The Healer

Black Arrowhead #8

by Dannika Dark

“Only a man with the tenderest heart would have to shield it.”
A spellbinding tale of love, hope, and redemption.

Quinn is a free-spirited artist who is struggling to get her business off the ground. When a prominent Packmaster commissions a piece from her, she finally sees a glimmer of hope. Creating a masterpiece for this pack is her mission, and Quinn won’t let anything get between her and her dreams, not even a marriage proposal.

Salem Lockwood has chosen an altruistic life, prioritizing others’ needs above his own. But when a local artist asks him to pretend they’re mated, his generosity is put to the test. Quinn’s tenacity and beauty are unmatched, and the more he gets to know her, the more he commits to the lie. He’s experienced at faking a relationship, but now there’s more at stake and time is running out.

What happens when your biggest enemy is one you can’t see?

Love takes courage.

A talented artist with no interest in love is on a collision course with fate when she enters a fake relationship with the one man in town she has a crush on. Passion burns bright in this opposites-attract redemption story where two people learn the best way to conquer their fears is to face them together.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Audiobook, Fantasy, Fiction, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy

411 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 13, 2026

About the author

Dannika Dark is a nine-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, APA Audie Awards Finalist, and AudioFile Earphones Award winner. Her pulse-pounding urban fantasies and paranormal romances are an addiction that has thrilled readers for more than a decade. She does not support the use of AI.




ABOUT THE BOOKS
All Dannika Dark novels are written in the same universe (Mageriverse). Characters in this flawed world (much like our own) confront prejudice, constraints, and societal problems as they search for purpose or love. Diverse characters building a found family are at the heart of every story. Villains get their just deserts, and love conquers all.

THE MAGERI SERIES Urban Fantasy Romance
When a young woman unwittingly receives the gift of immortality from a Mage, she must leave everything behind. But her conviction is put to the ultimate test when she falls for her mortal enemy.
Enemies to lovers, found family, hidden magic, forced proximity, soul mates, protective mate, diverse supernaturals.
Primary genre: Fantasy
Start reading STERLING


THE SEVEN SERIES Paranormal Romance
Austin Cole and his brothers are forming a pack, and the last thing on their minds is getting tethered to a mate. But the more they resist, the harder they fall.
Found family, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, rock star romance, tortured hero, grumpy/sunshine, biker romance, alpha hero, cinnamon roll hero, multicultural
Primary Genre: Romance
Start reading SEVEN YEARS


THE CROSSBREED SERIES Urban Fantasy Romance
Raven Black is a rogue who hunts criminals for fun. But when a secret organization offers her a job, she’ll need to rise to the challenge. Half-Mage, half-Vampire, she’s caught between two worlds. Will desire become her biggest distraction when she’s paired up with a Vampire?
Found family, wicked banter, morally grey characters, slow burn, emotional scars, "I would burn down the world for you," diverse characters, who hurt you?
Primary Genre: Fantasy
Start reading KEYSTONE


THE BLACK ARROWHEAD SERIES Paranormal Romance
Brave women and fiercely loyal men form an unconventional pack in this edge-of-your-seat paranormal romance with plenty of twists and turns.
Found family, friends to lovers, anxiety/disability rep, past trauma, multicultural, different worlds
Primary Genre: Romance
Start reading THE VOW

Reviews

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story 5 stars. Narration 5 stars
Dannika Dark writes all her series in her Breed world. The people at times overlap but more often than not they don’t. Her world building is exemplary and sometimes I wish it really existed. This is from her 4th series, book 8 and takes place at the Arrowhead pack’s home.

Quinn is a stained glass worker and just barely gets by on her earnings. She’s fairly new to town and doesn’t belong to a pack. The Arrowhead alpha commissions her to do a huge window for the pack house. Salem is part of the Arrowhead pack and is a healer in the breed town. They first meet when he heals her feet after she steps on glass. When she sees him again she goes out of her way to talk to him. He’s quiet, polite and very good at his job. She’s fun and gregarious, someone everyone likes. Opposites attract. But not everything is as it seems with her. Doesn’t stop them falling for each other. I also really enjoyed seeing glimpses of three other characters from her previous series. That’s always fun.
Of course a lot more happens but no spoilers.

Dark’s books are auto buys for me, blurb unread. They are always good romances, some more so than others. The Arrowhead series are paranormal romances as well as her Seven series. Her urban fantasy series Mageri and Crossbreed each feature a good romance as well. I’ve been reading her books for about 13 years now and she’s never let me down. Her books are always well written and one of her male characters from The Mageri series will always be my favorite male character of all of them. All books, not just hers. That’s not to say that these characters from The Healer are any less favorite for me as I literally fall in love with each book as she releases them. This book was no different. Her books pull you in and don’t let go until you’re done. The books do pretty much go in order in a series so I would start with book one. Just a suggestion. I guess you can tell how much like her work! Highly recommended!
As always narration by Nicole Poole was simply stellar.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dannika Dark is on my auto-buy list, and 99.9% of the time I choose the audio format. I love Nicole Poole and how she delivers these characters. We are back with the Arrowhead pack, and the packmaster commissions Quinn, a local artist, to create a stained-glass window for them. We met Quinn in a previous book at one of the pack’s picnics. As with most urban fantasy stories, I recommend listening in order. Each book contains its own romance, but pack spoilers abound. Plus, they are all too good to miss!

Quinn first met Salem Lockwood, the pack’s healer, when she cut her foot at their picnic. I adored Quinn. She is an optimistic, creative type who turns every situation into something good. Salem is more reserved in part because of the guilt he carries.

Salem and Quinn spend time together. He is curious about her, worries about her living alone and not having a car. Dark did a wonderful job with their chemistry, awkward moments and had me giggling like a teen.

Quinn has some secrets, and when an old friend appears, she creates an awkward situation by declaring she can’t accept his offer of marriage because she is mated to Salem. Oops. Both assume her friend will leave, but when he persists, Salem moves Quinn into the pack house and agrees to help her. Their attraction grows, and I am beyond thrilled, before Dark reveals Quinn’s secrets, which made her personality and outlook on life even more special. From that point on, I knew I wasn’t getting any sleep until I’d finished their story. Salem is such a good guy, who made mistakes but for good reason. I couldn’t help but root for him. Good or bad outcome, I needed answers.

I laughed, cried, hoped, and held my breath. When it was all said and done, I wiped my tears and knew this was my favorite Arrowhead story. Besides the romance, I loved time spent with the pack, and updates on everyone, including our teenager. I love this motley crew and their found family.

Totally worth the audio hangover I faced the next morning. Nicole Poole rocked the narration. I loved the unique voice she provided for the pack members as she captured the emotions of the story. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Jennifer Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

I love the diversity in this pack! Their differences complement each other. And Salem, with his past and empathy, deserved a great love as well.

[Christine Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful

This was the best book of the series. I laughed. I cried. I couldn't put it down. The best thing is it was so unique. Many authors who write long series tend to recycle the same stories over and over. Not the case here.

[Joliene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta have more like this one!l!

This storyline takes me way back to Dannika's first release. The Healer contains so much heart and soul. It brought the tears and the laughs. Dannika has a way of including so many small details that creates a beautiful story. Love that she brought and old familiar face to this story in Adam. Probably even had a peek at Christian and Raven. Loved the addition of Pyro. We seriously need a stand alone story for her.
Quinn was the perfect choice for Salem. Opposites do attract. Loved the the snake bite sequence with Virgil and his gravewalker sequence was entertaining. Glad Cleo was welcomed as family. We even got to witness the interaction of Jasper and Violet. This book had it all. Loved this one.

[Marena Probasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoy everyone of Dannika 's series.

I don't write many reviews, but I just wanted to say that I liked how you brought in Characters from other series. The story is well balanced. I went back to book 1 and reread them, was able to pick up settle hints for characters from your other series.
Overall this a enjoyable book of family, friends and love. This is a series that is worth the time to read. If your not familiar with Dannika Dark ,s Mageri World start with her frost book " Sterling "
Once you start you will want to read read all of them. They are not the same old same urban romance series.

[Emiline B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fall more and more in love with this series every book!
I wasn’t sure I would connect with Salems story but man was I wrong. This was such a fun, beautiful, heart warming story. Can not wait for the next ❤️

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading Salem's story and this one didn't disappoint at all.
Salem and Quinn were a slow burn that had me laughing and crying.
I didn't know where this would take me next, but I'm glad they both got their happy ever after.
Make sure you have the tissues handy as you will definitely need them.

[Book.Rat · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So I just finished this. I'm writing with very happy tears running down my face. This book is everything. It's heartwarming and loving and sweet and sexy and laugh out loud funny. If I've come to expect any from Dannika Dark it's a story that will not only live in my mind but also in the little cracks and broken pieces of my heart, slowly putting it all back together.

[Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another emotional read by Dannika.

I loved seeing Salem get his HEA. Quinn is his perfect opposite.

Another great addition to the Arrowhead Pack books. Quinn is an artist who falls for our quiet and serious doctor, Salem.

Together they faces several challenges. I have to admit I cried, a lot.

Can’t wait to see what’s up next for this pack of misfits.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dannika Dark has done it again.
I couldn’t stop reading,
This world is truely amazing.
I can’t wait to reread it.
Recommend to all

[Tuija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook
Narration: Nicole Poole

What's on the cover is not how I pictured Salem all this time 😅 The cover is way better 🤭 And speaking about the cover. The colour is GORGEOUS! 🤩

I was bummed that I only was able to start listening The Healer 2 weeks after the release but I was in a perfect mind set for it when I finally started and I LOVED it! I laughed (very important) and cried (fun at work where I listen 😅).

Every Dannika Dark book is worth reading and now will you excuse me. I'm going to continue my first reread 🎧 of the Crossbreed series that I, of course, had to pause to read The Healer 😄

Highly recommend for fans of Paranormal Romance ❤

[Scratch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sighs.

So, I hate this universe. I will give this particular novel credit for not explicitly defending its worst elements as much. All by itself, this book is a slice-of-life story about a hybrid supernatural woman with a fatal genetic disorder. But, the tragedy of the fatal condition doesn't even come up as part of the plot until halfway through the story.

Before that, we are given to understand this is one of those, "We have to fake a relationship!" romance plots. The male lead, Salem, was ALREADY in a fake relationship with a different woman in the earlier books in this series. So, he finds himself obligated to do the same thing all over again.

The female protagonist, Quinn, is unrealistically optimistic. None of the shapeshifter pack have really interacted with her before, but she is very quickly accepted into the pack within a matter of days. When the plot shifts to an "As I Lay Dying" story, this group of veritable strangers becomes eager to give the --dying?-- woman everything she could want. Quinn's status as a hybrid isn't really relevant. She labels herself a "defect" because she doesn't have a full array of empathic sensor powers because she is half shifter. That is one of the big ongoing issues with this universe-- wildly ableist language. All the supernatural characters always talk this way. Hybridization is discouraged because it could result in children who don't have all the powers they're supposed to, and the characters talk as if that is all that really matters. Every character in these books is something of a eugenecist.

All the books in this universe are the author's love letters to the idea of communal living. I do find myself wondering if she would romanticize communal living quite so much if there were more cranky old people living in the commune; the pack is made up of youthful looking, attractive supernatural people, most of whom just recently mated with their true loves and are starting to have babies. This is an unrealistically happy arrangement, where the unemployed, uneducated alpha orders people to do chores and to put their paychecks into a communal pot.

This is NOT a meritocracy; the alpha has his position because his eugenicist parents bred him into existence as a "pureblood," and he does not have to actually study or work hard to have his position. No one can go to school to study and replace him as the alpha. The shifters want the "alpha" to be a redheaded man with a persuasive voice and the power to magically thicken his penis. No, he can't shapeshift his body different ways. He has an animal form and he can thicken his penis, and nothing else. He doesn't grow other limbs or shapeshift into other humanoid forms. So, this gives you a window into what the author's thought process was about what is important.

Quinn brings up her hybrid nature just so she can matter-of-factly call herself a defect. She uses her limited empathy powers some, but they have no serious impact upon the plot.

If you read just this book, you might not be as horrified as you would be upon reading other books in this universe. Shifters seem like such nice people here. Still, you might want to remember that one woman in this pack had to be seriously afraid that she would be kidnapped and kept as a slave for repeated rape, all just because she was infertile. In an earlier novel in this series, characters told her she was RIGHT to be afraid of that. If you are an attractive, "unmated" shifter woman, who's sexy but infertile? You are just a sex object to men of your species. And this "Breed" culture has very few laws to protect you. Most supernatural characters isolate themselves in Breed towns where everyone is supernatural, but that also means regular human laws don't apply, and there aren't any police to come save you from rape.

The author WANTS you to fantasize about this. She writes these books as if they are supposed to be "cozy." She LIKES the idea of a lawless, ableist, eugenicist world.

I won't spoil the ending for you, but I will say it was not particularly satisfying. Just know that this is yet another love letter to communal living.

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Healer: Black Arrowhead, Book 8
By: Dannika Dark
🎧 Audiobook Narrated By: Nicole Poole
Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins
🎧 Listened and completed.

Nicole Poole did a really good job with this book. It restored my faith in her.⭐️🫶

Quinn is a cheerful crossbreed. She seems 'happy-go-lucky', but she may have some secrets?🤔 She has a crush on Salem, and they seem to get along pretty well.😉
Tak hires her to make a huge stained glass window at the pack house.👏

Salam is a quiet and steady man with feelings that run deep. He feels a great responsibility due to his job as a healer.👩🏻‍🔬 His wolf is very taken by Quinn, and he's confused by it.😃 Walking in on her in a very private moment in the bath doesn't help the mans confused feelings either!😆🔥

When Quinns' truth is revealed, it's emotionally too late for both of them. They're in too deep.💔🫶

I loved how balanced these two were. Although this had some really sad parts in it, this felt like a really uplifting story overall. Chloe, coming out of her room more, so seeing her a bit more. Then there was a very flash of two characters from 'Crossbreed', and then a Mageri character as well. It was just wonderful.😍🥰

A thoroughly enjoyable read.⭐️

Debbie, 1970, UK

[WonderWomanNZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0
Dannika Dark was one of the first authors I fell into when I started my audiobook journey, and back then I was lucky enough to binge almost her entire backlist in one go. That binge‑mode magic really shaped how I connected with her worlds. Now that I’m listening as each new release drops, the rhythm feels different, the gaps between books break the momentum, and I haven’t gone back to relisten from the start of this series. I can feel that shift in how much I enjoy them.

That said, The Healer is very much in line with the rest of the Black Arrowhead series, a new couple, a familiar pack dynamic, and the steady, comforting structure Dannika Dark always delivers. If you’re already a fan of her style, this one will sit comfortably in that same lane.

The spice level is definitely lower than a lot of the audiobooks I’ve been listening to lately, but the plot holds its own. It’s solid, engaging, and keeps you interested even without the heat dialled up. Nicole Poole continues to be a reliable narrator for this world, consistent, clear, and easy to settle into.

Overall, it’s a good continuation for fans of the series, even if I’m missing that old binge‑era immersion.

[Sonya S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

First, let me say this was a great book and i wish I could have more of their story! Before I started this book I was not excited. I didn't like Salem's character for a few reasons that had to do with his past and his personality. But that quickly changed as i got to actually know him in this book. He's still a quiet guy, but Dannika Dark wrote him well and had great interactions in that book where he wasn't just the gruff silent type you see in other books. All her characters have dimension.
I loved Quinn for him and can't wait for the next story! Seeing the pack develop and grow over time is always a pleasure. They're not just forgotten and limited to their own story. It makes me want to go back and re-read the series and Dark's other books.

I don't want to give anything away, so it's best to just go read it and enjoy. But make sure you're reading this series in order!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchase every book Dannika Dark releases. I purchase both audiobook and hard cover (I mean, have you seen how pretty and uniform they are?). Her books are my comfort zone, like when you re-watch a favorite tv show because you know it will make you happy (well, lots of other feelings too but overall happy), the characters are like family, you get all of the feels, and you can binge read her books like a tv marathon (but of course books are always better). Dannika Dark is really great at world building, character development, and this book really brings all of that together.

This had me laughing, crying, and reacting out loud. Plenty of emotion and suspense until the end. I love that every book has a butterfly in it like a little hidden gem.


Spoilers:
Super amazing that we get a small peak at Raven, Poe, and Adam in the book. I love how Dannika ties in characters from the other series. So happy that Adam is continuing to do medicine.

[Silver James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Healer Salem Lockwood is an anomoly. He is a shifter who also has human medical training. He is a healer with no healing magic. In previous books, he's been quietly efficient and stand-offish. There are reason. Enter Quinn, a free spirit with a dark secret. She's a stained-glass artist trying to establish herself in the small community of Storybrook, TX. She and Salem met in a previous book when she was injured and he stitched up her wound. They meet again and this time, the simmer they both felt and ignored turns to a full boil. This is a sweet story and an emotional one. It's mostly a private tale, without the pack/breed politics of other books so there's not that much action but the emotional punch makes up for that. Will be interesting to see who gets the next story.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love takes courage.

A talented artist with no interest in love is on a collision course with fate when she enters a fake relationship with the one man in town she has a crush on. Passion burns bright in this opposites-attract redemption story where two people learn the best way to conquer their fears is to face them together.
💚Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ💚

Good story- I love that the plots are always something new and interesting.

Oh, how I love it when Salem and Krys go to Cognito!!!
I love it when Ms.Dark throws in past characters as cameos. (Christian and Raven)
So fun to see Adam again.
This one made me cry.
💙Cleo 💙
Opinion-I wasn't a big fan of Pyro.

[Julie Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly this is my least favorite book in the series. For me it was too all over the place. I really enjoy all of Dannika Dark's books and her writing style but this one just felt forced. There was no real back story for these two characters, and the Main character, Salem, that we had be learning about completely shifted into a whole new personality. For me it was like reading about two brand new characters that we had never seen before and to make it worst they went from not knowing each other, to being flirty, to in a fake relationship, to in love, to "dying".... it was all just a bit unorganized and unreliable for me.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual Dannika writes a great romance.

I loved the different breed element in this while including it still being shifters. I'm sooo excited for the rest of this series and I assume it'll be 3 more?

Also really loved the Christian and Raven moment. I kinda wish we saw more elements of the other series but do understand why we don't but the little glimpses are so cute.

There were some lovely lines in this, I wasn't too sure about his book as he hasn't really been a favourite of mine but he won me over and I enjoyed Salem and Quinn.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book sooooo much. They just keep getting better. The Arrowhead pack has captured my heart. This found family has be rooting for them at every moment. Quinn and Salem’s story was heartbreaking. She’s so vibrant and full of life that it was hard to read her experience, but Salem is her perfect choice for a mate for her and I loved reading their story. The crossovers in this book were great. Not a big deal but I Like knowing that Danika’s world has such a broad scope. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dannika Dark is a auto read for me.
Connected books in the same world witchou becoming repetitive. While this is the first book I also had available as audiobook I prefer the printed/ e-reader format. The world seems more vivid in my mind. While the narration isn't bad or anything it doesn't match the voices of the characters that my mind has created over the years and multiple books.
As always: love the characters, the developing relationship, the character growth and the setting.

[Aviary H. Eves · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing as always

I loved Quinn and Salem’s story! Couldn't put down the book and finished it in about two days! Absolutely loved seeing the Arrowhead pack and a few new faces! Great work Dannika as always! I like many others can’t wait to see which of the pack will find their forever mate next! This book did make me curious about the girl we keep catching glimpses of from the third book :)

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Danika Dark is one of my favorite authors. Out of the Black Arrowhead series, this was my least favorite.

Normally I like when you see some of the past characters pop up for scenes but it felt like all the previous characters were constantly in the story. I didn't get to know the MMC/MFC.

I didn't care too much for the FMC though. I think the author was trying to make her quirky and funny. She was not funny at all to me.

But I am really looking forward to book 8!!!

[Tara_reads_romantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn is the bright sunshine everyone needs in their life. She was honest and funny and just enjoyed life. Salem is quite and sweet. I enjoyed their relationship because Quinn is exactly what he needed in life. I was a little worried there towards the end but so happy how everything ended. Virgil is a hoot! He was so great in this book, I cant wait for him to find his HEA.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!!

This book was simply amazing. Well written with little sub stories intertwined. The unexpected brief cameo appearance from a loved up couple who appear in a different series had me smiling. This is by far one of Dannika's best books. The emotions ran throughout it and I didn't want it to end .

[Jessica Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Salem and Quinn's story. Quinn is such a fun character and compliments Salem's character beautifully. It was also wonderful to witness the growth and lives of the Arrowhead pack again and witness characters from different past series. I can't wait for the next book! Here's to hoping it's about Krys and Virgil! 🖤

[Allyson Folk · Rating 5 out of 5]

*spoilers**
this was a beautiful story, I also loved how you can hear the different parts of the multi series from christian and ravens cameo, you all did figure that out right?, to Adam helping. I really think this one is by far one of my favorites of the Dannika universe.

Hey Dannika are we getting a Chris or a Virgil story?

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

And she does it again. It brings a wonderful thing heart-wrenching story to life
Top-notch narration, I absolutely beautifully done wonderfully written words. I absolutely. I love these books. By this author I own every one of them.