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Another Healing #1
Another Healing
When James first discovers he can heal, he thinks he has a rare and miraculous gift. But when he learns the price, it feels more like a curse. He falls passionately and completely in love with every person, male or female, he heals. But only until he heals again, when he becomes hotly infatuated with the next person. He doesn’t dare express feelings he knows are only transitory or hold out hope anyone will love him back under those conditions.
One night, he meets Ambient, the victim of a car accident, dying, his neck broken. James heals him despite knowing what is in store. He can’t resist Ambient, and to his amazement, Ambient returns his feelings. Thinking Ambient has broken the curse, James heals the next injured person he comes across. To his joy, and confusion, he does not fall in love anew. If anything, his feelings toward Ambient intensify. Awash with the certainty that somehow, he and Ambient are meant for each other, they set out to learn the truth about James’s strange power.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2014
1 person is currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
M. Raiya
27 books17 followersM. Raiya is a Vermonter and splits her time between a home in the mountains and a camp on a lake, writing full time when she’s not taking long walks with her dog, swimming, kayaking, or birding, always with a camera in hand. She writes gay paranormal romance. Mostly. Her novel Depth of Return won first place in the 2017 Rainbow Awards in the Gay Paranormal Romance category, and her novel Another Healing was a finalist in the 2015 Rainbow Awards. She has been published by Less Than Three Press, Dreamspinner Press, Changeling Press, and Torquere Press.
Honest reviews are greatly appreciated, and so are comments below or on her website.
Visit her website here: http://mraiya.com/
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dEa1lT
Honest reviews are greatly appreciated, and so are comments below or on her website.
Visit her website here: http://mraiya.com/
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dEa1lT
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 11, 2014
This is a hard book to rate. But it is around 4 stars, so there you go.
The premise here is a little different and the thought behind it is quite lovely - healing people who need it, being able to help others, finding someone who is meant for you. I also have to add that there are some darker moments in the book. But there is more to it, a lot I can't go into because it will spoil the book.
If the blurb interests you then pick it up. If you like a little magic / paranormal in your reading, then that would be a bonus. There is insta-love, but it works for reasons that are in-line with the book's theme as it develops. Full review at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
September 4, 2016
Healing powers that cause the one who uses them to fall in love with every person he rescues are unusual, and the idea had me curious to read this book. James has had this and other powers all his life, and even though he does not like the effect healing others has on him and he avoids people as much as he can, he has gotten used to his power. When he meets Ambient one night and saves his life despite knowing what will happen, he is shocked to find out that everything has changed. And to my delight that was not the only unexpected event in this imaginative story about two unusual men who go on a quest to find out who or what they are.
James lives in his RV and travels cross country wherever he believes it’s likely he’ll find the smallest number of people. He doesn’t like the agony he feels every time he has healed someone, falls in love with them, then has to deal with the pain of staying away so they can get back to their normal lives. James is a good guy who wouldn’t hurt a fly, but he knows his powers could be used to hurt others, and he doesn’t want ever to have to use them in that way.
Ambient has finished college, loves playing his guitar, and is on his way to an audition when a truck barrels into him and he ends up with a broken neck. He has no idea what James has done to help him, not at first, but he does feel drawn to him. Enough to accept James’s offer to give him a lift home – only that drive is the beginning of an adventure and a journey of discovery neither James nor Ambient could have imagined.
James and Ambient quickly figure out that they are attracted to each other. But more than that, it feels as though they are meant to be together. Not the first time you have heard this in a paranormal story? Same here – except what the author has come up with as an explanation is pretty unique, a fascinating concept, and had me glued to the pages. In a mixture of James and Ambient using what looks like arcane powers and some very modern-day bad guys who go all scientific to get what they want, this tale had me spellbound to find out what was going on and how the heck James and Ambient were going to get out of the dreadful mess they eventually end up in. And no, I can’t say any more without spilling the surprise. And it’s a whopper!
If you like stories about unexplained paranormal powers and the people who wield them without knowing why, if you want to find out what two young men who meet by coincidence are really meant to do with their lives, and if you’re looking for a read that is mysterious, intense, suspenseful, and full of surprises, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. I am glad there is a second book set in this world!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
James lives in his RV and travels cross country wherever he believes it’s likely he’ll find the smallest number of people. He doesn’t like the agony he feels every time he has healed someone, falls in love with them, then has to deal with the pain of staying away so they can get back to their normal lives. James is a good guy who wouldn’t hurt a fly, but he knows his powers could be used to hurt others, and he doesn’t want ever to have to use them in that way.
Ambient has finished college, loves playing his guitar, and is on his way to an audition when a truck barrels into him and he ends up with a broken neck. He has no idea what James has done to help him, not at first, but he does feel drawn to him. Enough to accept James’s offer to give him a lift home – only that drive is the beginning of an adventure and a journey of discovery neither James nor Ambient could have imagined.
James and Ambient quickly figure out that they are attracted to each other. But more than that, it feels as though they are meant to be together. Not the first time you have heard this in a paranormal story? Same here – except what the author has come up with as an explanation is pretty unique, a fascinating concept, and had me glued to the pages. In a mixture of James and Ambient using what looks like arcane powers and some very modern-day bad guys who go all scientific to get what they want, this tale had me spellbound to find out what was going on and how the heck James and Ambient were going to get out of the dreadful mess they eventually end up in. And no, I can’t say any more without spilling the surprise. And it’s a whopper!
If you like stories about unexplained paranormal powers and the people who wield them without knowing why, if you want to find out what two young men who meet by coincidence are really meant to do with their lives, and if you’re looking for a read that is mysterious, intense, suspenseful, and full of surprises, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. I am glad there is a second book set in this world!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 22, 2018
Okay all you're going to get is the blurb. I don't want to tell you anything because in this book you find out when they do so I'm not saying anything because I don't want to spoil it. There is so much going on that I wouldn't have been able to explain anyways. Normally I'm the type of person who will try to guess what's going on and I'm usually pretty good but I didn't even get close this time, hehe I was shocked but it turned out to be really interesting how everything played out. I thought it was a great read, this is my first book by this author.
November 25, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
2.5* rounded up.
I liked the writing and it starts interesting. Insta-insta but it suits the couple and situation so mostly works. It's an original premise and there's a feel of something deeper.
But then I found it a little slow and the vows of love and assumption of being together a bit much considering how little they knew each other. Too easily accepted by family.
The second part of the story is more complicated, more drama. Complete with evil villain. It's an interesting idea but didn't drag me in. Fans of the paranormal may love this. For me it got that bit too much.
Was left with a few questions and a niggle
I'm not up on the literary reference of 'the Rosebud' only aware there is one. Made the fixation a little odd.
Worth a read, but not really for me.
2.5* rounded up.
I liked the writing and it starts interesting. Insta-insta but it suits the couple and situation so mostly works. It's an original premise and there's a feel of something deeper.
But then I found it a little slow and the vows of love and assumption of being together a bit much considering how little they knew each other. Too easily accepted by family.
The second part of the story is more complicated, more drama. Complete with evil villain. It's an interesting idea but didn't drag me in. Fans of the paranormal may love this. For me it got that bit too much.
Was left with a few questions and a niggle
I'm not up on the literary reference of 'the Rosebud' only aware there is one. Made the fixation a little odd.
Worth a read, but not really for me.
September 4, 2014
I kind of loved this book. Even more than I thought I would. There is a sweet and intense love story that is both complicated and enhanced by the mystery and danger that surrounds both of the men as they come together. I loved that I didn’t have everything figured out immediately. All in all this is a pretty cool book.
James is so very alone when he finds Ambient. His “gift” has left him confused and afraid and he has isolated himself. He doesn’t understand why he can do what he does, but he knows that nothing good could come from people discovering and misusing him or his abilities. I sympathised with James, with his strength and integrity. He refused to judge anyone and had his own code that he lived by. He needed to heal, he wanted to help people, he had to keep moving and try to stay under the radar. It was a complicated and lonely life.
The “curse” would have been heartbreaking and maddening. To feel so much for people that don’t return the feelings, sometimes don’t even remember you. Being inundated with so much false emotion and know that it will happen again and again and that the only alternative is to allow people to suffer and sometimes even die. How would you know what was real? How could you try to have a relationship?
Then he meets Ambient and everything changes. Not only does Ambient return James’ feelings, but James finally learns what real love is. James loves Ambient so good and so hard and so deep and so sweet, and gets loved back just as much. They accept each other completely.
Ambient is a sweetheart. He comes from a very close and loving family. He gets swept up into this magical love affair, falling fast and hard, and finds himself over his head and in danger. I loved that he was such an awesome big brother and good son. The way that Ambient embraced everything about James and had such faith in him, their love, and what they could do together was beautiful.
Ambient is much stronger than he at first seems, never weak, but maybe naive and young, sheltered and innocent. He has to find a lot in himself. He has to grow and adapt and accept and change, everything. And then he has to do it all over again.
These guys are adorable together. They are young and very hot for one another. While the very essence of James power creates an “insta-love” type of situation between them it fits the story perfectly and that love is tested and strengthened as they fight to solve the mysteries and survive whatever seems to be after them as they delve into the past and discover the cause of James’ power. They are both so loving and considerate towards each other.
It was amazing how both men always chose positive. They both had things in their pasts that could have hardened them and instead of becoming jaded they remained kind. They are put through the wringer more than once (things get very dark and painful for them), and while they defended themselves they always tried to give their enemies another chance. That hesitation both cost them and saved them. They could have turned on each other and blamed, instead they drew closer together and comforted each other. Their bond was everything and in the end it both saves them and heals them in ways that James’ power cannot.
I loved the twists and turns that the story took. They end up in a completely different place than they expect and things get much worse than either of them could have predicted. There is an element of world building that creates a more complex story. While they live in the world that we know, the threads of magic (and other things that I can’t tell you about) create a slightly altered reality that I enjoyed.
This story zipped by and I was left craving more when it was over. These boys and their love are beautiful. I was pulled into their journey and ached with them. A highly recommended read full of magic and love.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
James is so very alone when he finds Ambient. His “gift” has left him confused and afraid and he has isolated himself. He doesn’t understand why he can do what he does, but he knows that nothing good could come from people discovering and misusing him or his abilities. I sympathised with James, with his strength and integrity. He refused to judge anyone and had his own code that he lived by. He needed to heal, he wanted to help people, he had to keep moving and try to stay under the radar. It was a complicated and lonely life.
The “curse” would have been heartbreaking and maddening. To feel so much for people that don’t return the feelings, sometimes don’t even remember you. Being inundated with so much false emotion and know that it will happen again and again and that the only alternative is to allow people to suffer and sometimes even die. How would you know what was real? How could you try to have a relationship?
Then he meets Ambient and everything changes. Not only does Ambient return James’ feelings, but James finally learns what real love is. James loves Ambient so good and so hard and so deep and so sweet, and gets loved back just as much. They accept each other completely.
“There were so many kinds of healing. This kind let him know that everything was okay, that they were okay, the he was okay. Maybe James could heal bodies, but Ambient could heal James’s whole world.”
Ambient is a sweetheart. He comes from a very close and loving family. He gets swept up into this magical love affair, falling fast and hard, and finds himself over his head and in danger. I loved that he was such an awesome big brother and good son. The way that Ambient embraced everything about James and had such faith in him, their love, and what they could do together was beautiful.
“Okay,” Ambient said more gently. “I’m not sorry I met you, and I’m not sorry I’m involved with you, and I’m not sorry I’m caught up in this. I’m a little afraid, and a lot freaked, but I’m not sorry. You get the difference?”
Ambient is much stronger than he at first seems, never weak, but maybe naive and young, sheltered and innocent. He has to find a lot in himself. He has to grow and adapt and accept and change, everything. And then he has to do it all over again.
These guys are adorable together. They are young and very hot for one another. While the very essence of James power creates an “insta-love” type of situation between them it fits the story perfectly and that love is tested and strengthened as they fight to solve the mysteries and survive whatever seems to be after them as they delve into the past and discover the cause of James’ power. They are both so loving and considerate towards each other.
It was amazing how both men always chose positive. They both had things in their pasts that could have hardened them and instead of becoming jaded they remained kind. They are put through the wringer more than once (things get very dark and painful for them), and while they defended themselves they always tried to give their enemies another chance. That hesitation both cost them and saved them. They could have turned on each other and blamed, instead they drew closer together and comforted each other. Their bond was everything and in the end it both saves them and heals them in ways that James’ power cannot.
I loved the twists and turns that the story took. They end up in a completely different place than they expect and things get much worse than either of them could have predicted. There is an element of world building that creates a more complex story. While they live in the world that we know, the threads of magic (and other things that I can’t tell you about) create a slightly altered reality that I enjoyed.
This story zipped by and I was left craving more when it was over. These boys and their love are beautiful. I was pulled into their journey and ached with them. A highly recommended read full of magic and love.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
March 16, 2014
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews - 5 hearts
Over the years, there have been a number of books that I thoroughly enjoyed for various reasons and mentally catalogued as “must re-read this one”. However, I don’t believe I’ve ever had an overwhelming urge to immediately turn around and read a book again from cover to cover as soon as I finished it. That was exactly the urge I had after finishing “Another Healing”.
While the blurb gives you a fairly good idea about the main storyline, there’s just so much more to this story that’s unexpected that I think my desire to re-read it again stemmed from wanting to appreciate the nuances through my newly acquired perspective. I can’t and won’t reveal more, because part of the thrill of reading this book is in the discovery process that leads you through twists and turns you most likely did not see coming.
I know that a lot of people dislike the whole notion of an insta-love connection between main characters, but it totally makes sense and is essential to the plot in this book. I had my own instant love connection with the two main characters, James and Ambient. I found them each to be unique and somewhat adorable in their own ways. The secondary characters were also vivid and added depth to the story.
I loved the concept of magic healing ability, loved the air of mystery and discovery, and loved the adventure and journey that this book took me on. I already professed my love for the characters, and I even loved the darker form of angst that was unexpected. And, I can’t fail to mention how much I love roses and tattoos – usually as separate and distinct entities. Now, however, I have a new appreciation (okay, maybe a bit of a kink) for thinking of them combined into a sexy, lickable, erogenous zone of sorts. In short, I really loved this book. Check it out!
Over the years, there have been a number of books that I thoroughly enjoyed for various reasons and mentally catalogued as “must re-read this one”. However, I don’t believe I’ve ever had an overwhelming urge to immediately turn around and read a book again from cover to cover as soon as I finished it. That was exactly the urge I had after finishing “Another Healing”.
While the blurb gives you a fairly good idea about the main storyline, there’s just so much more to this story that’s unexpected that I think my desire to re-read it again stemmed from wanting to appreciate the nuances through my newly acquired perspective. I can’t and won’t reveal more, because part of the thrill of reading this book is in the discovery process that leads you through twists and turns you most likely did not see coming.
I know that a lot of people dislike the whole notion of an insta-love connection between main characters, but it totally makes sense and is essential to the plot in this book. I had my own instant love connection with the two main characters, James and Ambient. I found them each to be unique and somewhat adorable in their own ways. The secondary characters were also vivid and added depth to the story.
I loved the concept of magic healing ability, loved the air of mystery and discovery, and loved the adventure and journey that this book took me on. I already professed my love for the characters, and I even loved the darker form of angst that was unexpected. And, I can’t fail to mention how much I love roses and tattoos – usually as separate and distinct entities. Now, however, I have a new appreciation (okay, maybe a bit of a kink) for thinking of them combined into a sexy, lickable, erogenous zone of sorts. In short, I really loved this book. Check it out!
September 16, 2016
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
4.25 Stars I really liked the blurb for Another Healing, and I had enjoyed previous works by this author, so I had picked up this book quite a while ago. With the next book in the series coming out soon, I thought it was finally time to read it. I’m so glad I did!
Though we don’t find out the source of James power until nearly the end of the book, it is a different spin on magic than I’ve seen before. The idea that up until Ambient, James fell in love with everyone he healed was compelling in the implications. Because of the way the insta-love was handled, it quite fit in the story and I could get behind Ambient and James as a matched pair.
The book read quite easily and fast, grabbing my attention and keeping it. It had tense and tender moments but wasn’t overly graphic in any sense.
I am definitely looking forward to more of this world in book 2.
4.25 Stars I really liked the blurb for Another Healing, and I had enjoyed previous works by this author, so I had picked up this book quite a while ago. With the next book in the series coming out soon, I thought it was finally time to read it. I’m so glad I did!
Though we don’t find out the source of James power until nearly the end of the book, it is a different spin on magic than I’ve seen before. The idea that up until Ambient, James fell in love with everyone he healed was compelling in the implications. Because of the way the insta-love was handled, it quite fit in the story and I could get behind Ambient and James as a matched pair.
The book read quite easily and fast, grabbing my attention and keeping it. It had tense and tender moments but wasn’t overly graphic in any sense.
I am definitely looking forward to more of this world in book 2.
March 25, 2014
M. Raiya had some good idea about story plot for the book but that writing stile was not for me. Start was okay but more I read more confusing it got and more bored I was.
That reading material was not for me.
That reading material was not for me.
June 22, 2018
I first read this one long enough ago that I read it as a pdf on my computer - but I re-read it recently after reading the sequel. It's definitely more immature in the writing and far less gripping than "Dept of Return" and was one of those that was like 'yeah, read it, it's okay, don't need to read it again' sort of books. It didn't make much of an impression.
The world-building is far more advanced in the second book and I felt the attraction more between the MCs. In this one, it started out with insta-love, so we really didn't get to see either Ambient or James as themselves without each other. Yes, there were some plot holes and some things that were just too convenient, plot-wise, for my tastes, but it's not a bad book. Still, it reads very much like a really, really long prologue. I know of a few fantasy or sci-fi series that are done this way and that's okay; this book is simply not going to be on my re-read-multiple-times shelf.
But, I'm eager (more so after the second book) to see where this series is going to go.
The world-building is far more advanced in the second book and I felt the attraction more between the MCs. In this one, it started out with insta-love, so we really didn't get to see either Ambient or James as themselves without each other. Yes, there were some plot holes and some things that were just too convenient, plot-wise, for my tastes, but it's not a bad book. Still, it reads very much like a really, really long prologue. I know of a few fantasy or sci-fi series that are done this way and that's okay; this book is simply not going to be on my re-read-multiple-times shelf.
But, I'm eager (more so after the second book) to see where this series is going to go.
September 4, 2025
I think this was a wonderfully written book. The action pretty much started at the beginning and the mystery was, what were James and Ambient. The action involved Ambient's whole family, and I loved this story. I saw there was a second book that I plan on reading in the future. Recommend this book strongly.
February 3, 2015
Easy to read in that the writing style pulled me along with the story quite nicely for most of the book. Only towards the very end did I have to keep a good track of what was happening.
It is a paranormal read, and again for most of the book it is quite light which suits me as paranornormal is not a favoured genre of mine. However, I did enjoy this one, liked that they had to learn to work together and exactly what they were. I liked that the initial impressions were turned on their head, with the discovery of additional talents.
The characters came thick and fast towards the end, with many links to earIier in the story and it is possible that this added to my having to work at keeping up
It is a paranormal read, and again for most of the book it is quite light which suits me as paranornormal is not a favoured genre of mine. However, I did enjoy this one, liked that they had to learn to work together and exactly what they were. I liked that the initial impressions were turned on their head, with the discovery of additional talents.
The characters came thick and fast towards the end, with many links to earIier in the story and it is possible that this added to my having to work at keeping up
August 13, 2016
Title: Another Healing
Author: M. Raiya
Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Paranormal
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Novel
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨♨
Book Rating: ★★★★¾
Review at WoDF - Another Healing
July 12, 2014
3.5 stars. I really liked the first half of the book and could feel the connection that developed between James and Ambient. There is insta-love and for this couple it works and fit the story. I enjoyed the mystery, magic and adventure, however I found myself flipping pages toward the latter half of the book. I think it is just a preference for story line. If you are a fan of MM romance with magic/paranormal then this book is definitely worth your while. This is the first book by M Raiya that I have read and I will definitely try her other books.
January 26, 2018
2nd read 9/2016 and loved it even more.
M. Raiya’s writing has a wonderful cadence that’s a joy to read and it’s difficult to decide whether I liked the writing skill, story or characters the most – so I just won’t decide. The blurb doesn’t describe the depth of this story. There were twists and turns that I never expected and I got so involved that I think the house could have burned down around me and I wouldn’t have noticed. In other words, I loved it.
M. Raiya’s writing has a wonderful cadence that’s a joy to read and it’s difficult to decide whether I liked the writing skill, story or characters the most – so I just won’t decide. The blurb doesn’t describe the depth of this story. There were twists and turns that I never expected and I got so involved that I think the house could have burned down around me and I wouldn’t have noticed. In other words, I loved it.
April 12, 2014
Just because...
I enjoyed this book immensely and will be putting this on that have to read again to experience self.
Friggin awesome. The suspense, the mystery, the WTH moments.
I will not even review because you have to read to experience.
5 friggin stars...
I enjoyed this book immensely and will be putting this on that have to read again to experience self.
Friggin awesome. The suspense, the mystery, the WTH moments.
I will not even review because you have to read to experience.
5 friggin stars...
November 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this expansion of The Rosebud.
Minus 1 star for insta love, but nice plot and worldbuilding.
Minus 1 star for insta love, but nice plot and worldbuilding.
March 28, 2014
This was good!
a near-perfect blend of mystery, magic and romance, with well-paced writing and a rounded plot. Even the insta-love, normally a major niggle, worked for me here.
a near-perfect blend of mystery, magic and romance, with well-paced writing and a rounded plot. Even the insta-love, normally a major niggle, worked for me here.
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews