This is the second book in the series and although it would be ok to read as a stand alone, I think you should read them in order. If anything, the world building and mythology is so very different from most paranormal tropes, you will want to be up to speed before reading this book. That said, this book starts right after book 1 ends. This is Tate and Elise's story.

Tate recognizes Elise as his mate as soon as he sees her. It scares the crap out of him and since she is new to their world, he freaks out that she will disavow his mate claim. Keeping his distance only makes him crabby and his clan mates can't help but tease him. Tate is a worthy warrior and has an even bigger heart. He is so patient with Elise and goes at her speed.

Thanks to meddling by just about everyone, they soon realize what they mean to each other and start their journey toward a life time commitment. Laid over the top of all this steamy romance is the danger of Priest's brother and what he may be up to. Lots of action around this throughout the book.

The reader knows that Tate and Elise will end up together, but what makes the story, is Elise coming into her own. She has demons from the past that threaten all that she could be. Support from the clan and love from Tate, help her to realize how strong she can be.

I really love Rhenna's take on this clan of shifters. It's unique and makes for an interesting read. She writes strong women and love crazed alpha males. That said, because it is unique, it almost may be better to read the books back to back after they come out. I found myself having to re-read the last part of book 1 to get myself back into the world again. Not that that is bad. You just won't be able to place this story line within any other paranormal trope.

LOVED!!! Can't wait for more! Jade and Alek should have interesting HEA as well.

I didn't realize this was a series and had another book regarding Priest. I have so many reviews to do and maybe I will go back and read the first in this series. I like the fantasy world this author paints. It was a good read. I like how Tate handles Elise and is caring and loving. He allows her to grow and go at her own pace. I also loved how he put Vanessa in her place. Good read but I would have liked to read the first one in this series. Still enjoyed it!

I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley at my request for my honest review. The opinion voices is my own. Thank.you Net Galley!

Thank you to Carina Press and NetGalley for granting my request for an ARC of this book. The review below is purely my own opinion.

This story picks up right after where book 1 ends. But since it's been awhile since Guardian's Bond came out, I found myself pausing my read this book for a bit, just to skim the last few chapters of book 1 to refresh my memory.

The H: Tate is Priest's ward, "brother" to Jade. His companion is a mountain coyote.

The h: Elise and her mom Jenny have just moved to the area and is just getting used to living amongst other Volcans. She never believed her mom's stories and so everything is very, very new to her.

Here's why I really enjoyed this book:

> As I mentioned in my review of book 1, I really like the different take on shifters. Each Volcan must undergo a quest to accept their gifts and their animal companion. Or like Jenny's mom, they can refuse the quest and live as a "human".

> I liked that both Tate and Elise go through a journey --- they both grow and bloom, bringing out the best in each other.

> AND if you like stories with a protective, powerful alpha hero, then this is the book for you. Tate is growly hot. He is yummy! I love how he was so protective of Elise but so sweet to her too.

> Lastly, I said that book 1 felt like it was more of Priest's story --- but this one, book 2, is definitely more of Elise's. I loved her. She's so cool! I think after you finish reading, you'll love her too.

Can't wait for book 3!

When I saw the cover of Healer's Need on Netgalley, I knew I had to request it. After Guardian's Bond I really wanted to know whether Priest would find a way to fight of the darkness his brother has left inside of him. And of course I wanted to know who Elise would get used to living with the clan.
Elise, although having heard a lot about the Volcans from her mother (who had denied her gift), never really believed all the stories about shapeshifters and magic. But now, seeing it with her own eyes made her very aware of her heritage. Because everyone expects her to become the next Healer's Prima (as a descendent of the healer's lineage), she feels a lot of pressure. As an outsider, she thinks she is not worthy enough for this position. Furthermore, she is startled about the strong feelings she has for Tate. But Tate doesn't acknowledge her whatsoever.
Tate is having a hard time keeping his eyes off Elise. Because he is afraid the minute he looks at her, he will claim her as his mate. Understanding that Elise is not accustomed to the Volcans, he doesn't want to scare her away.
Until Alek and his sister Jayden run interference...
A wonderful story, where you can see Elise grow from an insecure girl into the Healer's Prima she will need to be. And where Priest will have to fight the darkness inside him. Hopefully there will be more stories about the Volcans! Thank you Rhenna Morgen for this great adventure and thank you Netgalley for providing the arc. Five out of five stars from me.

Rhenna, you have blown my expectations out of the water with Tate and Elise’s story!
I could go on about the great characters, the family dynamics with clan interactions, how I got a kick out of the ribbing Tate was taking from his friends over Elise, and how much I loved the fantastic romance and sizzling attraction between Tate and Elise. Instead, I want to say what surprised-and delighted-me most was the personal journey Elise took. It was pretty powerful stuff and made a bigger statement than anything else could!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It had been awhile since I read this series but it didn’t take me long at all to fall right back into the world this author has created, so much so I devoured the book in just a few hours. Tate and Elise are great together and I’m definitely interested to see where this author takes the endearing group in the future.
This was a complimentary advanced reader copy provided by the author or publisher in exchange for a honest review via Netgalley.

Tate doesn't like other offending him and his woman, "Tate clamped down harder. “I have a woman next to me and you dared to touch me in front of her..." Tate you know, makes his woman see the error of her threats, “I don’t think you’re thinking that one through, mihara.” His hands coasted inward, his thumbs teasing the seam where her inner thighs and *** met. “If you don’t heal me, then I can’t eff you like you need to be effed.” Tate you know doesn't like to share, "Tate caught her at the waist and hauled her back. “Woman, if you think I’m letting you answer the door in only my T-shirt , you’re out of your mind.” I liked this book, I loved Tate.