Healer

The Institute #1

by Cassandra Gold

For Evan Holloway, life is a series of careful routines and rituals. For a man who can't touch any object or person without getting a flood of impressions, that's the only way to live. He’s not exactly happy, but he's content—until a single, earth-shattering revelation turns his well-ordered life upside down. Suddenly, someone is trying to brand Evan a traitor, and has evidence to prove it.

On the run, away from the shelter of the Delphic Institute, Evan is captured. His only hope for survival is to escape. To accomplish that, he’ll do whatever it takes.

One night, Psychiatrist Elijah Wexler walks straight into the path of an unbalanced man who takes him hostage. But Elijah soon discovers that the man, Evan, isn't so crazy after all. Now, Elijah realizes that everything he thought he knew about his job and his life was wrong.

Together, the two men must discover the whole, ugly truth before it's too late...

Gay / Paranormal / Psychic Phenomena / Series

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2011

About the author

By day, I am a middle school teacher. I spend much of my time grading papers, filling out paperwork, and trying to get 6th- and 7th- graders to read.

When I am not at work, I can generally be found at the computer, dreaming up stories about men falling in love. When I have spare time (which is unfortunately not too often anymore!) I read romance of all kinds. Occasionally I pretend to do housework, but my hubby isn't fooled!

Reviews

[Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review you're about to enjoy is told in three parts:

If you have a sense of humor read part one.
If you prefer something more serious read part two
If you don't like to read, but like pictures skip to part three
If you are brave and like all of the above read one through three...

  ...Read at your own risk...

Part One: Explosive Sock Puppetism

Fabulous
U should read this ASAP
Creative
Kick ass
Intense (like OMFG intense)
New lovable characters
Gooder (take that English) than the first book!

Astonishing
Wonderful
Elijah was so adorable and sweet
Sophisticated
OMG said that a lot reading it)
Made me smile
Evan is just amazing

Words considered but not used above: Timeless, extraordinary, masterpiece, pee your pants anticipation, had me gagging for more (that's a gay oral sex pun from a size queen, laugh bitches), Fun, great, gays on a road trip that was just a circle (brings to mind an old joke)... You probably get the point.......

Part Two: Review With Sentences, not necessarily grammatically correct

If you can't tell I absolutely love this book. It was a great sequel and I loved it, more than the first book. Loved the two guys, especially poor Evan.

The book starts of fast and never slows down. It kept an intense pace and kept surprising me. Especially at the end. I wasn't expecting that at all. I'm already anxious for the next book. I don't even care who it is about I'm just excited for it.

I don't want to add any spoilers but read this story. It really was awesome. While I loved the first book it was a little slow in the beginning while this book is a lot quicker with a lot more suspense and a little more action.

It was a very entertaining read. I know this part of the review is a little weak but hopefully the pictures make up for it.

Part Three: Sexy/Funny Pictures

[Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really was enjoying the first half of this book. Liking the characters and getting to know everyone. Then by the second half I couldn't put it down. I stayed up to 3am to finish.

At times Cam made it hard to like him but Overall I did really like him. Tristan was easy to love.

I loved the nicknames everyone had they made me smile.

I love there is a character called Spoons

I am excited for the next book in the series

That's from first read from November 02 to 04, 2011

Second read still loved it.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassandra Gold never lets me down. Not once. With this book, she proves again why she is one of my favorite (and auto-buy) authors. By the way, you all might want to read Bubbles's review first. Mine is all letters (and boring); he has pictures!! :p

Evan is being framed as traitor and when he runs away from The Institute, he is quickly kidnapped and tortured (with graphic impressions from other people being tortured and murdered). Evan manages to escape though, and in his attempt to run, he sort of kidnaps Elijah so they can leave together using Elijah's car. On the run, Evan and Elijah develops feeling for one another except Elijah has a secret that might shatter the relationship.

I agree that this book is better than the previous one. It practically opens with a choc of action, that pulls me in immediately. It has fast pace and I never feel bored. Sure, there's slowing down moment, like when Evan and Elijah are resting on a motel -- but the pace never drags on.

In book #1, Healer, Evan is described as "the most powerful psychometrist the Institute has ever had. Poor guy can't touch anything or anyone without getting flashes of the past, present, or future". Here, we see how his power has kept Evan alone all of his life. He cannot touch other people (or thing) without wearing gloves. Because of that, Elijah is so perfect for him (Elijah's power reminds me of Allyson James's Nash from her Stormwalker series). But it's not just because of Elijah's power -- he is so calm and is the right man to handle Evan.

If I have complaint, I think Elijah is slightly underdeveloped compared to Evan. Yes, Elijah has daddy issues which drives him to be the kind person that he is. But other than that, he is a little bit plain compared to Evan. Another complaint will be how the climax is, when Evan and Elijah confront the villain. It lacks of BANG, you know?

But no matter, they are just so wonderful together. The sex scenes are sweet without feeling like a manual (or ritual) I often find. Thanks for another great story, Ms. Gold. I hope you write more about the characters from The Institute ...

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this (more likely to be) new series, the story focuses on people with supernatural talent, who is part of The Institute. Imagine The Institute like Professor Xavier's "School for the Gifted" on X-Men. There are people who can read mind, people who can bend things, people who can do remote viewing, people with psychometric power.

In this place, Cam (short Chameleon) is a shapeshifter (but this not refers to animals shifting). He can shift to anybody. He is a field agent, meaning he retrieves people with supernatural ability, whose lives are in danger. One of his target, is Tristan, a healer - who can heal anybody with his power of mind. There is strong attraction between the two of them, but Cam hides a secret that he is not ready to tell Tristan, even if he knows that his feeling for the healer runs deeper than anyone ever before.

Cassandra Gold is one of my favorite authors and she hasn't disappointed me. Her stories are usually warm, tender, sweet, with likeable protagonists, but never go aboard to being too mushy. This story is another win for me. Both characters are well-developed and I'm in love with their relationship.

Cam has a baggage from childhood, he has built a persona that is actually a lie, and he keeps his 'real' self at arm length. I love how his feeling for Tristan, when he realizes he is in love, slowly cracks that wall. Tristan, on the other hand, is a shy guy at first. He moves so many times to keep himself in hiding.

But when he is with Cam, he develops confidence, and he can let himself free. The sex between the two is pretty hot, which includes being bent over a dryer, and a non-consent roleplay -- again, only a roleplay. I am a bit uncomfortable at first with the situation (Cam is using someone else's face when he does so) but when I realize the significance of the scene, which has something to do with Cam's secret, I think it's really well-played.

There is tenderness and enough angst (they broke up for awhile, because Tristan cannot take how Cam seems to keep a wall when it is about Cam's personal life) to pull me in into the story. I love it and hope to see more characters from this series.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good m/m paranormal romance about a doctor who can heal people with his mind. Bad guys who want to capture him and use his power for their own ends are closing in on him when a purportedly good guy offers him a way out.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blond guy on the cover is straight out of Zoolander, don't you think?

I loved this book. It had the elements those of you who’ve read my reviews know I love: mortal danger, action, drama, and so forth. I loved the characters. Each was separate and distinct and had his or her own quirks, although it kind of read like the X-Men. There were strong female characters, although not enough. There was a fakedubcon scene that was really hot. The Institute was interesting and well thought out in that I could completely picture it.

The pacing was okay through most of it, but it lagged between the 1/4 and 1/2 mark. The last quarter was perfect, though, all the mortal danger and self-sacrifice I love and want. Yes I’m a sick puppy.

There was a fair bit of humor. I found this particularly funny. (He’s talking about reality TV shows.):

"They're all so stupid," Cam complained. In a fake announcer voice, he intoned, "Tonight, watch as twenty bachelors vie for the love of one man-eating shark. Then, in an hour, see ten aspiring singers try to make their way through an obstacle course--that's on fire!"

“I thought we'd try something new. It's this thing people do sometimes called 'talking.' I don't have much experience at it, but I thought it sounded like fun." The shy expression on Cam's face told him the man wasn't being sarcastic.
(The last line is what I thought was hilarious, even though it wasn’t supposed to be.)

At one point, (medium spoiler) the two split up and Cam considers cheating:

Tristan's face flitted through Cam's mind, and he recoiled, horrified. What was he doing? He and Tristan might not have any kind of formal commitment, but if he slept with someone else Tristan would be hurt. Really hurt. The last thing Cam wanted was to make Tristan unhappy. The thought of Tristan, sad because of him, made Cam's stomach clench. Forcing a smile, he shook his head. "No, thanks, Esteban.

I really like that he’s not just saying this because he hopes to get Tristan back, because at that point he doesn’t think that’s going to happen. I like how he’s concerned about Tristan’s feelings even though they’re not together anymore.

A few nitpicks:

How would Tristan get through medical school without being exposed as a healer? He would have had to do a rotation in an ER.

Tristan tells Cam that if he’s relocated to another place, not to the Institute, he could have a chance at a normal life. He’s done this numerous times himself and he’s always found.

As you can see, my nitpicks were few and my praises are many. I just wish the book were longer.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because of that fantastic last action sequence and its aftermath.

[Heather C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never really got into this story.
 
The sex started early on and I never felt the connection between the two MCs.  It was insta-love-ish in the I-miss-you-and-I've-only-known-you-a-day kinda way.
 
Cam was the big asshole here, but he was still my favorite character; he had layers. I saw the twist coming in the end with Cam's real identity, but I still really liked reading it unfold.  Tristan was flat and boring.
 
There wasn't much world building and all the action was crammed into the end. I think there was some kind of mystery...??
 
This was mostly a 2 star book for me but the ending recovered it to 3 stars. It was just too easy to put down and too hard to pick back up.

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Bubbles rec EVER!!!
this series has been wonderful!!

But this book was the best one so far i loved it so much i gobbled it up :)

For an outstanding review go check out this review!!

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

thanks B!!

[Portia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was written for MM Good Book Reviews

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...

I absolutely loved the first book in Cassandra Gold’s new Series, The Institute. Basically, this is the X-men for grown-ups. And like the most recent X-men offerings, between a bunch of action scenes, there’s a steamy romance with more than a touch of angst.

Now the Title character, Tristan, is a sweetie; a heart of gold and off-the chart healing abilities. It takes him a while to get used to not having to hide his abilities, when he first gets to the Institute, but it doesn’t take long for him to get with the program. Having a hottie like Cam no doubt made settling in even easier. Speaking of Cam, he is without par my favorite character in this story. Watching him fall in love was like seeing a car wreck in slow motion. What’s that saying? The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Definitely applies to our jaded Shapeshifter.

There are also a heap of neat secondary characters that are introduced . Hopefully, Ms. Gold won’t feel the need to just stick with just MM romance, in this series. I would love to see Dixon fall.

So, like I said, The Institute: Healer is a fabulous beginning. Nice world-building, realistic plotting and excellent pace for both the romance and the action. I look forward to book #2.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how sometimes you're so happy with a book that you just wish there were more of it and you want to stalk the author and beg her to write a sequel because one is not enough? (Which is how I felt about Harry Potter, by the way.) Well, in case you don't know, let me use this book - Healer by Cassandra Gold - as an illustration of that feeling.

At a first glance, this looks like one of those typical paranormal m/m romance story with two highly appealing main characters that are doused with enough UST to swim in a sea of flangst. We get the sweet and shy Dr. Tris and the sexy and confident Cam and while they are polar opposites, the attraction between them was clear and palpable from the start. We think, "Oh, well, surely they can get together right away? There's no way they're not going to end up together, are they?" So they did and then things got really interesting.

The thing that surprised me most about the story was that behind the first impressions I got from the two main characters, they contained a lot more depth than what I expected. The layers beneath the sweet and adorable exteriors of Tristan and Cam's surface are only revealed after their first hook-up. Then we got to know just how vulnerable they both are and how what we see is not exactly what we're going to get. The plot doesn't exactly twist but the character development does. My heartstrings were tugged almost to an unbearable level of pain when I found out the big secret that Cam was hiding from Tristan. It was the one thing that had me sitting, entranced, pensive and reeling from shock, quietly for a good long while after I finished the story.

I just can't imagine how it must be like for someone to live with a mask 24/7, never letting it down or letting his guard down, even after they find someone they love and can trust. How exhausting it must be.

It's rather ingenious, really, how Cassandra Gold revealed everything at the very end of the story with only a few more measly pages remaining before the finish. She probably thought it would keep the readers interested in the next story, which I hope she would write and publish as soon as possible, and if this was the case, then she's a very smart author. I just wish it didn't have to wreak so much havoc with the state of my emotions!

All in all, a wonderful opener to what I hope is a great series. Now I just want to shout: MORE PLEASE!

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. Tristan and Cam aren't perfect, but they work. I like it :) I ESPECIALLY like Tristan. Cam, pissed me off too many times I got tired of the whole pity party for one he was throwing.

Do I wish we got to see more of the training sessions? YES! How was the training for him. Handling a weapon, hand to hand combat, etc. I wanted to see him train.

Tristan is a doctor, but he's a doctor with a special ability. He heals people by touch with his mind. He's been on the run almost his entire life, but the bad guys are getting closer and closer. He knows they are in the hospital he's at and needs to run. When he does he runs right into a "brick wall". That brick wall wants to take him somewhere "safe". Can he trust him? What is safe? It's probably some trick.

Cam is a shifter, oh no-not an animal shifter, an actual human chameleon (thus the name, Cam). Cam pissed me off so much, like I said. But, he gets Tristan's reluctance, but he REALLY wants to help. Can he persuade him into getting into The Institute?

I loved how Tristan put his foot down and said I deserve better!. It's true. While that was happening I kept singing "don't know what you got til it's gone". It was the case here.

I cried throughout this book, for some reason--especially at the fire-starters house. Bawled like a baby there. Throughout the book though I FELT for Tristan (not Cam, he was an ass), it made me weepy.

The secondary characters were awesome too :) Telly, Dix, Spoons, Ned and Dean, etc.

Overall, great book, just wished we could have seen more of training and Cam got his head out of his ass sooner instead of having a pity party. Thank goodness for Spoons!

[Td · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Aside from obviously being m/m, this version on the theme of people with abilities didn't feel fresh or bring anything new and different to the table. It felt like a mediocre version and it failed to hold my attention for more than a couple of chapters at a time or prevent me from wandering. For some reason, Cam and Tristan only marginally managed to keep me interested even though they were hot and sweet together. Something was missing but I can't figure out what it was. What pushed it up to the 3 star rating for me was toward the end where my emotional strings were pulled and I shed more than a couple of tears. Still not enough to follow the series.

[Susan65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

I liked this book much better than the first one, even though I really did love Cam and Tristan. But Evan, there is just something about him that makes you want to wrap him up and protect him. His life was horrible: his past, childhood, parents, no friends, locked up, etc...you name it, he's suffered.
I could not think of a better partner for him then Elijah. What a good, kind soul he is, and exactly what Evan needed.

The story starts off with a bang and doesn't settle down until it's over. It's a very fast read even though it's not a short story. I love when that happens.

There is mystery, intrigue, kidnapping, torture, but also, love, sweetness, and a happy ending.

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was a fun story!

...and way much better than the first book. It was fast paced and I adored both Evan and Elijah; both were a little sad and geeky. Still, there was some insta-love, but it didn't really bother me this time because I felt like the characters really connected and cared for each other. 
 
The plot was also better; faster paced with more twisty surprises.  I was really into it. There seemed to be some inconsistencies with Elijah's power, but that can be forgiven. 
My biggest issue seemed to be that both characters' names began with "E" and it caused me a lot of confusion. Looking forward to the next book.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good paranormal m/m romance about a member of the Delphic Institute who gets captured by a rival organization. When escaping, he takes a hostage and everything starts to change.

[Trix · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me a long time to finally finish this. I couldn't find the will to read till the end. And since it didn't capture my attention, it gets only 2 stars rating.

The plot was fairly interesting and there was a diverse cast involved. and despite that, I wasn't drawn in by the story. I understood Cam/Jason and I felt for his troubled past, filled with abuse and abandonment. I understood he had been hurt, I understood he was afraid to trust again and felt more at ease hiding his true self. But I never felt his emotions. Oh, they were written and explained but I couldn't emotionally connect with him. Neither with Tristan. Perhaps I could have accepted that but then the storyline became pretty predictable. And ultimately, this made me drop the rating. I figured Cam would bail out of a committed relationship and only give in when forced. I wasn't surprised to see him resort to flirting with other men, only to never follow through. I knew Tristan would sacrifice himself, just because it had been highlighted a couple of times that he was a noble soul.

My interest was piqued by the notion of a healer and a shape shifter becoming a couple but the actual story didn't deliver as much as I had hoped.

[Trisha Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good story. The two MC's were great together and I liked the different take on shifters.

When I first added this book I was thinking it would be more traditional in the shifter aspect, but it was actually something completely different. Although the blurb would have been an obvious clue had I read it properly. Anyways, the two characters had their own gifts and both of them were complete opposites, but the worked, you know?

I was loving this story and then Cam, one of the MC's pissed me off twice. One of those times I just wanted to hug Tristan and tell him everything was going to be okay. People won't be getting any spoilers from me, but I will say that.

I loved the fact we had a few real scenes. They were both emotional and sweet, but they also went somewhere. It wasn't just tears and lets go back to stage one. No. The characters developed really well and the relationship was great. I had fun reading the sex scenes and even though there was a lie. I wasn't bummed out by it. You could, or at least I could, see why Cam kept the secret.

Definitely recommended for someone who likes an action packed romance with a different type of shifter.

[Jane (PS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason I found CG writing in this book 'choppier' than Quinn's Hart, however I enjoyed the theme of the book and the developing relationship between the MCs and surrounding characters.

The precis for the book is somewhat misleading as I didn't notice any threat of 'war'! There are clearly rival groups, but there was little interaction with them. It was certainly not the focus of the book IMHO.

Merged review:

I really enjoyed the flow of the story but some elements of the plot had gaps that weren't satisfactorily explained away. The two MCs are adorable and a great match. I'll slowly continue this series ~ I love psychic books!

***edit***
Dang - no more books in the series yet, although it looks like Garris may have been the next story. Not sure if he will make it to 'print' though since CG's comment was two years ago :(

[Meggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this plot. Sure, it was easily plotted, but centered toward Tristan and Cam as a couple. I found it pulling and really interesting, which I believe what the point. Cam was unique and mysterious, I liked him. And Tristan, he was simple good hearted person. I'm looking forward for more books in this series.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 2 star book until 90%. Didn't see it coming and it switched it up a bit.

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one!!
Can't wait for more!!

I enjoyed all the characters and the story was great just like x-men!!

Thanks B for getting me to read it
:)

[Gabbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I’ve read several books by Cassandra Gold and I’ve really enjoyed every one of them, but I have to admit that Healer is one of my favorites by her. I knew from reading previous works by Ms. Gold that I would probably be in for a treat. Her books are very character driven and heavily romantic, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the fast-paced action and the suspenseful storyline. I was immediately swept up into the lives of these characters and before I knew it the book had come to an end.

Tristan is a healer. He has the gift of being able to heal some illnesses and disabilities by just putting his hands on the patient, and through some inner powers he’s able to pull out what ails them into himself and cure them. Because of this, Tristan lives in fear of being discovered. He knows there is a group that is following him and wants to put him through a series of tests like some freakish lab rat, so he’s aware that although he lives his life on the edge, he can’t help but still want to help people with his gift.

One day Tristan’s luck runs out and he finds himself running for his life, but suddenly a handsome man appears named, Cam, and whisks Tristan away from danger and into the safety of a place called The Delphic Institute. Tristan soon learns that the institute is a safe haven for all types of people who have different gifts, but they use their powers for good instead of evil. At first Tristan is leery of his new safe haven, but because he instinctively trusts Cam, he finds himself becoming friends with others and honing his craft to really help others. But, as the two men continue to become close, Cam is always holding back. Tristan knows there is some deep mystery behind Cam’s inability to open up about his life and heart to Tristan. Just when Tristan starts to feel hopeless that he’ll never truly gain Cam’s love and total trust, danger to the institute and others like him, push both Tristan and Cam into the fight of their lives. Will Tristan ever get Cam to open up and take a chance on a once in a lifetime love?

I loved this book! There is plenty of romance and adventure in the Healer to satisfy the pickiest of readers. As usual, Ms. Gold really is able to get to the heart and soul of her characters. Both Tristan and Cam are truly wonderful men, but they are also both very flawed and have to work through their own insecurities before they can truly be together. I really appreciated how even though Cam held himself back from Tristan emotionally, they still really liked and respected each other. They worked really well as a team and ended up basically bringing out the best in each other.

Even though Tristan is adorable and I loved him, I found myself as captivated with the mysterious Cam as Tristan was! He’s truly a chameleon of a character. I won’t give away his special gift, but in all honestly, I understood why he was so paranoid and afraid to be himself. It was enjoyable to watch him slowly evolve into a more confident man. Through Tristan’s love, devotion and friendship, Cam is able to be more comfortable in his own skin. They were an easy couple to love and root for.

Healer really starts and ends with a bang! It’s the first book in the Institute series and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. After reading about such an amazingly different cast of characters, I’m anxious to see what Ms. Gold has in store for us yet! Highly Recommended!

[Joyfully Reviewed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Constantly looking over his shoulders is nothing new for Dr. Tristan Matheson. Since early childhood Tristan and his adoptive parents had learned to drop everything and quietly start over somewhere else. All the secrecy was necessary to protect Tristan and his unique gift of healing. The little family realized early on that Tristan was special and there were people who would use and exploit his gift with or without his consent.

No matter how dangerous it is to Tristan he covertly heals while working in hospitals. That second sense is telling him that he’s stayed too long at his present position in an ER. That feeling is acknowledged when a stranger tells him to run and run quickly. Tristan is highly suspicious of the man until the man morphs into Tristan and swears that he’s only there to help the doctor escape. Agreeing to leave with the man called Cam, Tristan is taken to the Delphi Institute where people with special gifts are safe to be themselves with an option to go into the world and help others.

The attraction Tristan feels for Cam isn’t one sided and for the first time the doctor knows he’s in a safe place to explore a relationship. Unfortunately the closer Tristan gets to Cam the more the other man pulls away. Cam’s inner scars make it nearly impossible for the man to commit to someone else. For every step forward by Tristan it feels like Cam takes two steps back. Being all that he is won’t be enough for Tristan if Cam isn’t by his side, but how to heal the emotional scars of a lifetime may be more than Tristan is capable of healing.

Healer offers readers the perfect balance of character development, drama, and an action packed storyline. The well drawn characters in particular grab readers’ attention with their realistic intensity. Also, the sexual encounters between Tristan and Cam run the gamut from steamy hot to gentle tenderness which adds to their developing romance. Their alternate reality seems so authentic it’s hard to believe the Delphi Institute doesn’t exist. Tristan is everything a healer should be, the right man for Cam’s weary soul. There’s no question Healer will be a hit with readers. I’m looking forward to the next book!

Reviewed by Lisa
For Joyfully Reviewed

[Lena Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 'Healer' by Cassandra Gold, Dr. Tristan Matheson has the gift of healing. Although he's constantly worried that it will be discovered and will fall into the wrong hands, he risks it all by using his ability, even though it means he'll have to leave everything behind and start all over again. Tristan is thrilled when he's finally asked to join the paranormal Delphic Institute where for the first time in his life, he has opportunity to stay in one place, make friends, and even fall in love.

Tristan is a loving, kindhearted person. If anyone ever deserved love it's Tristan, which is one of the reasons why I got so upset when his lover, Cam, hurt him by not being able to admit to himself or Tristan who he really was. In one spectacular gesture, Tristan demonstrates how much he loves Cam and, in the process, almost destroys himself. The romantic, yet reckless, move makes Cam realize how much he loves Tristan and how lost he would be without him.

Cam, the shapeshifter, seems confident and self assured, but underneath, he's completely out of touch with his real feelings. Deep down, Cam even hides from himself because he believes that the man behind the mask he's created is damaged and unlovable. Cam wants to love Tristan, but because of years of self deception, he doesn't know how. With Tristan's help, he's able to rediscover himself; then they're able to reach an extraordinarily high level of trust and love. Their journey to self discovery is incredibly moving and inspiring.

'Healer' was a little slow in the beginning, mostly from having much information to impart, which is true for any new series; but quickly took off into an emotional, action packed love story with lots of great main as well as secondary characters. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes adventure, romance, passionate sexual characters, people with unique abilities, and the promise of more interesting situations to come. I'm definitely looking forward to book #2.

NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Julesmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I'd decided to give up on this one at 20%. I wasn't connecting with either of the characters, the story that I'd had such high hopes for seemed to have been abandoned in favor of watching the doctor stock supply shelves in the infirmary for eight hours, and I certainly wasn't feeling the attraction between Cam and Tristan--no matter how much they tried telling me it was there.

When I came to move this to my dnf shelf, however, I couldn't help noticing all of the positive reviews, and read a few that mentioned that most of the action is in the second half/near the end of the book. So, I decided to give this another chance.

I'm so glad I did! The other reviewers were right, the story I'd been hoping for when I read the blurb really does start happening in the second half of the book. I'd been fascinated by the different abilities and I wanted to see them in action (whether in training or in use for real didn't matter--as long as I wasn't having to sit with Tristan through another day in that damned infirmary! ugh!)

I did finally feel like I connected with the characters. I'd expected to adore Tristan, since I have a total thing for healers and for empaths, so I was surprised to discover that it was Cam that I sympathized with the most. I know other reviewers describe him as a jerk or an asshole, but I totally get his reluctance to trust and his crippling fear of rejection and abandonment. And I love that he was able to start overcoming those things and to trust Tristan with his secrets.

I also LOVED what their relationship was able to grow into. How they loved each other enough that--even though they were technically not together at the time--they were both willing to give their life for the other. And it was so beautiful that they were able to save each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed the last 70% of this book, and I'm very glad I kept going. I'm excited that there's more to this series!

[Heather♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I enjoyed this one even more than the first book. It started off strong and kept a fast pace that had me quickly turning the pages in fear of what would happen next. My heart immediately went out to Evan because of how lonely and isolated he was. He couldn't even have the comfort of a simple touch because of the often horrifying impressions and emotions he would pickup through those touches. The way he was set up and betrayed (which really made me want to kick a certain someone's ass), and then soon after abducted and tortured, would have even the strongest person at their breaking point. But not Evan. With the help of Elijah, who was so compassionate and sweet (even though he was technically Evan's hostage), Evan was able to escape and even make plans for later rescuing the other unfortunate captives. I loved the slow build of their trust and tender love and especially the discovery of the special gift Elijah was able to bring to Evan's life. They really were so perfect for each other. It was great to see Cam, Tristan and some of the others again from the Institute, and I also enjoyed the new characters as well. I'm really looking forward to future stories in this well-done series. The only reason I knocked off half a star was because after all the buildup, I expected Jedidiah Wexler to be more cunning and put up more of a fight at the end. The resolution almost seemed too easy, but having said that I suspect we haven't seen the last of him by a long shot. More please!

[Phaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

2012 Review:

One of the absolutely worst things about good books is that you have to leave them behind eventually. Oh, I am not heartbroken the way I used to be in my teens (and even a bit later) when I finished a book I wanted to keep reading on and on because I loved it so much. This one I love, but these days my heartbreak is restricted to stuff that happens inside those books, and the real world.

Anyway, getting off track.

I knew I would most likely be enthusiastic about this one. For one thing, it was what prompted me to pick the series up in the first place; secondly one of the main characters was my favourite secondary char from the first volume. And it played out wonderfully. I had tense times while I worried about Elijah keeping the information about his paternity from Evan, plus something at some other point that I’ve forgotten now, but this time there was no gut-wrenching tragedy like in the last one. Not complaining either way, although I certainly did not need to be put through the emotional wringer twice in one day. ^^

Man, this was nice. I want more, damn it!
This is a very good author and I love her stories and the way she handles her characters and generally the whole attitude she displays. It certainly does not hurt either that she is a pretty impressive writer. So all I am left with now, besides the fuzzy glow of happiness, is the need for more!
In particular, I hope the author writes more of this series.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. Touch is a good second release in the series. It starts off pretty quickly and maintains a steady pace, there's a smooth flow from one scene to scene, and the writing remain tight with good character development. I like Evan and Eli. These two guys are very different in all aspects of their lives--at least on the surface, but underneath, where it's important, they mesh well. Despite what looks like an initial mismatch the author has created a couple the gives exactly what the other needs.

The paranormal part of the story is the backbone but it doesn't overwhelm. The growing relationship of Evan and Eli--even while on the run--still takes center stage. But she weaves the two into a whole that's both well timed and believable. And the author did it while keeping me guessing about the direction of the plot. I love that.

I was hoping we'd learn more about the Delphic Institute but since most of the story took place off-campus that didn't happen. I was glad to see more about the Sameal Organization and it's leader. A true villain.

[Phaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

2012 Review:

Ah~! So very excellent. Bastard made me choke with tears, but it was completely worth it. Even that one sex scene that seemed as though it was just there for the kink, really… turned out to have been pivotal to the plot, although it wasn’t apparent at the time. So freaking cool.

I’ll all a-glow with happiness. Okay, and tiredness. Seriously, though, this book was just all-around wonderful.

Funny, really, when you consider that the setup for this series is sort of like the X-Men (which they even admit in-story), but despite going on rescue missions and the like, it never loses its focus on the romance, the relationship developing.

Aw, I loved both men, as different as they were. And by the end questions were answered that had been swirling around in my head vaguely, and somehow all of that resulted in one of the most touching and profoundly satisfying endings I have ever read.

I even forgive Cam/Jason for making out with that guy. Ha! I probably wouldn’t have been as lenient if he’d gone through with the hook-up but still. XD

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because I like the overall idea of the series and will definitely read the next book.
While I enjoyed the story and the writing itself I had some problems with liking the characters. On one hand they were flawed and far from perfect, which is always a plus. On the other the book gives us an insight into both their minds and we know what they are thinking, feeling and fearing regarding their fledgling relationship. That made some aspects of it strange and illogical, mainly the breakup. Since Tristan seemed down to earth and rational, breaking it off like he did didn't make sense to me. At the same time we could see Cam trying to push Tristan away with one hand and hold him close and not let go with the other. I guess I would have expected such a move from Cam and I would have expected him to do so out of fear. But I just couldn't work out what Tristan's motivation was for doing what he did, even with Cam being an ass afterward.