A Gentle Kind of Magic

The Healer and The Wolf #1-2

by Roxie Ray

Some hearts find each other in the quiet.

She found him broken in the woods.
What grew between them was never part of the plan.

Vanessa lives a quiet life filled with herbs, healing, and solitude. But when she stumbles across an injured wolf, everything changes—and not just because he shifts into a man with haunted eyes and too many secrets.

Their bond is quiet, unexpected… and impossible to ignore.
But even gentle magic comes with a cost—and love, the real kind, asks everything of you.

🌱 This complete edition of the Healer and the Wolf Duet is for anyone who believes in slow-burn magic, wounded hearts, and the kind of love that finds you when you least expect it.

Genres: Paranormal

Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2026

About the author

Roxie Ray is a group of writer friends who love to write Sci Fi Alien Romance and Paranormal Romance. They love to talk, read and write this lovely genre. They hope you love their books and strive to make sure you have a steamy, wonderful experience!

Reviews

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Ven and Leo, the suspense of lost memories with the found family were great. I do wish that we got a bit more of the world building for this magic world but over all it was easy to follow. I loved that the bad guys were hard to defeat, not just book done. I also loved the growth of the characters as they went through the story.

The spice was good and not too often, I would say the perfect amount for this story.

Overall I would definitely recommend for anyone who loves shifters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book is a two parter. And I’m so thankful it is. I don’t think I could have waited for part two after that part one ending.

Part One: this book was honestly so good. Vanessa is the kind of FMC you can’t help but want to support and back. She’s kind, sometimes to a fault, and faces some serious hardships in her life. It’s heartbreaking the struggles she goes through. And despite her financial issues she doesn’t hesitate to help an animal in need. She’s patient and doesn’t judge. Leo is precious. He is like a little lost puppy that needs Vanessa. Their connection is swoon worthy for sure. The path that their relationship takes feels real and genuine. This story doesn’t shy away from the nitty gritty aspects but shows them. The conflicts and vulnerabilities of the characters is front and center. And I appreciate that. The way the author writes hooks you in the feelings and doesn’t let you go. I was so invested in this story that I couldn’t put it down. Immediately went into part two to see what happens.

Part two: I was left anxious and needing answers after part one and this part did not disappoint me. We immediately jumped back in to the story and it was phenomenal. This book took me on an emotional ride. I was so excited to see Vanessa get a bigger role in the fight to protect her found family. She is such a badass who will not back down in a fight for Leo and their future together. Speaking of Leo…my poor precious puppy. Him being held prisoner broke my soul. But him holding on to hope put me back together. He knew Vanessa wouldn’t leave him there. It was the only thing that kept me from shattering entirely. The depth of connection Roxie creates between these two is astounding. It’s raw and beautiful down to its core. I felt it in my soul how truly connected Vanessa and Leo are. And that came from how amazingly Roxie writes it. Leo and Vanessa go through so much during this book. It tests the trust they have, in themselves and each other, and refusing to let fear rule over them. They picked each other and stood together even in the darkest of moments. The ending was exactly what they needed and what they deserved. It will have you clutching your pearls and fanning yourself.

Overall this duet of books is an emotional journey that will take you from cute awwwwwws to righteous indignation to fanning yourself to utter satisfaction. I could not put this book down until I knew if everything and everyone was going to be okay. It is 1000% worth the emotional turmoil and heart wrenching moments to see the confusion to Vanessa and Leo’s story. I would go through the pain again and again for the sense of rightness you get at the end.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Gentle Kind of Magic started exactly how I love my cozy paranormal romances — soft, heartfelt, and easy to sink into.

Part 1 felt warm and natural. The connection between the healer and the wolf unfolded gently, the pacing was smooth, and it had that comforting, small-town magic energy that makes you want to curl up and read “just one more chapter.” The emotions felt authentic, the dialogue flowed, and it was such an easy, comforting read.

Part 2, however, felt noticeably different. The tone and structure shifted in a way that pulled me out of the story a bit. The dialogue felt more mechanical, and some scenes read more like they were following a formula rather than unfolding organically. It lost some of that emotional softness and human nuance that made the first part so charming.

That said, the overall concept is lovely, and when the story leans into its tenderness and heart, it really shines. I just wish the second half had carried the same warmth and natural rhythm as the first.

Still an enjoyable read — especially if you love healer/wolf dynamics and gentle, low-angst paranormal romance — but the tonal shift was noticeable.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Healer and The Wolf: Part 1
How can a book be sweet, adorable, filthy and magical and action-packed all at the same time!?
Vanessa “Ven” and Leo were absolutely adorable and knowing that this was only part one, I didn’t expect a happy ending, but whoah!!! Holy cliffhanger, this definitely leaves you wanting the next book right away!
I really enjoyed this. This page-turner had me so engrossed that I didn’t even realise I was on the last page!
Luckily, you get to binge part two straight away!

The Healer and The Wolf: Part 2
Action-packed, this story continues immediately from part 1: when Leo sacrifices himself to let Ricky and Ven escape.

It’s not as sweet as the first one, heavily focussng on battles with the brothers and the formation of new relationships between pack members.

It’s another page turner - I loved seeing Ven come into her own. Not a fan of Leo being all self-sacrificing, though.

I thoroughly enjoyed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part One and Part Two of The Healer and the Wolf are contained in this book.
Part one: Vanessa stumbles across an injured wolf, who is a shifter and becomes a man named Leo. During this first part of the book you get a real feel for the characters. The part I love about it is as the characters get to know each other there is raw emotion and vulnerabilities that make their connection more real. I love how Vanessa struggles through life and it’s so real, I think it helps connect to the book as well. In the second part of the book you get more into the paranormal world. The entire book takes a great pace. You learn just enough to anticipate the next part of the book. I absolutely loved this book and the way it was written. This is a don’t miss paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated this book 3 stars but i did still enjoy it, it was simply not one of my favorites, I will still read the sequel as I am interested in more of the story. The book overall was a nice read but about halfway through changed paces. While I enjoyed the whole story, I preffered the pacing of the first half. The second half I feel like was a bit slower somehow though it had more action. I enjoyed the ending. The romance throughout the book was adorable. The spice scenes were well written and not awkwardly placed. I enjoyed the main characters and the side characters added more to the story as well which i enjoyed. I do think some of the action was a bit anticlimactic in parts. Overall I would recommend giving it a shot. It is a cute read with the first half being more cozy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shifter romance that just felt different from the usual. The portrayal of the shifters was more restrained, which actually made it feel more realistic, so the title is very fitting. The plot keeps you engaged with all its twists and turns, but ultimately Leo and Vanessa steal the show. Their romance starts off slowly—which builds a solid foundation—and then you get all the emotions: the passion, the love, and the way they’re both willing to put the other first.
The supporting shifter characters add real depth, becoming a new pack/family that enhances the story. And the battles with the witches, warlocks and more brings the drama that keeps you turning the pages.
I definitely enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book has the two amazing books in one. Vanessa our healer saved Lego when he was injured and she came across him. Oh the secrets, him being a wolf shifter being one. The chemistry and spice between them is amazing. Danger is not letting them find their happy ending. Vanessa will risk everything to keep her man and bring him home. She risked her heart to save him once. Now she’ll risk everything to bring him home.
Leo only has memories of Vanessa the woman who once healed him. In knows she find him and safe him from those that see him as a beast.
The bravery of them both and their passion is brilliant.

A wonderful read full of strength , family and love , Ohh yes spice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynsey Astbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gentle Touch of Magic is a heartwarming, enchanting romance that will capture your heart. The story follows Leo, a wolf shifter struggling to regain his lost memories, as he finds solace in Vanessa, a kind-hearted cat lady facing life's hardships. As they navigate their complicated lives, their connection sparks, and they discover the magic of love and acceptance.

Ray's writing is sweet, witty, and full of charm, making it easy to fall in love with the characters. The romance is enchanting, with a slow-burn buildup that will leave you smiling. Leo's amnesia and Vanessa's tough exterior hide vulnerable souls, making their journey to love all the more compelling.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this as the two volumes of The Healer and the Wolf, and loved them, so I jumped at the chance to read them again as one single volume. I still loved it! It's such a sweet, comfy story that, yeah, has some tense moments, but overall, the book's about people coming together for a common goal, learning that you don't have to be the biggest or strongest to have an impact, and found family is every bit as valid as blood relatives.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love how Vanessa is relatable and her love for animals which in turn helped Leo come back to his human self. The progress of her helping him find his memories about who he is, to the people that did it to him, to a kidnapping and more involvement in the supernatural world. I read the individual books and absolutely jumped at the opportunity to read them again in one book form instead of two. It is a bit of a slow burn romance but it is definitely worth the read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Healer and Wolf romance duet

A lovely well-paced paranormal shifter romance duet (both included in this bundle).
It's full of wolf shifters, heartwarming sweet chemistry between the main characters, great dynamics, intrigue, drama, secrets, danger and love.

Loved the first half of this and the second half was even better. An amazing story following Vanessa and Leo as he heals and they struggle to find a way to be together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Spinnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story! The MFC and MMC really pull you right into their lives, and the supporting characters are all fantastic as well (even the evil ones!). A bit of realism, a bit of sarcasm, a bit of fate, a bit of growing attraction, a bit of love, a bit of evil and a whole lot of family makes this a fun and entertaining read! I found it hard to put down; I couldn't wait to read what would be happening next! Put this book on your TBR pile; you won't regret it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LizJ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Gentle Kind of Magic the complete duology of The Healer and The Wolf series by Roxie Ray is a heartfelt, slow-burn paranormal romance with empathy, healing, danger and action. It was a pleasure to read the complete duology, yay no cliffhanger! Recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a steamy story about what happens when Van finds a wounded wolf in the woods who follows her home. Entertaining and had me laughing as it all played out. Drama, intrigue, surprises and lost memories kept things interesting. Van And Leo are so cute and fun together. Enjoyed the story and characters and situations.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a box set so is good to have both books together It’s very engaging story. It’s full of angst, characters are interesting.
The storyline has good flow and is well developed
We following relationship developing between this very unlikely pair.
Very well written ,too
Love cover ,cute.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great paranormal/shifter romance! I really liked it! Dangerous and exciting. With curses and mystery, magic and mayhem.. Super ending!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ajscenic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features both parts of the duet so, thank goodness there are no cliffhangers. It follows Vanessa and Leo and showcases his recovery, their romance and the lengths she will go for Leo.
This is a great story with plenty of heart.

[Charlene Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this author and her books enjoyed reading this was a fun book and was happy they all gt their happy ending and she gt a family xx

[Miss L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was so cute and easy to read.

I sat and read this in one day, it was so easy and just what I needed