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Celta's Heartmates #4
Heart Choice
With her mystical Celta novels, RITA Award -- winning author Robin D. Owens built a world where psychic talents thrive and desires flourish. Now, she returns with a tale of heart, healing, and the meaning of family...
Due to a genetic disorder, Straif Blackthorn is the last of his line. Determined to rebuild his heritage and protect future generations of Blackthorns from the disease, he works tirelessly to find a cure. Nothing else matters to him...until meets Mitchella Clover...
But Mitchella is not a woman Straif can build a family with, for she is unable to bear children. Unwilling to let his bloodline fail, Straif refuses to pursue his feelings. Mitchella knows that a family is founded on love, not blood, but unless Straif sees this, they cannot be together, no matter how much they desire to be. Only when an unforeseen tragedy threatens to overshadow them do they realize what truly matters--and what they truly mean to each other...
Due to a genetic disorder, Straif Blackthorn is the last of his line. Determined to rebuild his heritage and protect future generations of Blackthorns from the disease, he works tirelessly to find a cure. Nothing else matters to him...until meets Mitchella Clover...
But Mitchella is not a woman Straif can build a family with, for she is unable to bear children. Unwilling to let his bloodline fail, Straif refuses to pursue his feelings. Mitchella knows that a family is founded on love, not blood, but unless Straif sees this, they cannot be together, no matter how much they desire to be. Only when an unforeseen tragedy threatens to overshadow them do they realize what truly matters--and what they truly mean to each other...
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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661 people want to read
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May 16, 2015
This book is where some of the major faults of the series start to bog the reader down-- the core struggle in the romance is based largely in the whole "being infertile is the worst thing that could ever happen to a woman" deal. It's a tired trope and it's frustrating that Mitchella, who is a really fun character, got bogged down with this albatross of a plot device.
Straif isn't particularly interesting, back to the old "big, tough, alpha male" type...and after Ruis and Holm, it's not all that fun of a transition. His obsession with blood lineage is just...trying. He's undeserving of his leading lady and takes a really long time to get his head out of his ass. (Also in later books he spends a ton of time outside the city and leaves Mitchella alone...what's up with that nonsense? Why wouldn't he take her with him or, I dunno, spend more time with his residence, like the FirstFamilies Council told him to do?)
Mitchella is the shining star of the book; she's vivacious and fun and her love of her adopted son, Antenn, is really nice. She has a really strong identity outside of her relationship with Straif and that's something I appreciate a lot.
The psychic cat of the book, Drina, would have been a lot more fun if the book wasn't constantly reminding you that she's a female cat and that's why she's vain, capricious, and likes shopping. The embedded misogyny of the whole thing just gets so wearying. Vanity and capriciousness are traits already associated with felines, so why does Straif have to point out that Drina is a female cat every other interaction when we could have just as well went: she's a cat, of course she's going to be vain and capricious, that's how cats are sometimes.
Pros: Mitchella and Antenn are fun characters, leading lady isn't defined by her special snowflake magic powers but instead by her own craft
Cons: internalized misogyny of the series is especially strong in this installment of the series, falls prey to the "infertility is the worst punishment for a woman" trope, leading man is mildly unpleasant, the normally fun part with psychic cats is bogged down with more misogyny
Straif isn't particularly interesting, back to the old "big, tough, alpha male" type...and after Ruis and Holm, it's not all that fun of a transition. His obsession with blood lineage is just...trying. He's undeserving of his leading lady and takes a really long time to get his head out of his ass. (Also in later books he spends a ton of time outside the city and leaves Mitchella alone...what's up with that nonsense? Why wouldn't he take her with him or, I dunno, spend more time with his residence, like the FirstFamilies Council told him to do?)
Mitchella is the shining star of the book; she's vivacious and fun and her love of her adopted son, Antenn, is really nice. She has a really strong identity outside of her relationship with Straif and that's something I appreciate a lot.
The psychic cat of the book, Drina, would have been a lot more fun if the book wasn't constantly reminding you that she's a female cat and that's why she's vain, capricious, and likes shopping. The embedded misogyny of the whole thing just gets so wearying. Vanity and capriciousness are traits already associated with felines, so why does Straif have to point out that Drina is a female cat every other interaction when we could have just as well went: she's a cat, of course she's going to be vain and capricious, that's how cats are sometimes.
Pros: Mitchella and Antenn are fun characters, leading lady isn't defined by her special snowflake magic powers but instead by her own craft
Cons: internalized misogyny of the series is especially strong in this installment of the series, falls prey to the "infertility is the worst punishment for a woman" trope, leading man is mildly unpleasant, the normally fun part with psychic cats is bogged down with more misogyny
February 13, 2013
After losing his whole family to a Celtan disease, Straif T’Blackthorne is the only one of his line left. He was only 17 at the time, and the only reason he survived was because he was going trough his second Passage, and his dying parents send their last strength his way. He has felt guilty all his life, and has scoured the planet for a cure. But to no avail. He has been back to Druida back from time to time, and has visited his mothers relatives, the Hollies. Both Tinne and Holm are good friends of his.
But now he has come back home to stay, and has to put the Blackthorne residence back to its former luster. He has neglected it sadly, as he just couldn’t deal with the memories. So on advice of his new FamCat Drina, he asks Mitchella Clover to re-decorate his Residence. Mitchella is very pleased with the assignment, especially because she really needs the job, and it is no-expense barred. So she and her foster son Antenn Moss will be spending a lot of time at Blackthorne Residence. Antenn has Flair for architecture, so he can certainly help out. But unfortunately, Antenn soon notices the great attraction between Mitchella en Straif, and he dislikes it. It will only get Mitchella hurt. Straif will never marry her if he finds out she is barren due to a childhood disease, and he needs to build his family back up. Besides, Straif has a HeartMate.
Straif is not really ready for all of this, the memories of his parents and his little sister are hurtful, but Mitchella expertly deals with it, redecorating the rooms so no memories linger. The House is also glad Straif is back, and is setting it to rights.
But perhaps Straif has come home to late, there is a cousin who challenges his right to be T’Blackthorne. And as a result of that challenge, Mitchella and Straif have to work around the clock to get the House back in shape, and with a minimal budget, as his family funds have been frozen until after the Councils decision. The help of a lot of other Nobles is required in a Healing Ritual for the House and Grounds, sending their Flair and goodwill. Even the very pregnant SupremeJudge Ailim Elder has come, without her husband.
And then there is someone trying to kill Mitchella. Is it the secret Blackthorne? Trying to stop the renovation? Or is it someone else altogether? Straif keeps searching for a clue to his family genetic fault, and finally he asks for help from the space ship and its Captain, Ruis Elder. But is he willing to pay the prize for the cure?
GreatLord Vinnie T’Vine becomes friends with Antenn and the other Clover boys. His guardians are raising him very strictly, but due to his great Flair he manages to escape them every now and then.
After rejecting their son Holm’s HeartMate, and disowning him, making Tinne the new HollyHeir, things are not going well for T’Holly and D’Holly. They had vowed upon their Honor to welcome their son’s HeartMate. So when they break that vow, ill health and unhappiness settles upon their House. In the meanwhile, Lark and Holm have made a new life for themselves in Gael City. But T’Holly is to stubborn to admit he was wrong, and to bring his son back into the Holly Family. His mother’s Family has “adopted” him, so his last name is now Apple. He would have preferred a more masculine name, but he can’t afford to alienate those relatives as well. But even though they live far away, he stays a good friend to Straif, like T’Ash.
I have met Mitchella Clover in the previous books, and liked her. Best friend to Danith D’Ash, I liked how she stood up for her. And now it is her own story. And I loved it.
Mitchella can’t have children and for a member of the only children rich family on Celta, that is a hard fate. She has grieved, and accepted it, and in Antenn she has found the son of her heart. They are very close. And now Straif barges into their lives. After her own house is burned to the ground, she and Antenn move into Blackthorne Residence. Which makes working there easier, but also flares the attraction between Mitchella and Straif, and Mitchella doesn’t really want to deny it. She knows it is only an affair, he will need to find his HeartMate eventually, and she accepts that. For now, she will love Straif and take whatever passion and love he can give back.
And Straif. Well. Sigh. He has been through a lot in his life, but now he wants it all. He will fight for his title, and his Family Residence. But he dreams of his own Family and children, and when he finally finds out, Mitchella can’t give them to him, he doesn’t know what to do. Yes, he wants her, but he wants his own bloodline more. Typical stubborn man, who cannot look past his own nose.
When Straif and Mitchella are together, things are great between them. They really fit. The passion between them flares, and their lovescenes are great. I loved the part where Antenn finally accepts Straif into their lives, after their adventure.
Mitchella is the strong one in this book, this relationship, and I really admire her.
The parts with all the FamAnimals are great, and Drina is such a dislikable creature. Very selfish and demanding, unlike the other kittens and cats I have met. But Straif loves the little half Siamese cat, and gives in a lot. And there is a FamFox, who attaches itself to Winterberry.
I just love this series. The writing style, the characters, the worldbuilding, the stories, everything.
9,5 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
But now he has come back home to stay, and has to put the Blackthorne residence back to its former luster. He has neglected it sadly, as he just couldn’t deal with the memories. So on advice of his new FamCat Drina, he asks Mitchella Clover to re-decorate his Residence. Mitchella is very pleased with the assignment, especially because she really needs the job, and it is no-expense barred. So she and her foster son Antenn Moss will be spending a lot of time at Blackthorne Residence. Antenn has Flair for architecture, so he can certainly help out. But unfortunately, Antenn soon notices the great attraction between Mitchella en Straif, and he dislikes it. It will only get Mitchella hurt. Straif will never marry her if he finds out she is barren due to a childhood disease, and he needs to build his family back up. Besides, Straif has a HeartMate.
Straif is not really ready for all of this, the memories of his parents and his little sister are hurtful, but Mitchella expertly deals with it, redecorating the rooms so no memories linger. The House is also glad Straif is back, and is setting it to rights.
But perhaps Straif has come home to late, there is a cousin who challenges his right to be T’Blackthorne. And as a result of that challenge, Mitchella and Straif have to work around the clock to get the House back in shape, and with a minimal budget, as his family funds have been frozen until after the Councils decision. The help of a lot of other Nobles is required in a Healing Ritual for the House and Grounds, sending their Flair and goodwill. Even the very pregnant SupremeJudge Ailim Elder has come, without her husband.
And then there is someone trying to kill Mitchella. Is it the secret Blackthorne? Trying to stop the renovation? Or is it someone else altogether? Straif keeps searching for a clue to his family genetic fault, and finally he asks for help from the space ship and its Captain, Ruis Elder. But is he willing to pay the prize for the cure?
GreatLord Vinnie T’Vine becomes friends with Antenn and the other Clover boys. His guardians are raising him very strictly, but due to his great Flair he manages to escape them every now and then.
After rejecting their son Holm’s HeartMate, and disowning him, making Tinne the new HollyHeir, things are not going well for T’Holly and D’Holly. They had vowed upon their Honor to welcome their son’s HeartMate. So when they break that vow, ill health and unhappiness settles upon their House. In the meanwhile, Lark and Holm have made a new life for themselves in Gael City. But T’Holly is to stubborn to admit he was wrong, and to bring his son back into the Holly Family. His mother’s Family has “adopted” him, so his last name is now Apple. He would have preferred a more masculine name, but he can’t afford to alienate those relatives as well. But even though they live far away, he stays a good friend to Straif, like T’Ash.
I have met Mitchella Clover in the previous books, and liked her. Best friend to Danith D’Ash, I liked how she stood up for her. And now it is her own story. And I loved it.
Mitchella can’t have children and for a member of the only children rich family on Celta, that is a hard fate. She has grieved, and accepted it, and in Antenn she has found the son of her heart. They are very close. And now Straif barges into their lives. After her own house is burned to the ground, she and Antenn move into Blackthorne Residence. Which makes working there easier, but also flares the attraction between Mitchella and Straif, and Mitchella doesn’t really want to deny it. She knows it is only an affair, he will need to find his HeartMate eventually, and she accepts that. For now, she will love Straif and take whatever passion and love he can give back.
And Straif. Well. Sigh. He has been through a lot in his life, but now he wants it all. He will fight for his title, and his Family Residence. But he dreams of his own Family and children, and when he finally finds out, Mitchella can’t give them to him, he doesn’t know what to do. Yes, he wants her, but he wants his own bloodline more. Typical stubborn man, who cannot look past his own nose.
When Straif and Mitchella are together, things are great between them. They really fit. The passion between them flares, and their lovescenes are great. I loved the part where Antenn finally accepts Straif into their lives, after their adventure.
Mitchella is the strong one in this book, this relationship, and I really admire her.
The parts with all the FamAnimals are great, and Drina is such a dislikable creature. Very selfish and demanding, unlike the other kittens and cats I have met. But Straif loves the little half Siamese cat, and gives in a lot. And there is a FamFox, who attaches itself to Winterberry.
I just love this series. The writing style, the characters, the worldbuilding, the stories, everything.
9,5 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
November 16, 2011
Poor Straif; his entire family was wiped out by a plot hole. Just went downhill from there. Must find cure for plot hole, must pass on his genes, must restore Residence to a semblance of livability, must find heart mate. Oh wait; heart mate is right under his nose and she's STERILE. Aaannnd we have another plot hole - a ship with mostly forgotten technology apparently has forgotten 20th century cloning, gene splicing, etc. Riiiight.
We've cloned sheep, several horses, we've spliced glowing something or other from unrelated species into an albino zebra danio (fish) to create the somewhat infamous glow-fish. But we can't possibly use our heroine's DNA to create a baby. Wow.
And what's with all these heroes with anger management issues? Red haze of anger?! What are they - vampires?
We've cloned sheep, several horses, we've spliced glowing something or other from unrelated species into an albino zebra danio (fish) to create the somewhat infamous glow-fish. But we can't possibly use our heroine's DNA to create a baby. Wow.
And what's with all these heroes with anger management issues? Red haze of anger?! What are they - vampires?
October 17, 2012
This has been sitting on my TBR shelf for ages and I have no idea why as I've liked all the other books in the series. The next one comes out in a few weeks, so it seemed like a good time to get into gear and read this one.
I'm glad I did. I like Celta and it's people and it was good to visit again. This novel isn't so much about the romance between Straif and Mitchella as it is about facing one's demons and discovering if love can overcome obsession or feed it.
Mitchella has already worked through her demons before the book begins - this one is about Straif as he deals with the loss of his family years ago and very slowly begins to learn that familes are built from love as much as if not more than blood.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and I'm glad there will be another one soon.
[Copied across from Library Thing; 17 October 2012]
I'm glad I did. I like Celta and it's people and it was good to visit again. This novel isn't so much about the romance between Straif and Mitchella as it is about facing one's demons and discovering if love can overcome obsession or feed it.
Mitchella has already worked through her demons before the book begins - this one is about Straif as he deals with the loss of his family years ago and very slowly begins to learn that familes are built from love as much as if not more than blood.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and I'm glad there will be another one soon.
[Copied across from Library Thing; 17 October 2012]
December 22, 2016
A good light read. Brain candy for when you want something fun, a little bit silly, with the predictable happy ending. I could do with a little less emphasis on romantic love as the end-all be-all of life, but as an adoptee I love the exploration of family-by-choice in contrast with family-by-blood.
And the cats, as always, are just fun.
And the cats, as always, are just fun.
January 20, 2012
I liked this couple although I found Mitchella a bit cloying...still I give her props for walking away and being a survivor. Drina was the most annoying Fam ever....I really enjoyed this one
September 10, 2019
2019 bk 288. The main characters of this story are two people deemed flawed by Celtan society. Michaela is barren as a result of disease and Straif has a gene that leaves he and his bloodline vulnerable to a deadly virus. Straif has spent years searching Celta for plants and people who might be able to help, Michaela has stayed in Druida City, coming to terms with her inability to have children by taking on a ward. The two come together when Straif realizes that he will lose his home if he doesn't take care of it. Hiring Michaela, an upcoming interior designer, the two work together to restore his residence and property. Evil forces are at play - using flair to destroy what has been created on one hand and a challenge to Straif's fitness to be in control of the Blackthorn property and money. As the two work together their bond of love grows. A fund Sunday afternoon read.
April 27, 2023
Re-read.
When I first read this book, I didn't really like it. I didn't like the snotty cat, didn't care about the plot, and only finished it, because I realized that not only time passed with each book so, I could see what had happened with the previous couples, but, I might meet future couples. The other times that I read this book, was simply because it was part of the series. However, this time, I found that I liked the book and it set up so much more for future couples, if you paid attention. And as for the cat, she's still snotty, but, I don't dislike her as much, and now I understand the plot a lot more.
When I first read this book, I didn't really like it. I didn't like the snotty cat, didn't care about the plot, and only finished it, because I realized that not only time passed with each book so, I could see what had happened with the previous couples, but, I might meet future couples. The other times that I read this book, was simply because it was part of the series. However, this time, I found that I liked the book and it set up so much more for future couples, if you paid attention. And as for the cat, she's still snotty, but, I don't dislike her as much, and now I understand the plot a lot more.
October 11, 2020
Celta's Heartmates #4
I have enjoyed each addition to this series. The world building continues with each book and I'm looking forward to the next installment. Enjoy!
I think that the narrator irritated me lesson this book banning has yet. I hope this trend continues.
Read:
October 10-11, 2020 – Audible Plus
I have enjoyed each addition to this series. The world building continues with each book and I'm looking forward to the next installment. Enjoy!
I think that the narrator irritated me lesson this book banning has yet. I hope this trend continues.
Read:
October 10-11, 2020 – Audible Plus
Read
March 27, 2024You know it’s a good book when you want to go back and reread the whole series over just cause it’s been a couple years but it’s worth it if you love a story that’s placed another time with a little bit of a twist to it. You love this book pick it up and try it.
November 1, 2017
Straif finally learns the meaning of life
February 6, 2018
passionate writing with style, strong characters and a fine weaving of story and human insight.
June 14, 2018
I still like this series, snarky telepathic talking cats, magic and all. I found it hard to put this one down.
February 16, 2019
Marvelous world. I loved the story, the characters, the cats, Celta!
May 26, 2020
3. 5
November 17, 2020
The last few chapters had my nerves on end lol
Read
September 7, 20214/30/2010 Reread 1/14/19
November 27, 2022
Very poor read. There was no reason to put magic and spell and stuff, could have been a better writing if presented as usual.
Read
February 3, 2018I'm totally baffled by the idea that the original colonists fled earth in order to escape persecution for being different, only to establish a society with extremely strict class lines. They were persecuted for their Flair, and went on to create a society where those with Flair are at the top and looking down on the commoners. The original investors became the First Families noble class, and the workers (who ultimately had more to do with the ship reaching Celta at all, and were born and died on the journey) became commoners. Really?
So much doesn't make sense. The councils just arbitrarily make new demands on Straif to prove himself, the first families supposedly overruled by the others. If by their own law he can't wasn't neglectful without the residence dying, then there's literally no case against him. Just ask the residence and the matter is done. Even changing the structure or whatever doesn't mean he's negligent, since I'm sure other families have done so. And how can it be fair to keep changing the time on everything, and show up for early inspections? Saying that Straif leaving to track a kid is more neglect of his duties...his Flair is tracking. His duties consist of using his Flair on behalf of Celta.
So much just doesn't make sense. Why did his entire family die with Straif waking alone in the ballroom, instead of surrounded by Healers? Why did his mother die of this simple disease when she isn't a blood relative of the Blackthorns? She may have died later because her heartmate died, but she shouldn't have a problem with this disease. If nearly the entire family dies off every few generations, how have they survived at all, and why would any other families still marry into theirs? What about members of the Blackthorns that marry outside and leave? Do they all die and pass down this genetic flaw? How did the family unknowingly get sick from a mine, causing a genetic flaw that passes down unfailingly for generations except for the Betony branch? How did a untrained city kid who can't even ride a horse evade the world's best tracker and beat him to the mine? How did a gyrrchomp corner them when they can teleport? That seemed like a unnecessary plot device. Did they ever solve who fire bombed Mitchella's house? Where do people get these fire bombs? I guess being pregnant and teleporting isn't dangerous since Danith does it quite a bit, even though in Heart Journey it's not ok. The author is very lazy about world building.
Once again, the villains are one dimensional and obvious. They had no subtlety or fear of consequences. Why would a construction foreman hit his client? That particular incident just gets glossed over, no real reason behind it. The real villain comes out of left field with no real purpose, and was totally unnecessary. She was dealt with very quickly so it wasn't even interesting. Seriously, they didn't even call the guards in, just teleported her dead body when it was over and cleaned up the house, no investigation needed. The guards are always late to an emergency (seriously, people only remember to teleport when it's convenient to the story). I assume she's the one that took over Zanth's will, but who knows how since that never happened before or since. And who knows why T'Ash didn't sense there was a problem, since normally a Fam's distress or injury is immediately known. It's not even clear how she got Drina, or what she was accomplishing. And how does pylor boost visions when it puts people to sleep? How did Straif not see this woman was nuts, when her house was scary and the healers can tell from her body that she was insane? I wish they had somehow addressed the fact that she resembled Mitchella so strongly. Why mention it and not use that to point out to Straif that maybe he was looking for his heartmate all these years after all? Turquoise house is completely glossed over in here, barely mentioned, though I know he'll be a major character later. I don't see how he remained so nice, with a crazy resident imbuing him with negativity, while meanwhile Yew residence is apparently going insane because it's whole family is evil. And I'm confused because Antenn and Mitchella didn't spend any time living in TQ, which was the impression I had in his book. Nor did he ask Mitchella to adopt him there, which I could swear he said later....so either he occupied the house prior to meeting Mitchella, or it's just more screwy world building.
So much doesn't make sense. The councils just arbitrarily make new demands on Straif to prove himself, the first families supposedly overruled by the others. If by their own law he can't wasn't neglectful without the residence dying, then there's literally no case against him. Just ask the residence and the matter is done. Even changing the structure or whatever doesn't mean he's negligent, since I'm sure other families have done so. And how can it be fair to keep changing the time on everything, and show up for early inspections? Saying that Straif leaving to track a kid is more neglect of his duties...his Flair is tracking. His duties consist of using his Flair on behalf of Celta.
So much just doesn't make sense. Why did his entire family die with Straif waking alone in the ballroom, instead of surrounded by Healers? Why did his mother die of this simple disease when she isn't a blood relative of the Blackthorns? She may have died later because her heartmate died, but she shouldn't have a problem with this disease. If nearly the entire family dies off every few generations, how have they survived at all, and why would any other families still marry into theirs? What about members of the Blackthorns that marry outside and leave? Do they all die and pass down this genetic flaw? How did the family unknowingly get sick from a mine, causing a genetic flaw that passes down unfailingly for generations except for the Betony branch? How did a untrained city kid who can't even ride a horse evade the world's best tracker and beat him to the mine? How did a gyrrchomp corner them when they can teleport? That seemed like a unnecessary plot device. Did they ever solve who fire bombed Mitchella's house? Where do people get these fire bombs? I guess being pregnant and teleporting isn't dangerous since Danith does it quite a bit, even though in Heart Journey it's not ok. The author is very lazy about world building.
Once again, the villains are one dimensional and obvious. They had no subtlety or fear of consequences. Why would a construction foreman hit his client? That particular incident just gets glossed over, no real reason behind it. The real villain comes out of left field with no real purpose, and was totally unnecessary. She was dealt with very quickly so it wasn't even interesting. Seriously, they didn't even call the guards in, just teleported her dead body when it was over and cleaned up the house, no investigation needed. The guards are always late to an emergency (seriously, people only remember to teleport when it's convenient to the story). I assume she's the one that took over Zanth's will, but who knows how since that never happened before or since. And who knows why T'Ash didn't sense there was a problem, since normally a Fam's distress or injury is immediately known. It's not even clear how she got Drina, or what she was accomplishing. And how does pylor boost visions when it puts people to sleep? How did Straif not see this woman was nuts, when her house was scary and the healers can tell from her body that she was insane? I wish they had somehow addressed the fact that she resembled Mitchella so strongly. Why mention it and not use that to point out to Straif that maybe he was looking for his heartmate all these years after all? Turquoise house is completely glossed over in here, barely mentioned, though I know he'll be a major character later. I don't see how he remained so nice, with a crazy resident imbuing him with negativity, while meanwhile Yew residence is apparently going insane because it's whole family is evil. And I'm confused because Antenn and Mitchella didn't spend any time living in TQ, which was the impression I had in his book. Nor did he ask Mitchella to adopt him there, which I could swear he said later....so either he occupied the house prior to meeting Mitchella, or it's just more screwy world building.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
It’s been years since Straif lost his whole family to a sickness that still plagues his genes. Searching desperately for a cure, knowing he cannot continue his line and risk passing the fatal gene on to his children, Straif has finally returned home… Without the cure, unfortunately. And not only is his family gone, but his residence is in a sad state of disrepair. To leave the residence is its current condition if an extreme scandal. So now, he needs a decorator.
That’s when Mitchella enters his life. A commoner but a member of a well-respected family, she is a talented decorator. And an attractive woman. One that Straif finds himself attached to very quickly. But unfortunately, Mitchella knows that whatever relationship they do have, it can never possibly be the one Straif wants. Because Mitchella cannot have children. And Straif needs children to continue his line. And that paired with the other Blackthorne family member who is seeking claim to the title, Straif needs a wife who can show people he is a rightful heir to the title.
I don’t think I was in the right mindset to properly enjoy this book. I know this author is capable of writing a story which grabs my attention and although most of the series is a copy of format and that can get boring, sometimes she manages to achieve greatness. This book was not one of the greatest. I found it rather boring and predictable. I didn’t dislike Straif nor Mitchella as characters but nothing about them really grabbed my attention. Plus the villain was absent for the majority of the book making for his sudden surprise entrance somewhat lackluster.
That’s when Mitchella enters his life. A commoner but a member of a well-respected family, she is a talented decorator. And an attractive woman. One that Straif finds himself attached to very quickly. But unfortunately, Mitchella knows that whatever relationship they do have, it can never possibly be the one Straif wants. Because Mitchella cannot have children. And Straif needs children to continue his line. And that paired with the other Blackthorne family member who is seeking claim to the title, Straif needs a wife who can show people he is a rightful heir to the title.
I don’t think I was in the right mindset to properly enjoy this book. I know this author is capable of writing a story which grabs my attention and although most of the series is a copy of format and that can get boring, sometimes she manages to achieve greatness. This book was not one of the greatest. I found it rather boring and predictable. I didn’t dislike Straif nor Mitchella as characters but nothing about them really grabbed my attention. Plus the villain was absent for the majority of the book making for his sudden surprise entrance somewhat lackluster.
October 6, 2009
Rereading...
Heart Choice is book 4 in the Celtan Heart Mates series. The hero and heroine are very likable - but the conflict between them is irreconcilable. He wants a family more than anything - but only thinks of his own blood children, despite a genetic flaw which destroyed every member of his family when he was seventeen. She would love a family but is sterile due to a childhood illness. They might have overcome the differences in class and ability but she knows that anything between them is doomed by her sterility.
Other plot lines are threaded through the romance: a challenge to Straif's standing, the renovation of his Residence, and the politics and manipulation of alliances. Straif's fam was not very likable [although her snits were occassionally amusing:] she's the Paris Hilton of the feline fams...
One of the strengths of Robin Owens' writing is her believable world-building. She has crafted a fascinating, self-consistent world that she draws the reader into - background information always appears when needed and is never presented out of context. The characters have depth and you see their world, and their stories through their eyes.
Do not read the series out of order...
Celta Heart Mates series
1. Heart Mate (2001)
2. Heart Thief (2003)
3. Heart Duel (2004)
4. Heart Choice (2005)
5. Heart Quest (2006)
6. Heart Dance (2007)
7. Heart Fate (2008)
8. Heart Change (2009)
Heart Choice is book 4 in the Celtan Heart Mates series. The hero and heroine are very likable - but the conflict between them is irreconcilable. He wants a family more than anything - but only thinks of his own blood children, despite a genetic flaw which destroyed every member of his family when he was seventeen. She would love a family but is sterile due to a childhood illness. They might have overcome the differences in class and ability but she knows that anything between them is doomed by her sterility.
Other plot lines are threaded through the romance: a challenge to Straif's standing, the renovation of his Residence, and the politics and manipulation of alliances. Straif's fam was not very likable [although her snits were occassionally amusing:] she's the Paris Hilton of the feline fams...
One of the strengths of Robin Owens' writing is her believable world-building. She has crafted a fascinating, self-consistent world that she draws the reader into - background information always appears when needed and is never presented out of context. The characters have depth and you see their world, and their stories through their eyes.
Do not read the series out of order...
Celta Heart Mates series
1. Heart Mate (2001)
2. Heart Thief (2003)
3. Heart Duel (2004)
4. Heart Choice (2005)
5. Heart Quest (2006)
6. Heart Dance (2007)
7. Heart Fate (2008)
8. Heart Change (2009)
June 9, 2012
I enjoyed this book, although I thought it was about 50 pages too long. It became a bit repetitive, and I didn't need to read about the heroine, Mitchella'a, ideas for decorating each and every room. That got dull. I'm only so-so interested in that subject even when it's my own house. I liked that the central conflict-he wanted children of his own, she was sterile-was a difficult, real issue; it was one that would be hard for the parties in the real world. There was some good humor throughout the book. And the conclusion was very satisfying. I thought the Fam was hilarious; I would have liked for the heroine to be more bemused by the cat than annoyed, because for all the kitty's selfishness, there was no harm to her and she was loyal and helpful to her Man. I really liked it that the author has a fully realized world in Celta, and I liked it that characters from other books popped up. I also liked that the challenger to the estate had a legitimate gripe, and I liked the whole subplot where the house was sentient and a second house was beginning to become sentient. That was unique and clever. Two nits: the villain was too tangential to the story; and there should be a chart or tree or appendix for the characters, since there's so much cross over between the books. But none of the nits deterred from my enjoyment of the book. I will read more from this author.
October 12, 2014
I love a book where the hero has to choose between a "thing" or love. Usually the guy is so focused on the thing that he can't see past it and that is the case there.
Straif has been focused on finding a cure for his family's curse for the last 17 years, leaving his family's residence abandoned and barely participating in the big rituals. Time has come that he is forced to deal with his past and reclaiming his place in society. His first step is to recover his residence to it's past splendor. Then he will move on to finding his heart mate, and then re-populating his blood line.
Straif hires Mitchella to help him redecorate the house. The attraction between them even before any words are spoken. Mitchella is a commoner, one of the prolific Clover clan, however her life has been defined by being sterile. As the work proceeds so does the attraction, along with many problems. Straif's fam doesn't really like Mitchella, Mitchella's ward-son doesn't like Straif, and last but not least there is someone bobby trapping the house and spreading malicious rumors about both Straif and Mitchella. Every time they turn around there is trouble.
Along the way everyone involved have to learn what is important to them and what is not, each having a hard decision to make.
Straif has been focused on finding a cure for his family's curse for the last 17 years, leaving his family's residence abandoned and barely participating in the big rituals. Time has come that he is forced to deal with his past and reclaiming his place in society. His first step is to recover his residence to it's past splendor. Then he will move on to finding his heart mate, and then re-populating his blood line.
Straif hires Mitchella to help him redecorate the house. The attraction between them even before any words are spoken. Mitchella is a commoner, one of the prolific Clover clan, however her life has been defined by being sterile. As the work proceeds so does the attraction, along with many problems. Straif's fam doesn't really like Mitchella, Mitchella's ward-son doesn't like Straif, and last but not least there is someone bobby trapping the house and spreading malicious rumors about both Straif and Mitchella. Every time they turn around there is trouble.
Along the way everyone involved have to learn what is important to them and what is not, each having a hard decision to make.
December 20, 2016
The story of Mitchella, an interior designer, and Straif, the head of a Noble house that's been decimated by a Celtan disease.
Straif is determined to find a cure for the curse that's taken all his family, and rebuild what was lost, starting with the family's house, Blackthorne Residence. He hires Mitchella, and her forster son, Antenn, who has an affinity for architecture, and after a series of events, the two end up moving in Blackthorne Residence.
The attraction between Mitchella and Straif is strong, but Straif wants more than anything to have a family, and Mitchella is baren due to a childhood illness, forcing them to re-evaluate their priorities.
An engaging story in a world I enjoy very much. Next in the series comes Heart Quest.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Heart Mate (Celta's heartmates #1)
✦ Heart Thief(Celta's heartmates #2)
✦ Heart Duel(Celta's heartmates #3)
Straif is determined to find a cure for the curse that's taken all his family, and rebuild what was lost, starting with the family's house, Blackthorne Residence. He hires Mitchella, and her forster son, Antenn, who has an affinity for architecture, and after a series of events, the two end up moving in Blackthorne Residence.
The attraction between Mitchella and Straif is strong, but Straif wants more than anything to have a family, and Mitchella is baren due to a childhood illness, forcing them to re-evaluate their priorities.
An engaging story in a world I enjoy very much. Next in the series comes Heart Quest.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Heart Mate (Celta's heartmates #1)
✦ Heart Thief(Celta's heartmates #2)
✦ Heart Duel(Celta's heartmates #3)
November 16, 2007
Book four of the cleta series and this time is about T'Blackthorn and Michelle from the clovers, one of the most abundant fertility life on celta, and how one T'Blackthorn is back, he has to try to maintain his residence. Michelle is the person who will remodel his residence but along the way they find attraction in each other since the beginning and can't help but fall for each other though both keep denying it. Michelle is barren while T'Blackthorn wants to keep his line from dying out though the reason he's the last one of his line is because of a disease and killed all those of the T'Blackthorn residence but him. He has a choice to make, his line or his love for Michelle who later we find out is his heartmate. Still along the way another Blackthorn is found and challenges T'Blackthorn to keep the residence while Michelle's life is in danger because of one of T'Blackthorn's ex-lovers has gone mad. Very heated story and about chosing love over all else or to stick with tradition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2016
I read this book for our Reader's Advisory session on Paranormal Romance. While it is a romance -- girl meets boy, boy has gene that makes all his family susceptible to a deadly virus, girl is sterile, boy and girl live happily every after -- and it is paranormal -- telepathic houses and cats (and a fox), special abilities (the Flairs), magic rituals -- what it really is science fiction/fantasy. The people here have landed on a new planet and colonized it. This book is the third in the series so I'll have to read the first two to find out the backstory. The characters are all wonderful. The writing is dense enough that you don't read it in a night. It would make an incredible graphic novel. The descriptions are amazing. Definitely a book to give a Jayne Castle fan, but also fans of fantasy books by Andre Norton and Marion Zimmer Bradley.
The first book is out of print, but available as an ebook and in some libraries.
The first book is out of print, but available as an ebook and in some libraries.
August 25, 2016
T'Blackthorn is trying to renovate his estate that he abandoned as a teenager when his entire family died of a plague fatal only to Blackthorns. He needs a decorator so in comes Michaela Clover. He is searching for a cure and hopes to rebuild his family. Trouble is that she is sterile.
The introduction of a new sentience house is dramatic. If you're in the fight of your life it's nice to have the building you're fighting in dropping plaster on your opponent.
The Hollys, still under the curse of a broken vow, drift by ignoring all good advice to make amends. Former lovers are present - sometimes with offspring.
The introduction of a new sentience house is dramatic. If you're in the fight of your life it's nice to have the building you're fighting in dropping plaster on your opponent.
The Hollys, still under the curse of a broken vow, drift by ignoring all good advice to make amends. Former lovers are present - sometimes with offspring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2019
Original review 9/2009: I'm really enjoying catching up with this series. I think the conflict in this book was one of the better of the series so far. I really wasn't sure how they would resolve the main issue between them.
I really liked both Straif and Michella. Their romance was well written and the issues they were dealing with were real and heartbreaking.
I did not like Straif's Fam. Which is unfortunate because I've really enjoyed all the previous ones.
I really liked both Straif and Michella. Their romance was well written and the issues they were dealing with were real and heartbreaking.
I did not like Straif's Fam. Which is unfortunate because I've really enjoyed all the previous ones.
April 23, 2012
I missed this one when it first came out. I've been in love with the world of Celta since HeartMate. Robin D. Owens is one of my favorite fantasy authors. I love her extra strong heroes that embody what we think of when we think "real men." They are honorable, will defend the heroine, will cherish the heroine and have a sense of humor!
This title deals with infertility in a way that's both thoughtful and touching. Well done!
This title deals with infertility in a way that's both thoughtful and touching. Well done!
January 30, 2014
Another great entry in series.
Straif Blackthorn, last of his line, struggles to restore his former home to its past glory.
Mitchella Clover has everything Straif could desire, except for the one precious thing.
The plot is fun, with a mysterious enemy causing havoc with the developing romance. The familiars are great, as usual. I adore the ever-growing planet of Celta and its many inhabitants.
A wonderful way to spend a dreary day.
Straif Blackthorn, last of his line, struggles to restore his former home to its past glory.
Mitchella Clover has everything Straif could desire, except for the one precious thing.
The plot is fun, with a mysterious enemy causing havoc with the developing romance. The familiars are great, as usual. I adore the ever-growing planet of Celta and its many inhabitants.
A wonderful way to spend a dreary day.
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