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Gifted #1
Healer
From the award-winning author of Hurricane Reese, contributing author in Robyn Peterman's Magic and Mayhem Universe, and the creator of Rock 'n' Romance favorites Haunted and Teacher comes a new supernatural romance that will make you swoon and shiver.
WANTED: Counselor for child trauma victims at scenic boarding school in northern Arkansas. Must have an open mind, be flexible, and be ready to travel at a moment's notice. Patience, extreme vigilance, and discretion required. Generous compensation guaranteed
Veteran teacher and counselor Delaney Frost accepts a job at Havenhart Academy and soon learns that not only are her new charges “gifted”—but that within her resides a power so rare and precious it can be used to heal others. When danger arrives at the academy gates, Delaney and her mysterious, yet alluring boss will fight to protect the children from a megalomaniac out for revenge and the destruction of all she holds dear.
Welcome to Havenhart Academy.
WANTED: Counselor for child trauma victims at scenic boarding school in northern Arkansas. Must have an open mind, be flexible, and be ready to travel at a moment's notice. Patience, extreme vigilance, and discretion required. Generous compensation guaranteed
Veteran teacher and counselor Delaney Frost accepts a job at Havenhart Academy and soon learns that not only are her new charges “gifted”—but that within her resides a power so rare and precious it can be used to heal others. When danger arrives at the academy gates, Delaney and her mysterious, yet alluring boss will fight to protect the children from a megalomaniac out for revenge and the destruction of all she holds dear.
Welcome to Havenhart Academy.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2020
About the author
R.L. Merrill
84 books706 followersWhether she’s writing contemporary romance featuring quirky, queer, and relatable characters or diving deep into the supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after closing the book. Ro writes inclusive romance for the Happily Ever After collective, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired tales and music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net. A mom, wife, daughter, and former educator, you can find her rocking out in her Bronco with Great Dane pup Velma, being terrorized by feline twins Dracula and Frankenstein, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 9, 2020
This is quite the start to a promising series! R.L. Merrill has built an exciting and unique world within this book that really showcases the potential for greatness this series has. Definitely not your typical PNR, Healer explores a whole new creative take on the genre filled with self discovery, adventure, suspense and of course some fantastic romance.
Like most first books in a series there were moments that dragged a bit for me. Setting up an entire world takes quite a but of detail and sometimes those details slow things down. Outside of that small amount this book is quite close to perfect. Every character has something about them that make them their own brand of special and lovable.
The entire idea behind Haven and the unique people who run it along with their very special students is definitely something I found easy to love. Then there’s Delaney and Damien. These two are the definition of swoon. Their romance is packed with emotion, sweetness and the best dash of heat I’ve experienced in a while.
If you’re looking for something to really sweep you off your feet in a grand adventure this book is one I cannot recommend enough.
Like most first books in a series there were moments that dragged a bit for me. Setting up an entire world takes quite a but of detail and sometimes those details slow things down. Outside of that small amount this book is quite close to perfect. Every character has something about them that make them their own brand of special and lovable.
The entire idea behind Haven and the unique people who run it along with their very special students is definitely something I found easy to love. Then there’s Delaney and Damien. These two are the definition of swoon. Their romance is packed with emotion, sweetness and the best dash of heat I’ve experienced in a while.
If you’re looking for something to really sweep you off your feet in a grand adventure this book is one I cannot recommend enough.
March 17, 2020
Good start. I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is the first in a new series. This is my first time reading a book from RL Merrill. This is Delaney and Damien story. Delaney Frost accepts a counselor job at this school. Damien is mysterious and sexy in his own way. We’re introduced to so many wonderful characters. There is more to meets the eye in this story. I got completely caught up in it. Damien and Delaney's story is intense and sweet. This book will leave you wanting more. I can't wait to see what else this author brings to us. Keep up the good job!
review by Chantelle
review by Chantelle
March 13, 2020
Welcome to the academy , a scenic boarding school in Arkansas . Delaney Frost accepts a counselor job at this school. There is more to this job then meets the eye . Delaney and Damien the mysterious man who walked into her life . They are saving and protecting the young lives of the academy . Will they be able to save them from the man out for revenge on all those that she holds dear .
This being the first book in a new series , the characters are well written and complex . Delaney is feisty and able to take care of herself even though she seems damaged . As the story goes we see that she is stronger and and grows more confident as you go through the book . Damien is mysterious and sexy in his own way . He is a protector of those who he cares for and will fight to keep them safe . You also meet a great group of kids in this book that you will love . The characters are a fun read and you will fall for each of them and want to help protect them .
This is a really good start for a new series by this author . I truly like her writing style . She takes us on an emotional roller coaster ride and gives you all the feels . I truly like that the lead character in the story is flawed and isn't in perfect health . She makes you feel and you want to make sure everyone is going to be ok . This book is full of self discovery and good old fashion romance. There are moments in the book though that I will say kind of dragged . for me . I know it takes a lot to set up a new world when starting a series . Over all I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see where the author takes us in the second book . So check it out you won't be disappointed .
This being the first book in a new series , the characters are well written and complex . Delaney is feisty and able to take care of herself even though she seems damaged . As the story goes we see that she is stronger and and grows more confident as you go through the book . Damien is mysterious and sexy in his own way . He is a protector of those who he cares for and will fight to keep them safe . You also meet a great group of kids in this book that you will love . The characters are a fun read and you will fall for each of them and want to help protect them .
This is a really good start for a new series by this author . I truly like her writing style . She takes us on an emotional roller coaster ride and gives you all the feels . I truly like that the lead character in the story is flawed and isn't in perfect health . She makes you feel and you want to make sure everyone is going to be ok . This book is full of self discovery and good old fashion romance. There are moments in the book though that I will say kind of dragged . for me . I know it takes a lot to set up a new world when starting a series . Over all I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see where the author takes us in the second book . So check it out you won't be disappointed .
March 13, 2020
I loved this story! I’m not a paranormal fan, but Healer was not your usual paranormal book. It made sense. There are things we don’t understand all around us and the way the author wove reality with magic, well, it was fabulous!
I was entertained with all the characters. The world-building that Ms. Merrill does throughout was spot on. The bits of magic that are included makes one believe that everyone might have just a wee bit going on that we don’t understand.
We’re introduced to so many wonderful characters. The children, some of whom were abused, some underprivileged, some with abilities that their families couldn’t understand, some of the abilities were used for evil. Havenhart, the teachers, and all the staff were there for them. Helping the students to harness their abilities whatever they were. There was suspense and magic, and of course romance! Ultimately, this book was about inclusion.
Delaney needed a change and understanding about her abilities. Damian needed a kindred spirit to rely on. After some adversity, they each got what they wanted. Sigh…
My takeaway from this fabulous story was, everyone is different and that’s OK. Learn to love yourself and your abilities...normal and paranormal. Do good. Be kind. Love unconditionally.
I was entertained with all the characters. The world-building that Ms. Merrill does throughout was spot on. The bits of magic that are included makes one believe that everyone might have just a wee bit going on that we don’t understand.
We’re introduced to so many wonderful characters. The children, some of whom were abused, some underprivileged, some with abilities that their families couldn’t understand, some of the abilities were used for evil. Havenhart, the teachers, and all the staff were there for them. Helping the students to harness their abilities whatever they were. There was suspense and magic, and of course romance! Ultimately, this book was about inclusion.
Delaney needed a change and understanding about her abilities. Damian needed a kindred spirit to rely on. After some adversity, they each got what they wanted. Sigh…
My takeaway from this fabulous story was, everyone is different and that’s OK. Learn to love yourself and your abilities...normal and paranormal. Do good. Be kind. Love unconditionally.
March 14, 2020
Healer is the story of a woman’s journey of self discovery. In the author’s note, she mentions that the story is slightly autobiographical...alas, presumably minus the paranormal twist.
Delaney is a teacher and counselor on the mend from some serious health issues, and her program for at risk youth is the victim of district budget cuts. Cue Havenhart Academy. She gets to work with children recovering from trauma, doing what she loves, and Damien, in charge of Student Services, isn’t hard to look at, either.
She soon realizes the children and staff are more than they appear, as is she. She and Damien have to do some soul searching and self-forgiveness on their journey together, and fight a bad guy. And the ending! Hold on to your seats!
I cannot wait for the next book, which isn’t coming out til next year. A solid 4 stars, with extra sparkles on the side. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Delaney is a teacher and counselor on the mend from some serious health issues, and her program for at risk youth is the victim of district budget cuts. Cue Havenhart Academy. She gets to work with children recovering from trauma, doing what she loves, and Damien, in charge of Student Services, isn’t hard to look at, either.
She soon realizes the children and staff are more than they appear, as is she. She and Damien have to do some soul searching and self-forgiveness on their journey together, and fight a bad guy. And the ending! Hold on to your seats!
I cannot wait for the next book, which isn’t coming out til next year. A solid 4 stars, with extra sparkles on the side. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
March 6, 2020
LOVED this! You know those authors you'll read whatever they write even when you're not sure about the story and then are WOWED? This is one of those books and I'm so happy I read it! It's about finding out you have more in you than you thought, about finding your place, about romance, about friendship, and helping kids. I want more on this group, there are a few characters that need their story told and hopefully there will be more. It's a different PNR but one you MUST read!
March 4, 2020
Oh my this story is so good. You hsve adults and kids that have extra abilities. And then you have acceptance and feeling of family. Then you have the romance of the story that puts a smile of your face. Really loved the story. I would highly recommend this book
March 8, 2020
I was mesmerized by the world created for Havenhart Academy. Damien and Delaney's story is intense and sweet. I was glad things worked out with Jackson. I hope he and James get their stories told. This book was fascinating and I know the series will be amazing.
March 14, 2020
Omg, I freaking love this new series! What an awesome new pnr story. People with special abilities at a school to help you realize what you have and how to control it. It has feels, romance, danger, fun, and all different kinds of special abilities. I cannot wait for more!
March 12, 2020
Another hit for RL Merrill! Delaney’s story will capture your attention and bring you in to Havenhart Academy. RL has a way with words. You won’t be disappointed!
March 13, 2020
I loved this book. Delainey Frost has her flaws but she has her strengths too ones she didn't know she had. I love the concept of a school for different types of supernaturals. There is romance and lots of humor. I feel I need more like now . I hope there's more soon.
March 3, 2020
I loved this take on a PNR. Delaney is a woman after my own heart, 40ish with a love for metal music and Bruce Campbell. When her job as a counselor is eliminated, she comes across a job post that is almost too good to be true. After she interviews for it, she can't help but take it and wait for the other shoe to drop. It's everything she's ever wanted, free reign with the students and access to eye candy in the form of her new co-workers. But when the shoe finally drops, she's able to see past the issues and fight for her future. Loved it!
March 6, 2020
Unique storyline of a magic academy. I liked that Delaney is so damaged as we are able to see her strength and confidence grow. Love all the characters and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
March 10, 2020
I was mesmerized from the start and see do many possibilities and am excited to see where the characters take me. Delaney and Damien are great and I Loved reading their story and am really excited to visit more.
March 31, 2020
Ahh what an awesome start to this series!!!
I only wish I wasn't going to have to wait a whole year for the next one... =(
Havenhart Academy is a school that caters to those students that have been through hard times and are "gifted" beyond what a normal student is.
For Delaney Frost, she's always had a way with people and getting them to open up to her. When she's approached to for a job at Havenhart Academy, the offer couldn't have come at a better time. Her current school is cutting her program due to lack of funds.
The recruiter for the school, Damien, is very vague on what the school is what exactly Delaney's job would be, but he assures her she will be making a difference and a real asset to the staff and students.
However, things aren't completely smooth sailing once Delaney takes her place at Havenhart. There's an enemy that has been made when his daughter was placed in the schools care and he'll do whatever it takes to get her back...
Awesome start! I can't wait to watch the rest of these teacher get to meet their gifted partners!
I only wish I wasn't going to have to wait a whole year for the next one... =(
Havenhart Academy is a school that caters to those students that have been through hard times and are "gifted" beyond what a normal student is.
For Delaney Frost, she's always had a way with people and getting them to open up to her. When she's approached to for a job at Havenhart Academy, the offer couldn't have come at a better time. Her current school is cutting her program due to lack of funds.
The recruiter for the school, Damien, is very vague on what the school is what exactly Delaney's job would be, but he assures her she will be making a difference and a real asset to the staff and students.
However, things aren't completely smooth sailing once Delaney takes her place at Havenhart. There's an enemy that has been made when his daughter was placed in the schools care and he'll do whatever it takes to get her back...
Awesome start! I can't wait to watch the rest of these teacher get to meet their gifted partners!
March 23, 2020
Great start to a series! Delaney has been recruited to work at a secretive private academy where the students all have "gifts". She begins to fall for Damien, who interviewed her, right from the start, but can they put the past behind them and open their hearts? Meanwhile, a severely a used student comes to the school, but her evil father won't let her go.
I loved Delaney and how she used her own gifts with her students. I liked the slow build up between her and Damien, and I really liked that they were an older couple, each with their own history. Joanna and her father added tension & drama throughout. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
I loved Delaney and how she used her own gifts with her students. I liked the slow build up between her and Damien, and I really liked that they were an older couple, each with their own history. Joanna and her father added tension & drama throughout. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
March 21, 2020
Good start. I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is the first in a new series. This is my first time reading a book from RL Merrill. This is Delaney and Damien story. Delaney Frost accepts a counselor job at this school. Damien is mysterious and sexy in his own way. We’re introduced to so many wonderful characters. There is more to meets the eye in this story. I got completely caught up in it. Damien and Delaney's story is intense and sweet. This book will leave you wanting more. I can't wait to see what else this author brings to us. Keep up the good job!
May 6, 2020
Think Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters with a touch of Hogwart's and you will have Havenhart Academy. All Delaney wants to do with her life is to help kids get through to adulthood. In her career, she has had a knack for getting anyone to talk, even making grown men cry. Who knew that THAT was a super power. When her school cuts her funding, Laney is so despondent, it makes her ill. At least she finds a position on-line for Havenhart. The next thing she knows, sexy and an english accent to drool for, Damien Preston comes to interview her. From that day on, the connection between the two simmers. Then heats more and more. There are such layers to this story. I love how Laney learns the ropes right along with the first time students. FC James really needs to have a story.
He is one of my favorite characters. Joanna's storyline was touching too. I love how all of them were tied together in a nice big bow. The "powers" of the other teachers are interesting and I can't wait to see what other stories come out of Havenhart Academy.
He is one of my favorite characters. Joanna's storyline was touching too. I love how all of them were tied together in a nice big bow. The "powers" of the other teachers are interesting and I can't wait to see what other stories come out of Havenhart Academy.
April 11, 2022
This is a paranormal romance, but there's no cursing and very little sexual activity besides kissing - just a sweet romance. Delaney is a school counselor with asthma who has been very sick lately after finding out that the school program she has built is about to be torn down. When she decides to start looking for a new job she sees an ad for Havenhurst, a special school for children who have been traumatized. When you read paranormal romance you generally kind of have to just “go with” the idea of werewolves, vampires and witches. In Healer you are asked to go with the idea that a very wealthy individual is using their great wealth to fund a school for child victims of trauma from around the world. For some reason it's easier for me to read about a person turning into a wolf than the idea that a school that houses and feeds over 50 kids along with a number of faculty could be financed by one wealthy person – or family – for generations. The amount of financing for everything in this book would have exhausted the funds of all the Rockerfellers. I enjoyed the romance between Delaney and Damien, however, I thought that Delaney, who is supposed to be a trained psychologist, went with an assumption of what other people were thinking a bit too easily. There are some very interesting characters in the book, like Joanna and Hazel and Raven, who I expect will be fleshed out a bit more in sequel books. There's danger, romance and some great characters in here but I still felt like the story was “Paranormal Lite”. It's a fun book and a quick read.
June 14, 2022
I enjoyed this book, it was my first time reading R.L. Merrill but I like the writing style. The pacing was fluid and the relationships developed naturally, mixing magic and reality in a way that made sense. While the idea of a boarding school for "special" or "gifted" kids is obviously not new, I liked what she did with it and will be interested to see where she takes it. The only typo I noticed was when Delaney goes to her office and says Hazel was doing a great job collecting research when it was Raven, I read the eBook so not sure if this is something that slipped past editing entirely or if it was strictly an eBook typo.
January 3, 2021
Really nice read
R.L. Merrill gave me this book. I did not purchase it.
Maybe Harry Potterish? For adults. It was really a decent book. Well wrote. Kept my attention. Good plot. Pleasantly surprised. Suppose be a book 2 in 2021 look forward to it.
I wouldn't have purchased this book its not what I normally read...hey I have to say again it was a good read. Great job recommend this book. Two thumbs up.
R.L. Merrill gave me this book. I did not purchase it.
Maybe Harry Potterish? For adults. It was really a decent book. Well wrote. Kept my attention. Good plot. Pleasantly surprised. Suppose be a book 2 in 2021 look forward to it.
I wouldn't have purchased this book its not what I normally read...hey I have to say again it was a good read. Great job recommend this book. Two thumbs up.
August 6, 2025
healing is intense
Delaney is amazing! I love her determination as a character in making children’s lives easier. In her personal life she tries to understand Damien’s feelings instead,of letting her own hurt feelings affect her judgment. I really enjoyed the storyline thought it was well written and the plot was interesting. However the abrupt end to the book just jolted me out of the story and I did not like it at all.
Delaney is amazing! I love her determination as a character in making children’s lives easier. In her personal life she tries to understand Damien’s feelings instead,of letting her own hurt feelings affect her judgment. I really enjoyed the storyline thought it was well written and the plot was interesting. However the abrupt end to the book just jolted me out of the story and I did not like it at all.
March 14, 2020
After learning her job is being eliminated due to budget cuts, Delaney accepts a position as a counselor at Havenhart Academy. This move leads her on a path to self discovery, friendships with unique people, and a sweet, hot romance with Damien. Love, hope and acceptance are the cornerstones of this extraordinary Academy. creating an uplifting, magical read that I highly recommend.
May 13, 2020
Not an easy job.
At least it isn't easy if one tries to do the right thing, and best possible for everyone who coming to you. And that's not including all the arbitrary rules in place. (Which have reasons, but can make life difficult)
Then throw in psychic powers? Yikes. (Lots of positivity here, which is nice)
At least it isn't easy if one tries to do the right thing, and best possible for everyone who coming to you. And that's not including all the arbitrary rules in place. (Which have reasons, but can make life difficult)
Then throw in psychic powers? Yikes. (Lots of positivity here, which is nice)
June 1, 2020
Head over Heels for Healer
No one writes "real people" romance in surreal situations quite like R.L. Merrill. As usual, this author delivers quirky, engaging, and wholly likeable characters in sweet, heartwarming romance with just enough "SEXUAL SIZZLE" to remind us why we celebrate adults in love.
No one writes "real people" romance in surreal situations quite like R.L. Merrill. As usual, this author delivers quirky, engaging, and wholly likeable characters in sweet, heartwarming romance with just enough "SEXUAL SIZZLE" to remind us why we celebrate adults in love.
August 21, 2020
Great Reads
I enjoyed this book from the first page. An academy just for kids with unique powers. This is more about the teachers than the students. Not all the teachers know how to handle their power so they are learning too. This is not a YA book! There is love, sex, danger, and lots of action. Excellent read, I can't wait for the next book in the series. Happy reading!
I enjoyed this book from the first page. An academy just for kids with unique powers. This is more about the teachers than the students. Not all the teachers know how to handle their power so they are learning too. This is not a YA book! There is love, sex, danger, and lots of action. Excellent read, I can't wait for the next book in the series. Happy reading!
April 11, 2022
This story takes you into a world that is constructed meticulously by the author. Delaney Frost a seasoned teacher applies for a job as a counselor to trauma victims at Havenhart. Damien is her boss and there are definite sparks. This is a paranormal story and the storyline created is awe inspiring.
May 3, 2022
Healer
This is a new to me author and while I really enjoyed this storyline, it read a little slow at times. Being that I never read this author before, I have know idea if this is her style of writing or just the way the story was written. But the overall storyline was really a great one. Gifted kids brought to an academy like school where gifted teachers care for them and instruct them on how to develop their own gifts. It really read like something in the X-men - ish territory.
I really loved Delaney and Damien’s love story connection in the midst of all this too. But again, it took a while to get there and for a book with an amazing storyline, it was to slow in parts. It normally takes me about a day or two to finish a book, this one took me four!!
Overall though I did love the book and you should give it a shot if you love the X-men type theme this book has! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a new to me author and while I really enjoyed this storyline, it read a little slow at times. Being that I never read this author before, I have know idea if this is her style of writing or just the way the story was written. But the overall storyline was really a great one. Gifted kids brought to an academy like school where gifted teachers care for them and instruct them on how to develop their own gifts. It really read like something in the X-men - ish territory.
I really loved Delaney and Damien’s love story connection in the midst of all this too. But again, it took a while to get there and for a book with an amazing storyline, it was to slow in parts. It normally takes me about a day or two to finish a book, this one took me four!!
Overall though I did love the book and you should give it a shot if you love the X-men type theme this book has! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 16, 2023
Head and heart
A remarkable story of people who with a plethora of unique "gifts" help children and themselves understand their own . Havenheart is a refuge of peace and learning for "gifted" children to heal and grow into their "powers" without fear of condemnation or being ostracized and discover acceptance.
A remarkable story of people who with a plethora of unique "gifts" help children and themselves understand their own . Havenheart is a refuge of peace and learning for "gifted" children to heal and grow into their "powers" without fear of condemnation or being ostracized and discover acceptance.
March 19, 2020
Discovering your talent and sense of purpose.
When all seems lost despite our best efforts. Remember look for the next step. May we all find our true potential. The beauty of sharing it with others our world in best possible way
When all seems lost despite our best efforts. Remember look for the next step. May we all find our true potential. The beauty of sharing it with others our world in best possible way
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews