Heart Search by (Celta’s Heartmates #10) Robin D. Owen
Sci-Fi/Fantasy/ Romance
Trade Paperback
August 2, 2011
Berkley Trade
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “You are a Stup. Laev a stup. Even Brazos is a stup. I am the only Smart One in the Family.”
Laev T’Hawthorne hasn’t had an easy life. His family has feuded with the Hollys for centuries-causing death and animosity on both sides. Then he married at a young age to who he assumed was his HeartMate, only to find she wasn’t. She only wanted the money and prestige of being married into a first family. After her death, Laev discovers she stole from his family and even gave his HeartMate gift away. Now that his Fathersire has passed, Laev is head of the residence and slowly putting his life and home back together. He has hired a private investigator to locate and retrieve the residence heirlooms. He knows that he has a true Heart Mate out there but his heart cannot bare the pain or shame that he might once again not be what a woman wants.
Camiellia Darjeerling has always known who her HeartMate is but when he choose another woman, she buried the pain and went on with her life. Abandoned by her family at age 15, she has worked hard to built up a good life and business. Due to her cruel father’s and uncle’s constant abuse, Camiella finds it hard to trust any man-including her Heart Mate.
I found Heart Search to be reminiscent of Ms. Owens earlier books in the series. A bit darker and edgier then what we have seen with the last few installments. We see more a realistic view of this society; the selfish, the cruel, and the social constructs that it’s built upon. Not everyone in here is nice and Ms. Owen’s shows their faces and lets their voices be heard.
The story starts out introducing us to our protagonists and showing us the reasons behind the walls they have built around their hearts. Laev and Carmiella are strong, intelligent people-both the victims of cruel people. Family and friendship is important to them and they both shoulder more then their fair share of guilt. I like that while they are kind people; they aren’t push overs. Camiella continues to file complaints against her family and takes self defense classes while Laev is rebuilding his life, continuing to socialize and taking an active interest in his friends and family. They haven’t stop living because of the past.
Mysterious little subplots run through the main storyline to enhance the main plot and give us clues to future books. Suspense and a slow forming romance to keeps the story fresh and the pace steady.
The relationship between Laev and Camellia starts off hot yet unemotional as they come together in each other in dreams and engage in sexual pleasures without having to physically meet. Neither of them wants a HeartMate and Camellia has yet to forgive Laev for not listening to his heart so many years ago. Their bond is strong though and their friends and fam cats decide the couple needs some help so they maneuver and manipulate circumstances to bring them together. There is a lot of hurt in them and the emotional journey they take towards their future together is fraught with tension and sadness.
The mystery and romance of the story blend well and play off each other nicely. The characters are all well developed and add depth and a sense of continuation to the arc of the story. We see many old friends and meet some very interesting new ones. I love the fam cats of this story. They have such wonderful dynamic personalities and add humor to their scenes. They also provided the bridge that allows our couple to come together.
The ending is a taut mixture of suspense and action as the multiple story lines merge to form a climatic finale that leaves you stunned yet very happy with the outcomes. I look forward to visiting Ms. Owens futuristic world again soon as her HeartMate’s always bring a wealth of magic romance to the table. I also hope that she gives us more clues to Cal and T’Vinny’s future soon. :)
Overall Rating: B
Recent Reviews:
Love to Read for Fun – B
Goodreads
Author’s Website l Series Listing
Nice review Tori! This is a series I think I would enjoy. Sounds different!
Thank you. It is different. A wonderful character driven fantasy.
Thank you very much. I’m Thrilled at your review…btw, the Fams and their meddling agenda were suggested by a reader of my blog and I went with it. Thanks again, Robin
*fangirl squeee* Thank you so much for stopping by. :) The meddling fams are great. They add a biting humor to the story that I love.
I have all those books, and never read them. Just keep getting them. But thanks to your review, I will certainly start those soon!
It’s a good solid series that has never let me down.
Thanks! And since I’m up and messing around: Need FAM, intelligent animal companion, advice for Heart Secret. I have one kitten for the hero (who just moved in on him), nothing for Artemisia Mugwort, a serene soul and a Healer who lives with her Family (parents and sister Tiana, friend in Heart Search) in the secret sanctuary/garden estate of the city.
No Fam has shown up for her (and I think I’m halfway through the book), and I have no twist for the Fams. So let me know.
Reward: Reading Heart Secret as I write it/go along as Beta, OR (your choice), Heart Secret ARC when it’s done OR ARC of Hearts And Swords.
Many thanks, Robin
Do FAMs ever leave their human or get denied by a human? What if a FAM shows up for Artemisia Mugwort that has had a hard time of it. An abused or neglected FAM.
I wasn’t sure whether to post my response here or at the author blog so I’m going to reply on both.
How about an starving or maimed abandoned baby fox that shows up in their garden? A fluff could work too, although I’m leaning toward a fox. It may be the survivor of a fire, accident, or predator attack.
;o)
Tori, Fams can leave their human, or have their human die on them. Abused and neglected sounds interesting.