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The Healer
Healer's Shadow
She's a healer with a haunted past; he's an enforcer that wants a chance to prove to his mate that she's worthy of his love. Nineteen-year-old Samantha, a resilient healer with a haunted past, finds solace in her work at the healing clinic, determined to overcome the darkness that lingers. When an unexpected opportunity arises to aid two pregnant she-wolves in another pack, Samantha embraces the chance to escape her past.
What she can't escape is Wyatt, the charismatic and loving shifter, who despite knowing Samantha is his mate, has patiently respected her healing journey from a distance. However, his restraint is shattered when he discovers that his alpha sent Samantha away while he was on a mission. Fueled by a burning determination, Wyatt shows up, making a bold public claim of Samantha in front of the entire pack.
As Wyatt's fun-loving exterior collides with his fierce protectiveness, Samantha is thrust into a world where her past clashes with the promise of a secure future. Wyatt is unwavering– Samantha is his, and he'll stop at nothing to protect her. The challenge lies in convincing Samantha that she is worthy of the love and devotion he offers, despite the lingering scars of her past.
The strength of their love will be tested until the shadows finally make way for the radiant light of a new beginning.
**If you like fated mates, protective males, and strong females, this series is for you. This is a closed-door romance series with sizzling tension and fade-to-black scenes. Each book is a stand-alone and features a different couple but is best enjoyed as part of the series.
What she can't escape is Wyatt, the charismatic and loving shifter, who despite knowing Samantha is his mate, has patiently respected her healing journey from a distance. However, his restraint is shattered when he discovers that his alpha sent Samantha away while he was on a mission. Fueled by a burning determination, Wyatt shows up, making a bold public claim of Samantha in front of the entire pack.
As Wyatt's fun-loving exterior collides with his fierce protectiveness, Samantha is thrust into a world where her past clashes with the promise of a secure future. Wyatt is unwavering– Samantha is his, and he'll stop at nothing to protect her. The challenge lies in convincing Samantha that she is worthy of the love and devotion he offers, despite the lingering scars of her past.
The strength of their love will be tested until the shadows finally make way for the radiant light of a new beginning.
**If you like fated mates, protective males, and strong females, this series is for you. This is a closed-door romance series with sizzling tension and fade-to-black scenes. Each book is a stand-alone and features a different couple but is best enjoyed as part of the series.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
About the author
A.J. Manney
32 books154 followersA. J. Manney lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and four kids. Some of her favorite things to do include reading, family days, being a pastor's wife, and watching football on Sunday afternoons with her family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 29, 2024
Let me say again: I have read every one of her books(one novella aside), and have greatly enjoyed all of them. I will always recommend her work.
AJ has a way of writing a relaxing, but twisty, action packed, slow burn romance. The best way I can think to explain it would be the "cozy mystery" of romantic fantasy.
It starts off with a healer(FMC) from the previous series, "The Wolves of Northwoods". The MMC is also a lovable character from the Northwoods series. Ir is FAR from instalove for her. While she knows he is a kind man and holds no hostility toward him, given her past, it is understandable that she struggles. She lives in the healer's hut, on pack land, with two other ladies who share a similar experience with her.
What I would have NEVER expected was for her to be sent to another pack for ANY reason. If you know, you know. I was mind-blown, bamboozled, perplexed, and and downright elated because I KNEW action was coming.
When the book first opens, I noticed something unique about our FMC. She has Agoraphobia. As someone who has dealt with Agoraphobia on and off for many years, I found it very well written and accurate. AJ writes about facing the Agoraphobia and not living in fear. She writes about the thoughts and anxiety that go with it. I felt like I was reading some of my own thoughts of the past. It is so well done, it brought me to tears a few times. Agoraphobia is very hard to manage and live with, but not impossible to face and overcome.
The character growth, as always with her works, is realistic enough. I enjoy watching each character's story play out. AJ also has a way of writing in each character so that you find yourself caring for them, too. An author who can make you feel so many different things for different characters while also writing such a smooth flowing and attention gripping story.. well that is an author to read.
The twists had me guessing what would come next or wondering how on earth any problem could be resolved. Fear not, AJ writes so well that it all comes together in its time. I have so many random thoughts about this book. I just adored it. I highly recommend it. While you do not have to, I do recommend reading The Wolves of Northwoods series first.
I am quite eager to read the next book.
AJ has a way of writing a relaxing, but twisty, action packed, slow burn romance. The best way I can think to explain it would be the "cozy mystery" of romantic fantasy.
It starts off with a healer(FMC) from the previous series, "The Wolves of Northwoods". The MMC is also a lovable character from the Northwoods series. Ir is FAR from instalove for her. While she knows he is a kind man and holds no hostility toward him, given her past, it is understandable that she struggles. She lives in the healer's hut, on pack land, with two other ladies who share a similar experience with her.
What I would have NEVER expected was for her to be sent to another pack for ANY reason. If you know, you know. I was mind-blown, bamboozled, perplexed, and and downright elated because I KNEW action was coming.
When the book first opens, I noticed something unique about our FMC. She has Agoraphobia. As someone who has dealt with Agoraphobia on and off for many years, I found it very well written and accurate. AJ writes about facing the Agoraphobia and not living in fear. She writes about the thoughts and anxiety that go with it. I felt like I was reading some of my own thoughts of the past. It is so well done, it brought me to tears a few times. Agoraphobia is very hard to manage and live with, but not impossible to face and overcome.
The character growth, as always with her works, is realistic enough. I enjoy watching each character's story play out. AJ also has a way of writing in each character so that you find yourself caring for them, too. An author who can make you feel so many different things for different characters while also writing such a smooth flowing and attention gripping story.. well that is an author to read.
The twists had me guessing what would come next or wondering how on earth any problem could be resolved. Fear not, AJ writes so well that it all comes together in its time. I have so many random thoughts about this book. I just adored it. I highly recommend it. While you do not have to, I do recommend reading The Wolves of Northwoods series first.
I am quite eager to read the next book.
August 6, 2024
This was my first book from this world and while it seemed really promising at the beginning, it had way too much going on. The FMC was going from one conflict to another constantly without any down time
April 7, 2025
The first in this series, and I loved how it all played out. Wyatt and Samantha are perfectly meshed for each other. This is *one of* my favorite storylines and couples in this series. Hard to beat this one although, all that follow were binge worthy also and you’ll be left with a book hangover haha. All of the couples in this series are strong, protective and have so much growth and since you know them by the end you’re so proud of them.
I was thrilled that Wyatt got his own book, since in the previous series we got to know and love him too. My daughter says she loved that she writes strong female characters without making the men weak.
I was thrilled that Wyatt got his own book, since in the previous series we got to know and love him too. My daughter says she loved that she writes strong female characters without making the men weak.
May 7, 2025
sweet
A fun fast paced adventure. Obviously there was a previous series that this branches from but It’s still easy to pick up.
A fun fast paced adventure. Obviously there was a previous series that this branches from but It’s still easy to pick up.
May 22, 2024
Amazing!!!!!
I stumbled upon AJ Manner books this past week. I've hunted for an author who can write amazing stories without all the harsh language and sex scenes every other page. I've found her. Thank you Thank You!!!!!
This is the fourth book I've read in a row. The stories capture you and they have all been 5stars. Can't wait to start the next book.
I stumbled upon AJ Manner books this past week. I've hunted for an author who can write amazing stories without all the harsh language and sex scenes every other page. I've found her. Thank you Thank You!!!!!
This is the fourth book I've read in a row. The stories capture you and they have all been 5stars. Can't wait to start the next book.
April 3, 2024
★ 3 stars
There's just something about a man pining after his soulmate from a distance that gets me every time and Wyatt did not disappoint.
--THE PLOT--
Samantha is a 19-year-old human healer rescued from a traumatic experience with vampires. She lives in a hut in the Northwoods Pack with 2 other healers and suffers from PTSD and extreme anxiety. Wyatt is an extremely charming and protective wolf shifter who has inserted himself into Samantha's life as he admires and protects her from a distance while she heals.
While Wyatt is out on a mission, Samantha accepts a proposition from her alpha to relocate to a different pack that is in need of a healer. Enraged to find her gone, Wyatt sets off to finally declare himself as her mate. But just when Samantha feels the light shine over her new life, demons from her past make a reappearance.
--WHAT I DIDN'T ENJOY--
This was a solid shifter read, but it was very obviously a spin-off. I went into reading the story without having read the author's previous series and was immediately confused by the world the book took place in.
There's not much world-building in this book. By the end, I was still confused about the dynamic between the humans x shifters x vampires and how human healers end up in a pack.
I also didn't enjoy how much the other two healers were involved in with what was happening with the MCs. When Samantha was experiencing something - so were Rose and Ava, when Wyatt growled - so did Maverick and Bryce. It was just too many characters experiencing and reacting the exact same way.
Again, that probably relates to this being a spin-off and the author perhaps wanting to give readers more "screen time" with previous characters or something. But it felt jarring and made it harder to connect with the characters when there were 4 others with copy-pasted scenes/dialogues.
There's just something about a man pining after his soulmate from a distance that gets me every time and Wyatt did not disappoint.
--THE PLOT--
Samantha is a 19-year-old human healer rescued from a traumatic experience with vampires. She lives in a hut in the Northwoods Pack with 2 other healers and suffers from PTSD and extreme anxiety. Wyatt is an extremely charming and protective wolf shifter who has inserted himself into Samantha's life as he admires and protects her from a distance while she heals.
While Wyatt is out on a mission, Samantha accepts a proposition from her alpha to relocate to a different pack that is in need of a healer. Enraged to find her gone, Wyatt sets off to finally declare himself as her mate. But just when Samantha feels the light shine over her new life, demons from her past make a reappearance.
--WHAT I DIDN'T ENJOY--
This was a solid shifter read, but it was very obviously a spin-off. I went into reading the story without having read the author's previous series and was immediately confused by the world the book took place in.
There's not much world-building in this book. By the end, I was still confused about the dynamic between the humans x shifters x vampires and how human healers end up in a pack.
I also didn't enjoy how much the other two healers were involved in with what was happening with the MCs. When Samantha was experiencing something - so were Rose and Ava, when Wyatt growled - so did Maverick and Bryce. It was just too many characters experiencing and reacting the exact same way.
Again, that probably relates to this being a spin-off and the author perhaps wanting to give readers more "screen time" with previous characters or something. But it felt jarring and made it harder to connect with the characters when there were 4 others with copy-pasted scenes/dialogues.
April 19, 2024
Honestly, I’ve skimmed through a few werewolf books in the past and simply been disgusted. Most are just excuses for the men werewolves to be abusive (mentally / emotionally / sexually) to those around them by bringing up the “Alpha male” excuse. But I read a review about this one that said it was different and curiosity had me looking into this author.
I don’t actually love the werewolf premise - it just isn’t super interesting to me. But I love how the author was able to take this one and make it very different from others I have skimmed or heard about. There was nothing abusive in these books, and they were actually quite clean - no swearing, no open door scenes, and mutual respect and love amongst the couples. They call their “marriage” a “mate bond” which I suppose could make people feel uncomfortable, but the author treats it with the same respect and seriousness, so it didn’t bother me.
It wasn’t my favorite, but I enjoyed it as an interesting read and I loved seeing how the author treated her take on this genre entirely different from most authors. Not sure if I would ever seek this author out again, but I certainly wouldn’t go out of my way to avoid her which is a first for this genre.
I don’t actually love the werewolf premise - it just isn’t super interesting to me. But I love how the author was able to take this one and make it very different from others I have skimmed or heard about. There was nothing abusive in these books, and they were actually quite clean - no swearing, no open door scenes, and mutual respect and love amongst the couples. They call their “marriage” a “mate bond” which I suppose could make people feel uncomfortable, but the author treats it with the same respect and seriousness, so it didn’t bother me.
It wasn’t my favorite, but I enjoyed it as an interesting read and I loved seeing how the author treated her take on this genre entirely different from most authors. Not sure if I would ever seek this author out again, but I certainly wouldn’t go out of my way to avoid her which is a first for this genre.
March 15, 2025
Samantha, Rose, and Ava are all healers that were rescued from the vampires and protected by the Northwoods wolf pack. Sage (a seasoned healer) helps to train them to use their special powers to heal the sick and wounded. The three girls are still haunted by what was done to them by the vampires. Wyatt knows that Samantha is his mate, but does not want to push her. Samantha agrees to help the Green Bay pack who have two pregnant wolves even though it is pretty scary to do this. Wyatt had been out on a mission and goes ballistic when he learns that his mate is no longer with the Northwoods pack. Samantha finds herself in danger when rogue wolves seems to be coming after her and then the intense pain from the stomach cramps finds her being brought back to the Northwoods pack to be healed. It seems that some vampires who survived the war have found a way to control the three healers because Rose and Ava are also affected. The Northwoods pack is desperately trying to find a way to end the Vampires control by destroying them and freeing the three healers.
August 4, 2024
Not my least favorite but not my favorite either. Loved Wyatt in the other books and I liked him in this one too but they spent a lot of time apart that I was a bit disappointed. Samantha was great too. Idk it was missing something. I’m not surprised they joined the pack, I thought they’d do that to begin with but I am surprised he took over as alpha. I think it was set up well bc he was close to challenging Garrett a couple of times so it’ll work. Plus the other two are going to go to other packs too. I’m glad his family went with them. I loved seeing the bonus chapter of Will get his mate even tho it was only 4 pages. I don’t get Sam’s mom coming in the picture and especially when she did. Could’ve done without that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2024
Wyatt is so sweet, charismatic, and with the strength of a leader. I am so happy we get to see more of this wonderful shifter world A.J. Manney has created. Samantha is quiet, fearful of the past with the vampires and that it might happen again. But her healing ability, Raechel's training, and Wyatt's unconditional love propel her to get out of her comfort zone. Wyat's family is welcoming, funny, and open. Overall, this is a fast-paced shifter romance with compelling characters and a great network of shifters who respect each other and will do anything to protect the pack and their mates. I look forward to reading the second book in the series!
June 11, 2024
While technically it's a separate series you should really read The Finder series first.
The blurb sounded so sweet how Wyatt was waiting for Samantha to be ready for a mate relationship. But he never told her what she meant to him or even really flirted until she went to help another pack. And then he flipped 180 and was all "you're my mate" and just told her how things were going to go between them. He was sweet throughout the book but the whole "me Tarzan you Jane" mentality was annoying. It felt more like Samantha just went along with it and didn't stick up for herself because she didn't want to cause a scene.
The blurb sounded so sweet how Wyatt was waiting for Samantha to be ready for a mate relationship. But he never told her what she meant to him or even really flirted until she went to help another pack. And then he flipped 180 and was all "you're my mate" and just told her how things were going to go between them. He was sweet throughout the book but the whole "me Tarzan you Jane" mentality was annoying. It felt more like Samantha just went along with it and didn't stick up for herself because she didn't want to cause a scene.
February 29, 2024
Wyatt😍
This is the first book of a spin off series but I do recommend reading wolves of the Northwoods first. It will help you understand a little better what is going on.
Samantha escaped from vampires and is trying to move on with her life only to discover that the handsome wolf who has been showing up everywhere is actually her mate and that she didn't escape quite as cleanly as she thought.
Wyatt is a fun loving guy unless his mate is in trouble. It was fun to get to know these characters better.
This is the first book of a spin off series but I do recommend reading wolves of the Northwoods first. It will help you understand a little better what is going on.
Samantha escaped from vampires and is trying to move on with her life only to discover that the handsome wolf who has been showing up everywhere is actually her mate and that she didn't escape quite as cleanly as she thought.
Wyatt is a fun loving guy unless his mate is in trouble. It was fun to get to know these characters better.
June 30, 2025
Wonderful book
I really enjoyed the hero in this one. He used sweet words and made his feeling obvious! But he was also so funny. His little side comments were so cute! He would do anything to protect her but also let her make up her own mind, and whether he liked what she decided or not, he stood behind her to support her. She was great to but he was my absolute favorite. His family was great also. I loved his mom, Mary, and her feelings on skinny cooks made me laugh out loud!
I really enjoyed the hero in this one. He used sweet words and made his feeling obvious! But he was also so funny. His little side comments were so cute! He would do anything to protect her but also let her make up her own mind, and whether he liked what she decided or not, he stood behind her to support her. She was great to but he was my absolute favorite. His family was great also. I loved his mom, Mary, and her feelings on skinny cooks made me laugh out loud!
February 21, 2026
a good read
I enjoyed this story. The characters were entertaining and time just flew by. There is romance angst. There is a vampire threat and attack with kidnapping. A surprise ending is a great to have an HEA. No cheating, no cliffhanger. Highly recommend. I have been reading A.J. MANNEY authored books for the last couple of days and I am thankful I took a look at this author’s books. I hope you all read them. We need more books and series like the ones she writes. This is a great read.
I enjoyed this story. The characters were entertaining and time just flew by. There is romance angst. There is a vampire threat and attack with kidnapping. A surprise ending is a great to have an HEA. No cheating, no cliffhanger. Highly recommend. I have been reading A.J. MANNEY authored books for the last couple of days and I am thankful I took a look at this author’s books. I hope you all read them. We need more books and series like the ones she writes. This is a great read.
February 29, 2024
Loveeeee
What I love about the book is that it’s Wyatt he doesn’t change himself, he grows as a character. The dual point of view is one of my favorite things. It made me want to go back and reread the other series. 🤩 I love books that make me want to relive the past books. Like always the best books I’ve read in a long time.
I received this book for free and am leaving a review happily and willingly.
What I love about the book is that it’s Wyatt he doesn’t change himself, he grows as a character. The dual point of view is one of my favorite things. It made me want to go back and reread the other series. 🤩 I love books that make me want to relive the past books. Like always the best books I’ve read in a long time.
I received this book for free and am leaving a review happily and willingly.
March 21, 2024
New series, New favorite Author!
Yea got my wish of a series for the healers!! Yea, yea! Loved this story! I really really love these characters!! I just loved how everything worked out! Yes I love happy ever after and nice to see a writer that understands, it’s not necessary to kill off characters just to kill someone. So glad I found this author. Highly recommend that you get her books and then leave your reviews.
Yea got my wish of a series for the healers!! Yea, yea! Loved this story! I really really love these characters!! I just loved how everything worked out! Yes I love happy ever after and nice to see a writer that understands, it’s not necessary to kill off characters just to kill someone. So glad I found this author. Highly recommend that you get her books and then leave your reviews.
July 25, 2024
Fantastic!!
It was fantastic and I loved getting Wyatt and Samantha’s story. I liked how it involved the Northwoods pack and then when they did this major thing I was so on board with it!! It suits them both!! I really hope that in the future we get stories of them together and them having babies!!
On to read Rose’s story. Ugh I can’t believe she is with Maverick, but I hope she puts him in his place!! Because we all know he needs it!!
It was fantastic and I loved getting Wyatt and Samantha’s story. I liked how it involved the Northwoods pack and then when they did this major thing I was so on board with it!! It suits them both!! I really hope that in the future we get stories of them together and them having babies!!
On to read Rose’s story. Ugh I can’t believe she is with Maverick, but I hope she puts him in his place!! Because we all know he needs it!!
October 31, 2025
pretty ok
The banter is hilarious. The characters are cute. There is definitely character development.
This is like a hallmark movie but in a paranormal book. Cute, swoony and totally predictable. The synopsis was the entire book tho. Not just an intro it was the Clift notes basically.
It would’ve been a bit better if not for that.
But overall, enjoyable. Easy, one day, light in the feels kind of read
The banter is hilarious. The characters are cute. There is definitely character development.
This is like a hallmark movie but in a paranormal book. Cute, swoony and totally predictable. The synopsis was the entire book tho. Not just an intro it was the Clift notes basically.
It would’ve been a bit better if not for that.
But overall, enjoyable. Easy, one day, light in the feels kind of read
March 6, 2024
AMAZING
Let me just say that I love these books. A.j. Manney never disappoints. Her story lines make it hard to put the books down. I always look forward to the next one and am always sad when I’ve read the last of a series. I can say that if the Northwoods novels were continued even beyond the healers, I would read every single one of them!
Let me just say that I love these books. A.j. Manney never disappoints. Her story lines make it hard to put the books down. I always look forward to the next one and am always sad when I’ve read the last of a series. I can say that if the Northwoods novels were continued even beyond the healers, I would read every single one of them!
April 3, 2024
Every once in a while I read out of my comfort zone, out of my normal genre. A J Manney never disappoints on this level. Her books keep me wondering what could happen next or how did that happen. I know the books are fantasy but I still find myself loving the characters and jumping into that fantasy world where you believe it’s real!
April 16, 2024
So damm good.
I am so happy, the stories of the healers and
the other girls and their mates was extroidinarily continued. More highs a few lows, but action packed. This story was full of action and intrigue as a collision of werewolves, humans and vampires, connect in so many ways. Fantastic read.
I am so happy, the stories of the healers and
the other girls and their mates was extroidinarily continued. More highs a few lows, but action packed. This story was full of action and intrigue as a collision of werewolves, humans and vampires, connect in so many ways. Fantastic read.
November 1, 2024
Healers Shadow book 1 The Healers Series
The suspense and excitement of the continuing story just gets better and better, I absolutely love how the characters have stayed in each book with a purpose and a family environment that keeps the characters together and in touch, these books are the true meaning of family in every sense….I’m moving on to book 2 right away!!
The suspense and excitement of the continuing story just gets better and better, I absolutely love how the characters have stayed in each book with a purpose and a family environment that keeps the characters together and in touch, these books are the true meaning of family in every sense….I’m moving on to book 2 right away!!
August 15, 2025
It had a lot of references to other books, the story seemed shallow, almost like a caricature of the genre, and did not interest me, nor did most of the characters. But Wyatt, he's the most fun and goofy character that I've encountered in a while. And I loved reading about his personality and humor.
October 31, 2025
Another great series from A J Manney
If you enjoyed the Wolves of the Northwoods series, this continues with some familiar characters. The characters have good dynamics and chemistry, while remaining a fade to black spice level. And I love when the fun-loving, amiable guy shows his serious protective side, so this story doesn’t disappoint.
If you enjoyed the Wolves of the Northwoods series, this continues with some familiar characters. The characters have good dynamics and chemistry, while remaining a fade to black spice level. And I love when the fun-loving, amiable guy shows his serious protective side, so this story doesn’t disappoint.
November 20, 2025
Still a cute series
There is action. There is love. There is very little spice. It is a nice easy read that is entertaining and a page turner. The mistakes in this series seem less or I notice them less as I progress with this writers style. I will say that she brings the story to life and I was entertained.
There is action. There is love. There is very little spice. It is a nice easy read that is entertaining and a page turner. The mistakes in this series seem less or I notice them less as I progress with this writers style. I will say that she brings the story to life and I was entertained.
March 6, 2024
Wyatt & Sam
I love a good wolf romance, and Wyatt and Sam did not disappoint. I loved the suspense, the building of their relationship, the ending and the HEA. Can’t wait for book 2!
I love a good wolf romance, and Wyatt and Sam did not disappoint. I loved the suspense, the building of their relationship, the ending and the HEA. Can’t wait for book 2!
July 2, 2024
So sweet!!
I thought Sage and Paul's story was sweet, Sam and Wyatt's got theirs beat. I love love love it! I'm hoping we got the bad guys (vampires) this time. Only the next book will tell.
I thought Sage and Paul's story was sweet, Sam and Wyatt's got theirs beat. I love love love it! I'm hoping we got the bad guys (vampires) this time. Only the next book will tell.
July 4, 2024
Awesome book!
I am absolutely in love with these books. The characters are human, I have become so invested in seeing how each of their lives unfold. I highly recommend all of these books.
I am absolutely in love with these books. The characters are human, I have become so invested in seeing how each of their lives unfold. I highly recommend all of these books.
July 26, 2024
Finder to Healers Shadow
I have read from Finder to Healers Shadow and they will make you happy,cry ,and laugh . Beautiful stories. I recommend all them from the Northwood Pack series.
I have read from Finder to Healers Shadow and they will make you happy,cry ,and laugh . Beautiful stories. I recommend all them from the Northwood Pack series.
August 6, 2024
Healer
Sam is a healer saved by the pack from vampire. But she will have to fight their control and cliam her mate before having a happy ending 😌. Follow up book from Northwood pack series.
Sam is a healer saved by the pack from vampire. But she will have to fight their control and cliam her mate before having a happy ending 😌. Follow up book from Northwood pack series.
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