The Healing Hands of E'Lan by Leigh Jarrett

Title: Healing Hands of E’Lan

Author: Leigh Jarrett

Genre:  Gay Erotica

Length: Novelette (12,476 word count)

Publisher: Steambath Press (February 23rd. 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2½Hearts

Blurb: The sound of wolves howling in the distance only served to raise the already alarming rate of Zarum’s heart. He’d been waiting for longer than usual, and there was no sign of anyone approaching through the underbrush. If he hadn’t been held back for the past few nights to discuss clan politics with his father, the chief of clan Sil’na, he wouldn’t be scurrying around in the thick dark of a moonless night either; it was too dangerous to be out here alone. Zarum’s gut twisted with need, reminding him of why he was there in the dark, risking his life. It would only take one, and he needed more than a hand to satisfy him tonight.

Content Information: This book contains graphic depictions of male/male sexual practices, graphic language and other content that some readers may find objectionable.

Product Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/135527

Reviewer: Showme

Review:  E’Lan is a healer for her people’s tribe. She’s held above most in her tribe and choosing her mate falls to more than just her.  There is supposed to be a sign and her elders must approve. So she waits patiently while the others in the tribe are mated. She’s free to bed whom she wants but only a small few know her secret. E’Lan is a man. Once a year a mating ceremony takes place and this E’Lan sees the one. He knows right away and sets to seducing him. Problem is Zarum has a secret also. He prefers men.  Zarem sees E’Lan as the rest of the people would, as a woman, so he fights the attraction he doesn’t understand since he’s never wanted a woman before.

I enjoyed E’Lan’s bold character.  His true self must stay hidden but he’s sexually aggressive when he sees something he wants or when opportunity presents itself. He’s good at what he does and is willing to spend his life alone to do his duty of being a healer.

Zarem’s character never really became real to me. He spent most of the page time in a sexual act or being confused. He admitted to liking and being able to be turned on by E’Lan, while all the while denying any possibility of a relationship with E’Lan. He even tells his dad he won’t mate with her even though it is a true honor to be a healer’s partner.

This story had some possibility but it was just too short and ended so abruptly.  Zarem’s character never coming to life made this just an okay read.  I don’t mind insta love stories, but this was instant insta-love.