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The Shifter Chronicles #5
Healing Minds
The Book Five
Josh McPhee always wanted to be an agent. To keep from going crazy at the Agency’s New Mexico substation, he talks to the imprisoned wolf shifter—or tries to. Their one-sided conversations only prove the shifter is not getting the help he needs. After all, he is a victim too.
Wolf shifter Xavier doesn’t remember much before his time with the Knights or the time under their control, where he was brainwashed and used to kill innocent shifters. He wants to recover his memories, and yet he fears what he might find. He would escape were it not for the aide whose voice quiets Xavier’s implanted urges.
Late one night the Knights attack the station to retrieve what’s theirs. Overpowered, Josh cannot stop them before they unlock Xavier’s cage. But Xavier rushes to Josh’s rescue and, sensing his opportunity, escapes, taking Josh with him. When Josh wakes up on the road, they strike a Josh offers Xavier one month of freedom before he calls in the Agency. Both doubt he can be cured, but something about Josh makes Xavier better. They just have to figure out what before the past catches up to them.
Josh McPhee always wanted to be an agent. To keep from going crazy at the Agency’s New Mexico substation, he talks to the imprisoned wolf shifter—or tries to. Their one-sided conversations only prove the shifter is not getting the help he needs. After all, he is a victim too.
Wolf shifter Xavier doesn’t remember much before his time with the Knights or the time under their control, where he was brainwashed and used to kill innocent shifters. He wants to recover his memories, and yet he fears what he might find. He would escape were it not for the aide whose voice quiets Xavier’s implanted urges.
Late one night the Knights attack the station to retrieve what’s theirs. Overpowered, Josh cannot stop them before they unlock Xavier’s cage. But Xavier rushes to Josh’s rescue and, sensing his opportunity, escapes, taking Josh with him. When Josh wakes up on the road, they strike a Josh offers Xavier one month of freedom before he calls in the Agency. Both doubt he can be cured, but something about Josh makes Xavier better. They just have to figure out what before the past catches up to them.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2013
8 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
M.D. Grimm
64 books120 followersM.D. Grimm has wanted to write stories since second grade (kind of young to make life decisions, but whatever) and nothing has changed since then (well, plenty of things actually, but not that!).
Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!). After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier.
Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process.
Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!). After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier.
Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 4, 2013
I've followed this shifter series since 2011 (starting with Psychic Moon). It's a nice series (I rate the previous books 3.5 stars). This latest one though, it's my favorite so far. Definitely my kind of 4-stars category.
Several things that become my reasons (sorry if I ramble :p) --
1) Josh, the aide (with telekinesis power), is so sweet and adorable. I love him instantly. This young man has wanted to be an agent, to prove something to the Agency, who has sort of become his definition of 'family' (Josh is an orphan). He just has the gentlest heart; proven by his befriending Xavier, talking to the wolf-shifter every day, to make sort of connection. I love how Josh can still get guilty and uncomfortable when on their run, Xavier is stealing cars.
2) I've been really, REALLY, intrigued with the rogue wolf who first appeared in Psychic Moon -- -- so it is really good to FINALLY read his story.
3) Shifters stories usually quickly go to the "you're my mate" route, but this one doesn't!! Xavier is not healthy in the head. He hears voice in his head, that tells Xavier to kill ANY shifters on sight. Though Josh helps calms that voice, helps clear Xavier's head. Because of that, Xavier doesn't clearly recognized Josh as his mate.
4) Mini road-trip!! I just love road-trip stories. Because being stuck together makes the relationship more, uhm, focused and intense, I guess. Xavier and Josh drive from Santa Fe to Las Vegas, in an attempt for Xavier to heal himself. Love the road trip, the conversation between them, the feelings that they develop along the way. Good stuffs!
5) While the bulk of the story practically happens in one week, but I don't get the feel of instant-love. Josh has made connection with Xavier (during Xavier's time in the cage) for months. The road trips make the two men learn about each other more. So yes, there's actually a progress in their relationship!.
6) Some of the earlier couples made an appearance here as cameos. We get Ryan (the bull shifter) and Caleb from story #2 (Love is a Whirlwind) as well as Travis (and a mention of his mate, Jack), the shifter from Haven, who appeared in story #3 (Blind Devotion)
7) I feel there is enough balance between the romance, the threats (from other Knights and the Master Shifter, Arcas), and the action.
The downside? I think the love-making in the end is a bit rushed. After all, I've been waiting for it, and it's nicely put at the end, but daaamn, I want it to be longer (yes, Ami is whining about short sex scene, GASP!). It's just that I have been really invested with this couple, so I want to read they getting connected in Biblical sense longer than it is writen here *lol*. Oh, and I miss Agent Poe (he only appeared in Prologue).
Other than these two things, I am having a great time reading this.
Several things that become my reasons (sorry if I ramble :p) --
1) Josh, the aide (with telekinesis power), is so sweet and adorable. I love him instantly. This young man has wanted to be an agent, to prove something to the Agency, who has sort of become his definition of 'family' (Josh is an orphan). He just has the gentlest heart; proven by his befriending Xavier, talking to the wolf-shifter every day, to make sort of connection. I love how Josh can still get guilty and uncomfortable when on their run, Xavier is stealing cars.
2) I've been really, REALLY, intrigued with the rogue wolf who first appeared in Psychic Moon -- -- so it is really good to FINALLY read his story.
3) Shifters stories usually quickly go to the "you're my mate" route, but this one doesn't!! Xavier is not healthy in the head. He hears voice in his head, that tells Xavier to kill ANY shifters on sight. Though Josh helps calms that voice, helps clear Xavier's head. Because of that, Xavier doesn't clearly recognized Josh as his mate.
4) Mini road-trip!! I just love road-trip stories. Because being stuck together makes the relationship more, uhm, focused and intense, I guess. Xavier and Josh drive from Santa Fe to Las Vegas, in an attempt for Xavier to heal himself. Love the road trip, the conversation between them, the feelings that they develop along the way. Good stuffs!
5) While the bulk of the story practically happens in one week, but I don't get the feel of instant-love. Josh has made connection with Xavier (during Xavier's time in the cage) for months. The road trips make the two men learn about each other more. So yes, there's actually a progress in their relationship!.
6) Some of the earlier couples made an appearance here as cameos. We get Ryan (the bull shifter) and Caleb from story #2 (Love is a Whirlwind) as well as Travis (and a mention of his mate, Jack), the shifter from Haven, who appeared in story #3 (Blind Devotion)
7) I feel there is enough balance between the romance, the threats (from other Knights and the Master Shifter, Arcas), and the action.
The downside? I think the love-making in the end is a bit rushed. After all, I've been waiting for it, and it's nicely put at the end, but daaamn, I want it to be longer (yes, Ami is whining about short sex scene, GASP!). It's just that I have been really invested with this couple, so I want to read they getting connected in Biblical sense longer than it is writen here *lol*. Oh, and I miss Agent Poe (he only appeared in Prologue).
Other than these two things, I am having a great time reading this.
March 17, 2015
This was the best of the series so far! The story packed some (bloody) actions, survivors adventures, some sexy time seasoning, and not so perfect characters. In fact, Xavier - the wolf shifter - had pretty sordid background to begin with.
As the #5 installment, this book also served much like cross-link of the previous books. Xavier was the big bad blood-thirsty wolf in Psychic Moon. Time frame of this story was closely parallel with the end of Hunter and Hunted. While on the run Josh and Xavier met with Caleb and Ryan from Love is a Whirlwind and guess where they finally decided to settle down: the town set on Blind Devotion of course! :D
The plot was pretty clean cut. The substation where Josh kept guard of still recuperating Xavier got ambushed by Knights' goons. The fights wounded Josh but Xavier gone feral on the attacker and ran away with Josh. Driving cross-country on the run from Knights and ducking the Agency, the shifter and aide forged a deeper connections, that might prove to be the salvation Xavier needed to overcome his beastliness.
Other thing that I loved about this book was the gradual attraction of the MCs. Josh had been stationed to guard Xavier for six months before chaos hit. During that time and while on the run, they learned more about each other and built solid connection. No instant "you - me - mates! - lived together ever after" here. But HEA was definitely there, at the end of the page.
/ happy sigh /
As the #5 installment, this book also served much like cross-link of the previous books. Xavier was the big bad blood-thirsty wolf in Psychic Moon. Time frame of this story was closely parallel with the end of Hunter and Hunted. While on the run Josh and Xavier met with Caleb and Ryan from Love is a Whirlwind and guess where they finally decided to settle down: the town set on Blind Devotion of course! :D
The plot was pretty clean cut. The substation where Josh kept guard of still recuperating Xavier got ambushed by Knights' goons. The fights wounded Josh but Xavier gone feral on the attacker and ran away with Josh. Driving cross-country on the run from Knights and ducking the Agency, the shifter and aide forged a deeper connections, that might prove to be the salvation Xavier needed to overcome his beastliness.
Other thing that I loved about this book was the gradual attraction of the MCs. Josh had been stationed to guard Xavier for six months before chaos hit. During that time and while on the run, they learned more about each other and built solid connection. No instant "you - me - mates! - lived together ever after" here. But HEA was definitely there, at the end of the page.
/ happy sigh /
June 9, 2021
4.5 Stars I have been waiting for Josh and Xavier's story ever since I discovered that the rogue wolf shifter, who had been experimented on by the Knights and made to kill other shifters, was still alive and being treated in an Agency substation. Agent Poe, after capturing Xavier with Derek and Brian's help, had him contained in order for them to try to reverse whatever the Knights did to his brain. Josh is an aide for the Agency, although he's working toward being an agent, at the substation housing Xavier.
"His lapses had stopped when this kid had come here, when Josh had started to talk to him. Somehow, someway, Josh’s voice had been able to drown out the evil one. And boy, did that kid talk. And talk. And talk."
It was painful watching Xavier struggle and suffer, trying to remember who he was before the Knights got hold of him. When he does finally remember, he's ashamed, as Xavier used to be a thief. Of course, this would explain a few of his abilities like knowing how to hot wire a car. Josh was way more than I thought he'd be. His ability is telekinesis, and apparently keeping the voice out of Xavier's mind. I was afraid he might be a little wimpy, but Josh has a core of strength, and watching him stand up to Xavier was quite exciting. *grins*
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
"His lapses had stopped when this kid had come here, when Josh had started to talk to him. Somehow, someway, Josh’s voice had been able to drown out the evil one. And boy, did that kid talk. And talk. And talk."
It was painful watching Xavier struggle and suffer, trying to remember who he was before the Knights got hold of him. When he does finally remember, he's ashamed, as Xavier used to be a thief. Of course, this would explain a few of his abilities like knowing how to hot wire a car. Josh was way more than I thought he'd be. His ability is telekinesis, and apparently keeping the voice out of Xavier's mind. I was afraid he might be a little wimpy, but Josh has a core of strength, and watching him stand up to Xavier was quite exciting. *grins*
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
May 11, 2017
4.5* Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
So, I made no excuses for my opinion of the last book in the series; I just didn’t really enjoy it as much as the previous stories. This latest book, however, has completely redeemed whatever lingering doubts I may have had left over from the last story. I loved this! The main draw for me with this book was that it featured a character from the very first story that I never expected to see again; after the little teaser in regards to him from the end of the previous book, I was beyond ready to read his story. Xavier may not have been in the first book a great deal but his role had a major impact and has kind of spiraled out from there. Anyone unfamiliar with the first book or in need of a refresher at this point will be happy to note that there is a small prologue showcasing a flashback from when Poe showed up and took him away that gives a decent refresher of events.
Xavier had it much worse than I’d thought and is still trying to find a way back to himself; with the experiments he suffered and the memory loss that accompanied the brainwashing and his loss of control, he’s having an understandably tough time of things. Josh was a good fit for Xavier, I think; he cares about seeing Xavier healed but isn’t afraid to get in his face when the action is warranted. He’s a genuinely good person and I liked seeing Xavier come to grips with who he was and what he’d done only to then decide he needs to be better, not just for himself, but because Josh deserves that. The road trip aspect of the book was a nice accompaniment to Xavier’s journey back to himself and it was great getting to see Ryan and Caleb from the second book again, if only for a little while. Add in some trouble from the Knights, both at the beginning and end of the book and I was entertained the whole way through.
This was such a great book; I enjoyed everything about it and the set up for the next book is one I’m totally excited for because if features Poe! I’m happily planning on continuing the series and look forward to reading this one again in the future.
So, I made no excuses for my opinion of the last book in the series; I just didn’t really enjoy it as much as the previous stories. This latest book, however, has completely redeemed whatever lingering doubts I may have had left over from the last story. I loved this! The main draw for me with this book was that it featured a character from the very first story that I never expected to see again; after the little teaser in regards to him from the end of the previous book, I was beyond ready to read his story. Xavier may not have been in the first book a great deal but his role had a major impact and has kind of spiraled out from there. Anyone unfamiliar with the first book or in need of a refresher at this point will be happy to note that there is a small prologue showcasing a flashback from when Poe showed up and took him away that gives a decent refresher of events.
Xavier had it much worse than I’d thought and is still trying to find a way back to himself; with the experiments he suffered and the memory loss that accompanied the brainwashing and his loss of control, he’s having an understandably tough time of things. Josh was a good fit for Xavier, I think; he cares about seeing Xavier healed but isn’t afraid to get in his face when the action is warranted. He’s a genuinely good person and I liked seeing Xavier come to grips with who he was and what he’d done only to then decide he needs to be better, not just for himself, but because Josh deserves that. The road trip aspect of the book was a nice accompaniment to Xavier’s journey back to himself and it was great getting to see Ryan and Caleb from the second book again, if only for a little while. Add in some trouble from the Knights, both at the beginning and end of the book and I was entertained the whole way through.
This was such a great book; I enjoyed everything about it and the set up for the next book is one I’m totally excited for because if features Poe! I’m happily planning on continuing the series and look forward to reading this one again in the future.
July 3, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and can be read as a standalone but is best read in order. Josh has always wanted to be an agent but he is stuck as an aide in the Agency’s New Mexico substation, he spends his days talking to the wolf shifter, who was captured a year ago, but never getting any response. Josh is left alone and just making a breakthrough with the wolf when the Knights attack to retrieve their property, Josh won’t let them get the wolf without a fight. Xavier doesn’t remember much and he wants to know everything that has happened to him, and whose voice is urging him to kill? Josh is Xavier’s lifeline, his voice drowns out the other voices urgings, so when the Knights attack Xavier protects the only one who can help him. Xavier and Josh come to an agreement, for one month Josh will help Xavier to try to overcome the voice before he calls the Agency.
This is a great addition to The Shifter series. Josh wants to be an agent more than anything else, when he develops a connection with the wolf shifter Xavier he jumps at the chance to help him and to further his own chances with the Agency. Xavier just wants to know what was done to him and to stop the voice in his head, Josh is the only thing that stops the urges and now Xavier needs Josh’s help and forces Josh to come with him. Xavier wants more from Josh than just his help he wants his body as well, but Josh can’t be involved with a shifter not if he wants to be an agent no matter how much he might want the sexy shifter.
I really enjoyed this story and how it progressed, Xavier trust in Josh being built over time and Xavier’s reliance on Josh to keep him calm, but Josh’s determination that Xavier can be coaxed as he becomes uncontrollable and his trust that Xavier won’t hurt him. Josh is caught in the middle though when it comes to what he wants, the Agency took him in and has given him a sort of family and he wants nothing more than to become an agent. But, Josh is drawn to Xavier and the Agency has strict rules concerning interaction with shifters, if he gives into his attraction to Xavier he will lose the Agency, so we see his struggle as he weighs up want he truly desires. With Xavier you see his soul-searing pain as he remembers what was done to him and what he was forced to do, his guilt is palpable and you can feel his need for revenge and it is only his love for Josh that stops him.
I found this story to be enjoyable and we see characters from previous books, it was nice to see them again and they did add a bit to the story. We get some great action and danger as the Knights are determined to get Xavier back, and Josh’s and Xavier’s love is truly tested when the owner of the voice tracks them down. I am beginning to get a healthy dislike for the Agency because of what it expects from its workers, during this story I got the feeling that their purpose was more to thwart the Knights than any true desire to help shifters.
I recommend this to those who love shifters with problems, danger, trust, love, choosing the right path, hot sex and a happy ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and can be read as a standalone but is best read in order. Josh has always wanted to be an agent but he is stuck as an aide in the Agency’s New Mexico substation, he spends his days talking to the wolf shifter, who was captured a year ago, but never getting any response. Josh is left alone and just making a breakthrough with the wolf when the Knights attack to retrieve their property, Josh won’t let them get the wolf without a fight. Xavier doesn’t remember much and he wants to know everything that has happened to him, and whose voice is urging him to kill? Josh is Xavier’s lifeline, his voice drowns out the other voices urgings, so when the Knights attack Xavier protects the only one who can help him. Xavier and Josh come to an agreement, for one month Josh will help Xavier to try to overcome the voice before he calls the Agency.
This is a great addition to The Shifter series. Josh wants to be an agent more than anything else, when he develops a connection with the wolf shifter Xavier he jumps at the chance to help him and to further his own chances with the Agency. Xavier just wants to know what was done to him and to stop the voice in his head, Josh is the only thing that stops the urges and now Xavier needs Josh’s help and forces Josh to come with him. Xavier wants more from Josh than just his help he wants his body as well, but Josh can’t be involved with a shifter not if he wants to be an agent no matter how much he might want the sexy shifter.
I really enjoyed this story and how it progressed, Xavier trust in Josh being built over time and Xavier’s reliance on Josh to keep him calm, but Josh’s determination that Xavier can be coaxed as he becomes uncontrollable and his trust that Xavier won’t hurt him. Josh is caught in the middle though when it comes to what he wants, the Agency took him in and has given him a sort of family and he wants nothing more than to become an agent. But, Josh is drawn to Xavier and the Agency has strict rules concerning interaction with shifters, if he gives into his attraction to Xavier he will lose the Agency, so we see his struggle as he weighs up want he truly desires. With Xavier you see his soul-searing pain as he remembers what was done to him and what he was forced to do, his guilt is palpable and you can feel his need for revenge and it is only his love for Josh that stops him.
I found this story to be enjoyable and we see characters from previous books, it was nice to see them again and they did add a bit to the story. We get some great action and danger as the Knights are determined to get Xavier back, and Josh’s and Xavier’s love is truly tested when the owner of the voice tracks them down. I am beginning to get a healthy dislike for the Agency because of what it expects from its workers, during this story I got the feeling that their purpose was more to thwart the Knights than any true desire to help shifters.
I recommend this to those who love shifters with problems, danger, trust, love, choosing the right path, hot sex and a happy ending.
October 6, 2013
Ratings will always be highly subjective and depend on more factors than can be accounted for. Hence I try to focus on the basics. When in the middle of a paragraph I suddenly and without thought say, “that’s awesome,” or when I catch myself smiling all the time as I read, then something is really right about a book. And then it does not matter so much that other aspects may be less than perfect, that maybe the writing style is a little clumsy or unpolished.
This definitely is such a case. I’ll go on to babble about things I liked or disliked after this bit, but overall this was just a sweet story with characters I liked and empathized with. Short of being blown away by a book, there’s not that much more I ever hope for.
That said, let’s get to the nitty-gritty, such as it is.
In the beginning I found myself a lil confused about the frequent mentions of the intruders having cut all electricity to the substation – because a great number of techy things still work, including the video camera (as we know from the end of the previous volume) and the card keys and codes and security for the cage, &c. I initially assumed there was a generator powering the inside, but wouldn’t such an emergency backup also at the very least connect to some kind of alarms? With that, the repeated insistence of having “cut all electricity” just did not seem to work.
Either way, it didn’t ruin the scene.
I already alluded to some writing issues being present, but what really surprised me – because thus far in the series the author had been good at avoiding those particular kinds of blips – were mixed up words. Like conscious/conscience or indignity/indignation. Strange.
The rest is all good.
I love Josh’s reasoning and the fact that he’s clearly not the best looking guy – from a superficial point of view. Love how Xavier views him and the gradual changes in that, too.
And I like how this book follows the ground rule of upping the stakes for Josh by forcing him to give up the one thing he’s been working towards.
It’s cool that in this volume there’s a bit of a call-back to books one and two. But I do wonder if the filed bull horns have had time to fully grow back in less than a year. Not an expert here, obviously.
But such details do not matter in the long run.
I think one of the main aspects that really elevate this book and the previous one is that the protagonists’ internal workings make so much sense. Sometimes that means it is not as romantic as it could be, because relationships seem to be based more on neediness and fixation. At the same time it adds a sense of realism as well. After all, love happens for all sorts of reasons and sometimes for no discernible reason at all. Things like gratitude and imprinting on the first to pay attention definitely can contribute or get things started.
So yeah. Not a perfect book, but highly satisfying to me.
This definitely is such a case. I’ll go on to babble about things I liked or disliked after this bit, but overall this was just a sweet story with characters I liked and empathized with. Short of being blown away by a book, there’s not that much more I ever hope for.
That said, let’s get to the nitty-gritty, such as it is.
In the beginning I found myself a lil confused about the frequent mentions of the intruders having cut all electricity to the substation – because a great number of techy things still work, including the video camera (as we know from the end of the previous volume) and the card keys and codes and security for the cage, &c. I initially assumed there was a generator powering the inside, but wouldn’t such an emergency backup also at the very least connect to some kind of alarms? With that, the repeated insistence of having “cut all electricity” just did not seem to work.
Either way, it didn’t ruin the scene.
I already alluded to some writing issues being present, but what really surprised me – because thus far in the series the author had been good at avoiding those particular kinds of blips – were mixed up words. Like conscious/conscience or indignity/indignation. Strange.
The rest is all good.
I love Josh’s reasoning and the fact that he’s clearly not the best looking guy – from a superficial point of view. Love how Xavier views him and the gradual changes in that, too.
And I like how this book follows the ground rule of upping the stakes for Josh by forcing him to give up the one thing he’s been working towards.
It’s cool that in this volume there’s a bit of a call-back to books one and two. But I do wonder if the filed bull horns have had time to fully grow back in less than a year. Not an expert here, obviously.
But such details do not matter in the long run.
I think one of the main aspects that really elevate this book and the previous one is that the protagonists’ internal workings make so much sense. Sometimes that means it is not as romantic as it could be, because relationships seem to be based more on neediness and fixation. At the same time it adds a sense of realism as well. After all, love happens for all sorts of reasons and sometimes for no discernible reason at all. Things like gratitude and imprinting on the first to pay attention definitely can contribute or get things started.
So yeah. Not a perfect book, but highly satisfying to me.
July 13, 2013
The Knights want to destroy all shape shifters: the Agency wants to protect the shifters. That is the underlying premise for this book. Now, add a person from each group -- Josh is an aide in the Agency, and Xavier was a captured pawn that was used by the Knights.
Xavier is a shape shifter (wolf) who was brain washed by the Knights: his brain washing directed him to kill every other shifter that he finds. There is a voice in his head that continually urges him on to kill.
Xavier is captured by the Agency in the hopes that he will disclose what he knows about the Knights. Also, there is a hope that Xavier can be cured from the brain washing that controls him. Well, during his captivity, he is held in a luxurious cell in the Agency location in Santa Fe. During his one year in captivity, he does not speak with anyone, but Josh talks to him every day about any number of things. It is a one-sided conversation, but we subsequently learn that Josh's voice can calm Xavier and also alleviates the brain washing voice that the Knights put in his head.
There is an attempt to either kill or liberate Xavier that is made by the Knights. And Josh, all by himself, attempts to protect Xavier. This is a gesture that no one has ever taken for Xavier, and he doesn't know how to deal with it. Without giving too much away, the balance of the story concerns Josh and Xavier's joined attempts to free Xavier from the control of the Knights, and the tight bond that develops between the two men.
The story shines brightest in the innocent way that a love affair develops between Xavier and Josh. Theirs is a most-unique and wonderful love story that I enjoyed immensely. Anyone who likes seeing the development of a love affair from its very beginning will like this book. For me, I like the genre; I like the story; and I like the writing -- I give it five stars. I look forward to a sequel!
July 19, 2014
Frustrated that he hasn’t yet made Agent, aide Josh McPhee nonetheless does whatever he’s asked at the New Mexico substation hoping for the chance to prove he’s got what it takes to advance.
For the past 6 months he’s tried to get through to the silent wolf shifter caged within the substation. The guy was caught while the shifter was on a murderous rage against fellow shifters. The Agency is aware that the nameless wolf was experimented on by the Knights who are trying to eradicate all shifters from existence.
Josh’s wish for some excitement is ironically put to the test when a trio of Knights storm the small facility. Protecting his charge is the objective, but when all hell breaks loose Josh has to decide whether his career is more important or saving a lost soul. Some answers are easier than others.
Patience and persistence wins out in Healing Minds. Josh has found his niche, his place in life with the Agency. Everything he believes in is put to the test for the sake of a wolf he barely knows. Human kindness or humane sympathy? Whatever the reason Healing Minds is more than likeable. Emotional and compelling Healing Minds is a riveting adventure with an evolving tender romance as well.
This book was reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
For the past 6 months he’s tried to get through to the silent wolf shifter caged within the substation. The guy was caught while the shifter was on a murderous rage against fellow shifters. The Agency is aware that the nameless wolf was experimented on by the Knights who are trying to eradicate all shifters from existence.
Josh’s wish for some excitement is ironically put to the test when a trio of Knights storm the small facility. Protecting his charge is the objective, but when all hell breaks loose Josh has to decide whether his career is more important or saving a lost soul. Some answers are easier than others.
Patience and persistence wins out in Healing Minds. Josh has found his niche, his place in life with the Agency. Everything he believes in is put to the test for the sake of a wolf he barely knows. Human kindness or humane sympathy? Whatever the reason Healing Minds is more than likeable. Emotional and compelling Healing Minds is a riveting adventure with an evolving tender romance as well.
This book was reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
July 19, 2013
Wolf shifter Xavier is slowly regaining his memory, yet the sinister voice compelling him to kill is still inside his head. After listening to his jailer’s voice for six months, Xavier begins to realize that agent aide, Josh McPhee, is the only one who can silence the hellish voice controlling his mind.
Healing Minds is the fifth book in The Shifters series. The plot is well paced. The characters are engaging. A charismatic madman has amassed a large following of weak-minded humans. The leader of the group known as the Knights has directed his disciples to destroy all shifters. However, Xavier’s life was spared after an experiment appeared to be successful. Xavier would kill on command. Xavier suffers an abundance of remorse for the past murders he committed, though he was not a killer before being captured by the hate group. Josh helped Xavier rediscover his humanity. As the jailer and captive relationship between Josh and Xavier evolves into a loving bond, Josh is thrown into an emotional turmoil. Josh must choose the Agency or Xavier, he cannot have both.
M.D. Grimm has created another exciting as well as especially enjoyable episode. Healing Minds has a profusion of intense action, a few heartwarming revelations along with brief intimate moments.
Healing Minds is the fifth book in The Shifters series. The plot is well paced. The characters are engaging. A charismatic madman has amassed a large following of weak-minded humans. The leader of the group known as the Knights has directed his disciples to destroy all shifters. However, Xavier’s life was spared after an experiment appeared to be successful. Xavier would kill on command. Xavier suffers an abundance of remorse for the past murders he committed, though he was not a killer before being captured by the hate group. Josh helped Xavier rediscover his humanity. As the jailer and captive relationship between Josh and Xavier evolves into a loving bond, Josh is thrown into an emotional turmoil. Josh must choose the Agency or Xavier, he cannot have both.
M.D. Grimm has created another exciting as well as especially enjoyable episode. Healing Minds has a profusion of intense action, a few heartwarming revelations along with brief intimate moments.
January 29, 2018
There are 5 parts to the overall story and only 2 ( The Beginning and Scrolls) are out so far, which include 12 books - about 20 books will be in the total (see author's website for complete listing).
I have read them 2x now as more books have come out. Each book has it's own story but there is a back story that threads throughout them - I will wait until all the parts come out now to be able to complete the overall story before reading again.
Also, the next time I read the series, I will read it in chronological order of the stories, not in the order they were written. You can do either, but the books from earlier times tell the deeper underlining story of the scrolls, which is what keeps the series going since each book has it's own HEA.
I have read them 2x now as more books have come out. Each book has it's own story but there is a back story that threads throughout them - I will wait until all the parts come out now to be able to complete the overall story before reading again.
Also, the next time I read the series, I will read it in chronological order of the stories, not in the order they were written. You can do either, but the books from earlier times tell the deeper underlining story of the scrolls, which is what keeps the series going since each book has it's own HEA.
January 10, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Well, I tried. I did try my best to get into this series. I had hopes for the series as a whole after book four. I thought maybe, just maybe things were looking up. I thought that maybe the plot was starting to gel and I would be able to move forward. Unfortunately, I was not.
For Full review please see: http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
August 11, 2013
I enjoyed this one as well. This series is getting better and better.
October 1, 2014
I think, the best of the series! I really loved this book <3
February 12, 2015
Finally got back around to this series and I'm glad I did! Had no trouble at all picking right up where I'd left off. Probably one of my favorites so far!
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