What do you think?
Rate this book
Healer’s Touch: Gifted Legacy, Book 1
Not yet published
Expected 20 Mar 26One Touch to Heal. Another to Kill.
In the Kingdom of Leonathis, those born with the unmistakable mark of death magic—golden eyes with a vertical pupil—are branded as Reapers and condemned to execution upon discovery.
Anya, a gifted Healer, carries a secret that could end her life. Beneath her eyepatch hides a single Reaper eye, proof of her impossible a hybrid of opposing powers, the only one of her kind.
When Zarek, a steadfast Guardian of the Crown, uncovers Anya’s miraculous Healing, he knows she is the dying crown prince’s last hope. Royal command demands he take her to the palace, despite her protests.
Every reluctant step toward the capital pushes Anya closer to discovery, her desperation for escape mounting. Yet when she's forced to wield the very power that could doom her, she finds herself bound even tighter to the Guardian sworn to uphold the laws that would see her dead.
In a kingdom that shows no mercy to those of her kind, can Anya risk exposing both the full extent of her forbidden nature and her heart to the man bound by royal oath? And can Zarek choose his heart over his oath when his affection would only complicate her life further?
Set in a lush, Greco-Roman-inspired world, Healer's Touch is an adult fantasy romance featuring two fiercely independent characters who clash at every turn, yet find themselves irresistibly drawn together. It is the first installment in the Gifted Legacy series
In the Kingdom of Leonathis, those born with the unmistakable mark of death magic—golden eyes with a vertical pupil—are branded as Reapers and condemned to execution upon discovery.
Anya, a gifted Healer, carries a secret that could end her life. Beneath her eyepatch hides a single Reaper eye, proof of her impossible a hybrid of opposing powers, the only one of her kind.
When Zarek, a steadfast Guardian of the Crown, uncovers Anya’s miraculous Healing, he knows she is the dying crown prince’s last hope. Royal command demands he take her to the palace, despite her protests.
Every reluctant step toward the capital pushes Anya closer to discovery, her desperation for escape mounting. Yet when she's forced to wield the very power that could doom her, she finds herself bound even tighter to the Guardian sworn to uphold the laws that would see her dead.
In a kingdom that shows no mercy to those of her kind, can Anya risk exposing both the full extent of her forbidden nature and her heart to the man bound by royal oath? And can Zarek choose his heart over his oath when his affection would only complicate her life further?
Set in a lush, Greco-Roman-inspired world, Healer's Touch is an adult fantasy romance featuring two fiercely independent characters who clash at every turn, yet find themselves irresistibly drawn together. It is the first installment in the Gifted Legacy series
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 20, 2026
94 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Devereaux
1 book14 followersSamantha Devereaux writes fantasy romance full of magic, danger, and irresistible attraction.
Her debut novel, Healer's Touch (Spring 2026), follows a gifted Healer hiding deadly Reaper magic and the duty-bound guardian tasked with escorting her to save a dying prince. Set in a Greco-Roman-inspired world, this sweeping duology blends romance, adventure, and high-stakes intrigue.
When she's not crafting magical worlds, Samantha can be found spoiling her dogs, exploring new places, or collecting beautiful notebooks she's too afraid to fill. Her stories offer the kind of immersive escapes she loves to lose herself in.
For exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes insights, join her newsletter.
Her debut novel, Healer's Touch (Spring 2026), follows a gifted Healer hiding deadly Reaper magic and the duty-bound guardian tasked with escorting her to save a dying prince. Set in a Greco-Roman-inspired world, this sweeping duology blends romance, adventure, and high-stakes intrigue.
When she's not crafting magical worlds, Samantha can be found spoiling her dogs, exploring new places, or collecting beautiful notebooks she's too afraid to fill. Her stories offer the kind of immersive escapes she loves to lose herself in.
For exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes insights, join her newsletter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 12, 2025
I had the ABSOLUTE UTMOST pleasure of beta-reading both a beta draft and the pre-ARC draft, and I can say, without a doubt, that this book ranks easily as one of my favorites and one of my most anticipated series release.
The first of a duology with two additional novellas, Healer’s Touch is a fantastic debut novel, introducing a wonderfully built world and magic system. Right from the get-go, you’re thrust into this amazingly intricate and well-developed world that makes you want to see more. The imagery, especially of the food spreads and attire, is so incredibly vivid and satisfying to read without being overwhelming or overbearing. It’s truly an inspiring lesson on vibrant storytelling and world-building.
I love the characters so much! I adore Anya and Zarek with all my heart, and they are an absolutely wonderful protagonist and love interest duo to follow. They’re both complex and tangible characters whose characterization doesn’t rely on each other, which is such a breath of fresh air. I’m not usually one to read romantasy, but this is easily, by far, an immediate exception. The romance in this book had me kicking my feet up in the air and giggling, and I cannot wait to see more.
The side characters?? Don’t get me started. They’re all so intriguing to read, and I love how each one is so unique yet integral to the story. I have such strong emotions for each one, whether good or bad, and that’s truly just a testament to how well done the characterization is for each character, no matter how large their overall importance.
Reading it a second time didn’t feel like a bore, nor was it a chore in the slightest. I still felt giddy reading just the same as I did the first time, and I’d reread it a third time once I get my hands on a copy. Reading is always one of those magical experiences, but reading Healer’s Touch felt like such a step above. The pacing is perfect, and she writes tension and relationship/character development in such a subtle yet powerful way. I cannot wait to see what Samantha has in store for the Gifted Legacy series next! If the debut novel is anything to go by, I have full confidence that it won’t disappoint.
The first of a duology with two additional novellas, Healer’s Touch is a fantastic debut novel, introducing a wonderfully built world and magic system. Right from the get-go, you’re thrust into this amazingly intricate and well-developed world that makes you want to see more. The imagery, especially of the food spreads and attire, is so incredibly vivid and satisfying to read without being overwhelming or overbearing. It’s truly an inspiring lesson on vibrant storytelling and world-building.
I love the characters so much! I adore Anya and Zarek with all my heart, and they are an absolutely wonderful protagonist and love interest duo to follow. They’re both complex and tangible characters whose characterization doesn’t rely on each other, which is such a breath of fresh air. I’m not usually one to read romantasy, but this is easily, by far, an immediate exception. The romance in this book had me kicking my feet up in the air and giggling, and I cannot wait to see more.
The side characters?? Don’t get me started. They’re all so intriguing to read, and I love how each one is so unique yet integral to the story. I have such strong emotions for each one, whether good or bad, and that’s truly just a testament to how well done the characterization is for each character, no matter how large their overall importance.
Reading it a second time didn’t feel like a bore, nor was it a chore in the slightest. I still felt giddy reading just the same as I did the first time, and I’d reread it a third time once I get my hands on a copy. Reading is always one of those magical experiences, but reading Healer’s Touch felt like such a step above. The pacing is perfect, and she writes tension and relationship/character development in such a subtle yet powerful way. I cannot wait to see what Samantha has in store for the Gifted Legacy series next! If the debut novel is anything to go by, I have full confidence that it won’t disappoint.
December 20, 2025
4.5/5
I received an ARC of this and I feel so lucky that I did. This was a splendid story.
The world building was rich and vivid, with so many cute and interesting creatures. I think I need a whole book about the sisters alone. I also found the magic system super interesting. I think both the main characters are likeable and compelling. I enjoyed their romance N the way their relationship grew. The ending has me so excited to read the next book.
I received an ARC of this and I feel so lucky that I did. This was a splendid story.
The world building was rich and vivid, with so many cute and interesting creatures. I think I need a whole book about the sisters alone. I also found the magic system super interesting. I think both the main characters are likeable and compelling. I enjoyed their romance N the way their relationship grew. The ending has me so excited to read the next book.
December 7, 2025
I read this as an ARC in return for a review.
Oh my word. What have I just read? I read this as an ARC in return for a review.
Oh my word. What have I just read?!
Simply put, I didn't want this book to end. In fact, I kept trying to turn the page at the end, because I wanted to story to carry on. It had everything (and I mean everything) I wanted in this cosy-esque fantasy. The world was so well thought out and real, that I could see what the author was describing. The characters, so very different yet alike to one another felt like long forgotten friends re-introducing themselves to me for the first time. They grew over the course of the book in a way that felt so natural, and the banter! The amount of times I laughed because of their dialogue was insane, and I've highlighted so many parts of it, just so I can revisit it time and time again.
The overall plot line was engaging with enough drama and action along the way to keep the reader focused on the story. And yet, despite all the drama, the main storyline was never forgotten. Always there to keep the reader, and the characters, on track.
This may be a debut, but I can already tell this author is going to be an auto-buy author for me. If you like cosy fantasy books that don't forget about the action, and just a little pinch of spice, then THIS is the book for you. Great characters, amazing setting, and an engaging storyline - sign me up for more!
Oh my word. What have I just read? I read this as an ARC in return for a review.
Oh my word. What have I just read?!
Simply put, I didn't want this book to end. In fact, I kept trying to turn the page at the end, because I wanted to story to carry on. It had everything (and I mean everything) I wanted in this cosy-esque fantasy. The world was so well thought out and real, that I could see what the author was describing. The characters, so very different yet alike to one another felt like long forgotten friends re-introducing themselves to me for the first time. They grew over the course of the book in a way that felt so natural, and the banter! The amount of times I laughed because of their dialogue was insane, and I've highlighted so many parts of it, just so I can revisit it time and time again.
The overall plot line was engaging with enough drama and action along the way to keep the reader focused on the story. And yet, despite all the drama, the main storyline was never forgotten. Always there to keep the reader, and the characters, on track.
This may be a debut, but I can already tell this author is going to be an auto-buy author for me. If you like cosy fantasy books that don't forget about the action, and just a little pinch of spice, then THIS is the book for you. Great characters, amazing setting, and an engaging storyline - sign me up for more!
December 22, 2025
I got an early arc of this and pulled and all-nighter reading it. It was so refreshingly different! I especially loved the longing/tension between Anya and Zarek.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews