the house of Healers and lead a powerful and much needed segment of her new community. Trouble is, Tate’s companion is becoming more and more restless with the need to claim his mate, and Tate is inclined to agree. It’s time to properly court Elise and help her adjust to every aspect of her new life.

Once Tate finally turns his full attention on Elise, she begins to appreciate the full power of her new community. Tate is considerate, accommodating, kind, patient(ish), and willing to help Elise understand her place in their shared world. With every encounter, the bond between Tate and Elise strengthens. What’s more, Tate helps Elise overcome the trauma of her past as well as helping her to embrace the gifts she has and is given by the Keeper. To be sure, the process isn’t at all easy and there are serious impediments to the completion of the bond, but as Tate and Elise both discover, it’s the impediments that make the good times so, so much better.

The Bottom Line: I really liked this book!! With ground work having been put down in book one, there was nothing left to do but dive right into the action in Healer’s Need and that is exactly what you get. From the very beginning, Tate is driven and determined in his quest to claim Elise. With an impatient companion, Tate must reign in his wilder side until he can give Elise all the details of what their bond and their world really is. What I enjoyed most about this book is twofold: 1) Elise doesn’t play games; her world has been turned upside down, but she trusts her instincts and accepts her knew life with arms, mind, and heart wide open and; 2) the big bad is dealt with in a most exciting, sad, and permanent way. Without giving away too much, this book has a tremendous ending that doesn’t drag out an arc far longer than it needs to be. When you add in just how much I like both Elise and Tate, I can’t ever see this being anything less than a favorite in the series.

***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 ~

Rhenna Morgan can write super sweet, super sexy, and super protective alphas like nobody's business. Healer's Need hit all the right marks with Elise and Tate. Elise is new to the whole shifter world, and she's sent for a loop when Tate turns the charm up 100 degrees. Tate has been watching and waiting, letting Elise get used to her new surroundings. But he's done waiting, and boy howdy, was it tense and lovely and scintillating. We also get more suspense where the overall plot arc is concerned.

Get ready for sparks and action and intrigue!

Healer’s Need is the second book of the latest series by Rhenna Morgan…Ancient Ink. The first book “Guardian’s Bond” was spectacular and I was so thrilled to my toes excited when I received the ARC of Healer’s Need. Rhenna Morgan is one of those authors that I adore and I always get a kick out of her writings. Her books always seem to be so easy to connect with and Healer’s Need was everything I expected and more. It continues the series and the plot that Guardian’s Bond left us with. I will say that this book I read WAY too quickly. Its one of those type of books you literally read too fast and regret and makes you want to re read it again because you breezed ways too fast through and these are the books that I remember the most. And I have a feeling this book will stay with me for a long while.

Our tale begins with Tate Allen who works at the Tattoo Parlor and has a coyote as his companion. He knows that Elise is his mate, but is being patient. Wanting to give her time and to learn her but its now past time that he make his desires known to her and win her heart. He knows that it won’t be easy, that she is gentle and kind hearted and will need time to accept their bond, but he is willing to wait as long as it takes to win her heart and trust. Elise is new to this world and the risks and beauty of the knowledge that she has learned. She knows that she will be learning new things and it frightens her at times. But she also knows that this is an opportunity for a change, to let the past go and her shy character and become more. She wants something different for herself and she never expected that Tate would want her like he does or that she would find her true gift and calling as a destiny of one of the most powerful healers.

At first Elise doesn’t know what to make of her new destiny or the man that will become her mate, all she knows how much feeling he brings out in her and this new taste of freedom and excitement. She knows that there is a dangerous enemy out there, but she also is learning to rely on her instincts. At first she is very curious about Tate and what she feels for him. It frightens her in a way but also excites her. He brings out emotions and a physical reaction she isn’t used to but she embraces every new experience. Tate is very powerful in his own right, and isn’t afraid of going after what he wants which is Elise in every way. But he also understands her and is honest with her about his desires. But there is a dangerous enemy that wants to destroy them but Elise and Tate working together will find their own power and security within the clan.

This was such a edge of your seat type of read, and I had a blast with this book. Such a page turner…my goodness…I have a love hate relationship with Rhenna Morgan because seriously I read her books way too quickly hehe I love her so but dang it I wanted to just enjoy the moment…but no I pick this book up and two hours later, I am done fully satisfied but still wanting the moments to last longer.

So this book is a fated mates romance, so this might not work for everyone. However, I love a well written fated mates and Morgan really writes this so well so that it slowly builds and doesn’t have that too rushed in love feel to it. It really is written in such a way that the flow is smooth and flawless and we see the slow build in emotion and chemistry between this pair. Now I would like to warn you …the sex is HOT!! I always forget how steamy her scenes can be. But I love it at the same time because these scenes really build on the intimacy between her couples and I felt it really integrated between Tate and Elise.


The plot of the story really escalates from the previous book, and the twists and a few surprises along the way that we see are quite thrilling. I loved how on edge this book put me and I never wanted it to end. We see the plot build up to its climax and its pretty powerful. Elise’s character really surprised me the most in this book. She has that silent strength that we don’t see to much in this genre. I loved the way she grows within herself, learning and challenging herself but also never losing that gentle and kind part of her personality. Of course, she is a powerful healer, so it makes sense but I loved the way she becomes more confident and sure of herself and proactive when you least expect it.

Overall I found that Healer’s Need was unexpectedly divine in its small touches and beauty of emotion and vibrancy of passion. Its a story that captures your full attention, guaranteed to stun your senses and evoke all the feels that only this author delivers!! PACKS A SENSUAL PUNCH OF POWER, GROWTH AND DESTINY!

I received this e-book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Once Tate meets Elise, he knows she is his true mate. As much as he wants to grab her and mate, he knows he must take it easy on her. While in high school, Elise had a terrible bullying situation so she closed herself off from relationships.

Tate met Elise and her mom while doing handyman type jobs for her mom. Because he felt the pull to Elise he would barely acknowledge her, he was afraid his "animal" would frighten her. She had no experience in what would become her future. Elise did have feelings when it came to Tate though so she was a bit confused until Tate explained why.

Tate is a warrior within his pack and Elise has a bright future if someone doesn't stop it first...

I loved Tate and Elise! All he wanted was her to be comfortable with her future. He was patient and kind and very respectful of her. As Elise grew into her healer, Tate was with her every step. The most important aspect was Elise believing in her own self and her capabilities as much as becoming Tate's mate and a Primo healer.

This is the first book I have read from this author and would definitely read more!

I really liked Guardian's Bond and I'm also really glad that I made the decision to purchase that one before I read the ARC of Healer's Need - for a lot of reasons... The first book in the Ancient Ink series not only introduced the characters in Healer's Need, but a lot of world building ground work was laid. So... for once, you should probably do as I did ;) (I don't get to say that often, so pay attention - you can thank me later;) ) Now that we've gotten that out of the way...

Tate was one of my favorite characters in Guardian's Bond. He and Jade had been a part of Priest's life for a long time and the "sibling" banter between the two of them was natural (and entertaining), as well as the love and respect that they both had for Priest. Tate's reaction to Elise at the end of Guardian's Bond was priceless and I couldn't wait to find out how things developed between the two of them. I wasn't disappointed.

Like I said, I loved Tate in Guardian's Bond, but he gained my respect in Healer's Need. Given the mate bond, it was no surprise that he was amazing with Elise, but he still impressed me. Elise had been through a lot and Tate somehow sensed that and was patient. A lot was thrown at her at once, given the fact that she knew nothing of her heritage - at least nothing that she believed. I loved and respected her strength and determination to face her destiny.

I'm really loving this series and can't wait for it to continue. Rhenna Morgan has quickly turned into one of my go-to authors. I can't wait to see what she has in store for readers next.

I love paranormal romance! Whenever I see an interesting looking PR book I am quick to pick it up! This book had many things I love about a good PR book. First the whole “mate” business. I love the idea of predestined mates. I love how fierce and intense they are. Tate and Elise were no exception. I loved watching their bond grow and seeing more “animal” sides come out as their bond grew deeper. I liked how the idea of touch came into play. It was a unique twist on how the mating bond begins to form. Tate was a great character... definitely had the alpha shifter vibe but he was also incredibly patient and kind with Elise which I really liked. He took his time and never pressured or rushed her. Elise was definitely someone you could relate to. Overcoming her insecurities and growing into her own was fun to read about. I love the whole “healer” aspect of paranormal romance.
The main reason I didn’t enjoy this book more is that there is zero world building. You’re just kind of tossed into it and it makes it very difficult to follow. I’m going to assume the author did the world building in book one and that’s why it’s not in this book bc otherwise I’m not sure how you could understand anything that was happening. Because of that this book IMO cannot be really enjoyed as a stand-alone... if you’re reading it as a series then it would be a much much easier read. Overall a good paranormal romance that’s probably better if you’ve read book 1.

** ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **

I had never heard of this author before, but I am drawn to shapeshifter stories and thankfully this one didn't disappoint. From page one, it jumps right into the story, which is always a little off-balance. Not entirely a stand alone, but close enough. Obviously some things happened in a previous book that I would have liked to have known to better understand this story, but it didn't detract too much. I enjoyed the idea of an overall Creator and quests, a very Native American vibe plus the connection of magic in tattoos and such. I enjoyed that each person was a different species of shapeshifter, that a Creator choose the right animal for your personality. Also, it's set in Eureka Springs, Arkansas not 45 minutes away from me, so also very cool! I could have done without all the gratuitous sex scenes, but apparently that's the popular thing these days.

Provided free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am enjoying the Men of Haven series by Rhenna Morgan a lot, so when the publisher offered me an ARC of Healer’s Need, I decided to try this series. Trouble is much of what I like about Men of Haven is distinct to that situation and those people. Not every author is able to take me from one series into a very different one, but this time it worked. Healer’s Need is worlds away from Men of Haven, a paranormal romance where mates are fated and the only choice lies in accepting or rejecting such a gift. The book centers on a group of shifters with magic fighting to keep their people strong against one who has broken all the rules. It’s very different from the themes that I’ve enjoyed from this author before.

The other aspect of this book that differs is the connection between Elise and Tate. It is front and center, the main focus of much of the book rather than sharing the spotlight with another crisis. That’s not to say there isn’t a wider crisis, as I mentioned before with the oath-breaker. The sense of that concern is so strong that I became paranoid for Elise and just as willing as Tate to ensure she stayed where Priest, the leader of the Volán people, could ward her from his brother, the corrupted shifter. This proves the strength of Rhenna Morgan. Her ability to suck you into her world is wonderful, whether a contemporary one focused on corrupt politicians, drug dealers, and harmful laws or one where a clan of magical shifters accept their companion animal from the Keeper along with a particular magical talent.

This has largely been a review of the author rather than the book, so let me focus on Healer’s Need for a moment. This is an explicit, steamy novel about soulmates discovering why the Keeper chose to put them together. It explores the instinctual side of love and how the brain can undermine what instinct knows to be true by over-thinking. Fated mates can be used as a shortcut to creating a true bond between the main characters. That is far from the case here. The Keeper may have connected the two of them from the start with an instant, lustful bond, but that link requires both to accept and embrace it fully before it becomes firm. We get to ride along on that process, seeing all the ways people can chance losing their soulmate by failing to accept them as full and equal partners. The reasons each had for holding back make perfect sense, which makes the struggle all the more potent.

I jumped in on the series with this book, the second. It’s well able to be read as a standalone, with everything you need provided in the text. This is true, in part, because of the focus on Tate and Elise more than the crisis they must resolve, which largely doesn’t come into play beyond a shared paranoia until the last quarter or so of the book. That said, I want to go back and read Priest and Katy’s story now just because I feel a connection with the characters and want to see how their story came about.

I suppose the last sentence reveals more than anything else how this book worked for me. The clan’s world is complicated and has its own internal logic. The conflicts feel real while how each member must overcome their own challenge in a spirit walk before accepting their companion and connection to the clan’s magic is well done. Ultimately, the sense of place and people are what make Rhenna Morgan an author I’ll keep reading, along with the underlying messages of consent and a willingness to give people a chance. I’ve read most of her books as ARCs, but the writing is a little rough in such a way that should have been cleared up by this point, ARC or not. It says a lot that everything else is powerful enough to overcome that issue for me and make me a fan.

P.S. I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Boy meets girl.

Healer’s Need is centered on “boy meets girl” theme. Strong insta-love (as with most paranormal books) between Tate and Elise that works out exceptionally well. I want to use the word “wholesome” to describe their relationship. Crazy that Rhenna Morgan can write steamy love scenes and give Tate a dirty mouth, yet they came off as being wholesome. The honesty and dedication Tate and Elise shared was a refreshing and beautiful.

Things got so good when the paranormal action took place. I loved, loved, LOVED the paranormal aspect of going on a soul quest to receive your shifter companion. The mystery of which companion animal will choose a character was more exhilarating than finding out the magical talent.

Most of the Healer’s Need was an overabundance of lingering and unnecessary details. The first intimate encounter between Tate and Elise was approximately 8% of the story. 8% of 400 pages is a big deal for one scene. If the story was cut down to 200 pages, it would have been much better.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, so I could give an honest review.

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 patience he’s shown. The faith he’s demonstrated—denying himself what he needs sexually, even as he teaches her about pleasure.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Rhenna Morgan is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

Healers Need is book 2 in Rhenna Morgan’s Ancient Ink series. The story picks up where Guardians Bond “left off” in a sense but this is 100% a stand-alone novel.
* the world building in GB would be suggested to really showcase the depth of this novel

Tate meets his mate Elise (unbeknown to her) as Elise and h r mom move into a house on Priests protected land. The “want” is there for both of them from the beginning, they feel the pull

“Wanting something and being ready for it are two different things”

This installment has lots of plot, more character and world building, We go on Elise’s soul quest, and watch their love story unfold. It’s not without provocation and a game of cat and mouse. —> Tate wants but is afraid of the chase.

Like in guardians bond my favorite scene in healers need revolve around tattooing. We see a vulnerable side to Tate, and Elise has her strength on display. Though she may be inexperienced in the intimacy department, It pours out of Tate by the truckload.

Vanessa happily plays the Villan in this story, but the clan also hunts Draven into an epic finale!

This is a must read and I hope to get more in this series from Rhenna!

4.5 Stars Book 2 in the Ancient Ink series, Healer’s Need is a great story with danger and chaos. Tate and Elise take are captivating characters who take you on an intriguing path to their destiny. Great characters a fabulous story and an intensity that kept me engaged throughout. I look forward to reading many more books by this author

ARC received for review

I read Ms. Morgan's Men of Haven series and loved it, so when I saw this one I requested it. And no I haven't read the first one.

I was a little lost at times since most of the back story appears to happen in book 1, but there was plenty of intrigue, chemistry, and family to keep this one interesting. Tate and Elise are mates, but only Tate knows that. I liked how he took his time and didn't force it on her, nor did he go caveman and tell her she had to mate him. [ I really appreciate that they captured the bad guy and he didn't elude capture until book 7 or 8. (hide spoiler)]

I look forward to future books in this series, and hopefully read the first one sometime when the price isn't over my self imposed e-book limit.

"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...