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The Dragons of North Oak #2
The Dragons' Healing Mate
A lot can change in six years. Especially when the time before those years are a blank slate.
But I was handling it well, or so I thought. Cleaning up the mess of the atrocious healer who came before me, coming to terms with the fact that not only do I have mates but that I have four, and figuring life out one day at a time.
Here's the thing: not all my mates are on board.
One of them doesn't want me, and I'm not someone who begs. I can't stay when I'm not wanted. It hurts too much.
But I am starting to put down roots, even though I'm somewhat reluctant.
It feels impossible to stay, but how can I leave?
The Dragons' Healing Mateis the seconds book in the Dragons of North Oak trilogy.
But I was handling it well, or so I thought. Cleaning up the mess of the atrocious healer who came before me, coming to terms with the fact that not only do I have mates but that I have four, and figuring life out one day at a time.
Here's the thing: not all my mates are on board.
One of them doesn't want me, and I'm not someone who begs. I can't stay when I'm not wanted. It hurts too much.
But I am starting to put down roots, even though I'm somewhat reluctant.
It feels impossible to stay, but how can I leave?
The Dragons' Healing Mateis the seconds book in the Dragons of North Oak trilogy.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Melissa Huxley
45 books657 followersI'm a pure chaos demon living in Midlands England with my cinnamon roll of a fiancee and a small mountain of squishmallow cows.
You'll often find me writing or reading smut, doing some sort of DIY craft or chasing the neighborhood cats down for snuggles.
You'll often find me writing or reading smut, doing some sort of DIY craft or chasing the neighborhood cats down for snuggles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
July 28, 2026
The Dragon’s Healing Mate had all the ingredients for a strong sequel, but somehow spent most of its time refusing to use them.
There are interesting threads here: horde politics, old betrayals, shifting power, Rowan’s place among the alphas, and danger circling closer. The problem is that the book barely advances any of it. Instead, much of the story is Rowan healing people, resting, eating, talking, and rebuilding her relationships while the actual plot sits in the corner gathering dust.
The romance also feels repetitive rather than restorative. Everyone is busy falling in love again, but there is very little meaningful investigation into what happened before or why Rowan was in danger in the first place. One character remains frustrating for far too long, and the tension around leadership goes in circles instead of developing.
The final stretch finally introduces the information and urgency the book needed much earlier, but by then it feels less like payoff and more like setup for the next installment. Worse, the ending repeats the same emotional beat the series has already used, which makes the cliffhanger feel recycled rather than exciting.
The spice was the most engaging part, and that is not enough to carry an entire sequel.
Rating: 2 stars.
A slow, padded middle book that withholds its real plot until the end and leaves almost everything unresolved.
There are interesting threads here: horde politics, old betrayals, shifting power, Rowan’s place among the alphas, and danger circling closer. The problem is that the book barely advances any of it. Instead, much of the story is Rowan healing people, resting, eating, talking, and rebuilding her relationships while the actual plot sits in the corner gathering dust.
The romance also feels repetitive rather than restorative. Everyone is busy falling in love again, but there is very little meaningful investigation into what happened before or why Rowan was in danger in the first place. One character remains frustrating for far too long, and the tension around leadership goes in circles instead of developing.
The final stretch finally introduces the information and urgency the book needed much earlier, but by then it feels less like payoff and more like setup for the next installment. Worse, the ending repeats the same emotional beat the series has already used, which makes the cliffhanger feel recycled rather than exciting.
The spice was the most engaging part, and that is not enough to carry an entire sequel.
Rating: 2 stars.
A slow, padded middle book that withholds its real plot until the end and leaves almost everything unresolved.
September 4, 2026
Tags: amnesia, boring-yaawn, damaged-broken_heroine, heroine-leaves, pnr-shifter-dragons, read, rh-paranormal, scarred-heroine
September 27, 2026
The REALLY annoying thing is if this was tidied up into one book I'd like it. Another 🤬 CLIFFHANGER.
So I was right. The obvious villain is indeed the evil villain. Beyond that a whole lot of nothing.
There's no depth. She's lost most of her memories but doesn't ask basics like family? Where from? Friends? And somehow the clan's suffering is worse.
She's small, so small. Works damn long hours saving the day. Her four big clan Dragons between them achieve nothing, have done nothing for six years. She even had to put right the accounts. This whole installment is her opening a clinic and her mates wanting s*x.
We learn ex-Alpha Cyrus the weathered old man who ran the Horde for decades before retiring six years ago, is in his forties. Dragons live long lives and Alphas rarely retire. He's in his forties. Means the clan are all younger than I'd guess, I thought around 30yrs. 40 gentle reader is apparently ancient. But overall the maths doesn't math.
And travel time. She travels somewhere. Two days later they decide to track her location. They arrive there just after her. Huh?!
Once one thing bugs me all the other weaknesses seem glaring. It's likeable enough, but I HATE installment 'books' so refuse to rate higher.
So I was right. The obvious villain is indeed the evil villain. Beyond that a whole lot of nothing.
There's no depth. She's lost most of her memories but doesn't ask basics like family? Where from? Friends? And somehow the clan's suffering is worse.
She's small, so small. Works damn long hours saving the day. Her four big clan Dragons between them achieve nothing, have done nothing for six years. She even had to put right the accounts. This whole installment is her opening a clinic and her mates wanting s*x.
We learn ex-Alpha Cyrus the weathered old man who ran the Horde for decades before retiring six years ago, is in his forties. Dragons live long lives and Alphas rarely retire. He's in his forties. Means the clan are all younger than I'd guess, I thought around 30yrs. 40 gentle reader is apparently ancient. But overall the maths doesn't math.
And travel time. She travels somewhere. Two days later they decide to track her location. They arrive there just after her. Huh?!
Once one thing bugs me all the other weaknesses seem glaring. It's likeable enough, but I HATE installment 'books' so refuse to rate higher.
August 16, 2026
2.8🌟
3.5🌶️
➕
- Rowan and the guys are finding their way back to each other, and that means the spice has finally kicked up!
- Love the side characters: MA, Nina, Luca.
- We finally get some answers at the end!
➖
- This book draaaggged for me. The plot barely moved forward even though it had so much potential. The slices of Rowan's daily life felt tired and tedious.
- I don't understand half of these main characters' decisions 🤦🏻♀️. A couple of them that Rowan makes are downright infuriating.
- Cliffhanger. I'm not even sure I want to continue at this point?
3.5🌶️
➕
- Rowan and the guys are finding their way back to each other, and that means the spice has finally kicked up!
- Love the side characters: MA, Nina, Luca.
- We finally get some answers at the end!
➖
- This book draaaggged for me. The plot barely moved forward even though it had so much potential. The slices of Rowan's daily life felt tired and tedious.
- I don't understand half of these main characters' decisions 🤦🏻♀️. A couple of them that Rowan makes are downright infuriating.
- Cliffhanger. I'm not even sure I want to continue at this point?
July 28, 2026
THESE BOOKS ARE ABSOLUTELY BOOKS OF MY SOUL!
I love these types of books with everything I have!
They are such a fun read and soooo GOOD!
Melissa Huxley writes a story that is simple so good! Her writing reminds me of one of my favorites authors and I love that! Also what is not to love, multiple guys? dragons? healer with no knowledge of her past? This book was amazing.
The fact that I was so into this book that I wasn't paying attention to where I was and suddenly, the book was done. ENDED and the pages wouldn't turn. The amount of time I tried to get the pages to turn, is rather embarrassing but that ENDING deserved it.
THE CLIFFHANGER.
I HAVE NO words.
This book dove a bit deeper into the relationships of the characters and the building of their bond again, but in a different way. I love learning about the guys and how they interact with Rowan. I love all of them, Grey, Nix and Orsen. I do love the mysterious, broken Bastian. I know that might cause a riot but I feel like he hurts the most from what happened in the past and I understand where he is coming from. I cannot wait to learn more about them and see how this ends. The information at the end, was just heartbreaking! And will make you beg for the next book!
A Must read if you love why choose, dragon shifters!
Tropes:
SHIFTER ROMANCE
DRAGONS
WHO HURT YOU
AMNESIA
FATED MATES
FOUR DRAGONS & ONE HUMAN
SECOND CHANCE
WHY CHOOSE MFMMM
Thank you Melissa Huxley and her team for allowing me to read this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own!!
I love these types of books with everything I have!
They are such a fun read and soooo GOOD!
Melissa Huxley writes a story that is simple so good! Her writing reminds me of one of my favorites authors and I love that! Also what is not to love, multiple guys? dragons? healer with no knowledge of her past? This book was amazing.
The fact that I was so into this book that I wasn't paying attention to where I was and suddenly, the book was done. ENDED and the pages wouldn't turn. The amount of time I tried to get the pages to turn, is rather embarrassing but that ENDING deserved it.
THE CLIFFHANGER.
I HAVE NO words.
This book dove a bit deeper into the relationships of the characters and the building of their bond again, but in a different way. I love learning about the guys and how they interact with Rowan. I love all of them, Grey, Nix and Orsen. I do love the mysterious, broken Bastian. I know that might cause a riot but I feel like he hurts the most from what happened in the past and I understand where he is coming from. I cannot wait to learn more about them and see how this ends. The information at the end, was just heartbreaking! And will make you beg for the next book!
A Must read if you love why choose, dragon shifters!
Tropes:
SHIFTER ROMANCE
DRAGONS
WHO HURT YOU
AMNESIA
FATED MATES
FOUR DRAGONS & ONE HUMAN
SECOND CHANCE
WHY CHOOSE MFMMM
Thank you Melissa Huxley and her team for allowing me to read this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own!!
September 9, 2026
2.5 ⭐
Estoy de lo que le sigue de molesta, este libro si lo que estaba leyendo no era relleno era aburrido.
Absolutamente nada pasa, nada que mueva a la trama, las relaciones no avanzan, se centro solamente en la protagonista trabajando y trabajando cosa que no nos interesa porque lo hemos estado leyendo desde inicio del libro.
Relleno tras relleno, incluso en capitulos donde interactúa con los intereses amorosos hay relleno!!! No sé puede ser más aburrido.
Y luego ese final todo estupido y sin cuerencia. Nos presentan a la protagonista como alguien inteligente y capaz y ahí va a hacer una estupidez sin sentido. Que se vaya a la mierda, no nos das nadaa durante toda la historia y la última página nos sueltas una bomba y lo dejas en un cliffhanger todo idiota sin sentido?
No gracias, no puedo darme los animos para terminar está trilogía.
Estoy de lo que le sigue de molesta, este libro si lo que estaba leyendo no era relleno era aburrido.
Absolutamente nada pasa, nada que mueva a la trama, las relaciones no avanzan, se centro solamente en la protagonista trabajando y trabajando cosa que no nos interesa porque lo hemos estado leyendo desde inicio del libro.
Relleno tras relleno, incluso en capitulos donde interactúa con los intereses amorosos hay relleno!!! No sé puede ser más aburrido.
Y luego ese final todo estupido y sin cuerencia. Nos presentan a la protagonista como alguien inteligente y capaz y ahí va a hacer una estupidez sin sentido. Que se vaya a la mierda, no nos das nadaa durante toda la historia y la última página nos sueltas una bomba y lo dejas en un cliffhanger todo idiota sin sentido?
No gracias, no puedo darme los animos para terminar está trilogía.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
I liked the first book, even it wasn't perfect, it was still entertaining. However, i have an issue with book two that definitely affected my enjoyment some. Objectively, rating is probably more 3 stars but I am giving it 4 stars for the time being because the book still kept me more entertained than my 3 star books usually do.
This doesn't feel like a completed book. Or at least not a very well done book if you are going to argue about the characters and their relationships being the plotline. I need more plot that that. Especially, when part of that relationship drama is people who need to grow up playing at being an adult and in charge when it is quite obvious they are so not the boss in the room. What's that quote about a true king not needing to say he is the king?
This reminds me a lot of another author's books. They are so formulatic that you know exactly what is going to happen before you even start reading. It is not necessarily a bad thing, but I find with that style of storytelling if there is not a specific storyline to keep me interested, then the middle books just feel like relationship/spicy times filler. When I love all the characters that isn't so bad, but when some annoy me and then in annoying me they constantly remind me how much certain plotpoints bother me, it takes me out of the story.
If the author continues writing more fantasy romances and stays with that format, then I will have to wait to binge read them like I do with the other author to avoid feeling that middle book low.
This doesn't feel like a completed book. Or at least not a very well done book if you are going to argue about the characters and their relationships being the plotline. I need more plot that that. Especially, when part of that relationship drama is people who need to grow up playing at being an adult and in charge when it is quite obvious they are so not the boss in the room. What's that quote about a true king not needing to say he is the king?
This reminds me a lot of another author's books. They are so formulatic that you know exactly what is going to happen before you even start reading. It is not necessarily a bad thing, but I find with that style of storytelling if there is not a specific storyline to keep me interested, then the middle books just feel like relationship/spicy times filler. When I love all the characters that isn't so bad, but when some annoy me and then in annoying me they constantly remind me how much certain plotpoints bother me, it takes me out of the story.
If the author continues writing more fantasy romances and stays with that format, then I will have to wait to binge read them like I do with the other author to avoid feeling that middle book low.
September 23, 2026
The Dragon's Healing Mate by Melissa Huxley book 2 The Dragon's of North Oak series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶💀💀
Healing is definitely the theme in this emotional roller-coaster read filled with memory loss, a reluctant mate and horde issues. Deep threads of found family and devotion Rowan falls in love not only with the horde but the three mates that have carved a home for her in North Oak. But the past has a hold on Bastian and Rowan. Where she's actively trying to heal, remember and find solace in Orsen, Grey and Nix embrace, Bastian is terrified of losing her and keeps her at a distance. Major revelations in the end leaves Rowan faltering and running for her life.
A major character driven story, but the why, the who and the how has push, carried and edged me to the very end. I am off to read book 3.
Tropes:
Found family. Forced Proximity. Healing. Group activity. BBF loyalty.
Quotes:
“I didn’t put down any roots here. They grew around me, anchoring me to this place, to this horde. I didn’t consciously choose it. Or them.”
“Home.” His voice was a whisper as he leaned in, his breath skittering over my lips. “That’s you, Rowan. You’re home. I will never be able to settle until I’m sure you’re safe. I don’t know what that means for us… but there’s no denying that my world revolves around you.”
“He’s got more problems than a math textbook.” Griffin frowned, striding over to me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶💀💀
Healing is definitely the theme in this emotional roller-coaster read filled with memory loss, a reluctant mate and horde issues. Deep threads of found family and devotion Rowan falls in love not only with the horde but the three mates that have carved a home for her in North Oak. But the past has a hold on Bastian and Rowan. Where she's actively trying to heal, remember and find solace in Orsen, Grey and Nix embrace, Bastian is terrified of losing her and keeps her at a distance. Major revelations in the end leaves Rowan faltering and running for her life.
A major character driven story, but the why, the who and the how has push, carried and edged me to the very end. I am off to read book 3.
Tropes:
Found family. Forced Proximity. Healing. Group activity. BBF loyalty.
Quotes:
“I didn’t put down any roots here. They grew around me, anchoring me to this place, to this horde. I didn’t consciously choose it. Or them.”
“Home.” His voice was a whisper as he leaned in, his breath skittering over my lips. “That’s you, Rowan. You’re home. I will never be able to settle until I’m sure you’re safe. I don’t know what that means for us… but there’s no denying that my world revolves around you.”
“He’s got more problems than a math textbook.” Griffin frowned, striding over to me.
September 25, 2026
Finally
At the very end we finally find out how what Rowan went through and what happened. I had an inkling and a clue and it’s been rather obvious for a while. I like how her mates are getting to know the new her and accepting her as she is. I can’t wait to see where this goes and what they do when they find out what happened.
At the very end we finally find out how what Rowan went through and what happened. I had an inkling and a clue and it’s been rather obvious for a while. I like how her mates are getting to know the new her and accepting her as she is. I can’t wait to see where this goes and what they do when they find out what happened.
July 30, 2026
Lock yourself away for a few hours!!!
I was so eager to dive into this book after how book 1 ended.
omg.
i didn't put it down.
i could not put it down!!!!!!
it was so ***** GOOD!!!!!
I was so eager to dive into this book after how book 1 ended.
omg.
i didn't put it down.
i could not put it down!!!!!!
it was so ***** GOOD!!!!!
July 30, 2026
slow build to cliffhanger (again)
Don’t go into the book thinking the underlying plot moves proportionately. It drops the driving conflict for nearly 90% of the book. It’s almost like it’s two stories blended into a series. I wish there were atleast a few bread crumbs along the way. But alas, we didn’t get much. It made the cliffhanger annoying? It seems like we’re set up for an action packed 3rd book and at this point, I hope it is to balance this one.
Don’t go into the book thinking the underlying plot moves proportionately. It drops the driving conflict for nearly 90% of the book. It’s almost like it’s two stories blended into a series. I wish there were atleast a few bread crumbs along the way. But alas, we didn’t get much. It made the cliffhanger annoying? It seems like we’re set up for an action packed 3rd book and at this point, I hope it is to balance this one.
August 3, 2026
I very much loved it. Rowan continued restoring the horde's health, and getting closer to the guys. Bastian kept being a jerk for 90% of the book🙄
The book ended with a BIG reveal🤯🤯🤯 I can't wait for the next book!
The book ended with a BIG reveal🤯🤯🤯 I can't wait for the next book!
August 17, 2026
I knew it!! I guessed, well the main culprit, not the physical compliance. OMG the Alpha’s are going to lose their fiery minds!!
The story build was great, life progressing in the horde, character development for all … and some spicy knotty bumping of bits. Yes please and thank you.
Another guess of upcoming events … I wonder if Rowan’s good friend, an Alpha at another horde, may find his mate in a prominent horde member/friend - I mean, it would be beautiful, other than moving hordes, but they are (maybe) mates?!
Rowan is a strong intelligent and caring woman. Her healing work is changing the lives of many, and their appreciation is obvious. Ma is a hoot, love her, and Nina is another competent and caring character yet who deserves great things. Griffin is a top guy, a good egg and awesome friend to Rowan - cheeky too!
Grey, Nix, Orsen and Bastian - purrrrrrr baby purrrrrrr 🩵🩵🩵🩵
Excerpts from The Dragons’ Healing Mate written by Melissa Huxley:
Being pushed into a mating against your will while knowing your true mate? That would be a fate worse than death, in my humble opinion.
“The Alphas just so happen to be my mates, so they listen to me.” A strangled sound escaped Colin. “I kidnapped the mate of the Alphas of North Oak?” he asked in horror. “I am so fucked. I’m dead. They’re going to chop me up into tiny bits.”
Orsen reached out, pulling Rowan into his chest. The relief that hit him at the touch was clearly bone deep. His entire body sagged as she wrapped her arms around him.
“Having seen you without a shirt, I know what’s under there. It’s very hard to concentrate. You’re a highly distracting woman.”
“I’m more than happy to do whatever you want right now, but I also know that I’ve been dying for a taste of you again. I might not be what you’d call gentle. It’s been… a while.”
“Duh. It means she’s warming up to us, though, and that naked fun time isn’t completely out of the equation. If we give her enough orgasms, she’ll be too exhausted to leave. That sounds like a solid plan to me.”
That whining picked up, and Bastian pulled himself across the grass with his claws, his belly pressed against the ground, until he was right at my feet, his snout nudging my legs. When I reflexively shot my hands up, worried he was going to bite me or something, Bastian whined once more, and then… rolled over to show me his belly.
“I love her. Is that what you want to hear? I fucking love her, but if we lose her again… I won’t survive it this time. Until we know exactly what happened, exactly how to keep it from happening again… I can’t. I just can’t—” He broke off with a choking sound, dropping his head, the fight going out of his body.
As we knew, I was a butt guy. And a boob guy. Fuck, I was simply a Rowan guy—head to toe, tits to ass, and everything in between.
So many people disregarded how amazing making out could be, but that definitely did not apply to my mates, and I was so there for it.
“That’s you, Rowan. You’re home. I will never be able to settle until I’m sure you’re safe. I don’t know what that means for us… but there’s no denying that my world revolves around you.”
The story build was great, life progressing in the horde, character development for all … and some spicy knotty bumping of bits. Yes please and thank you.
Another guess of upcoming events … I wonder if Rowan’s good friend, an Alpha at another horde, may find his mate in a prominent horde member/friend - I mean, it would be beautiful, other than moving hordes, but they are (maybe) mates?!
Rowan is a strong intelligent and caring woman. Her healing work is changing the lives of many, and their appreciation is obvious. Ma is a hoot, love her, and Nina is another competent and caring character yet who deserves great things. Griffin is a top guy, a good egg and awesome friend to Rowan - cheeky too!
Grey, Nix, Orsen and Bastian - purrrrrrr baby purrrrrrr 🩵🩵🩵🩵
Excerpts from The Dragons’ Healing Mate written by Melissa Huxley:
Being pushed into a mating against your will while knowing your true mate? That would be a fate worse than death, in my humble opinion.
“The Alphas just so happen to be my mates, so they listen to me.” A strangled sound escaped Colin. “I kidnapped the mate of the Alphas of North Oak?” he asked in horror. “I am so fucked. I’m dead. They’re going to chop me up into tiny bits.”
Orsen reached out, pulling Rowan into his chest. The relief that hit him at the touch was clearly bone deep. His entire body sagged as she wrapped her arms around him.
“Having seen you without a shirt, I know what’s under there. It’s very hard to concentrate. You’re a highly distracting woman.”
“I’m more than happy to do whatever you want right now, but I also know that I’ve been dying for a taste of you again. I might not be what you’d call gentle. It’s been… a while.”
“Duh. It means she’s warming up to us, though, and that naked fun time isn’t completely out of the equation. If we give her enough orgasms, she’ll be too exhausted to leave. That sounds like a solid plan to me.”
That whining picked up, and Bastian pulled himself across the grass with his claws, his belly pressed against the ground, until he was right at my feet, his snout nudging my legs. When I reflexively shot my hands up, worried he was going to bite me or something, Bastian whined once more, and then… rolled over to show me his belly.
“I love her. Is that what you want to hear? I fucking love her, but if we lose her again… I won’t survive it this time. Until we know exactly what happened, exactly how to keep it from happening again… I can’t. I just can’t—” He broke off with a choking sound, dropping his head, the fight going out of his body.
As we knew, I was a butt guy. And a boob guy. Fuck, I was simply a Rowan guy—head to toe, tits to ass, and everything in between.
So many people disregarded how amazing making out could be, but that definitely did not apply to my mates, and I was so there for it.
“That’s you, Rowan. You’re home. I will never be able to settle until I’m sure you’re safe. I don’t know what that means for us… but there’s no denying that my world revolves around you.”
August 1, 2026
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Series
𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: Cliffhanger
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: Multi POV
🐉 Dragon Shifters
🔥 Why Choose
🐉 Trauma/Healing
🔥 MFC with Amnesia
🐉 Found Family
🔥 Protective MMCs
"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙞𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡-𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙍𝙤𝙬𝙖𝙣."
Melissa Huxley really ended book one on a cliffhanger, looked us dead in the eyes, and said... "Another." 😅
This series continues to bring everything you could want in a shifter romance:
Dragon shifters (duh)
Found family
Every flavor of MMC
A take-no-shit FMC
Equal parts humor and heart
One thing I continue to love is Rowan herself. She has exactly the kind of energy I enjoy in a heroine. Sister gets kidnapped? She's not out here with a dramatic "𝘖𝘩 𝘯𝘰!" She's coming in hot with a "𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤!" 😂
Girl will throw hands first and send the SOS later. Respect.
Nix remains a fire-breathing golden retriever, while Bastian is still the king of grump-holes... even if we're finally starting to see a little progress.
Speaking of Bastian...
High Bastian was 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.
Between him flying around the forest destroying trees because he's too medicated to function and his dragon shamelessly rolling over for belly rubs like a giant puppy, I was cackling. He can't even be mad—bruh did this to himself. 😂
All that said, this book felt more like a bridge than a destination. I enjoyed watching Rowan and Bastian's relationship develop (and the relationship with the hoard finally progress in a certain department 😏), but the overall plot didn't move forward quite as much as I'd hoped.
Whether this installment was truly necessary will probably depend on how everything comes together in book three.
Still, I'm definitely invested enough to keep going.
Find more Reviews and Bookish Things at:📝I’m Literary Anxious Blog📝 or my 📖📚Bookstagram📚📖
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Series
𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: Cliffhanger
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: Multi POV
🐉 Dragon Shifters
🔥 Why Choose
🐉 Trauma/Healing
🔥 MFC with Amnesia
🐉 Found Family
🔥 Protective MMCs
"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙞𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡-𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙍𝙤𝙬𝙖𝙣."
Melissa Huxley really ended book one on a cliffhanger, looked us dead in the eyes, and said... "Another." 😅
This series continues to bring everything you could want in a shifter romance:
Dragon shifters (duh)
Found family
Every flavor of MMC
A take-no-shit FMC
Equal parts humor and heart
One thing I continue to love is Rowan herself. She has exactly the kind of energy I enjoy in a heroine. Sister gets kidnapped? She's not out here with a dramatic "𝘖𝘩 𝘯𝘰!" She's coming in hot with a "𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤!" 😂
Girl will throw hands first and send the SOS later. Respect.
Nix remains a fire-breathing golden retriever, while Bastian is still the king of grump-holes... even if we're finally starting to see a little progress.
Speaking of Bastian...
High Bastian was 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.
Between him flying around the forest destroying trees because he's too medicated to function and his dragon shamelessly rolling over for belly rubs like a giant puppy, I was cackling. He can't even be mad—bruh did this to himself. 😂
All that said, this book felt more like a bridge than a destination. I enjoyed watching Rowan and Bastian's relationship develop (and the relationship with the hoard finally progress in a certain department 😏), but the overall plot didn't move forward quite as much as I'd hoped.
Whether this installment was truly necessary will probably depend on how everything comes together in book three.
Still, I'm definitely invested enough to keep going.
Find more Reviews and Bookish Things at:📝I’m Literary Anxious Blog📝 or my 📖📚Bookstagram📚📖
August 29, 2026
SERIES Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars) — A gem of a paranormal dragon shifter Reverse Harem with distinct mates, great banter, and a perfectly executed amnesia trope! 🐉✨
(Book 1 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars)
(Book 2 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars)
(Book 3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars)
Melissa Huxley was a new author for me. I was looking for a paranormal shifter RH (Reverse Harem) to sink into, and boy did I find a gem!
The Setup & Characters: 👥
This series, told in multiple POVs, follows Rowan, our FMC, who is a traveling healer for dragon shifter hordes, and her four alpha dragon mates: Bastian, Orsen, Nix, and Greylen.
• Rowan: After a traumatic accident six years ago, Rowan doesn't have any memories of her past life. She trained under the healer who saved her and became a healer herself, traveling to different hordes and offering her short-term services.
• The Alphas: Her best friend, Griffin, asks her to come to the North Oak Horde lands to help a sick child. Bastian, Orsen, Nix, and Greylen are the alpha clan leaders of North Oak. The pack has been struggling for the last few years under their leadership because, six years ago, the alphas' mate died.
• (I am sure you can see exactly where this is going!! 😉)
What Worked: ✅
• Distinct Personalities: This was honestly a great series. I really loved that all of her mates were individuals and not just copy-and-paste versions of each other. She had a unique relationship with each of them, and that's not easy for a lot of RH authors to pull off successfully! 🫶
• The Banter: The banter and dialogue were also really well done. The author had me cracking up quite a few times, but was also able to show true, raw emotions when needed. 😂❤️🩹
• The Pacing: The overall story was great. While the core tropes weren't wildly unique, the execution felt fresh and different enough that I didn't feel like I was reading just another retelling of a tired story.
Final Thoughts: 💭
All in all, I had a lot of fun with this one! I will definitely be looking into some more of Melissa Huxley's work. 📚🏃♀️💨
(Book 1 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars)
(Book 2 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars)
(Book 3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars)
Melissa Huxley was a new author for me. I was looking for a paranormal shifter RH (Reverse Harem) to sink into, and boy did I find a gem!
The Setup & Characters: 👥
This series, told in multiple POVs, follows Rowan, our FMC, who is a traveling healer for dragon shifter hordes, and her four alpha dragon mates: Bastian, Orsen, Nix, and Greylen.
• Rowan: After a traumatic accident six years ago, Rowan doesn't have any memories of her past life. She trained under the healer who saved her and became a healer herself, traveling to different hordes and offering her short-term services.
• The Alphas: Her best friend, Griffin, asks her to come to the North Oak Horde lands to help a sick child. Bastian, Orsen, Nix, and Greylen are the alpha clan leaders of North Oak. The pack has been struggling for the last few years under their leadership because, six years ago, the alphas' mate died.
• (I am sure you can see exactly where this is going!! 😉)
What Worked: ✅
• Distinct Personalities: This was honestly a great series. I really loved that all of her mates were individuals and not just copy-and-paste versions of each other. She had a unique relationship with each of them, and that's not easy for a lot of RH authors to pull off successfully! 🫶
• The Banter: The banter and dialogue were also really well done. The author had me cracking up quite a few times, but was also able to show true, raw emotions when needed. 😂❤️🩹
• The Pacing: The overall story was great. While the core tropes weren't wildly unique, the execution felt fresh and different enough that I didn't feel like I was reading just another retelling of a tired story.
Final Thoughts: 💭
All in all, I had a lot of fun with this one! I will definitely be looking into some more of Melissa Huxley's work. 📚🏃♀️💨
July 28, 2026
Melissa bloody Huxley! It was bad enough having the first book end with a cliff hanger but to do it to me again is not acceptable 🤣 I told you at wonderland I can’t handle it 🤪
Book 2 in the series and I devoured it 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Did I know who was behind everything of course. Did I know who had been roped into help? Of course but still that last chapter had my blood boiling!
We left off book 1 with Rowan missing presumably kidnapped. Her mates are searching for her terrified it’s happening again. Only she wasn’t really kidnapped she was desperately needed by two dragons Allison and Colin. Allison had been in labour for days and she needed help so Colin took Rowan not knowing she was the alphas mate. Thankfully Rowan delivered the baby safely and told her mates in no uncertain terms that the family was now part of the hoarde.
This instalment concentrates on getting the hoarde in healthy state and the relationship developments between her 4 mates. Whilst things are going from strength to strength with 3 one is causing a few issues. She also wants to try and remember what happened to her so she and griffin head to the cabin only to find that nothing stirs her memory but she and the grump start to make headway after they find her there. On return she is confronted by tanner at the clinic who confesses his part in what happened and who told him to do it. He tells her to run straight away because he’s not done and she does just that jumping in her car and then yup Melissa ends the bloody thing and now we have to wait until end of August 🤬😂😂
Whilst it’s not omegaverse we still have some spice 🌶️ and knots! I love how this is more on the complexity of the relationships and what happened rather than on the smut. It’s a great indicator of how adaptable her writing style is. For me Melissa is top of the list for indie authors writing in this sub genre and I cannot wait for the next book
Book 2 in the series and I devoured it 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Did I know who was behind everything of course. Did I know who had been roped into help? Of course but still that last chapter had my blood boiling!
We left off book 1 with Rowan missing presumably kidnapped. Her mates are searching for her terrified it’s happening again. Only she wasn’t really kidnapped she was desperately needed by two dragons Allison and Colin. Allison had been in labour for days and she needed help so Colin took Rowan not knowing she was the alphas mate. Thankfully Rowan delivered the baby safely and told her mates in no uncertain terms that the family was now part of the hoarde.
This instalment concentrates on getting the hoarde in healthy state and the relationship developments between her 4 mates. Whilst things are going from strength to strength with 3 one is causing a few issues. She also wants to try and remember what happened to her so she and griffin head to the cabin only to find that nothing stirs her memory but she and the grump start to make headway after they find her there. On return she is confronted by tanner at the clinic who confesses his part in what happened and who told him to do it. He tells her to run straight away because he’s not done and she does just that jumping in her car and then yup Melissa ends the bloody thing and now we have to wait until end of August 🤬😂😂
Whilst it’s not omegaverse we still have some spice 🌶️ and knots! I love how this is more on the complexity of the relationships and what happened rather than on the smut. It’s a great indicator of how adaptable her writing style is. For me Melissa is top of the list for indie authors writing in this sub genre and I cannot wait for the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2026
Yeah I'm going to have to agree with a lot of these other reviews here. This was not good. The potential with the baseline story could be good but execution was poor. It's obnoxious that there is no story progression for two books. It is very monotonous.
Like showing boring everyday things isn't an issue in itself, but when it is basically like an entire book and a half of the same scenes with no story progression or even discussion, what is the point of the book?
And Rowan went from being in denial of being their mate to jumping in headfirst to sex with nothing in between. I mean sometimes I don't mind that story, but this falls very flat.
It is unrealistic to think these Alphas did NOTHING for six years. Also, the alphas have close relationships with many other Alphas in the other hordes, and in six years there was no discussion of this healer? Did they not investigate what happened to their mate, did they not ask around? They just assumed she was happy and then spontaneously disappeared with zero investigation? So they're Alphas who didn't look into their missing mate, that they thought was dead. They didn't keep up with their own people. They didn't keep track of their finances. What DID they do for six years?
Also, I understand trauma and clearly Rowan has that, but avoiding the truth fixes nothing! There was no looking into her past, no questions about what happened. Just constantly running away. Didn't even bother looking into her own family. So her mother dies without knowing where she is or what's happened to her.
Then she randomly decides she needs to go to the cabin but doesn't tell her mates because....??
And then she finally gets some information about the obvious bad guy in the story (duh) and she runs away again without saying anything to anybody. Doesn't bother to bring her phone, or leave a note, or warn anybody of what's going on - including her mates? Thus is dumb, reckless and implausible.
Like showing boring everyday things isn't an issue in itself, but when it is basically like an entire book and a half of the same scenes with no story progression or even discussion, what is the point of the book?
And Rowan went from being in denial of being their mate to jumping in headfirst to sex with nothing in between. I mean sometimes I don't mind that story, but this falls very flat.
It is unrealistic to think these Alphas did NOTHING for six years. Also, the alphas have close relationships with many other Alphas in the other hordes, and in six years there was no discussion of this healer? Did they not investigate what happened to their mate, did they not ask around? They just assumed she was happy and then spontaneously disappeared with zero investigation? So they're Alphas who didn't look into their missing mate, that they thought was dead. They didn't keep up with their own people. They didn't keep track of their finances. What DID they do for six years?
Also, I understand trauma and clearly Rowan has that, but avoiding the truth fixes nothing! There was no looking into her past, no questions about what happened. Just constantly running away. Didn't even bother looking into her own family. So her mother dies without knowing where she is or what's happened to her.
Then she randomly decides she needs to go to the cabin but doesn't tell her mates because....??
And then she finally gets some information about the obvious bad guy in the story (duh) and she runs away again without saying anything to anybody. Doesn't bother to bring her phone, or leave a note, or warn anybody of what's going on - including her mates? Thus is dumb, reckless and implausible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Umm… Excuse me! It cannot end the way it did! I absolutely loved this book. I read it in one sitting, knowing I was at the end, but not wanting it to end. 10/10 recommend!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this book, you really got to see the relationships between Rowan (FMC), Greylen (MMC), Nix (MMC), and Orsen (MMC) grow. You see Rowan’s relationships with the horde grow and her views of running change.
Nix definitely is a golden retriever; doting and loving Rowan as she is. My favorite quote by him in the book is “As we knew, I was a butt guy. And a boob guy. Fuck, I was simply a Rowan guy - head to toe, tits to ass, and everything in between.”. His humor is relatable and makes him more appealing.
In this book, Greylen is more vocal than he was in book one. He is still the observant one, however, he inserts himself a lot more into daily activities. He takes charge in more situations and again, ensures Rowan’s needs are taken care of.
In this book, we see a different side of Orsen. He is more open to the relationship with Rowan and less uptight. He is very protective of and devoted to Rowan and constantly wants to make sure she is safe. My favorite quote from him is “She was perfect in every way; our mate, fated by the universe.”.
Bastian is still an ass in this book. He is skeptical of Rowan, keeps her at arms length, and refuses to let her in. We find out a little bit more on why he’s like this towards the end of the book, however, he’s very standoff-ish with Rowan and the guys call him out on it.
Overall I loved this book. I hated that it ended. I wanted to keep reading their story and I can’t wait until the third book comes out.
If you are into:
🩵Shifter Romance
🩵“Who hurt you”
🩵Second Chance
🩵Fated Mates
🩵Why Choose
🩵Amnesia
🩵Dragons
🩵Four Alpha Dragons and One Human
Then this is for you!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this book, you really got to see the relationships between Rowan (FMC), Greylen (MMC), Nix (MMC), and Orsen (MMC) grow. You see Rowan’s relationships with the horde grow and her views of running change.
Nix definitely is a golden retriever; doting and loving Rowan as she is. My favorite quote by him in the book is “As we knew, I was a butt guy. And a boob guy. Fuck, I was simply a Rowan guy - head to toe, tits to ass, and everything in between.”. His humor is relatable and makes him more appealing.
In this book, Greylen is more vocal than he was in book one. He is still the observant one, however, he inserts himself a lot more into daily activities. He takes charge in more situations and again, ensures Rowan’s needs are taken care of.
In this book, we see a different side of Orsen. He is more open to the relationship with Rowan and less uptight. He is very protective of and devoted to Rowan and constantly wants to make sure she is safe. My favorite quote from him is “She was perfect in every way; our mate, fated by the universe.”.
Bastian is still an ass in this book. He is skeptical of Rowan, keeps her at arms length, and refuses to let her in. We find out a little bit more on why he’s like this towards the end of the book, however, he’s very standoff-ish with Rowan and the guys call him out on it.
Overall I loved this book. I hated that it ended. I wanted to keep reading their story and I can’t wait until the third book comes out.
If you are into:
🩵Shifter Romance
🩵“Who hurt you”
🩵Second Chance
🩵Fated Mates
🩵Why Choose
🩵Amnesia
🩵Dragons
🩵Four Alpha Dragons and One Human
Then this is for you!
August 3, 2026
**Tropes:** fated mates, dragon shifters, slow burn, healing journey, secrets, mystery, emotional tension, and protective hero vibes 🐉❤️
This one completely pulled me in from the beginning. The Dragon's Healing Mate had the perfect mix of slow-burn romance, emotional healing, and mystery that kept me turning pages way later than I planned.
The characters were definitely my favorite part. I loved watching them slowly break down their walls and learn to trust each other. Their relationship wasn't rushed, and the slow burn made every little moment between them feel so much more rewarding. The chemistry was there from the start, but the emotional connection was what really kept me invested.
I also loved that there was an ongoing mystery woven throughout the story. There were enough secrets and unanswered questions to keep me guessing, and every time I thought I knew where things were headed, something new would happen that pulled me even deeper into the story. It balanced the romance really well and kept the pacing feeling addictive.
The healing aspect of the story added a lot of heart, and it made the emotional moments hit even harder. Between the character growth, the tension, and the mystery, I found myself constantly saying, "Just one more chapter."
Overall, this was another fantastic dragon shifter romance with lovable characters, a satisfying slow burn, and enough mystery to keep me hooked the entire time. If you love emotional paranormal romance with fated mates, secrets, and plenty of tension, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
Warning*** this book does end in a cliffhanger that will have you counting down the days until book 3 is released.
I did receive this book as an ARC reader.
This one completely pulled me in from the beginning. The Dragon's Healing Mate had the perfect mix of slow-burn romance, emotional healing, and mystery that kept me turning pages way later than I planned.
The characters were definitely my favorite part. I loved watching them slowly break down their walls and learn to trust each other. Their relationship wasn't rushed, and the slow burn made every little moment between them feel so much more rewarding. The chemistry was there from the start, but the emotional connection was what really kept me invested.
I also loved that there was an ongoing mystery woven throughout the story. There were enough secrets and unanswered questions to keep me guessing, and every time I thought I knew where things were headed, something new would happen that pulled me even deeper into the story. It balanced the romance really well and kept the pacing feeling addictive.
The healing aspect of the story added a lot of heart, and it made the emotional moments hit even harder. Between the character growth, the tension, and the mystery, I found myself constantly saying, "Just one more chapter."
Overall, this was another fantastic dragon shifter romance with lovable characters, a satisfying slow burn, and enough mystery to keep me hooked the entire time. If you love emotional paranormal romance with fated mates, secrets, and plenty of tension, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
Warning*** this book does end in a cliffhanger that will have you counting down the days until book 3 is released.
I did receive this book as an ARC reader.
July 31, 2026
"I cried for myself. I cried for my mates. I cried for the past I’d forgotten and the future I never got to have.”
Rowan is finally starting to figure out where she belongs in North Oak, but she still has a lot of unanswered questions about the past she can't remember. Between stepping into her role as the new healer, trying to build relationships with her mates, and dealing with one alpha who seems like he wants nothing to do with her, Rowan definitely has a lot on her plate. But when secrets start coming out, she and her mates are going to have to figure out if their bond can handle the truth.
I’ll admit, this one started a little slow for me. Rowan spends a lot of time trying to find her footing as the healer, work through her past, and navigate her relationships with her mates. But once things started moving, I was hooked! I really loved seeing Rowan finally stop fighting the bond and start letting herself connect with her alphas instead of keeping everyone at arm’s length.
And that ending...WHAT?! Melissa Huxley knows exactly how to leave us hanging. The last part of the book picked up the pace, gave us some big moments, and then dropped that cliffhanger. Needless to say, I am impatiently waiting for the next book because I need to know what happens!
✨Thank you to Melissa Huxley and her team for the ARC to read and review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
HEA? yes
3rd act break-up? no
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
August 22, 2026
This was pretty much on the same par as the first one. I only really have one big problem with these books and that they kind of ignore what happened to the main girl. They bring it up a couple times but up until the end when she revisits the cabin, it's pretty blank.
I wish we saw her ask the guys about her past and how she was raised but idk if they would even know that cause they her for like two months before she almost died.
Either way my favorite moment was the very end of the book where Tanner breaks down on her and tells her it was him and he was forced to and he's being forced to kill her again or his mate and child will die so he tells Rowan to run.
That was pretty good to me, it was obvious it was someone in the horde who hurt Rowan but Tanner wasn't mind blowing but still a shock. I do wish Tanner had more build up and maybe connection to Rowan besides helping his mate get pregnant cause when her mates find out he burned her to kill her, by force or not. There gonna flip out, which I'm excited to see cause that is way more terrible than the guy kidnapping her to save his mate in labor.
If I could change it though, I think it would've been interesting to make Griffin by the guy who hurt her. Her and Griffin are best friends and him being forced to do it to eventually become best friends with her and be the person who brought her to the horde to help knowing what he did would've been very compelling. But that's just me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I wish we saw her ask the guys about her past and how she was raised but idk if they would even know that cause they her for like two months before she almost died.
Either way my favorite moment was the very end of the book where Tanner breaks down on her and tells her it was him and he was forced to and he's being forced to kill her again or his mate and child will die so he tells Rowan to run.
That was pretty good to me, it was obvious it was someone in the horde who hurt Rowan but Tanner wasn't mind blowing but still a shock. I do wish Tanner had more build up and maybe connection to Rowan besides helping his mate get pregnant cause when her mates find out he burned her to kill her, by force or not. There gonna flip out, which I'm excited to see cause that is way more terrible than the guy kidnapping her to save his mate in labor.
If I could change it though, I think it would've been interesting to make Griffin by the guy who hurt her. Her and Griffin are best friends and him being forced to do it to eventually become best friends with her and be the person who brought her to the horde to help knowing what he did would've been very compelling. But that's just me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2026
A decent second book in the trilogy.
We pick up exactly where we left off and are met with some interesting circumstances to the FMCs kidnapping. Getting to see her skills as a healer in extreme circumstances was gratifying and further, seeing her start to accept the connection and role she has in this clan.
The drastic changes to the horde that happened in the last book are now settling into a new normal. Things are being done to improve the wellbeing of everyone in the clan by the MMC alphas and our FMC is doing everything she can with her skills as a healer. It’s a very repetitive building of progress and the story reflects that.
Relationships between the FMC and the MMCs (most of them) also reflect the slow building of comfort and understanding. As the confront levels build so does the spice, between each of them and the FMC and as a group.
There really wasn’t any movement delving into the mysteries set up in the first book unfortunately. There were many mention of finding out what happened to the FMC 6 years ago, but absolutely nothing done towards that goal. The goal behind the actions of the previous health provider remain a mystery, and there was absolutely no intent to find out the reasoning.We’re left with a big reveal at the end that was just handed to us and cliffhanger to wrap up this book.
I wasn’t impressed by the actions of the FMC leading to this cliffhanger, but I need to know how it all plays out.
We pick up exactly where we left off and are met with some interesting circumstances to the FMCs kidnapping. Getting to see her skills as a healer in extreme circumstances was gratifying and further, seeing her start to accept the connection and role she has in this clan.
The drastic changes to the horde that happened in the last book are now settling into a new normal. Things are being done to improve the wellbeing of everyone in the clan by the MMC alphas and our FMC is doing everything she can with her skills as a healer. It’s a very repetitive building of progress and the story reflects that.
Relationships between the FMC and the MMCs (most of them) also reflect the slow building of comfort and understanding. As the confront levels build so does the spice, between each of them and the FMC and as a group.
There really wasn’t any movement delving into the mysteries set up in the first book unfortunately. There were many mention of finding out what happened to the FMC 6 years ago, but absolutely nothing done towards that goal. The goal behind the actions of the previous health provider remain a mystery, and there was absolutely no intent to find out the reasoning.We’re left with a big reveal at the end that was just handed to us and cliffhanger to wrap up this book.
I wasn’t impressed by the actions of the FMC leading to this cliffhanger, but I need to know how it all plays out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 ⭐️
4 🔥
Shifter Romance
Dragon Shifters
Why Choose
MFMMM
Second Chance
Amnesia
Fated Mates
Who Hurt You
Cliffhanger
This is book two of The Dragons of North Oak series and ends on a cliffhanger. But, we don’t have to wait long (thank goodness) because the final book will be out in August! In this series we follow Rowan, a nomadic healer, that travels around the country, helping dragon shifters. When she is called to help her best friend’s horde with a sick child, she doesn’t hesitate. While visiting this horde, she discovers what use to be the largest dragon horde in the country, is in great need of a healer. She also gets the surprise of her life, when the horde’s clan of alphas return and claim that she is their long lost mate. The thing is, she doesn’t remember anything past six years ago, especially these alphas claiming to be her mates. She was almost killed by a dragon once, can she really trust these dragons? In this book, we really spent time getting to know our characters on a deeper level and Rowan and her guys rebuild their relationships. One of her mates, Bastian is still reluctant to truly give into the mate bond and be hurt again. He knows he wouldn’t survive losing Rowan again, and they still don’t know who was responsible for hurting their mate, but we do. 😉 I can’t wait for the conclusion and to see how Melissa wraps everything up!
Thank you Melissa Huxley for the ARC!
4 🔥
Shifter Romance
Dragon Shifters
Why Choose
MFMMM
Second Chance
Amnesia
Fated Mates
Who Hurt You
Cliffhanger
This is book two of The Dragons of North Oak series and ends on a cliffhanger. But, we don’t have to wait long (thank goodness) because the final book will be out in August! In this series we follow Rowan, a nomadic healer, that travels around the country, helping dragon shifters. When she is called to help her best friend’s horde with a sick child, she doesn’t hesitate. While visiting this horde, she discovers what use to be the largest dragon horde in the country, is in great need of a healer. She also gets the surprise of her life, when the horde’s clan of alphas return and claim that she is their long lost mate. The thing is, she doesn’t remember anything past six years ago, especially these alphas claiming to be her mates. She was almost killed by a dragon once, can she really trust these dragons? In this book, we really spent time getting to know our characters on a deeper level and Rowan and her guys rebuild their relationships. One of her mates, Bastian is still reluctant to truly give into the mate bond and be hurt again. He knows he wouldn’t survive losing Rowan again, and they still don’t know who was responsible for hurting their mate, but we do. 😉 I can’t wait for the conclusion and to see how Melissa wraps everything up!
Thank you Melissa Huxley for the ARC!
July 28, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Dragons' Healing Mate is the second book in the Dragons of North Oak series, and it picks up right where book one left off. It also ends on a cliffhanger, so you'll definitely want to have book three ready!
As the middle installment of a trilogy, this book naturally takes a more character-focused approach, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting finale. We get to see Rowan's relationships with her mates deepen, both emotionally and physically, and I really enjoyed watching those bonds develop. There's a lot of focus on the quieter, everyday moments that slowly build a life together, and those scenes gave the relationships room to breathe. And, unlike book one, the mating bond is now in full swing, so there's plenty of spice throughout.
Because the story spends so much time exploring the characters and their relationships, the overall plot moves at a slower pace. I found myself looking forward to a few more major developments, as most of the action is saved for the final chapters. Still, the emotional progression between the characters felt meaningful, and the ending does a great job of building anticipation for what's to come.
Overall, I had a great time with this one, and I'm very curious to see how everything comes together in the final book.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Dragons' Healing Mate is the second book in the Dragons of North Oak series, and it picks up right where book one left off. It also ends on a cliffhanger, so you'll definitely want to have book three ready!
As the middle installment of a trilogy, this book naturally takes a more character-focused approach, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting finale. We get to see Rowan's relationships with her mates deepen, both emotionally and physically, and I really enjoyed watching those bonds develop. There's a lot of focus on the quieter, everyday moments that slowly build a life together, and those scenes gave the relationships room to breathe. And, unlike book one, the mating bond is now in full swing, so there's plenty of spice throughout.
Because the story spends so much time exploring the characters and their relationships, the overall plot moves at a slower pace. I found myself looking forward to a few more major developments, as most of the action is saved for the final chapters. Still, the emotional progression between the characters felt meaningful, and the ending does a great job of building anticipation for what's to come.
Overall, I had a great time with this one, and I'm very curious to see how everything comes together in the final book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Um what the heck was that ending, i need book 3 like now please and thank you Melissa!
The Dragon's Healing Mate picks up as The Dragon's Lost Mate concludes. Rowan has been kidnapped but not everything is as it seems and the matter gets resolved rather quickly, even though Rowan's mates are furious. Rowan is trying to repair the damage that Jenkins did to the horde whilst also trying to navigate her relationships with all 4 of her mates.
I really enjoyed that Rowan was able to let her guard down with Grey, Nix and Orsen even though it did take her some time, it was worth it when she did. Bastian, on the otherhand was an entirely different story. He kept his distance from her every chance he got. Him and his dragon were always at odds though because his dragon is obsessed with Rowan. However, Bastian does make some improvements but is it too late...
That ending blew my mind, prepare for a massive cliffhanger lovelies. But, it does make sense to a degree but also not really. That particular individual has issues.
Thank you Melissa and your incredible team for the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶
🩺 why choose
🩷 multiple pov
🩺 fated mates
🩷 fierce fmc
🩺 shifter romance
🩷 secrets revealed
🩺 spicy
The Dragon's Healing Mate picks up as The Dragon's Lost Mate concludes. Rowan has been kidnapped but not everything is as it seems and the matter gets resolved rather quickly, even though Rowan's mates are furious. Rowan is trying to repair the damage that Jenkins did to the horde whilst also trying to navigate her relationships with all 4 of her mates.
I really enjoyed that Rowan was able to let her guard down with Grey, Nix and Orsen even though it did take her some time, it was worth it when she did. Bastian, on the otherhand was an entirely different story. He kept his distance from her every chance he got. Him and his dragon were always at odds though because his dragon is obsessed with Rowan. However, Bastian does make some improvements but is it too late...
That ending blew my mind, prepare for a massive cliffhanger lovelies. But, it does make sense to a degree but also not really. That particular individual has issues.
Thank you Melissa and your incredible team for the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶
🩺 why choose
🩷 multiple pov
🩺 fated mates
🩷 fierce fmc
🩺 shifter romance
🩷 secrets revealed
🩺 spicy
Review of advance copy received from Author
I still am as addicted as I was when I read the first book in this series. We see this book pick up directly where the last one left off. We see who took her and how those events play out and then we see Rowan establish herself even more so in the horde. We see each individual relationship regrow and reestablish between each of the guys and yet still we find one of them still more standoffish. I will say I didn't know if I was going to get one of my most asked for questions answered Melissa seemed like she was going to only for it not to play out as much.. but she did give it. Now with this ending I am yet again on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book because I need to know how everyone is going to react. I need to see how everything is going to play out. And there is one character I really really want to have a satisfying ending to come to in this last book...and it isn't a happy one I want for them. I was thinking about it throughout the entire book. I just despise them. (I may be a little blood thirsty and I never really liked them since the first book, can you guess who) I will say Melissa Huxley does really well in making you either really like, love or dislike a character!
I shall anxiously await this next book!
I shall anxiously await this next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I HAVE A LOT TO SAY!!! what on earthhhhh was that ending??? YOU’RE TELLING ME I HAVE TO WAIT NOW TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? that’s plain old rude man.
this book was fan freaking phenomenal and had me on the edge of my seat the whole flipping time. anything melissa huxley writes will always do this for me, but this one was something else.
I was foaming at the mouth and chomping at the bit in the previous book to get more interactions between Rowan and her mates. And oh boy- did this book ever deliver. I was being fed like it was an eight course meal with two desserts. the spice is ghost pepper level 😮💨
besides that, i love & appreciate that Rowan has a career that she cares so much about. At time it felt like she was always in the clinic, but I guess as a doctor, that’s just how life works sometimes.
I absolutely adore how all her mates are feral for her. They look at her like my dog eyes cheese. Which in short terms, means they’re obsessed with her. I absolutely loved getting to know what was really going on with Bastian. And when the *cough* happened at the *cough*….OOOO GIRL I HAD TO GET UP AND DO A LITTLE HAPPY JIG!!!
I can’t wait for the dragons eternal mate!! A MONTH IS JUST SO FAR AWAY 😫
this book was fan freaking phenomenal and had me on the edge of my seat the whole flipping time. anything melissa huxley writes will always do this for me, but this one was something else.
I was foaming at the mouth and chomping at the bit in the previous book to get more interactions between Rowan and her mates. And oh boy- did this book ever deliver. I was being fed like it was an eight course meal with two desserts. the spice is ghost pepper level 😮💨
besides that, i love & appreciate that Rowan has a career that she cares so much about. At time it felt like she was always in the clinic, but I guess as a doctor, that’s just how life works sometimes.
I absolutely adore how all her mates are feral for her. They look at her like my dog eyes cheese. Which in short terms, means they’re obsessed with her. I absolutely loved getting to know what was really going on with Bastian. And when the *cough* happened at the *cough*….OOOO GIRL I HAD TO GET UP AND DO A LITTLE HAPPY JIG!!!
I can’t wait for the dragons eternal mate!! A MONTH IS JUST SO FAR AWAY 😫
August 12, 2026
It took me longer to get in the groove of this book compared to the first. I loved the first book despite my feelings that the MMCs were not deeply written. They just didn't really stand out from each other very well, other than Bastian but that's only because he was a standoffish asshole.
So I did excitedly start this only to realize that there just wasn't much that happens. The cliffhanger we are left with in book 1 is resolved almost immediately. It does seem to be a set up for more drama in the 3rd book and it causes some additional contention between Rowan and Bastian. But really, this entire book felt like a filer for the resolution that should come in the final book. The relationships also felt like there was only a slightly positive movement. Grey and Nix are fairly well settled in their feelings for Rowan. Orsen, too, has very few issues. Bastian is still reticent about a relationship with Rowan and we do find out the why's and there is some building there, but it's far too slow for the rest of the pacing and his reasons don't really work for me.
This has a slower pace but it's still really interesting and a fun read. I want to continue with the series because there's so much building up to a resolution. I just don't want to be let down any further.
So I did excitedly start this only to realize that there just wasn't much that happens. The cliffhanger we are left with in book 1 is resolved almost immediately. It does seem to be a set up for more drama in the 3rd book and it causes some additional contention between Rowan and Bastian. But really, this entire book felt like a filer for the resolution that should come in the final book. The relationships also felt like there was only a slightly positive movement. Grey and Nix are fairly well settled in their feelings for Rowan. Orsen, too, has very few issues. Bastian is still reticent about a relationship with Rowan and we do find out the why's and there is some building there, but it's far too slow for the rest of the pacing and his reasons don't really work for me.
This has a slower pace but it's still really interesting and a fun read. I want to continue with the series because there's so much building up to a resolution. I just don't want to be let down any further.
August 1, 2026
While this installment didn't hit quite as hard for me as the first book, I still really enjoyed continuing the journey and spending more time with these characters.
I appreciated seeing the FMC work through everything that's happened to her while trying to rebuild a life that was essentially taken away. The emotional weight of navigating four mates, lingering trauma, and finding where she belongs gave the story plenty of heart. The relationship struggles, especially with the mate who wasn't fully on board, added realistic tension and made the pack dynamics feel more complicated.
That said, I felt like this book lacked some of the intensity and momentum that made the first one so hard to put down. The pacing felt a little slower, and I found myself waiting for the bigger emotional and plot moments to land. They eventually did, but not with quite the same impact as before.
Even so, I'm still fully invested in this series. The characters have me hooked, there are plenty of unanswered questions, and I need to know where everything goes from here. This may not have surpassed the first book for me, but it definitely left me ready for the next installment.
I appreciated seeing the FMC work through everything that's happened to her while trying to rebuild a life that was essentially taken away. The emotional weight of navigating four mates, lingering trauma, and finding where she belongs gave the story plenty of heart. The relationship struggles, especially with the mate who wasn't fully on board, added realistic tension and made the pack dynamics feel more complicated.
That said, I felt like this book lacked some of the intensity and momentum that made the first one so hard to put down. The pacing felt a little slower, and I found myself waiting for the bigger emotional and plot moments to land. They eventually did, but not with quite the same impact as before.
Even so, I'm still fully invested in this series. The characters have me hooked, there are plenty of unanswered questions, and I need to know where everything goes from here. This may not have surpassed the first book for me, but it definitely left me ready for the next installment.
August 1, 2026
Already impatiently waiting for the next…
I devoured the first book of this series and did the same with the second, I am a sucker for a shifter fantasy story, and this does not fail to disappoint.
After the dramatic cliffhanger from Book 1, we find out that Rowan’s “kidnapping” is just the result of a desperate attempt to save a baby. All ends us being well and Rowan really starts to take her place among her Alpha clan.
There is definitely more spice 🌶️🌶️ in this book as Rowan builds relationships with her Dragon Mates, and slowly, trust starts to develop. Now with Jenkins gone, the Hoarde is starting to heal, though Rowan now has to learn to juggle her budding personal life with the immense and constant need for her healing skills.
Bastian is still a stick-in-the-mud, but besides him, Rowan’s relationships with the clan is really budding. Though there is still her desire for independence that causes her to to sometimes be a bit reckless…
Again, we are left we another cliffhanger that has me absolutely heartbroken 💔. I don’t know if I can wait another month to see how Rowan and her Clan can face down her past and embrace a happy future.
I devoured the first book of this series and did the same with the second, I am a sucker for a shifter fantasy story, and this does not fail to disappoint.
After the dramatic cliffhanger from Book 1, we find out that Rowan’s “kidnapping” is just the result of a desperate attempt to save a baby. All ends us being well and Rowan really starts to take her place among her Alpha clan.
There is definitely more spice 🌶️🌶️ in this book as Rowan builds relationships with her Dragon Mates, and slowly, trust starts to develop. Now with Jenkins gone, the Hoarde is starting to heal, though Rowan now has to learn to juggle her budding personal life with the immense and constant need for her healing skills.
Bastian is still a stick-in-the-mud, but besides him, Rowan’s relationships with the clan is really budding. Though there is still her desire for independence that causes her to to sometimes be a bit reckless…
Again, we are left we another cliffhanger that has me absolutely heartbroken 💔. I don’t know if I can wait another month to see how Rowan and her Clan can face down her past and embrace a happy future.
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