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Celta's Heartmates #2
Heart Thief
Ruis Elder never asked for his unusual trait—the ability to neutralize others' psychic talents. Because of it, he has always been hated in his own homeland, destined to roam the harsh planet alone. But trouble finds him in front of the ruling Council—and face-to-face with the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. There's only one problem: Ailim is on the opposite side of the bench...
Ailim has never before felt such passion coursing through her as she feels in Ruis' presence. And she never thought she would—at least not with a man so far beneath her station, a man who does not even have psychic powers. But even on the planet Celta, love is blind to such details. Separately, Ailim and Ruis must forgo their old lives. But together, they can take on the world...
Ailim has never before felt such passion coursing through her as she feels in Ruis' presence. And she never thought she would—at least not with a man so far beneath her station, a man who does not even have psychic powers. But even on the planet Celta, love is blind to such details. Separately, Ailim and Ruis must forgo their old lives. But together, they can take on the world...
344 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 3, 2003
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872 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
February 9, 2016
Fun paranormal or sci-fi romantic suspense. I liked it! I sympathized with and admired the H/ h and enjoyed the plot, even though it was implausible at times.
Setting: This series is set on a distant planet called Celta, settled by voyagers from Earth about four centuries ago. Over the centuries everyone on the planet developed a specialized "flair" or magical ability -- everyone except hero Ruiz, who lives inside a _______. Some interesting scenes in there.
Plot: The plot involved an evil uncle, out to kill Ruiz. Over the course of the book, Ailim, the noble heroine, helps Ruiz regain his lost rights and Ruiz helps Ailim protect her Great House.
Characters: Ruiz Elder has no magic -- almost unheard of on a magical planet. He is a null; he can nullify everyone else's magic simply by his presence. The predominantly magical society fears and even loathes him for it in some cases, overlooking his noble heart. Ruiz is the rightful heir and Grand Lord of the Great House of Elder, but his vile uncle stole his birthright some 30 years ago. He's a fighter, not a victim. I liked how he thumbed his nose at the high council, refusing to put up with their unfair ruling. Ruiz tried to overcome his bitterness -- and he had many reasons to be bitter -- and focus instead on his own kind of "magic" -- figuring out how the old gadgets and gizmos from Earth work, and fixing them. I liked his attitude! He lives with his big fat cat, a loyal but willful Fam (familiar) who can communicate with him. (Sometimes the cat is annoying.)
Ruiz falls in love with Ailim, a Great Lady. She is a magical empath, which makes her a good judge. She gets tired of hearing everyone's thoughts and emotions, so she loves being in the Null's presence (cliché). Ailim has to lead her noble house, but still she risks it all to seek justice for Ruiz, because she alone believes in him -- and she's the only one, pretty much, who has ever loved him. In his life. I liked her insight and courage.
Relationship and intimacy: The relationship developed too fast. Love at first sight, basically. However, I still felt some sense of rising friendship, intimacy and sexual tension. And sex was delayed for a while. Good chemistry, but not great.
My reactions: I chuckled just a bit, here and there. Some parts outraged my sense of fair play. At other times, I smiled and cheered -- especially for Ruiz. The author put me squarely in Ruiz's camp. In a few cases, I felt some real tension, but not too much, because this a romance, where all's well that ends well. Some repetitive and boring internal dialogue -- I skimmed though those paragraphs. I don't like THINKING unless it is sparingly used (Georgette Heyer is the queen of well-placed but infrequent rumination). Some plot points just did not add up -- for example, I thought it improbable that the extremely wise and well-educated high council would convene such a kangaroo court at the beginning of the book. At the end, I was grossed out by the _____ scene. Eewww! Just gruesome!
Flaws: The author is repetitive. The love developed too rapidly. The plot wrapped up much too quickly and easily. The uncle was vanquished too fast. He should have been made to suffer more, and admit his heinous crimes. The names of the people were hard to pronounce. I didn't like the initials, like T'Elder and D'Elder (but I did like that the great houses all had names related to a tree, like Elder, Ash, Holly, Grove, etc.). The initial D indicates a lady (think d is for dame) and T indicates a lord.
Bottom line: I enjoyed the book! It offered a refreshing change of pace and I cared about the H / h.
Content: Several sex scenes. Violence, charred flesh, etc. Minimal swearing.
Setting: This series is set on a distant planet called Celta, settled by voyagers from Earth about four centuries ago. Over the centuries everyone on the planet developed a specialized "flair" or magical ability -- everyone except hero Ruiz, who lives inside a _______. Some interesting scenes in there.
Plot: The plot involved an evil uncle, out to kill Ruiz. Over the course of the book, Ailim, the noble heroine, helps Ruiz regain his lost rights and Ruiz helps Ailim protect her Great House.
Characters: Ruiz Elder has no magic -- almost unheard of on a magical planet. He is a null; he can nullify everyone else's magic simply by his presence. The predominantly magical society fears and even loathes him for it in some cases, overlooking his noble heart. Ruiz is the rightful heir and Grand Lord of the Great House of Elder, but his vile uncle stole his birthright some 30 years ago. He's a fighter, not a victim. I liked how he thumbed his nose at the high council, refusing to put up with their unfair ruling. Ruiz tried to overcome his bitterness -- and he had many reasons to be bitter -- and focus instead on his own kind of "magic" -- figuring out how the old gadgets and gizmos from Earth work, and fixing them. I liked his attitude! He lives with his big fat cat, a loyal but willful Fam (familiar) who can communicate with him. (Sometimes the cat is annoying.)
Ruiz falls in love with Ailim, a Great Lady. She is a magical empath, which makes her a good judge. She gets tired of hearing everyone's thoughts and emotions, so she loves being in the Null's presence (cliché). Ailim has to lead her noble house, but still she risks it all to seek justice for Ruiz, because she alone believes in him -- and she's the only one, pretty much, who has ever loved him. In his life. I liked her insight and courage.
Relationship and intimacy: The relationship developed too fast. Love at first sight, basically. However, I still felt some sense of rising friendship, intimacy and sexual tension. And sex was delayed for a while. Good chemistry, but not great.
My reactions: I chuckled just a bit, here and there. Some parts outraged my sense of fair play. At other times, I smiled and cheered -- especially for Ruiz. The author put me squarely in Ruiz's camp. In a few cases, I felt some real tension, but not too much, because this a romance, where all's well that ends well. Some repetitive and boring internal dialogue -- I skimmed though those paragraphs. I don't like THINKING unless it is sparingly used (Georgette Heyer is the queen of well-placed but infrequent rumination). Some plot points just did not add up -- for example, I thought it improbable that the extremely wise and well-educated high council would convene such a kangaroo court at the beginning of the book. At the end, I was grossed out by the _____ scene. Eewww! Just gruesome!
Flaws: The author is repetitive. The love developed too rapidly. The plot wrapped up much too quickly and easily. The uncle was vanquished too fast. He should have been made to suffer more, and admit his heinous crimes. The names of the people were hard to pronounce. I didn't like the initials, like T'Elder and D'Elder (but I did like that the great houses all had names related to a tree, like Elder, Ash, Holly, Grove, etc.). The initial D indicates a lady (think d is for dame) and T indicates a lord.
Bottom line: I enjoyed the book! It offered a refreshing change of pace and I cared about the H / h.
Content: Several sex scenes. Violence, charred flesh, etc. Minimal swearing.
October 6, 2009
Rereading...
Heart Thief is book 2 of the Celtan Heart Mates series. All the books are wonderful but if I had to pick a favorite, this one would probably be it. The hero and heroine are outstanding. Ruis is a fugitive and more than a bit of a rogue. His society scorns him because he is a Null, not only is he unable to use the Flair their society runs on - but he makes it impossible for others to use theirs. He is a thief who steals to live and indulge his hobby of fixing the old earth devices no one cares about. Ailim is a judge, raised to revere the law and care for her [thoroughly unpleasant:] family. As a telempath, Ailim is constantly bombarded by the thoughts and emotions of others and she finds Ruis very restful. Ruis is exiled on pain of death should he return. Of course he returns, Ailim is there and so is his new hideout, the last existing starship that brought their ancestors to Celta...
The moral conflicts between what is legal and what is ethical make this a more powerful story than the first.
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 Thief is book 2 of the Celtan Heart Mates series. All the books are wonderful but if I had to pick a favorite, this one would probably be it. The hero and heroine are outstanding. Ruis is a fugitive and more than a bit of a rogue. His society scorns him because he is a Null, not only is he unable to use the Flair their society runs on - but he makes it impossible for others to use theirs. He is a thief who steals to live and indulge his hobby of fixing the old earth devices no one cares about. Ailim is a judge, raised to revere the law and care for her [thoroughly unpleasant:] family. As a telempath, Ailim is constantly bombarded by the thoughts and emotions of others and she finds Ruis very restful. Ruis is exiled on pain of death should he return. Of course he returns, Ailim is there and so is his new hideout, the last existing starship that brought their ancestors to Celta...
The moral conflicts between what is legal and what is ethical make this a more powerful story than the first.
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)
August 11, 2012
This is still my favorite Celta book. The setting is imaginative, and the various types of "flair" (psychic power) are handled in a way that feels science rather than magic. After reading so many paranormal romance titles, some pretty awful admittedly, this was fun. I appreciated the discovery made by the main character. The message being that there is a place and reason for everyone, for all types of talents. The romance aspect was almost secondary, but full of resonance for me. Some people just fit together, that what may appear as a negative to some people will be seen as a positive to others.
I am reading Heart Secret, the latest in the series now and like the inter-connectedness of the characters from previous books, without the "hey remember that guy" feeling that can sometimes entail.
These are fast, fun, fluffy reads and I recommend a visit to Celta for the fun of it.
I am reading Heart Secret, the latest in the series now and like the inter-connectedness of the characters from previous books, without the "hey remember that guy" feeling that can sometimes entail.
These are fast, fun, fluffy reads and I recommend a visit to Celta for the fun of it.
May 18, 2008
Some people still like this story the very best.
June 23, 2015
From Booklist
On the planet Celta, founded by adherents of a Wiccan-like religion whose followers have psionic, or psychic, talents, Ruis Elder is an outcast on trial for his life. Not only doesn't he possess psionic talent but his mere presence nullifies the powers of others. Ailim Silver Fir, a judge and a strong empath, finds peace for the first time in her life when Ruis' null field gives her respite from the chaos of all the feelings that incessantly swirl around her. Sentenced to exile, Ruis sneaks back into Druida to hide in the spaceship that first brought humans to the planet, and he endears himself to the ship's artificial intelligence. As Ailim and Ruis fall more in love, they uncover the dirty deeds that stripped him of his inheritance and rightful place. Owens has crafted a fine romance that is also a successful science fantasy yarn with terrific world building. The second in a series, following Heart Mate (2001), Owens' latest stands on its own. Diana Tixier Herald
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
One of the best nights in my life was when I won the 2002 Romance Writers of America RITA award for my first book HeartMate, a book most thought would never be published. I love the wold of Celta and Heart Thief takes a totally different slant on that society.
October 14, 2019
Reread 10/12/19: Probably my favorite of the series to date. I really love Samba, Ruis' Fam, the overall story and the secondary characters, including the Ship. It was great to return to this world. I enjoyed the narrator as well. It was a new experience listening to the story.
_____________
Re-read 10/27/11: This is another favorite of the series. Ruis's gloomy personality bothered me more this time around. I loved Samba just as much as always. The ship and residences played larger roles and were much appreciated secondary characters.
_____________
I wasn't sure about this book when I first started it. Ruis Elder is a Null, which means he has no magical Flair. I wasn't sure how that would work in this world, but Owens pulled it off brilliantly.
I really loved both Ruis and Ailim. Their conflict - she is a Judge and he a Fugitive - was interesting and worked well. I really liked that the setting was something new.
Samaba was a great Fam, too. I literally laughed out loud at her antics.
_____________
Re-read 10/27/11: This is another favorite of the series. Ruis's gloomy personality bothered me more this time around. I loved Samba just as much as always. The ship and residences played larger roles and were much appreciated secondary characters.
_____________
I wasn't sure about this book when I first started it. Ruis Elder is a Null, which means he has no magical Flair. I wasn't sure how that would work in this world, but Owens pulled it off brilliantly.
I really loved both Ruis and Ailim. Their conflict - she is a Judge and he a Fugitive - was interesting and worked well. I really liked that the setting was something new.
Samaba was a great Fam, too. I literally laughed out loud at her antics.
July 9, 2015
The story of Ruis Elder, null, thief and outcast, and Ailim, judge and head of her family.
These two meet under peculiar circumstances and immediately feel kinship and an attraction that they try not to act upon, but end up exploring. They make a balanced couple and help each other become better, but Ruis's moment of intense stupidity almost ruins everything between them. Thankfully for them and the rest of their world which benefited greatly by the revelation of what Ru,is had to offer, they manage to make things work and eventually get their happy ever after ending.
An intriguing world, realistic, flawed characters that the reader ends up rooting for and a great male narrator who brings the story to life. I look forward to reading more of the series, starting with Heart Duel and Holm Holly's story next.
These two meet under peculiar circumstances and immediately feel kinship and an attraction that they try not to act upon, but end up exploring. They make a balanced couple and help each other become better, but Ruis's moment of intense stupidity almost ruins everything between them. Thankfully for them and the rest of their world which benefited greatly by the revelation of what Ru,is had to offer, they manage to make things work and eventually get their happy ever after ending.
An intriguing world, realistic, flawed characters that the reader ends up rooting for and a great male narrator who brings the story to life. I look forward to reading more of the series, starting with Heart Duel and Holm Holly's story next.
October 28, 2012
4.5 stars
The hero Ruis is a Null, someone who can negate all the pyschic spells around him in a world that values such powers. Abused and usurped by his wicked uncle as the Head of his house since the death of his parents, his only solace in the repairing of old Earth machineries that everyone else thinks are worthless.
I liked the theme about valuing the past and what it can teach us. I actually enjoyed this second book of the Celta series even more than the first.
The hero Ruis is a Null, someone who can negate all the pyschic spells around him in a world that values such powers. Abused and usurped by his wicked uncle as the Head of his house since the death of his parents, his only solace in the repairing of old Earth machineries that everyone else thinks are worthless.
I liked the theme about valuing the past and what it can teach us. I actually enjoyed this second book of the Celta series even more than the first.
September 29, 2022
2022 bk 293. This is the hardest to read again of the entire series. It is the story of a null - a man so totally outcast that society is agreeable to the denial of his birthright, the systemetic torture, and effort to eradicate him. However, the powers to be (and in particular his uncle the source of the 3 things mentioned in the prior sentence) are in for a surprise as D'Vine predicts their downfall if Ruis Elder is denied his rights as a Celtan. This is a touching story of forbidden love, family problems that seek to overwhelm individuals and a book that requires the reader to reflect on what or who is truly an outcast.
July 24, 2012
81%
This was a surprisingly great book, although not one that you can read in one sitting if you're a lazy, distractable reader like me.
In my mind the length of a romance novel should be (out of ten)
romantic tension x drama factor x complexity of plot = pages
for this one i'd say 6x5x6 = 180 pages, much closer to a novella then the full novel it is. Really this is just me nitpicking though, this is a fantastic book, while the first book was more to my style and taste I think this one had more depth. It's the characters that make this book great and for me characterisation in romance novels is paramount. I can remember picking this book up after reading the first book and being severely sceptical about the desirability of a main character who, to my mind, was virtually useless. Owens has proven me severely wrong and I thought her solutions were ingenious. The vindication of the embittered but resilient Ruis is so rewarding and Ailim's struggle with her truly irritating relatives and their financial burden adds reality and dimension to the characters. The setting is, as always, unique and interesting. I think the setting for the entire series is good for people who are generally more interested in urban fantasy or paranormal romance settings. Lastly this series is a great one for cat lovers, Samba is just as adorable as Zanth.
This was a surprisingly great book, although not one that you can read in one sitting if you're a lazy, distractable reader like me.
In my mind the length of a romance novel should be (out of ten)
romantic tension x drama factor x complexity of plot = pages
for this one i'd say 6x5x6 = 180 pages, much closer to a novella then the full novel it is. Really this is just me nitpicking though, this is a fantastic book, while the first book was more to my style and taste I think this one had more depth. It's the characters that make this book great and for me characterisation in romance novels is paramount. I can remember picking this book up after reading the first book and being severely sceptical about the desirability of a main character who, to my mind, was virtually useless. Owens has proven me severely wrong and I thought her solutions were ingenious. The vindication of the embittered but resilient Ruis is so rewarding and Ailim's struggle with her truly irritating relatives and their financial burden adds reality and dimension to the characters. The setting is, as always, unique and interesting. I think the setting for the entire series is good for people who are generally more interested in urban fantasy or paranormal romance settings. Lastly this series is a great one for cat lovers, Samba is just as adorable as Zanth.
December 11, 2012
I almost couldn't finish this one. Let me say, I did not read the first book of this series, and it's possible that I would have enjoyed the second book more if I had. Honestly, though, I doubt it. The writing style didn't work well for me -- that combination of dramatic Celtic antiquity and futuristic scifi was very disjointed and jarring. I couldn't "fall" into the story, if you understand what I mean. Most problematic, though, is that I found Ruis completely unlikable. He was childish, irritating, tedious ... Ailim was easily too good for him. Now, she was a great character -- well-developed and believable. Too bad she had terrible taste in men.
I did find the excerpt for the third book, "Heart Duel", interesting, so maybe with Ruis out of the spotlight I might like this series after all. Someday I'll give that one a try, but I don't think I'll ever revisit "Heart Thief".
I did find the excerpt for the third book, "Heart Duel", interesting, so maybe with Ruis out of the spotlight I might like this series after all. Someday I'll give that one a try, but I don't think I'll ever revisit "Heart Thief".
December 22, 2014
Heart / Celta series is a must if you like Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Scyfy, Magic, and more
this is a story of the next world of Earth, Kinda. It is where I want to go, live, love, laugh and finish my life cycle. I could not have even start to imagine the wonders of this planet. I am in aww of the brain that put this story to paper.
MUST READ!!!
this is a story of the next world of Earth, Kinda. It is where I want to go, live, love, laugh and finish my life cycle. I could not have even start to imagine the wonders of this planet. I am in aww of the brain that put this story to paper.
MUST READ!!!
August 9, 2019
This one is pretty good. A bit too much time spent on sex scenes, but otherwise excellent.
June 1, 2015
Quite a bit better than the first book. Enjoyable setting and plot. Will continue with this series.
February 11, 2013
Ruis Elder is a Null, someone who not only has no Flair (= magic) of his own, he also negates Flair used around him. Both in negating spells, as in making other people unable to use their Flair. People are afraid of him and his anti-powers, and he has been an outcast ever since his “gift” was discovered. His uncle Bucus T’Elder has been trying to kill him for years, and now as Captain of the Council, he is more powerful than ever. Ruis is filled with anger, always hiding and moving. His only solace is finding old Earth made machinery and fixing it. So he needs to steal, not only for food but to be able to buy parts for his machinery. And now he has been caught, and will face death or banishment in the next hour.
Ailim D’SilverFir is a Supreme Judge, but has just elevated to head of her House. A house in deep financial trouble, and she has to beg the council for a loan. A very big loan. But the only other option is selling the Family Residence, and that is just not done. The HouseHeart is in the Family Residence, one of the most important things in the lives of a Noble.
Ailim is a telempath, able to hear thoughts and feel emotions from others, so she has to go tightly shielded through life, though in her work as a Judge, those powers are very valuable. Knowing when somebody is lying, and finding out what really happens. But it is also very draining. So when Ailim meets Ruis, she has no idea why she feels so peaceful, why it is so quiet around him, but she loves it. And she cannot sense what he is thinking or feeling, which is a novel experience for her.
Ruis is equally affected by this beautiful young woman, and for the first time in his life he is being treated like a normal human being, even though he is chained up. Ailim manages to keep the guards from abusing him even more when Ruis is lead into the council chambers for his trial. His uncle wants him executed, he really hates Ruis with a passion, and for no other reason than his existence. He denies Ruis the Elder name, but the council decides for banishment for his thievery, but more because they are afraid of him being a Null.
Ruis has no intention of leaving the city at all, it is the only place where old Earth machinery is found. And he wants to see Ailim again, even though she is a Judge and she could/should report him at sight. He knows just the place to hide, where no-one will think of looking. The neglected space ship, where their fore-bears came to Celta with. Nuada’s Sword. No one is looking after it any more, the museum is barely visited.
Right after Ruis was escorted out of town, D’Ash gifted him with a kitten, one of Zanth’s offspring. She thought he could use the company, and Samba steals his heart right away. She also gifts Ailim with a young puppy. Her family loathes her, even though she does her best by them. The council has granted the loan, with a load of conditions and a manager to ehh manage the accounts for them. And T’Elder, their nasty neighbour, made sure it was one of his godsons, whom he can control.
Nuada’s Sword welcomes Ruis as her new Captain, and Samba as the new Crew. Most of the systems are still working, but there is a lot of work to be done to make it operational again. Strangely enough, the ship is almost sentient, and has been lonely. It is reluctant to let Ruis leave again, afraid he won’t come back like so many others. But Ruis likes it at Nuada’s Sword, and after adjusting the environment, he makes himself at home. The ship even helps him with an anger-management course.
Exploring the ship and everything their ancestors left behind. But he will slip out, dressed in a kind of invisibility cloak, to spy on Ailim when she is holding Court in the sacred Grove. And meeting her in secret afterward. They both know a relationship between them is impossible. If Ruis is found, he will be executed on the spot. And Ailim will lose not only her position as a Judge, but also as head of her house, her family and her family residence. Still, they cannot give up on each other. Ailim is working hard to have Ruis’ name cleared, his banishment and especially his treatment before that by his uncle, was unlawful. But she needs time, and hard evidence.
But time is running out on them, especially as Ailim’s aunt is acting more and more strange, and is now trying to destroy their House. T’Elder is convinced Ruis never really left the city, and has his guards looking for him everywhere. He even tries to kill Ailim when he finds out she is after him.
A great second book in this series. I enjoyed it a lot. Samba and Primrose really are adorable familiairs in this book. Did I mention the animals are also telepathic, and can communicate with their Families and other animals? And some can even teleport themselves. Samba does all kinds of little jobs for Ruis he cannot do himself.
Also the two Holly brothers I met in the first book make a large appearance in this one, trying to find Ruis. But when they corner him in the spaceship, the spaceship takes action. It evicts the brothers in an escape pod, taking them weeks to get back to town.
I really liked Ailim and Ruis in this book. In the first book, Ruis is only made the thief. But this is his story, and when you read it, you certainly understand him and feel for him. And he is so sweet for Ailim, even when you want to kick him in the end. And for Ailim, Ruis is a safe heaven from her demanding job and her hateful family. She really has deserved some joy for herself. She was raised as a young girl to become the next D’SilverFir, so playing is a strange concept for her. Two lonely hearts finding each other in this book.
Yes, there are love scenes in this book. After all, they quickly become lovers in secret, knowing there will be no future for it, taking every hour they can.
Great primary characters, a revisit of the previous main characters, and a little peak at the next main characters in book 3. Great animal-familiars, and a lot of Flair.
9 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
Ailim D’SilverFir is a Supreme Judge, but has just elevated to head of her House. A house in deep financial trouble, and she has to beg the council for a loan. A very big loan. But the only other option is selling the Family Residence, and that is just not done. The HouseHeart is in the Family Residence, one of the most important things in the lives of a Noble.
Ailim is a telempath, able to hear thoughts and feel emotions from others, so she has to go tightly shielded through life, though in her work as a Judge, those powers are very valuable. Knowing when somebody is lying, and finding out what really happens. But it is also very draining. So when Ailim meets Ruis, she has no idea why she feels so peaceful, why it is so quiet around him, but she loves it. And she cannot sense what he is thinking or feeling, which is a novel experience for her.
Ruis is equally affected by this beautiful young woman, and for the first time in his life he is being treated like a normal human being, even though he is chained up. Ailim manages to keep the guards from abusing him even more when Ruis is lead into the council chambers for his trial. His uncle wants him executed, he really hates Ruis with a passion, and for no other reason than his existence. He denies Ruis the Elder name, but the council decides for banishment for his thievery, but more because they are afraid of him being a Null.
Ruis has no intention of leaving the city at all, it is the only place where old Earth machinery is found. And he wants to see Ailim again, even though she is a Judge and she could/should report him at sight. He knows just the place to hide, where no-one will think of looking. The neglected space ship, where their fore-bears came to Celta with. Nuada’s Sword. No one is looking after it any more, the museum is barely visited.
Right after Ruis was escorted out of town, D’Ash gifted him with a kitten, one of Zanth’s offspring. She thought he could use the company, and Samba steals his heart right away. She also gifts Ailim with a young puppy. Her family loathes her, even though she does her best by them. The council has granted the loan, with a load of conditions and a manager to ehh manage the accounts for them. And T’Elder, their nasty neighbour, made sure it was one of his godsons, whom he can control.
Nuada’s Sword welcomes Ruis as her new Captain, and Samba as the new Crew. Most of the systems are still working, but there is a lot of work to be done to make it operational again. Strangely enough, the ship is almost sentient, and has been lonely. It is reluctant to let Ruis leave again, afraid he won’t come back like so many others. But Ruis likes it at Nuada’s Sword, and after adjusting the environment, he makes himself at home. The ship even helps him with an anger-management course.
Exploring the ship and everything their ancestors left behind. But he will slip out, dressed in a kind of invisibility cloak, to spy on Ailim when she is holding Court in the sacred Grove. And meeting her in secret afterward. They both know a relationship between them is impossible. If Ruis is found, he will be executed on the spot. And Ailim will lose not only her position as a Judge, but also as head of her house, her family and her family residence. Still, they cannot give up on each other. Ailim is working hard to have Ruis’ name cleared, his banishment and especially his treatment before that by his uncle, was unlawful. But she needs time, and hard evidence.
But time is running out on them, especially as Ailim’s aunt is acting more and more strange, and is now trying to destroy their House. T’Elder is convinced Ruis never really left the city, and has his guards looking for him everywhere. He even tries to kill Ailim when he finds out she is after him.
A great second book in this series. I enjoyed it a lot. Samba and Primrose really are adorable familiairs in this book. Did I mention the animals are also telepathic, and can communicate with their Families and other animals? And some can even teleport themselves. Samba does all kinds of little jobs for Ruis he cannot do himself.
Also the two Holly brothers I met in the first book make a large appearance in this one, trying to find Ruis. But when they corner him in the spaceship, the spaceship takes action. It evicts the brothers in an escape pod, taking them weeks to get back to town.
I really liked Ailim and Ruis in this book. In the first book, Ruis is only made the thief. But this is his story, and when you read it, you certainly understand him and feel for him. And he is so sweet for Ailim, even when you want to kick him in the end. And for Ailim, Ruis is a safe heaven from her demanding job and her hateful family. She really has deserved some joy for herself. She was raised as a young girl to become the next D’SilverFir, so playing is a strange concept for her. Two lonely hearts finding each other in this book.
Yes, there are love scenes in this book. After all, they quickly become lovers in secret, knowing there will be no future for it, taking every hour they can.
Great primary characters, a revisit of the previous main characters, and a little peak at the next main characters in book 3. Great animal-familiars, and a lot of Flair.
9 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
October 19, 2019
Ruis Elder is a Null in a psi society, where everything is run by psi and his 'gift' negates psi wherever he is. As someone who lives as an outcast he steals when necessary. When he is caught he must face the Council. Ailim D'SilverFox, judge and new head of her family, must petition the Council for a $1.5 million gilt loan to save the Family Residence. They meet in the Council antechamber. Ruis' Null qualities blanks her psi telempathy, removing all her stress and makes her restful. He is pleased to find someone who appreciates his qualities. Though they are separated by their status and abilities they determine to help each other. This was a very satisfying futuristic romantic suspenseful adventure.
March 28, 2018
I think I'm becoming too cynical to read these types of books :) Ruis and Ailim are very sweet together, there is instant attraction and no real hurdles to their romance. Yes Ruis is a wanted man but this doesn't affect their interactions and you know there is going to be a happy ending. For me there was no pizzaz or excitement and I finished it to say I did but I have no interest in trying others in the series. It's not a bad book, it's very highly rated, just not my cup of tea for the mood I'm in :)
September 7, 2020
I love this book! I love the interplay between Ruis and Ailim, and how together they rock a system of rules and strict laws. Ruis simply became my hero. He shows strength in the face of adversity, while also fighting for what he wants most: his Heartmate. He’s willing to risk his life to protect those who despise him, and along the way, he learns to seek and ask for forgiveness while also learning that wrongs can be made right. Ruis and Ailim are a powerful duo, and their relationship is dynamic and incredible to ‘watch’ unfold. The entire story is phenomenal and definitely worth the read.
April 23, 2023
This one is my favorite of the whole series. I enjoyed the first book, but, somehow, this one, is still my favorite and I dust it off often. I love the love story, but, it's everything else that keeps me reading. What I really like about this story is that it isn't just a love story, it has revenge, action, and a plot that keeps me reading. I guess that's why I've read it so many times. It's one of my go-to sci-fic/fantasy romance books. There is "magic" and a star ship...how cool is that?
July 31, 2020
I liked the first book better, this one had more of a sci-fi feel than fantasy even though it's the same world, and sci-fi isn't my jam. Nevertheless the world building was still interesting and was much more fleshed out in this book.
August 11, 2020
I loved the cat in this story and the fact that it centered around an empath. Maybe I didn't like it as much as the first one because I had just finished the first one, no worries, I will listen to it again. I enjoyed the technology and empathy in this novel.
October 9, 2020
Celta's HeartMates #2
I liked this book and I really like the world building going on in this series. I'm still not fond of the narrator, though he did do a better job in this book than he had in the last one. Hopefully he'll only get better. Enjoy!
Read:
October 8, 2020 – Audible AudioBook
I liked this book and I really like the world building going on in this series. I'm still not fond of the narrator, though he did do a better job in this book than he had in the last one. Hopefully he'll only get better. Enjoy!
Read:
October 8, 2020 – Audible AudioBook
December 16, 2022
I think this is my favorite book in the whole series. I love both of the main characters. The book is creative, the pacing is outstanding, and the entire world is developed and enjoyable. I want to live in Celta!
October 1, 2017
Wonderful
October 13, 2017
I think the Kindle price of $8.99 for the next book is excessively high and I will not download it.
February 9, 2018
Exciting read. Romance, drama, legal issues, contrasts and attention to details that keep me reading past a reasonable bed time.
Read
March 1, 2020Heart Thief
This is my third reading of this book . I have read the books of this series twice, and look forward to reading more.
This is my third reading of this book . I have read the books of this series twice, and look forward to reading more.
June 2, 2020
Love this series
November 14, 2020
😳 I was worried there for a minute
January 12, 2021
fun take on this random person with not your typical skills to become a hero
really liking the animal Fam's and how they are helping make their people better people.
really liking the animal Fam's and how they are helping make their people better people.
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