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.
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!
A reclusive loner encountered an injured wolf during a hike, and she saved its life. Of course, the wolf is actually a shapeshifter, and voila, suddenly, both of them were on a quest to save his pack and to defeat a group of powerful warlocks.
This book was almost a cosy PNR type of book for me. Initially, the pace was very soothing and a little slow. Then, as the actions ramped up, the book changed its vibe into this high-stakes rescue mission. Both parts of the book were pretty good. My only comment would be the resolution of the plot. IDK, I wasn't that impressed with how the author decided to off the main antagonist. It was a little anticlimactic and a bit disappointing. It could be so good but alas, it wasn't.
All in all, if you're looking for a relaxing weekend read about shapeshifters and spells and plants, then this is for you. Happy reading!
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.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Also since I've seen people complaining: This is a compilation book; it includes both parts of The Healer and The Wolf. ~Side note, if you like plants, there’s a lot of plants/plant lore~
This is NOT what I would call a "Cozy Romance". I don't know why this author calls all of their books with pretty stylistic drawn covers "Cozy" but there's a ton of thrilling action sequences and heartbreaking moments. The couple themselves are cozy, I love how Ven and Leo interact and take care of each other(Leo being a softer Alpha when he’s around her), but the story itself is NOT cozy.
Now that that’s out of the way, I will try to be as vague as possible to not spoil things. This is my fifth Roxie Ray book(4th that is this specific style of writing) and I really love all the character interactions and the characters themselves but the plot focus(more in the second book then the first) and inconsistencies bother me. Especially because this was an adventure story and what parts of the battle and aftermath you choose to include will make or break how satisfied you are with the end.
Examples of problems with the focus are that there is so much crammed into two books that it doesn’t always give moments the breathing room they require and then some other moments are more drawn out with fluff then they need to be. For instance, a lot of the book after the second big event is 5 seconds of character interactions -> We’ve found the next place where we need to battle! -> slight discussion -> Battle ->Time skip and next 5 seconds of character interaction before the cycle restarts. We don’t even get to see most of the third battle event(the rescue one), we come in at the end as the hero prevails and everyone leaves. To give some credit where credit is due, other than that specific event, most of the other battles themselves are honestly well enough paced out. Sometimes, you feel a little robbed by the aftermath, especially considering it normally comes with a time skip of a few days even if it feels like there are things that make more sense to be resolved either immediately after the fight or the following day.
The author also forgets/ is inconsistent about a bunch of small things(Mainly between books). The color of the main characters’ skin(in book one Leo is tanned, in book two he's the color of alabaster). Ven is also described as alabaster(once as golden alabaster, once pale) and neither of them are alabaster on the covers. In the house is there one bathroom or is it one and a half bath?
Now as to why I still gave it 4 stars, the best part of the story is the characters, Ven and Leo truly care for each other and as more characters get added it feels like added family. There’s no dumb drama or catty high school stuff. They also aren’t perfect. They have flaws. I don’t really want to get more into it or spoil anything. The enemies are also interesting enough for the 5 minutes they last, they all feel like different people from each other even if they can feel a bit trope-ey.
The romance progression goes at a nice pace. Some things cause me to roll my eyes but it is really enjoyable. There’s also no romance drama for drama’s sake, even when there are moments that tug at your heartstrings they aren’t out of nowhere they make sense. The only thing I would say is I wish the angst felt like it had more depth. I feel like it could have been pushed a tiny bit more.
And the spice? It’s fun ;D!
An enjoyable action romance with cozy downtime moments
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.
I loved this double volume story that includes both parts of The Healer and the Wolf duology by Roxie Ray. It is romantic, action packed, and full of witches, werewolves and shifters of all varieties! Perfect for lovers of paranormal romances and action packed fantasy.
Amnesiac werewolf Leo is rescued in wolf form by the shy shop clerk Vanessa (Ven) when she runs off several bears who have attacked him. He secretly follows her home and hides in her greenhouse to have a safe place to recuperate. He has no memory of being a man, but feels a strange and protective connection to the human. She is delighted when the wolf stays close and even cuddles up to her. One day she affectionately kissses him on the snout, and both are amazed when wolf Leo suddenly poofs into a very naked and befuddled man.
Leo and Ven must try to recover his memories and find his pack, who were enchanted and imprisoned by a family of evil warlocks. There is tons of action as they free more and more shifters and battle the warlords. Ven really steps up to the plate caring for the wounded and emotionally damaged shifters, who in turn idolize her. She even turns out to have a few magic tricks up her own sleeves! I loved the way the story played out, down to the surprize bonus baddie at the end who pops up just when the shifters think they can catch their breath. I can't wait to read more by this author!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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.
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.
I really enjoyed this book. It is two books in one, but it really felt like one large fun book. I loved the MFC Ven. We start off believing she is just a gardener who works at a grocery store, but she is so much more than that. She falls in love with a wolf shifter, and boy does the story take off. Between learning her heritage and helping the alpha get his pack back, she just grows in an amazing way; and I loved seeing her transformation from the beginning to the end of the book. I loved that the risks she took were calculated, and she never became a damsel in distress type. She risked everything for the love of her friends, and I loved every character we got to meet. Except for the villains obvious. They were quite horrible I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was really good, and I liked all the twists and turns that came. It was very descriptive and I loved Ven and Leo’s love story. I loved that we could see this strong, powerful woman really becoming a new person. Such a good story!
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.
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.
This book was the duet for The Healer and the Wolf and for that I was very grateful since the first book ended on a cliffhanger! The downside was that both books separately were rather lengthy.
Both books as a whole, I enjoyed how they started out cozy but changed more to a bit of adventure and revenge trying to find lost pack members. This duet does include some spice in the story but it seem to be more introspection than actual spice. I rather preferred the adventure side of the story. The spice fell flat.
For as long as the books were, I would have liked to see more backstory on the FMC's family. It seemed to be a bigger deal on who the FMC turned out to be by the end of the story but her backstory was not very elaborate.
To sum it up, the spice was boring, the adventure started cozy and turned into a page turner with the battles of revenge on the page.
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.
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.
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.
'This special bundle includes both parts of The Healer and The Wolf. No cliffhangers, no waiting—just one cozy, healing, slow-burn romance from start to finish. Settle in. Get comfortable. Their journey begins with a wolf… and ends with a love that changes everything.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I picked it up a month or two ago, put it back down, and haven't picked it back up again. I like most of Roxie Ray's books with this sort of cover, but this one I just couldn't connect with. Maybe it was too slow? I like the guy better as a dog, and him turning didn't really do anything for me. The amnesia thing kind of just made it worse, since obviously he has a Very Important Backstory and also a Real Personality, but neither are really hinted at enough to make me care about him as a character (which isn't tough to do, I'll trauma bond with anything).
I enjoyed Leo and Vanessa's story so very much! I love shifter romance and this book by Roxie Ray came just at the right time for me. It is romantic and has a lovely slow-burn love story between Vanessa, who is a witch and Leo, a wolf shifter. Leo and Vanessa are wonderful and characters and the world building is very interesting and rich and I found it to be very entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I try to never do this . In the almost three years that I’ve been compulsively reading I’ve only dnf one book, sadly this is going to be my second one .
I think A Gentle Kind of Magic had potential. I was curious about the storyline, but I read 224 pages and nothing really happened . The pace was slow, repetitive and redundant . I always try to give books a chance, but I need to let go of this one before it gets me on a reading slump .
I thoroughly enjoyed Vanessa and Leo’s journey, from their initial meeting to their quest to defeat the warlocks and save the pack. The storyline was well-written, and I particularly appreciated the character growth, the suspense of the lost memories, and the found family themes. It was a wonderful slow-burn romance with great characters. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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.
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.
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.
From breaking a curse on a hurt wolf, befriending the hurt wolf, finding out you are a dryad and possess magic and helping to destroy the ones who curse the wolf and his pack is only the beginning of the everlasting happiness to come. Love blossoms as a garden flourishes and a pack grows.
Too much animal/shifter abuse for me. I liked the characters, so I read it all the way through, but didn’t enjoy a lot of it. Also I may sound like a prude but detailed love scenes that go on and on (like five or more pages) are just not my thing. I’d rather get on with the story line.
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.