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Celta's Heartmates #3
Heart Duel
In HeartMate and Heart Thief, award-winning author Robin D. Owens built a world where psychic talents and desires of the heart flourish. Now, she returns to Celta with a story of star-crossed lovers...
Healer Lark Collinson hates the street dueling that is a way of life among the noble families on Celta--it was just such a skirmish that killed her Healer husband and left her a grieving widow. The last thing she wants is to love a man to whom fighting is a way of life--a man like the brashly confident Holm Holly.
All it takes is one brief touch for Holm to know that Lark is his HeartMate, though wooing her will be his greatest challenge. For not only does she despise everything he represents, but the long-standing feud between their families has exploded into even greater violence. Their destiny has been revealed...but at what cost to their own hearts?
Healer Lark Collinson hates the street dueling that is a way of life among the noble families on Celta--it was just such a skirmish that killed her Healer husband and left her a grieving widow. The last thing she wants is to love a man to whom fighting is a way of life--a man like the brashly confident Holm Holly.
All it takes is one brief touch for Holm to know that Lark is his HeartMate, though wooing her will be his greatest challenge. For not only does she despise everything he represents, but the long-standing feud between their families has exploded into even greater violence. Their destiny has been revealed...but at what cost to their own hearts?
339 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 6, 2004
63 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 29, 2022
2022 bk 295. Romeo and Juliet re-imagined - with adults, not teens as the main characters. When the daughter and son of a feuding house develop a romantic relationship against all odds there is bound to be fallout and there is. This book just draws you in to Lark and Holm's story.
February 12, 2013
Mayblossom Larkspur Bella Hawthorn Collinson, first daughter of T’Hawthorn hates her first name, and is mostly called Lark. She is a rare first grade Healer, and against the wishes of her father, she married a commoner, who had enough Flair to become a first grade Healer as well. But he died three years ago in a stupid duel by some nobles, and ever since Lark despises the nobles. They are thoughtless, and reckless and care for nothing but their own wants.
But she is lonely, and both her father T’Hawthorne as her maternal grandfather T’Heather have asked her to come live with them. Lark likes her freedom and really doesn’t want to do that, but she may have no choice in the matter. Her grandfather is also her boss, head of the Healers, and even though she has applied for the head Healer position in another city, her grandfather has a lot to say about that.
And now there is Holm Holly, determined to wiggle his way into her life. Yes, there is a lot of heat between them, but there is also an escalating feud between their two families, their fathers hate each other. So what does he want with her? He can have whomever he wants in his bed.
Holm Holly, HollyHeir, the first son and heir of T’Holly. His parents are HeartMates, and his three Passages have not revealed the existence of one for him, so he has known all along that he would have to marry for alliances. But now it seems he does have a HeartMate. She is apparently an older soul than he is, and he had to grow to find her in this life. And his involuntary journey with his brother Tinne in the previous book did the trick. He has found his HeartMate, but the wooing will certainly not be easy. Lark hates fighters as a Healer, and she dislikes nobles because her husband died for no reason at all, but wanting to stop a duelling pair. He is fighting her family, her father, her brother and cousins, because of the feud between them. He has no choice, as he is considered the best fighter on Celta.
The young T’Vine, the new and very powerful Seer, gives both Lark and Holly a kitten, two brothers. He knows about their HeartMate status, and tells Holly they will help him in his courtship. And so Holly sets out to court Lark, whom he calls Bella. She hates her firstname Mayflower, and he wants to call her something else, something no one else has named her before, especially her late husband. He sets out to impress her, which is also not a simple thing to do. He overwhelms her with gifts, hundreds of roses, lovely pastries (which his kitten gets to first), music written by his mother, and finally some lovely calligraphy texts, which is his other less well known talent. Lark loves to sail, solar sail that is, with wings and air currents, while Holm prefer sailing the sea in a boat. So when he joins her and her former sister in law, he wears a really outdated costume, and has to spend a lot of Flair used to stay airborne. But he improves rapidly, until an accident happens and it is Lark who saves them all. His ego just can’t handle that.
Then D’Holly gets stabbed by Lark’s young nephew, the FirstSon of HawthornHeir, and the feud escalates. Lark has to spend all her Healing Flair and time trying to heal D’Holly, and so do a lot of other Healers. But to no avail, as the dagger was poisoned with something unknown and a spell. Holm sees his father’s suffering when his HeartMate is dying, and knows if he loses his mother, his father will follow within the year, as so is the HeartMate Bond. Does he really want this for himself? The Bond between him and Lark is strong, but not irrevocable yet. So when he has finally made up his mind, he goes for it, not caring for Lark’s protests. He will win his Lady.
I liked Lark a lot in this story. She is strong and independent, and she thinks of the consequences of her actions with Holm, something Holm really doesn’t care about. I found him selfish a lot, and very demanding of her. She has to allow him to touch her, physically, or mentally so he will know what she feels and/or thinks. He is the guy who won’t take no for an answer, but he does not cross the line into forcing her. He also doubts himself too much to my liking. He has this picture of himself that he has to be perfect, and his younger brother has rescued him instead of he rescuing his brother, which really bothers him. And so he SleepShifts (instead of sleepwalking) to the Great Labyrinth.
I liked this different side of the world, Lark who can easily start her own GreatHouse, but is content working with the poor, Healing them. And arrogant Holm Holly, who really gets toned down in the end.
Of course, we meet the previous main characters again in this book, and had two new adorable kittens to love and laugh at. I am really curious about the next book, not a clue who those heroes will be.
Have I mentioned before, that this society is loosely based on Wicca, when Earth Wiccans left to create their own world? With lots of Celtic names used for the towns and other places? With rituals, honouring the Goddess and the God? Rituals of Healing?
9 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
But she is lonely, and both her father T’Hawthorne as her maternal grandfather T’Heather have asked her to come live with them. Lark likes her freedom and really doesn’t want to do that, but she may have no choice in the matter. Her grandfather is also her boss, head of the Healers, and even though she has applied for the head Healer position in another city, her grandfather has a lot to say about that.
And now there is Holm Holly, determined to wiggle his way into her life. Yes, there is a lot of heat between them, but there is also an escalating feud between their two families, their fathers hate each other. So what does he want with her? He can have whomever he wants in his bed.
Holm Holly, HollyHeir, the first son and heir of T’Holly. His parents are HeartMates, and his three Passages have not revealed the existence of one for him, so he has known all along that he would have to marry for alliances. But now it seems he does have a HeartMate. She is apparently an older soul than he is, and he had to grow to find her in this life. And his involuntary journey with his brother Tinne in the previous book did the trick. He has found his HeartMate, but the wooing will certainly not be easy. Lark hates fighters as a Healer, and she dislikes nobles because her husband died for no reason at all, but wanting to stop a duelling pair. He is fighting her family, her father, her brother and cousins, because of the feud between them. He has no choice, as he is considered the best fighter on Celta.
The young T’Vine, the new and very powerful Seer, gives both Lark and Holly a kitten, two brothers. He knows about their HeartMate status, and tells Holly they will help him in his courtship. And so Holly sets out to court Lark, whom he calls Bella. She hates her firstname Mayflower, and he wants to call her something else, something no one else has named her before, especially her late husband. He sets out to impress her, which is also not a simple thing to do. He overwhelms her with gifts, hundreds of roses, lovely pastries (which his kitten gets to first), music written by his mother, and finally some lovely calligraphy texts, which is his other less well known talent. Lark loves to sail, solar sail that is, with wings and air currents, while Holm prefer sailing the sea in a boat. So when he joins her and her former sister in law, he wears a really outdated costume, and has to spend a lot of Flair used to stay airborne. But he improves rapidly, until an accident happens and it is Lark who saves them all. His ego just can’t handle that.
Then D’Holly gets stabbed by Lark’s young nephew, the FirstSon of HawthornHeir, and the feud escalates. Lark has to spend all her Healing Flair and time trying to heal D’Holly, and so do a lot of other Healers. But to no avail, as the dagger was poisoned with something unknown and a spell. Holm sees his father’s suffering when his HeartMate is dying, and knows if he loses his mother, his father will follow within the year, as so is the HeartMate Bond. Does he really want this for himself? The Bond between him and Lark is strong, but not irrevocable yet. So when he has finally made up his mind, he goes for it, not caring for Lark’s protests. He will win his Lady.
I liked Lark a lot in this story. She is strong and independent, and she thinks of the consequences of her actions with Holm, something Holm really doesn’t care about. I found him selfish a lot, and very demanding of her. She has to allow him to touch her, physically, or mentally so he will know what she feels and/or thinks. He is the guy who won’t take no for an answer, but he does not cross the line into forcing her. He also doubts himself too much to my liking. He has this picture of himself that he has to be perfect, and his younger brother has rescued him instead of he rescuing his brother, which really bothers him. And so he SleepShifts (instead of sleepwalking) to the Great Labyrinth.
I liked this different side of the world, Lark who can easily start her own GreatHouse, but is content working with the poor, Healing them. And arrogant Holm Holly, who really gets toned down in the end.
Of course, we meet the previous main characters again in this book, and had two new adorable kittens to love and laugh at. I am really curious about the next book, not a clue who those heroes will be.
Have I mentioned before, that this society is loosely based on Wicca, when Earth Wiccans left to create their own world? With lots of Celtic names used for the towns and other places? With rituals, honouring the Goddess and the God? Rituals of Healing?
9 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
October 25, 2024
I love this series!!!
January 20, 2014
In her first novel, HeartMate, Robin D. Owens introduced us to the planet Celta. It was settled around 400 years ago by colonists from Earth. While I cannot remember if it is clearly stated, the colonists were primarily from the Celtic countries and left an increasingly technological Earth for a place where they could develop their psi talents, now known as "Flair".
Some very lucky Celtan couples find that they are HeartMates. This means they have a deep, life-long, flaired connection the binds them more strongly than what a couple that is simply in love can share. In the books so far, it has been the man who has first found his HeartMate and set to win her over, although on her website Owens states that it can also be the other way around. There are firm rules about wooing one's HeartMate, the most important one being that the fact the couple are, in fact, HeartMates must not be revealed until a gift and the union have already been accepted.
We first met Holm Holly, the hero of Heart Duel back in the original in the series. He was young, impulsive and the heir to a Noble House famous for its fighting skills. Now he is a little less young, a little less impulsive, a little more mature and still the heir to his House. He never discovered he had a HeartMate at the appropriate time and now he is being pressured to marry to provide his family with an heir of his own. Then, as the book begins, he discovers to his amazement that he does have a HeartMate after all; he had to mature enough to match her own, older soul.
Whether or not Holm has reached that point, and how he deals with the complications of his love are the main components of the book. There are a lot of complications. For starters, his lady - Lark Collinson - doesn't believe either of them has a HeartMate and that any relationship would be temporary. She is still getting over the death of her husband, three years ago. She is a Healer and Holm a Fighter, not exactly compatible callings. But the real kicker is that Holm's family is involved in a escalating feud with Lark's family. Winning her is not going to be easy.
As I reread what I've written so far, this all sounds very Romeo and Juliet, but I never once thought of that while I was reading the book, which tells me Owens has neatly avoided the risk of falling into cliché. Holm is an engaging hero as he tries his hardest to develop parts of his personality that he has either never uncovered or left long abandoned. The man he is at the end of the book is very different from who he was at the beginning and his development is both well-handled and occasionally painful. Lark's progress though the book is more gentle but still very real. She is a Healer to her fingertips and finding herself so attracted to a man trained to fight goes against everything she believes in.
An added bonus in each Celtan story is the presence of Owens' wonderful "Fam" cats. Intelligent, telepathic and superior, they can easily steal a scene if the rest of the characters are not careful. These books are lovely stories set in their own unique location. I love a mix of technology and magic and these fit that bill perfectly.
[Copied across from Library Thing; 25 September 2012]
Some very lucky Celtan couples find that they are HeartMates. This means they have a deep, life-long, flaired connection the binds them more strongly than what a couple that is simply in love can share. In the books so far, it has been the man who has first found his HeartMate and set to win her over, although on her website Owens states that it can also be the other way around. There are firm rules about wooing one's HeartMate, the most important one being that the fact the couple are, in fact, HeartMates must not be revealed until a gift and the union have already been accepted.
We first met Holm Holly, the hero of Heart Duel back in the original in the series. He was young, impulsive and the heir to a Noble House famous for its fighting skills. Now he is a little less young, a little less impulsive, a little more mature and still the heir to his House. He never discovered he had a HeartMate at the appropriate time and now he is being pressured to marry to provide his family with an heir of his own. Then, as the book begins, he discovers to his amazement that he does have a HeartMate after all; he had to mature enough to match her own, older soul.
Whether or not Holm has reached that point, and how he deals with the complications of his love are the main components of the book. There are a lot of complications. For starters, his lady - Lark Collinson - doesn't believe either of them has a HeartMate and that any relationship would be temporary. She is still getting over the death of her husband, three years ago. She is a Healer and Holm a Fighter, not exactly compatible callings. But the real kicker is that Holm's family is involved in a escalating feud with Lark's family. Winning her is not going to be easy.
As I reread what I've written so far, this all sounds very Romeo and Juliet, but I never once thought of that while I was reading the book, which tells me Owens has neatly avoided the risk of falling into cliché. Holm is an engaging hero as he tries his hardest to develop parts of his personality that he has either never uncovered or left long abandoned. The man he is at the end of the book is very different from who he was at the beginning and his development is both well-handled and occasionally painful. Lark's progress though the book is more gentle but still very real. She is a Healer to her fingertips and finding herself so attracted to a man trained to fight goes against everything she believes in.
An added bonus in each Celtan story is the presence of Owens' wonderful "Fam" cats. Intelligent, telepathic and superior, they can easily steal a scene if the rest of the characters are not careful. These books are lovely stories set in their own unique location. I love a mix of technology and magic and these fit that bill perfectly.
[Copied across from Library Thing; 25 September 2012]
July 16, 2015
The story of star-crossed lovers Holm Holly, heir of the notorious fighter clan, and Lark Collinson, healer and first daughter of the clan feuding with the Hollys.
Lark hates fighting and cannot see how she could ever have anything lasting with Holm, who knows that she is his heartmate and is determined to win her. The attraction between them is obvious and Lark can't resist him, but at the same time is too much of a coward to even consider giving them a chance.
I kept waiting for Lark to come around and stop being such an idiot, but that barely happened at the very end, when .
Too little too late and with a bittersweet kind of happy ending, which I didn't particularly enjoy, as .
I'm enjoying the world of the series and I'm hoping the next one, Heart Choice, will be better.
Lark hates fighting and cannot see how she could ever have anything lasting with Holm, who knows that she is his heartmate and is determined to win her. The attraction between them is obvious and Lark can't resist him, but at the same time is too much of a coward to even consider giving them a chance.
I kept waiting for Lark to come around and stop being such an idiot, but that barely happened at the very end, when .
Too little too late and with a bittersweet kind of happy ending, which I didn't particularly enjoy, as .
I'm enjoying the world of the series and I'm hoping the next one, Heart Choice, will be better.
October 12, 2014
This book is like a cross between the Hatfield's and Mc Coy's and Romeo and Juliet.
Holm didn't think he had a heart mate, but learned that, like many men he had to grown up first before he would be ready for her. He was thrown, learning that he had a heart mate at all, then knocked down to learn that is the daughter of the family his family was feuding with. Holm, close with his family does what he needs to do as the family heir.
Lark has her own issues with her family. As a healer she can't stand the fighting and won't do anything to support that. Lark didn't think she had a heart mate either. She even married and has been trying to recover from his death a few years earlier. She fights Holm's courtship with everything they had, even though they keep getting thrown together.
It seemed like at the center of all their problems is the feud. It was interesting to see how the battles would go and also how things ended. At one point I even had tears due to the actions of some of the people. While I wish things wouldn't have ended the way they did, it was the best outcome for both Holm and Lark.
Holm didn't think he had a heart mate, but learned that, like many men he had to grown up first before he would be ready for her. He was thrown, learning that he had a heart mate at all, then knocked down to learn that is the daughter of the family his family was feuding with. Holm, close with his family does what he needs to do as the family heir.
Lark has her own issues with her family. As a healer she can't stand the fighting and won't do anything to support that. Lark didn't think she had a heart mate either. She even married and has been trying to recover from his death a few years earlier. She fights Holm's courtship with everything they had, even though they keep getting thrown together.
It seemed like at the center of all their problems is the feud. It was interesting to see how the battles would go and also how things ended. At one point I even had tears due to the actions of some of the people. While I wish things wouldn't have ended the way they did, it was the best outcome for both Holm and Lark.
September 15, 2009
Owens has created an amazing world in her Celta series. I'm always truly impressed by how flawless her world-building is when I pick up one of her novels.
Generally the characters capture me as much as the world they live in, but that wasn't the case for the heroine of this book. Lark was selfish and bitter for 99% of this story. I didn't connect with her and, to be totally honest, had a hard time even tolerating her for most of the story.
The fact that she hurt Holm again and again without thought was bad enough, but she was a Healer. It didn't speak well of her, IMO, that she could be so callous in disregarding his feelings for her.
I did love Holm, though I think he took too much upon himself and should have let go of his guilt sooner than he did. Also? He should have held out longer against Lark in the end. She deserved more punishment than she got.
Generally the characters capture me as much as the world they live in, but that wasn't the case for the heroine of this book. Lark was selfish and bitter for 99% of this story. I didn't connect with her and, to be totally honest, had a hard time even tolerating her for most of the story.
The fact that she hurt Holm again and again without thought was bad enough, but she was a Healer. It didn't speak well of her, IMO, that she could be so callous in disregarding his feelings for her.
I did love Holm, though I think he took too much upon himself and should have let go of his guilt sooner than he did. Also? He should have held out longer against Lark in the end. She deserved more punishment than she got.
October 30, 2012
3.5 stars
I was looking forward to reading Holm (HollyHeir)'s book. He's the golden child, the First Son of a First Family, born with all the privileges of his class into a family known for their fighting skills.
Unlike the first two heros in the series so far, who both had very difficult childhoods, his was smooth except for not having found a Heartmate through his Passages. It was interesting to pair him up with noble-born female Healer Lark who abhors violence and is also the First Daughter of his family's sworn enemy.
However, I have to admit the climax/ending threw me off a bit and is not what I was expecting. Holm and Lark's story doesn't feel finish to me... I'm hoping to see them again in the future books and get a more "proper" HEA....
I was looking forward to reading Holm (HollyHeir)'s book. He's the golden child, the First Son of a First Family, born with all the privileges of his class into a family known for their fighting skills.
Unlike the first two heros in the series so far, who both had very difficult childhoods, his was smooth except for not having found a Heartmate through his Passages. It was interesting to pair him up with noble-born female Healer Lark who abhors violence and is also the First Daughter of his family's sworn enemy.
However, I have to admit the climax/ending threw me off a bit and is not what I was expecting. Holm and Lark's story doesn't feel finish to me... I'm hoping to see them again in the future books and get a more "proper" HEA....
August 20, 2013
Another satisfying book. The Familiars are getting a little lame... I'm hoping the Familiars in the next few books get a little cheekier. The were a little too pet cat-like this time around. the plot line was quick and there was a plot twist, I didn't see coming but it made sense when all the cards were laid out. Celta is a place I like to go when I don't want to think about reality.
August 23, 2015
I have mixed feelings about this. on one hand it had a bit unpredictable plot, a little angsty for my taste but I've come to expect that with this series. on the other hand there were some pretty clumsy moments that needed more work. overall I liked it enough, now I need something serious :)
September 7, 2020
This story is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. Holm fights tradition, his own family, and his own belief system to embrace his future with his Heartmate, Lark. Holm’s internal battle with his own identity is probably his greatest struggle, but in the end he realizes what’s truly important: love and hope. Lark battles past demons as she struggles to find her future, and eventually she realizes her path has been leading her to Holm the entire time. Together, they have to fight for the future they want, defying family and tradition along the way. Holm and Lark are powerful together, perfect counterparts. The backstory is strong and the plot is constantly turning and twisting to keep the reader interested and invested.
June 11, 2020
Lark Collinson is a Healer of Noble birth who left her Hawthorne family to marry another Healer of low birth. He died 3 years ago and now her family is trying get her back under their control. Holm Holly is the heir to the Holly Noble family, a family noted for their fighting skills. Holm has discovered that Lark is his Heartmate though she doesn't know it. The Hollys and the Hawthornes are feuding over land but Holm is determined to woo his mate even though she despises fighting. This is an emotion laden story about control. Each must learn to open themselves but at the same time get their families to resolve their hostility. Fun cat pets with psychic powers.
October 10, 2020
Celta's Heartmates #3
Again, I truly enjoyed the world building, but the narrator still irritates me, though he does seem to be doing a wee bit better. He still switches out his, "he's & she's" randomly and has the oddist pronunciations, or possibly I should say mispronunciations of words that I really don't think many people mispronounce.
I would also like to caution those that like to have tissues readily available, there was a point in this book when I was quite literally sobbing… It wasn't pretty crying, it was messy, runny nose and heart wrenching sobs. Be prepared.
Read:
October 8-9 – Audible Plus
Again, I truly enjoyed the world building, but the narrator still irritates me, though he does seem to be doing a wee bit better. He still switches out his, "he's & she's" randomly and has the oddist pronunciations, or possibly I should say mispronunciations of words that I really don't think many people mispronounce.
I would also like to caution those that like to have tissues readily available, there was a point in this book when I was quite literally sobbing… It wasn't pretty crying, it was messy, runny nose and heart wrenching sobs. Be prepared.
Read:
October 8-9 – Audible Plus
April 25, 2023
This is a re-read.
I enjoy the drama and action and the angst. Something that seems to be missing in romance books lately. Not every plot has to have just one. What I love about this story is that it blends a few things and somehow creates something new. Someone wrote that it was a Romeo and Juliet retelling, other than they are from feuding families, that's about all. Anyway, still a joy to read even after all this time.
I enjoy the drama and action and the angst. Something that seems to be missing in romance books lately. Not every plot has to have just one. What I love about this story is that it blends a few things and somehow creates something new. Someone wrote that it was a Romeo and Juliet retelling, other than they are from feuding families, that's about all. Anyway, still a joy to read even after all this time.
October 13, 2021
This was a very interesting story. It is set way in the future and has strong magical elements to it. The story revolves around Lark and Holm, who are fated mates, but she doesn't know it. And to make things more interesting, this is very much a Romeo and Juliet retelling with opposites attracting as Lark is a Healer and Holm is a Fighter.
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
February 6, 2017
This would have been 4 stars if not for the ending. I liked Lark and, for the most part, Holm, but there was no justification for how he treated her at the end of the story. I won't get into specifics, but come on, it was undeserved and, tbh, didn't fit his already established character.
October 19, 2017
3rd book in the series is awesome.
February 5, 2018
Love, challenges, realistic family & relationship dynamics..... I love how this future worlds feels real!
August 15, 2020
3.5 out of 5
November 15, 2020
Dude this one got me all up in my feelings lol I was about to get hella pissed 🤣.
Read
September 7, 20215/4/2010 Reread 1/2/19
November 6, 2016
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14278563
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14278563
August 1, 2025
As the heir of the fighting Family Holly, the hero is used to battle and the ways of a sword. When he didn't see a Heartmate in his future the day of his passage, he was gutted. He wants the relationship his parents have. But now, he knows he does in fact have a Heartmate and he even knows who this woman is. He and knows winning her will be the hardest battle of his life.
The heroine's relationship with her family has always been strained since she disobeyed them to marry a common man. Things have only now gotten worse as her Family and the Hollys are in a feud and every day she sees the death and the injuries of such a battle while working at the hospital. She knows of the hero from childhood and knows he is an impressive specimen of manhood but she doesn't understand his sudden and confusing courtship towards her. She knows as well as he should know that anything between them is stupid and dangerous. Never can they be together so why even bother. Still, the man is relentless. He is pressing her, in a charming way at times and an arrogant way at others, but regardless of his methods, she is finding it harder and harder to resist him. She reminds herself that she detests fighting and that the hero is a fighting man. He himself has always strived to be perfect, to live up to the expectations of his father and himself but still, there are insecurities in his heart. He knows the heroine is his HeartMate but she doesn't. And it's illegal for him to tell her. So every time he confesses his desire or need for her, only to have her turn him away, hurts him very badly. He doesn't understand why she can't see the truth like he can or why she is refusing to even try to overcome the obstacles between them.....
Than things turn from bad to worst. His mother is attacked and nearly killed by a member of the heroines family. His father is out for blood and though it was an accident, the heroines father is refusing to offer apologies. Things look even more forbidden for the hero and heroine and she pushes him away with even more determination. In desperation and in a good deal of haste, he announces to her and to their families that she is his HeartMate only to have her deny him. Lost in the pain of experiencing that rejection as well as the disgrace from his family when his father disowns him, the hero feels like a ship adrift. Soon the heroine realizes the error of her ways but is it too late to save the man she loves?
I felt a healthy connection to this story. I find this series in an acquired taste. Either you are into the whole fantasy futuristic hippy vibe or your not. But once you allow yourself to surrender to this world and all of its odd quirks and phrasing, you realize that there is true and genuine heart at it's centre. There was a great deal of turmoil to this story and it's characters and at times, it could be truly heart wrenching. Every time the heroine rejected the hero or turned her back on him, I felt the pain he suffering. The confusion and the frustration of why, when he was willing to risk his family name and standings for her, could she not be willing to do the same. She was justified in her refusal towards him because she never saw a Heartmate in her future and, to her, the obstacles and hardships for a relationship between a Hawthorn and Holly were just to vast. Still, she did surrender to her desires at times and experienced a taste of happiness and belonging in his arms, only to return to the detachment in the morning. I enjoyed the hero's perseverance and determination. I enjoyed the heroine gentle ways and honor. I enjoyed the tension relationship they had and the happy ending that showed them finally letting go of expectations and just being happy. I also enjoyed the fact that nothing was the same after they welcomed their love. The hero's family still disowned him and while the feud was ended, her brother was still killed. There was a great deal of hard truth in this story and the characters were not perfect or 100% good or bad. Everything had shades of grey.
The heroine's relationship with her family has always been strained since she disobeyed them to marry a common man. Things have only now gotten worse as her Family and the Hollys are in a feud and every day she sees the death and the injuries of such a battle while working at the hospital. She knows of the hero from childhood and knows he is an impressive specimen of manhood but she doesn't understand his sudden and confusing courtship towards her. She knows as well as he should know that anything between them is stupid and dangerous. Never can they be together so why even bother. Still, the man is relentless. He is pressing her, in a charming way at times and an arrogant way at others, but regardless of his methods, she is finding it harder and harder to resist him. She reminds herself that she detests fighting and that the hero is a fighting man. He himself has always strived to be perfect, to live up to the expectations of his father and himself but still, there are insecurities in his heart. He knows the heroine is his HeartMate but she doesn't. And it's illegal for him to tell her. So every time he confesses his desire or need for her, only to have her turn him away, hurts him very badly. He doesn't understand why she can't see the truth like he can or why she is refusing to even try to overcome the obstacles between them.....
Than things turn from bad to worst. His mother is attacked and nearly killed by a member of the heroines family. His father is out for blood and though it was an accident, the heroines father is refusing to offer apologies. Things look even more forbidden for the hero and heroine and she pushes him away with even more determination. In desperation and in a good deal of haste, he announces to her and to their families that she is his HeartMate only to have her deny him. Lost in the pain of experiencing that rejection as well as the disgrace from his family when his father disowns him, the hero feels like a ship adrift. Soon the heroine realizes the error of her ways but is it too late to save the man she loves?
I felt a healthy connection to this story. I find this series in an acquired taste. Either you are into the whole fantasy futuristic hippy vibe or your not. But once you allow yourself to surrender to this world and all of its odd quirks and phrasing, you realize that there is true and genuine heart at it's centre. There was a great deal of turmoil to this story and it's characters and at times, it could be truly heart wrenching. Every time the heroine rejected the hero or turned her back on him, I felt the pain he suffering. The confusion and the frustration of why, when he was willing to risk his family name and standings for her, could she not be willing to do the same. She was justified in her refusal towards him because she never saw a Heartmate in her future and, to her, the obstacles and hardships for a relationship between a Hawthorn and Holly were just to vast. Still, she did surrender to her desires at times and experienced a taste of happiness and belonging in his arms, only to return to the detachment in the morning. I enjoyed the hero's perseverance and determination. I enjoyed the heroine gentle ways and honor. I enjoyed the tension relationship they had and the happy ending that showed them finally letting go of expectations and just being happy. I also enjoyed the fact that nothing was the same after they welcomed their love. The hero's family still disowned him and while the feud was ended, her brother was still killed. There was a great deal of hard truth in this story and the characters were not perfect or 100% good or bad. Everything had shades of grey.
December 31, 2008
If you’re a lover of romance and looking for something a bit different than the norm, then you may want to pick this one up. Heart Duel is the third in a series by Robin Owens, and not a great way to start out reading the series, but I was abel to work my way through it. It’s set in a futuristic time far away in space though it is made obvious that the people came from Earth. In the way that some authors stick to their guns with foreign accents, Ms. Owens uses original prefixes and suffixes throughout the story. They’re a bit hard to get the hang of at first, and I trudged through the first 50 pages or so. Once I got that down, though, the rest was easy and enjoyable to read.
The story centers around a plot point called a Heartmate, along the lines of a soulmate. A person must go through a turning point in their lives to realize if they have one or not, and they do not always have one. The hero of this story finally realizes that he does have a heartmate, but keeps her name secret from everyone since she’s the daughter of a warring family. She, on the other hand, is oblivious to the idea of him being her heartmate and considers only a short term affair with him due to his status and reputation.
It’s very much a grown up Romeo and Juliet without the angst. It does have sorrow and some deaths, but they’re handled maturely. The couple interacts like adults would, and I think that’s what I liked best about it. She was neither the simpering virgin nor the feisty rebel. She was a woman, a doctor, a widow, who was looking for love and a way away form her controlling family. She didn’t see the hero as her way out, but a passing fancy only to unconsciously fall for him the way she was supposed to in his mind.
So, there are some odd terms to learn, a bit of magic known as flair (made me laugh whenever I read it) and a classic story of love, peace and war. I do recommend this book to any of you that would be interested in something romantic and different, but not over the top and full of paranormal activity.
The story centers around a plot point called a Heartmate, along the lines of a soulmate. A person must go through a turning point in their lives to realize if they have one or not, and they do not always have one. The hero of this story finally realizes that he does have a heartmate, but keeps her name secret from everyone since she’s the daughter of a warring family. She, on the other hand, is oblivious to the idea of him being her heartmate and considers only a short term affair with him due to his status and reputation.
It’s very much a grown up Romeo and Juliet without the angst. It does have sorrow and some deaths, but they’re handled maturely. The couple interacts like adults would, and I think that’s what I liked best about it. She was neither the simpering virgin nor the feisty rebel. She was a woman, a doctor, a widow, who was looking for love and a way away form her controlling family. She didn’t see the hero as her way out, but a passing fancy only to unconsciously fall for him the way she was supposed to in his mind.
So, there are some odd terms to learn, a bit of magic known as flair (made me laugh whenever I read it) and a classic story of love, peace and war. I do recommend this book to any of you that would be interested in something romantic and different, but not over the top and full of paranormal activity.
October 6, 2009
Rereading...
Heart Duel is book 3 in the Celta Heart Mates series and although a good read it is not my favorite of the books. Definitely a keeper but the hero is far more likable than the heroine who seems to suffer from an acute case of reverse snobbishness. Nothing and no one in the first families is acceptable to her; and as a healer she deplores all fighters. The hero, of course, is both. Their kitten fams [introduced by the delightful character, 'Vinni' T'Vine, the boy prophet:] are amusing in their differences. The romance is resolved - but tragic events occur in both of their families and further developments await in later books. At least the 'star-crossed lovers' survive the experience...
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 Duel is book 3 in the Celta Heart Mates series and although a good read it is not my favorite of the books. Definitely a keeper but the hero is far more likable than the heroine who seems to suffer from an acute case of reverse snobbishness. Nothing and no one in the first families is acceptable to her; and as a healer she deplores all fighters. The hero, of course, is both. Their kitten fams [introduced by the delightful character, 'Vinni' T'Vine, the boy prophet:] are amusing in their differences. The romance is resolved - but tragic events occur in both of their families and further developments await in later books. At least the 'star-crossed lovers' survive the experience...
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)
May 16, 2015
The third book in the Celta Heart Mate series features Holm Holly and Lark Collinson, both minor characters in the previous two books.
After seeing Holm being the silver-tongued charmer in the previous two books, it's refreshing to get a little deeper into his mind and see his struggle. I find the Holly family one of the more interesting groups of minor characters in the series.
The romance feels a little unbalanced at first, but it's nice to see how the male character is the one who has to go through major development to fit himself more to the female love interest than she has to fit herself to him. Holm and Lark are both compelling characters and it makes the book pretty enjoyable.
The romance and the plot are pretty well integrated, though the ending feels a little too rushed, with the antagonist pulling a Grinch-like one-eighty.
The psychic cats this time around are a couple of kittens that are really endearing; I liked Zanth in the first book a lot, but Meserv and Phyl are a lot of fun.
Pros: leading man is the one who has to work up to being worthy of the lady for once, cute psychic kittens, engaging characters
Cons: ending is rushed, characterization is a little unsteady for some of the side characters
After seeing Holm being the silver-tongued charmer in the previous two books, it's refreshing to get a little deeper into his mind and see his struggle. I find the Holly family one of the more interesting groups of minor characters in the series.
The romance feels a little unbalanced at first, but it's nice to see how the male character is the one who has to go through major development to fit himself more to the female love interest than she has to fit herself to him. Holm and Lark are both compelling characters and it makes the book pretty enjoyable.
The romance and the plot are pretty well integrated, though the ending feels a little too rushed, with the antagonist pulling a Grinch-like one-eighty.
The psychic cats this time around are a couple of kittens that are really endearing; I liked Zanth in the first book a lot, but Meserv and Phyl are a lot of fun.
Pros: leading man is the one who has to work up to being worthy of the lady for once, cute psychic kittens, engaging characters
Cons: ending is rushed, characterization is a little unsteady for some of the side characters
July 11, 2016
Did not feel the connection
I was so looking forward to this book. Holm Holly has been a great character since the first book. Best friend to T'Ash and of the fighting Holly's. I thought him being paired with Healer Lark of the rival Hawthorne family would be enchanting. The writing of the book is solid and I love the Celta, magic, Druid/Wiccan science fiction world, but this book was just stilted.
The ending I didn't like. How easily a parent turns their back on their son made me shutter. Wow no resolution there. There were a lot of petty characters and action in this book.
The romance wasn't really a romance as I never felt Holm and Lark connect in this book. His flirting with Lark was better in the previous installments.
I will need to ponder if I will continue the series, as I adore the world but this set of characters and the ending left a bitter taste in my mouth.
I was so looking forward to this book. Holm Holly has been a great character since the first book. Best friend to T'Ash and of the fighting Holly's. I thought him being paired with Healer Lark of the rival Hawthorne family would be enchanting. The writing of the book is solid and I love the Celta, magic, Druid/Wiccan science fiction world, but this book was just stilted.
The ending I didn't like. How easily a parent turns their back on their son made me shutter. Wow no resolution there. There were a lot of petty characters and action in this book.
The romance wasn't really a romance as I never felt Holm and Lark connect in this book. His flirting with Lark was better in the previous installments.
I will need to ponder if I will continue the series, as I adore the world but this set of characters and the ending left a bitter taste in my mouth.
October 31, 2011
Better than the first two - at least Dumb didn't need anger management courses. Still, this dancing around each other is tedious and painful, particularly since the Dumber half always seems to expect zebras when she hears hoofbeats (i.e. the dude just wants in the sack; couldn't possibly want a real relationship.)
In this one, the author decided to use the basic Romeo/Juliet formula with the added bonus that we find out what would happen if Romeo informed his family (loudly and publicly) of his true relationship with Juliet (howbeit without Juliet being aware of said intentions - remember that "dumber" title). Romeo's dad disowned him. Juliet's dad, OTOH, decided he'd rather have a hated whatever Romeo's surname was for a son in law than lose his daughter.
Would be great if I actually liked the Hatfield/McCoy theme.
In this one, the author decided to use the basic Romeo/Juliet formula with the added bonus that we find out what would happen if Romeo informed his family (loudly and publicly) of his true relationship with Juliet (howbeit without Juliet being aware of said intentions - remember that "dumber" title). Romeo's dad disowned him. Juliet's dad, OTOH, decided he'd rather have a hated whatever Romeo's surname was for a son in law than lose his daughter.
Would be great if I actually liked the Hatfield/McCoy theme.
April 5, 2016
Urgh. I was so looking forward to this one - Holm Holly had caught my attention in the previous two books as an Interesting Character.
Shame about the love story So, I finished this book with a bad taste in my mouth.
And is it just me: or did the two previous book feel very similar in Love Plot?
2 stars (mostly for the beginning). I think I'm leaving this series now.
Shame about the love story So, I finished this book with a bad taste in my mouth.
And is it just me: or did the two previous book feel very similar in Love Plot?
2 stars (mostly for the beginning). I think I'm leaving this series now.
November 16, 2007
This is book 3 of the celta series and this story is something along the lines of romeo and Juliet. There are these two great noble houses that hate each other and this war has gone on for generations but the son of T'Holly and the daughter or T'Heather are heartmates and fall for each other but the family won't allow it. Still before the fathers were told about this T'Holly made his parents swear an oath but the father broke it at the very end while T'Heather freely allows them to be together because his son was killed before his eyes and he can't stand to lose another one of his children. It's very intense and the struggle that the two has gone through to be together and to stop the family feud is definitely romeo and juliet except that they don't die.
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