Heart Choice
Got a book recommendation for y'all today. It's the newest in a series, but I think it can be enjoyed without the background. It will make you want to go get the rest in the series tho', and that's a good thing! :)
Heart Choice is the fourth of the romances that take place on the magical and futuristic world of Celta. Colonized long ago by travelers from Earth, the people and animals of this planet developed psychic talent, called Flair, that enables them to bond with one another and do spells that take the place of technology. (There is one notable exception to this, and his story is told in Heart Thief.) While this might sound like the answer to so many problems, the people of Celta still have their fair share of trials and tribulations.
Author Robin D. Owens, excels at character and world building. One of the interesting concepts that is essential to the series is that of the HeartMate. For many Celtans, there is only one romantic match that can share a complete bond with his or her mate. While one can have a happy life if the HeartMate is never found, the connections HeartMates share makes a relationship richer, deeper, and more satisfying. The children of HeartMates also have stronger Flair than those born in marriages without this bond. However, there is a price. Once a couple is HeartBonded, when one dies, the other will pass away within a year.
Each of the books revolves around one couple, but characters in past and future stories play a part, so it's nice to get an update on already established HeartMates, as well as see some of the earlier lives of those who will end up together. This time around, the story is about a loner, Straif Blackthorn. Having lost every other member of his family to a virus that only kills Blackthorns, his quest has been to find a cure for the disease, then rebuild his line. After wandering for 15 years, he finally returns to his family estate to find it neglected and damaged, but not beyond repair. Enlisting the help of his new kitty Familiar, Drina, and Mitchella Clover, a top interior designer, he's on way to restoring the Residence to the showplace it once was, when he's challenged for the title of Grandlord T'Blackthorn.
Mitchella really shines in this story as well. Her Flair is only average, but she makes the most of it. A commoner, she learns more about Nobles, and comes to gain their respect throughout the story. Altogether, she emerges as a strong and likable heroine, sometimes almost too good for Straif. ;)
Warning: To get the most from this series, one must really like cats! Having said that, I believe that there are many levels of enjoyment to this and that the SW fan who can appreciate romance will be entertained by this and Owens' other books.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0425203964/qid%3D1112905093/sr%3D2-2/ref%3Dpd%5Fbbs%5Fb%5F2%5F2/103-3972280-9995009
Heart Choice is the fourth of the romances that take place on the magical and futuristic world of Celta. Colonized long ago by travelers from Earth, the people and animals of this planet developed psychic talent, called Flair, that enables them to bond with one another and do spells that take the place of technology. (There is one notable exception to this, and his story is told in Heart Thief.) While this might sound like the answer to so many problems, the people of Celta still have their fair share of trials and tribulations.
Author Robin D. Owens, excels at character and world building. One of the interesting concepts that is essential to the series is that of the HeartMate. For many Celtans, there is only one romantic match that can share a complete bond with his or her mate. While one can have a happy life if the HeartMate is never found, the connections HeartMates share makes a relationship richer, deeper, and more satisfying. The children of HeartMates also have stronger Flair than those born in marriages without this bond. However, there is a price. Once a couple is HeartBonded, when one dies, the other will pass away within a year.
Each of the books revolves around one couple, but characters in past and future stories play a part, so it's nice to get an update on already established HeartMates, as well as see some of the earlier lives of those who will end up together. This time around, the story is about a loner, Straif Blackthorn. Having lost every other member of his family to a virus that only kills Blackthorns, his quest has been to find a cure for the disease, then rebuild his line. After wandering for 15 years, he finally returns to his family estate to find it neglected and damaged, but not beyond repair. Enlisting the help of his new kitty Familiar, Drina, and Mitchella Clover, a top interior designer, he's on way to restoring the Residence to the showplace it once was, when he's challenged for the title of Grandlord T'Blackthorn.
Mitchella really shines in this story as well. Her Flair is only average, but she makes the most of it. A commoner, she learns more about Nobles, and comes to gain their respect throughout the story. Altogether, she emerges as a strong and likable heroine, sometimes almost too good for Straif. ;)
Warning: To get the most from this series, one must really like cats! Having said that, I believe that there are many levels of enjoyment to this and that the SW fan who can appreciate romance will be entertained by this and Owens' other books.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0425203964/qid%3D1112905093/sr%3D2-2/ref%3Dpd%5Fbbs%5Fb%5F2%5F2/103-3972280-9995009