Childhood friends, Orion Matthews and Elliot Zeller lived in the same town and went to the same schools. Orion spend most of his afternoons at the Zeller Estate to escape his abusive parents. Their childhood crush faded, and they’re all grown up now, and closer than ever…as friends.
But when Elliot finds out his own abusive parents are about to force him into an arranged marriage with Zacharias Astor, to benefit themselves, he’s devastated. And when Orion falls victim to Zacharias’ monstrous urges, he and Elliot must work together to help him heal and plan their revenge. But intimate healing and close quarters lead to a revival of old feelings. Will they be able to carry out the plan without their feelings getting involved? And what will be the consequences if they can’t?
Trigger Warnings: PTSD and anxiety, abusive family dynamics, semi-explicit scenes of sexual assault, scenes and mentions of gore and violence
Noah Harris is a 28-year-old bisexual man currently single and living in a small apartment in New York.
Being a natural introvert with significant extrovert tendencies he expresses himself through the world of writing MM books, often with a darker, paranormal twist. His books are written from the heart of his deep, sensitive and mysterious, but playful and creative, wild spirit.
Noah is dedicated to giving something back to the universe, sharing generously in his successes and inspiring and motivating others through his writing and in any other way he can. He believes in living a natural, healthy lifestyle and has embraced meditation as a way of clearing the 'noise' in his head and allowing his dark creativity to shine through in his books.
He is determined to reach out to as many readers, who he considers his 'friends', as he can through his unique personal touch and through building like-minded communities online. It is this personal touch, with his readers, that sets him apart from most other authors today.
A dark fated mate story indeed; two wealthy controlling fathers, each has a son, and the young man of lower status.
Elliott Zeller, son of a wealthy business man, Alexei, and Orion, Elliott’s best friend and teenage crush, have scooted around their feelings for years. As they became young adults there was still something that attracted each of them to the other; they just couldn’t figure out why the other was so important to have in their lives.
Elliott, a wolf-shifter, is the obedient son. When his father says it’s Elliott’s responsibility as the next Alpha in the family, Elliott does as father says. Orion sees through Elliott’s father’s demands in not allowing his best friend to be the Alpha/man that he should be; never allowed to make a decision for himself.
Orion, a stag-shifter, comes from parent’s that neglected him. Since Orion was very young he’s been on his own and has had to take care of himself, but Elliott was always there to help him. Orion lived in the same house, though at the furthest end of their home. Far enough away his parent’s did not have to deal with their son or listen to him.
Elliott’s and Orion’s world is turned upside down when Elliott’s father tells him that he is to marry a stranger, a young heartless man with no scruples. Zacharias’s is a bear-shifter, a young man of sturdy stature and also thinks himself as an Alpha. Zacharias gets his way and what he wants most of the time, except when his father puts his foot down; the same goes for Elliott.
When Orion is attacked by Zacharias, Elliott finds his best friend and takes him to the hospital. Elliott took care of Orion as he healed and Elliott’s hatred increased for Zacharias. The two engaged men didn’t not want to marry each other in the beginning and then Zacharias learned he could hurt and make Elliott’s life miserable seemed like something he would enjoy. The situation seemed hopeless for Elliott and Orion to never be together.
There’s so much abuse and trauma, both physical and mental, between all three of these young men with their parents and between themselves. I went through a slew of emotions, but continued to cheer for Elliott and Orion to be able to be together, even when all seemed lost.
Noah Harris keeps the book intense with the situations or trauma and triggers and how in the world would this all work out for the better. But as always, Noah Harris brings us to the all desiring happy ending for the fated mates. A well written story I highly recommend reading. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I absolutely fell in love with Elliot and Orion! Growing up they were best friends, and both had issues with their families. Orion was neglected where as Elliot's parents were overbearing and manipulative. Because they grew up together, and felt the pull to one another, they believed they were meant to be friends but secretly they both wanted more. But Elliot's family had other ideas... This book had me at the edge of my seat in suspense, I laughed, cried and felt their frustration and anger. I honestly don't think I've ever read a book of Noah Harris' that I didn't like! This was no exception. A beautiful story!
I love Noah Harris books. That’s the reason why I’ll always read his novels, even when (one of) the MCs does not appeal to me. Elliott was not so Alpha Male take charge as I like, but Orion is a sweetheart. That compensated the lack of ‘Alphaness’ in Elliott for me. And he completely made up for it in the end, when he took charge and defeated the bastard. Yes, that’s where the theme of rape comes in, which had me gaging for a bit; I read romance novels for the swooning, feel good experience. So that situation had me silently cussing and railing against the culprit, especially since Elliott seemed so helpless against him. But as I said, Elliott saved the day. Noah is a great writer and in combination with Jeffrey Hering, I was very much entertained. I’ll listen to a Noah/Jeffrey audiobook any day! Four stars! ❤️
Healing the Hurt is a Dark Fated Mates Gay Romance by Noah Harris. Orion and Elliot are childhood friends but have never been more. When Elliots' power hungry parents plan his marriage to another powerful family's son, Elliot realizes he is little more than a pawn. But when his horrible fiance does a horrendous act upon Orion, Elliot knows revenge must be taken. And while planning the other man's downfall, Orion and Elliot realize just how close they are meant to be.
Oh my god! There were some parts in here that really hit my emotions and had me feeling for the characters. Orion's parents are Trash. Elliot's family are trash. Zacharias is beyond trash. Elliot and Orion though, oh I like those two.I love them together -sweet best friends to sexy fated mates. Their story has Trauma, suspense, angst and drama... it has love. A fantastic story that captured my interest and held it through out.
Wow, what a story! Healing the Hurt is a little edgier than normal for Noah Harris, dealing with darker themes. It’s such an excellent read. My heart went out to Orion and what he went through but also to Elliot. The two shifters were fated mates but also fated to endure so much hurt. Their support of each other was unwavering but their belief in themselves was a long time coming. I loved Orion's dream where he learned they were fated mates from the goddess. The shifting scenes are awesome and the final showdown pulls no punches. This is a must read. I read an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I’m not sure what to write here. At the back of my mind all through the book I couldn’t get past the “hurt”. I’m not sure why but, it seemed to cloud my enjoyment. Nothing is expanded upon what happens, thank goodness. This isn’t a dark story. I have read some really dark romances so the storyline has not affected me in some twisted way. I feel unfortunately that not enough time was given to the relationship between Orion and Elliot. I didn’t feel their connection. The ending itself seemed very abrupt, whether there is more to this story remains to be seen. I feel a bit unsatisfied and sort of lost.
Elliot and Orion have been friends since childhood.. Now Elliott has been ordered by his parents to marry Zacharias. The thought of marrying this vile, revolting person is almost too much for either Elliott or Orion to take. Especially, since Zacharias hurt Orion. Now all Elliott can think of is revenge and the feelings they suddenly have for each other. Can they do it? Move from friends to lovers? Get the revenge they seek? This was a good shifter story and romance. Be aware of triggers from abuse and assault.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5☆ good story Elliot and Orion have a lot in common, they have been best friends since childhood, had a secret crush on the other, and have parents that are bad - burr in different ways. A tragic event brings about some realizations and a lot of difficult decisions need to be made. A wonderful friendship, horrible parents, heartwrenching events, consequences, violence, trauma, taking a chance, love, and a satisfying HEA. I felt this story could have used a bit more details like .. did Orion go back to work after the event, and what about the "vaguely familiar paintings" at the gala?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Please note that this story includes an M/M rape which may disturb sensitive readers.
I liked this story overall, although it is definitely dark as per the description. I was disturbed by what happened to Orion and the way Elliot was too focused on keeping his parents happy and maintaining his inheritance to do right by him from the start. If Elliot really supported and loved Orion, he would demand justice right away. There is violence and bloodshed in the end, and more of a satisfied ending than a truly happy ending. Not my favorite from this author
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had me all in my feelings. To me, it was kinda darker and more tragic than what I've read from this author, but it blew me away emotionally. The characters parents were dreadful...just awful. The writing was just phenomenal; the storyline drew me in and wouldn't let me go. Elliott and Orion had my heart, and I desperately wanted them to overcome everything. This one left me speechless; just so good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My heart is shattered! Poor Ry! I'm crying with empathy! I had so much rage for those empty vessels called parents- self serving egomaniacal, greedy people doesn't begin to describe them! Zac was an arrogant boorish wannabe alpha, and a total waste of life! How could Elliot even stand to be around him?? I wish Elliot would have stood up and rebelled much sooner. So much drama action, tears, and sweet heat throughout. I loved this couple and became totally immersed in their journey.
I don’t normally read books as dark as this, only if they are written by authors that I trust will do a good job. Noah Harris has once again written a terrific book. The story of Elliot and Orion and their journey from friends to lovers is well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a wonderful book, I absolutely loved it! Definitely a must read, lots of drama, excitement, mystery and a beautiful love story! There is some darkness to this story and sad parts so keep the Kleenex handy. Your going to love this book! So many thanks, Honey Bee 🐝💋💙🤩🤠🎶
Healing the Hurt by Noah Harris is such a great story that I have really enjoyed reading very much. If you like reading LGBT, dark and paranormal romance in your stories than this story is definately for you to read and I recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wasn't sure how well I was going to take this story when the rape scene came up however, it was as bad as I thought I would be. I didn't like Zacharias before it happened and none of their families. Yay for Orion and Elliot they can now have a good life.
Noah Harris has done an amazing job of taking us on an journey of true friendship ending up as fated mates. Orion and Elliott's journeys lead them from the growing pains of hurtful and tragic events to the bond of love fated mates. This was well written and endearing. ⚘⚘⚘
This is a book about two childhood friends who call in love and have to fight too be together .
This was a decent read I liked this couple although I would have liked for Elliot to finally stand up to his parents and tell his parents to **ck off . And even though that prick got what he deserved I would have liked to see the whole family to down .
This read takes you from the start. Orion and Elliott grew up together and face different abuses from their parents. I hate that Orion did not even attempt to report the attack. This is their journey after such a horrific act. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
I really, really enjoyed this. I don't know what I had expected, but it was kind of dark, which added a layer of 'anything can happen'. I truly wasn't sure how it would end and I love that feeling in a book.
This was a pleasure to read and highly intriguing.
This is a sizzling tale ... filled with drama, hurt, courage and love. The result is incredible. Absolutely entertaining!! Once you start reading, you will not be able to stop. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy
Elliot and Orion have a lot in common, they have been best friends since childhood, had a secret crush on the other, and have parents that are bad but in different ways. A tragic event brings about some realizations and a lot of difficult decisions need to be made.
I loved this story. Two beings equally suffering. The suspense,emotional angst and excitement are just fabulous. A truly well written and awesome characters.