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Celta's Heartmates #5
Heart Quest
Tucked away in the Druida City of Celta, Trif Clover knows she has a HeartMate. She wants him so badly she’s actually going door-to-door with her charmkey to find him. What she doesn’t know is that he has already found her. Guardsman Ilex Winterberry knows that Trif is his HeartMate, but fears that being twice her age, with a short life ahead of him, he will only scare her away. He yearns to be close to her—and she needs to be close to him. There’s a killer on the loose, stalking those with unstable Flair psi power like Trif’s. Facing his most difficult task yet, Ilex must reveal the truth of their destiny or else leave Trif in the grasp of a vicious murderer...
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 5, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 1, 2022
2022 bk 297. More of a traditional mystery wrapped with romance and science fiction. This Celta tale is of Heartmates not yet bonded because the older male is convinced he will be dead in a short period of time - and that he doesn't want to take her with him. It is also a serial murder wrapped up with occult practices. As always there are fams (fox and kitten) to mix things up. An enjoyable read.
August 1, 2025
As a child the hero foresaw his own death. As a result he has forbid himself the happiness of accepting his heartmate. His mate is young, much younger than he and he can't stomach the idea that her brilliant personality and vibrant life would be snuffed out with his death. But he can't stop himself from being close to her, moving into her apartment complex so he can be near her. He’s tormented with the knowledge that she’s going out daily in search of the mate she’s seen in her dreams.
Fashioning a key and going door to door, she’s putting herself in grave danger as a murderer is about. So, despite the pain of knowing he can never tell her who he is, he befriends her- offers to teach her to teleport more easily so she need not use public transport. The heroine is young and naïve and impatient. She refuses to wait for her heartmate to find her and instead actively seeks him out despite being told that he doesn’t want her to find him. Helping her is the very handsome, very kind police man next door. She acknowledges she’s attracted to the older man and when she realizes that he’s attracted to her, she pursues him even without the knowledge that he’s her heartmate. But when he finally succumbs to his desires and to her insistent calls, she’s both delighted that her friend is her fated mate but also heartbroken upon his rejection of their bond. She tries for a time to be content with their passionate love affair, pretend not be devastated when her attempts to bond with him are rejected but soon her patience runs out and she can no longer accept their arrangement.
The hero is steadfast in his vow to never be the cause of her death but he’s heartbroken over the fact that he’s the cause of her unhappiness.
I freaking loved this story so much. I thought it was a very whimsical world this author has invented that possessed a fairytale environment that did have some dark undertones and characters that were both playful and tortured. I loved the hero. I thought he was perfect in his role as both protector and undercover mate. In this world having a heartmate is the greatest honor in a person’s life and to be constantly tormented with having your woman in front of you but being unable to be with her must be beyond difficult. I loved the fact that though he worries for her safety he never tries to smother her. Instead he does everything in his power to make sure she’s protected when he’s not able to be around. I loved the heroine with her innocence but will of iron as she ventures out into the world to find the man in her dreams not knowing that all this time he’s been right there beside her. I loved the fact that she is willing to at least try to be happy with whatever relationship he can give her but I loved her more for acknowledging that a half love is far worse than no love at all. Despite her young years she was smart and level headed, allowing others to protect her and offer advice yet knowing her own mind and desires.
Fashioning a key and going door to door, she’s putting herself in grave danger as a murderer is about. So, despite the pain of knowing he can never tell her who he is, he befriends her- offers to teach her to teleport more easily so she need not use public transport. The heroine is young and naïve and impatient. She refuses to wait for her heartmate to find her and instead actively seeks him out despite being told that he doesn’t want her to find him. Helping her is the very handsome, very kind police man next door. She acknowledges she’s attracted to the older man and when she realizes that he’s attracted to her, she pursues him even without the knowledge that he’s her heartmate. But when he finally succumbs to his desires and to her insistent calls, she’s both delighted that her friend is her fated mate but also heartbroken upon his rejection of their bond. She tries for a time to be content with their passionate love affair, pretend not be devastated when her attempts to bond with him are rejected but soon her patience runs out and she can no longer accept their arrangement.
The hero is steadfast in his vow to never be the cause of her death but he’s heartbroken over the fact that he’s the cause of her unhappiness.
I freaking loved this story so much. I thought it was a very whimsical world this author has invented that possessed a fairytale environment that did have some dark undertones and characters that were both playful and tortured. I loved the hero. I thought he was perfect in his role as both protector and undercover mate. In this world having a heartmate is the greatest honor in a person’s life and to be constantly tormented with having your woman in front of you but being unable to be with her must be beyond difficult. I loved the fact that though he worries for her safety he never tries to smother her. Instead he does everything in his power to make sure she’s protected when he’s not able to be around. I loved the heroine with her innocence but will of iron as she ventures out into the world to find the man in her dreams not knowing that all this time he’s been right there beside her. I loved the fact that she is willing to at least try to be happy with whatever relationship he can give her but I loved her more for acknowledging that a half love is far worse than no love at all. Despite her young years she was smart and level headed, allowing others to protect her and offer advice yet knowing her own mind and desires.
July 11, 2016
I loved this book when I first read it and reread it and reread it over and over years ago.
The plot was predictable but included so many neat reversals, and there were moments of genuine thrill. There was a nice resolution in the "one lover dies" trope, but it was actually touching to the point of tears, and so well written. Often I find that romance writers are influenced by a movie or a scene that seems to have meaning for them, and they take it and turn the (usually male) p.o.v. into a female's, and use it to create a happy ever after. Ex: Jude Devereux's The Princess, which was clearly based on Roman Holiday. In the final scene of this book the hero dies and as his soul wheels off into the heavens he's brought back by his one true love, very much like in the end of Tom Cruise's Far and Away. Although this was less repulsive--Tom Cruise gives me the willies.
Winterberry is a good man, with a strong ethic, he's kind and noble and his flair for imparting peace sounds simply divine. Many of this author's heroes are actually much more developed and interesting than her heroines, a case I also find with one of my other favorite authors: Georgette Heyer, who disliked women acutely.
I like that this is one book in which you see a hero actually doing work. Employment takes up most of our lives so I like to read about it, especially when it's something I know little about, I.e. Police investigation. Trif is only slightly annoying, and you can explain that away by her extreme youth. Many of this author's characters have been so damaged by abuse and neglect I find it difficult to have hopes for them. (None of her heroines are a 0 on the ACE score that I can recall.) Trif certainly is an exception and she's talented and sweet, but she's annoyingly exuberant. Doesn't matter--this is one relationship that's well enough crafted--for whatever reason--that you want the couple to be together in the end.
There's a bit too much FAM business in this book. Zanth in Heartmate was a good character on his own. Post Zanth, these creatures are mostly annoying and WhazzitsFam in this one is possibly the most annoying of them all.
And, ugh, cat tinting. Check it out on Google: people with more money than taste turn innately beautiful creatures into ludicrous and cartoonish eye-sores.
The plot was predictable but included so many neat reversals, and there were moments of genuine thrill. There was a nice resolution in the "one lover dies" trope, but it was actually touching to the point of tears, and so well written. Often I find that romance writers are influenced by a movie or a scene that seems to have meaning for them, and they take it and turn the (usually male) p.o.v. into a female's, and use it to create a happy ever after. Ex: Jude Devereux's The Princess, which was clearly based on Roman Holiday. In the final scene of this book the hero dies and as his soul wheels off into the heavens he's brought back by his one true love, very much like in the end of Tom Cruise's Far and Away. Although this was less repulsive--Tom Cruise gives me the willies.
Winterberry is a good man, with a strong ethic, he's kind and noble and his flair for imparting peace sounds simply divine. Many of this author's heroes are actually much more developed and interesting than her heroines, a case I also find with one of my other favorite authors: Georgette Heyer, who disliked women acutely.
I like that this is one book in which you see a hero actually doing work. Employment takes up most of our lives so I like to read about it, especially when it's something I know little about, I.e. Police investigation. Trif is only slightly annoying, and you can explain that away by her extreme youth. Many of this author's characters have been so damaged by abuse and neglect I find it difficult to have hopes for them. (None of her heroines are a 0 on the ACE score that I can recall.) Trif certainly is an exception and she's talented and sweet, but she's annoyingly exuberant. Doesn't matter--this is one relationship that's well enough crafted--for whatever reason--that you want the couple to be together in the end.
There's a bit too much FAM business in this book. Zanth in Heartmate was a good character on his own. Post Zanth, these creatures are mostly annoying and WhazzitsFam in this one is possibly the most annoying of them all.
And, ugh, cat tinting. Check it out on Google: people with more money than taste turn innately beautiful creatures into ludicrous and cartoonish eye-sores.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2012
I really liked this book, in fact I am in the middle of reading all of the Heart Mates books. I have to acknowledge that I like the male characters more then the females. These books are following true to form with so many other romance books where the heroine has no knowledge of safety or restraints and go dashing into danger to save the bigger, tougher trained fighter hero. I know it sounds stupid when said aloud and reads reads just as stupid in books.
One of the problems in this book is the immature Trif. Yes she is half the age of Ilex, but at some point common sense must step in, it does but usually after all the danger has past. Heroines like Trif usually dont receive insight until they are rescued butt-naked or used as a shield against the hero. Then the flash, I should have stayed home where it was safe. Duh. Another problem with Trif is she says she is mature enough not to think she will get her way every time, but gets upset when he refuses to Heartbond with her. Ilex thinks their bonding will be the catalyst to her death, so Trif ignores all his fears for your own selfish reasons and shoves that catalyst down his throat and get she gets mad when he wont swallow.
The second problem with this book isnt just with this book but with all of them. These cats are really starting to get on my nerves, to the point where every time one speaks I physically roll my eyes and wonder why there arent a string of cat shelters. Or people shelters, where they had to live after their narcistic felines impoverished the whole family with "ME! MINE! WANT! WANT!" None of the other fams behave like this so why do people even want one. I admit my cat is a Diva, but this is going beyond thinking they are the most important thing in the world. I do love Zanth though.
I love Ilex, I thought he was a great example of a hero. I also loved the way this book pulled in and established several books to come. So in order to not get lost you have to definitely read this one. And if you can get through the selfish, immaturity of some of the characters you will enjoy it.
One of the problems in this book is the immature Trif. Yes she is half the age of Ilex, but at some point common sense must step in, it does but usually after all the danger has past. Heroines like Trif usually dont receive insight until they are rescued butt-naked or used as a shield against the hero. Then the flash, I should have stayed home where it was safe. Duh. Another problem with Trif is she says she is mature enough not to think she will get her way every time, but gets upset when he refuses to Heartbond with her. Ilex thinks their bonding will be the catalyst to her death, so Trif ignores all his fears for your own selfish reasons and shoves that catalyst down his throat and get she gets mad when he wont swallow.
The second problem with this book isnt just with this book but with all of them. These cats are really starting to get on my nerves, to the point where every time one speaks I physically roll my eyes and wonder why there arent a string of cat shelters. Or people shelters, where they had to live after their narcistic felines impoverished the whole family with "ME! MINE! WANT! WANT!" None of the other fams behave like this so why do people even want one. I admit my cat is a Diva, but this is going beyond thinking they are the most important thing in the world. I do love Zanth though.
I love Ilex, I thought he was a great example of a hero. I also loved the way this book pulled in and established several books to come. So in order to not get lost you have to definitely read this one. And if you can get through the selfish, immaturity of some of the characters you will enjoy it.
November 16, 2007
This is book 5 of the celta series and in this Wildeberry(name is spelled wrong) is trying to hide from his heartmate because he has some power to see into the future and he sees that he will die at a early age. He doesn't want his heartmate to suffer after he dies because it's been proven that no heartmate can survive for more than one year after their heartmate dies. Still later on he has to try to protect her from disaster because there is a group of people who is taking unstable youths with Fams, pets usually cats that can speak mind to mind with their owner and those they choose to hear, and his heartmate recently receive one. But as he keeps helping her to be more stable the closer their bond goes and he can't help but to be revealed to her through their dreams of passion. In the end what he foresaw was true and that he did almost die but he ends up living and they end up together. What was learn from this was to live to the fullest even if it was a short period of time instead of never having lived it at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2013
Trif Clover is young, barely 20, but anxious to find her HeartMate. She knows he is close, she has been dreaming of him lately. So she has fashioned a key. And as a HeartMate, she will be able to use that key to find out where he lives. As True HeartMate, her key will open his House to her. First she has checked her own apartment building, but to no avail. Now she is canvassing the area where the Nobles live, when she is apprehended by Guardsman Black Ilex Winterberry, her neighbour in MidClass Lodge.
Ilex knows what she is doing, that she is looking for her HeartMate, but knows she will not find him. Trif is his HeartMate, and he will never claim her as such. For starters, he is 40 years older than she is, and he has had visions all his life that he will die young. He knows he has not long to live anymore, and he will not take her with him when he dies. She has her whole life ahead of him, and she will get over his death eventually. But not if they are HeartBonded.
Just as Ilex is about to lecture her of her folly, and the danger she could find herself in, he senses a dead body nearby. He has to get Trif out of danger! Her Flair is not stable enough for her to teleport safely by herself, so Ilex he mentally calls for T’Blackthorn, Trif’s cuz, but he is out of town. Luckily, D’Ash is visiting D’Blackthorn, and teleports over to take Trif with her.
While investigating, Ilex finds Tinne Holly standing over the dead body of a young nobleman. He knows Tinne would not have killed the man, but he has to make sure of it. This is the third murder recently, and his investigation is going nowhere at the moment. Tinne should be able to give him some much needed information.
Ilex tries to find as many clues as possible, and one of them is the smell of some strange incense. Also, the man’s heart has been removed, with no traces of that on the outside. There is evil at work her, Black Magic, mocking everything their society stands for. Young nobles are being targeted with unstable Flair and a Fam. His Trif could be a target as well, but luckily she is not a noble, and she doesn’t have a Fam. But he is wrong in that, as Trif just got a very young and idle kitten from D’Ash, to take her mind of her Quest for her HeartMate.
Trif is over the moon with her Greyku, she didn’t think she could afford a Fam of her own for many years to come. She doesn’t think she has any special skills, so she is working in the Clover family business. Her family is even building her a house of her own in the Clover Compound, but for now she enjoys living on her own.
When Ilex finds out, he is determined to protect her. He has to tell her some about his investigation, and insists she get a protecting amulet made for her by T’Ash, and he will ask his mother D’Winterberry, whom he hates, to put a retrieval spell on it. If she gets hurt, the amulet will wisk her away to the Healing Hall. His mother is an addict, and is greedy for more money so she bargains for a huge fee for her services. Ilex also meets his cuz, Dufleur Thyme, and he likes her, despite their horrible mothers who are plotting to get her married of to some rich Nobleman.
Ilex has also promised Trif to help her with her teleporting, knowing that being that close to her, to keep touching her, is a mistake. But he just can’t stay away from his HeartMate, and they have some lovely times together and with their Fams.
Trif has a Flair for music, and composing, she loves playing some different instruments. Without her knowledge, Ilex has given Tinne Holly some of her music he has recorded, and perhaps D’Holly will take her on as an apprentice. Although he is not really happy for Trif to spend time in that cursed household.
Trif is astonished when D’Holly wants her as an apprentice, surely her little tunes are not good enough for their worlds best composer? Now she can stop working at the family firm, and concentrate on her music. And the first thing she learns, is how to upgrade her own HeartMate music. Which is not really necessary, Ilex can no longer resist her, and comes to her. She is so happy when she finds out he is her HeartMate, but really doesn’t understand why he won’t have her. He keeps resisting the HeartBond she throws at him.
Meanwhile, more people are murdered, and even his own cousin gets hurt but thanks to her Fam, she escapes. And with her memories, Ilex is closing the net on those corrupted Nobles. But will he stop them in time for Samhein? And safe his HeartMate? Or has he already lost her?
Another great book in a great series. This one revolves more around the murder plot, and it was nice to read that there really is evil in this world as well. Of course there are some rough people, and normal criminals, but this is an abuse of Flair, a violation of their oldest and most important laws.
I liked Trif already through the previous books, full of live and curious. And of course she would not wait patiently for her HeartMate to find her, she goes Questing herself. She wants to find a love of her own, and experience everything that being a HeartMate means. O she knows it can be bad as well, just look at the Hollies.
And then Black Ilex. He made an impression in the previous books as well. He loves his job, is very honourable and good at it. And I liked that he didn’t want to Bond with Trif. Due to the difference in age alone. He is older, staid and set in his ways, and she is just so young and vibrant. But when he learns she is actively seeking him, he has to get close. As she has already searched her own apartment building, it will be possible to move in undetected. He will be able to keep a close eye on her, and protect her if necessary. But well, the plans of mice and men… Of course he is found out by some other Nobles, who don’t agree with him, but understand why he keeps his distance. They like Trif, and want her happy.
The murder investigation is of course very different from our own. Lots of Flair is used for things I never would have dreamed of. And Ilex’ Flair powers really come in handy. A lot happens in this book, especially with the Holly family, which I will not spoil. A surprise, but a great ending of the book.
I am going to dive straight into number six, I really cannot get enough of this world.
As always, a great story, great loveable characters, including the Fams, and a bigger insight in the world of Celta. Also some nice love scenes and yes, I did cry some.
If you like romantic fantasy, this sure is a series I recommend to all.
9,5 stars.
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
Ilex knows what she is doing, that she is looking for her HeartMate, but knows she will not find him. Trif is his HeartMate, and he will never claim her as such. For starters, he is 40 years older than she is, and he has had visions all his life that he will die young. He knows he has not long to live anymore, and he will not take her with him when he dies. She has her whole life ahead of him, and she will get over his death eventually. But not if they are HeartBonded.
Just as Ilex is about to lecture her of her folly, and the danger she could find herself in, he senses a dead body nearby. He has to get Trif out of danger! Her Flair is not stable enough for her to teleport safely by herself, so Ilex he mentally calls for T’Blackthorn, Trif’s cuz, but he is out of town. Luckily, D’Ash is visiting D’Blackthorn, and teleports over to take Trif with her.
While investigating, Ilex finds Tinne Holly standing over the dead body of a young nobleman. He knows Tinne would not have killed the man, but he has to make sure of it. This is the third murder recently, and his investigation is going nowhere at the moment. Tinne should be able to give him some much needed information.
Ilex tries to find as many clues as possible, and one of them is the smell of some strange incense. Also, the man’s heart has been removed, with no traces of that on the outside. There is evil at work her, Black Magic, mocking everything their society stands for. Young nobles are being targeted with unstable Flair and a Fam. His Trif could be a target as well, but luckily she is not a noble, and she doesn’t have a Fam. But he is wrong in that, as Trif just got a very young and idle kitten from D’Ash, to take her mind of her Quest for her HeartMate.
Trif is over the moon with her Greyku, she didn’t think she could afford a Fam of her own for many years to come. She doesn’t think she has any special skills, so she is working in the Clover family business. Her family is even building her a house of her own in the Clover Compound, but for now she enjoys living on her own.
When Ilex finds out, he is determined to protect her. He has to tell her some about his investigation, and insists she get a protecting amulet made for her by T’Ash, and he will ask his mother D’Winterberry, whom he hates, to put a retrieval spell on it. If she gets hurt, the amulet will wisk her away to the Healing Hall. His mother is an addict, and is greedy for more money so she bargains for a huge fee for her services. Ilex also meets his cuz, Dufleur Thyme, and he likes her, despite their horrible mothers who are plotting to get her married of to some rich Nobleman.
Ilex has also promised Trif to help her with her teleporting, knowing that being that close to her, to keep touching her, is a mistake. But he just can’t stay away from his HeartMate, and they have some lovely times together and with their Fams.
Trif has a Flair for music, and composing, she loves playing some different instruments. Without her knowledge, Ilex has given Tinne Holly some of her music he has recorded, and perhaps D’Holly will take her on as an apprentice. Although he is not really happy for Trif to spend time in that cursed household.
Trif is astonished when D’Holly wants her as an apprentice, surely her little tunes are not good enough for their worlds best composer? Now she can stop working at the family firm, and concentrate on her music. And the first thing she learns, is how to upgrade her own HeartMate music. Which is not really necessary, Ilex can no longer resist her, and comes to her. She is so happy when she finds out he is her HeartMate, but really doesn’t understand why he won’t have her. He keeps resisting the HeartBond she throws at him.
Meanwhile, more people are murdered, and even his own cousin gets hurt but thanks to her Fam, she escapes. And with her memories, Ilex is closing the net on those corrupted Nobles. But will he stop them in time for Samhein? And safe his HeartMate? Or has he already lost her?
Another great book in a great series. This one revolves more around the murder plot, and it was nice to read that there really is evil in this world as well. Of course there are some rough people, and normal criminals, but this is an abuse of Flair, a violation of their oldest and most important laws.
I liked Trif already through the previous books, full of live and curious. And of course she would not wait patiently for her HeartMate to find her, she goes Questing herself. She wants to find a love of her own, and experience everything that being a HeartMate means. O she knows it can be bad as well, just look at the Hollies.
And then Black Ilex. He made an impression in the previous books as well. He loves his job, is very honourable and good at it. And I liked that he didn’t want to Bond with Trif. Due to the difference in age alone. He is older, staid and set in his ways, and she is just so young and vibrant. But when he learns she is actively seeking him, he has to get close. As she has already searched her own apartment building, it will be possible to move in undetected. He will be able to keep a close eye on her, and protect her if necessary. But well, the plans of mice and men… Of course he is found out by some other Nobles, who don’t agree with him, but understand why he keeps his distance. They like Trif, and want her happy.
The murder investigation is of course very different from our own. Lots of Flair is used for things I never would have dreamed of. And Ilex’ Flair powers really come in handy. A lot happens in this book, especially with the Holly family, which I will not spoil. A surprise, but a great ending of the book.
I am going to dive straight into number six, I really cannot get enough of this world.
As always, a great story, great loveable characters, including the Fams, and a bigger insight in the world of Celta. Also some nice love scenes and yes, I did cry some.
If you like romantic fantasy, this sure is a series I recommend to all.
9,5 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com
January 12, 2018
I listened to the audiobook version of this and kinda hated it which surprised me as I remember enjoying the first several books quite a bit.
The narrator did an excellent job voicing the two fams (fox and kitty) and I especially liked the snobby young voice for the cat, it was hilarious. I HATED the voice he chose for the heroine and found it made her sound childish and hickish.
The plot line was just meh, steam level just meh. All in all, not worth a re-read that's for sure!
The narrator did an excellent job voicing the two fams (fox and kitty) and I especially liked the snobby young voice for the cat, it was hilarious. I HATED the voice he chose for the heroine and found it made her sound childish and hickish.
The plot line was just meh, steam level just meh. All in all, not worth a re-read that's for sure!
October 12, 2020
Celta's Heartmates #5
I am enjoying the continued world building as well as the links between the books and ongoing storylines. I am looking forward to the next book… Enjoy!
Read:
October 11-12, 2020 – Audible Plus
I am enjoying the continued world building as well as the links between the books and ongoing storylines. I am looking forward to the next book… Enjoy!
Read:
October 11-12, 2020 – Audible Plus
June 24, 2021
Similar enjoyable world building to the rest of the series. I think, though, that there were some consent issues in this one that made me uncomfortable. I suppose that's always a problem with the fated mate trope, but if someone says no, that doesn't mean to keep trying magic to get them to bed...
November 17, 2020
Omlord I cried more during this one than I did the last time 🤣🤣 why am I so drawn to emotional rollercoaster books?
April 2, 2024
I like this series the first time so much I’m rereading it and I’m loving it even more the second time around
August 9, 2025
Do not attempt to jump into the series here like I did, save your sanity and start at the beginning.
November 9, 2025
3.5 stars. Engaging worldbuilding and a nice May-December romance. The pets were cute! I'd be curious to hear recommendations for other books in this series, since this was my first one.
October 23, 2016
Maybe 3.75 stars.
May 16, 2015
After the fourth book being what it was, I wasn't expecting much from Heart Quest, especially since the leading man was a minor character from previous books who hadn't really gripped me. I was prepared for it to be a let down and I was pleasantly surprised.
The plot suffers from the occasional bout of trying too hard to be a crime novel, as well as a few moments where things don't quite add up; when the main villain was unmasked, I literally had to stop and reread earlier parts in the book because I had no clue who she was supposed to be. There's so little interaction with any of the antagonists, just the quick "what they're doing is bad, so very very bad," and then the book goes back to the leading lady pursuing her man.
Which is dynamic enough of a variance to make this book stand out in comparison to the others. Indeed, Trif is a cool leading lady. She's bright and cheerful and determined and provides a contrast to her counterpart, Winterberry. Their differences feel more complementary than the "opposites attract" trope, though, and I think that this is probably the second best coupling after Ruis and Ailim in the second book.
Winterberry himself is not as much fun as his leading lady, though I feel like the biggest issue here is the fact that Owens is kinda vague on how aging works in this universe. It's stated that people on Celta live somewhere around two hundred years, but Winterberry, who is vaguely somewhere between mid forties and sixty, considers himself "old." Too old, in fact, for Trif. But if the lifespan of Celtans is two hundred years, then he's not even truly middle aged, so it's hard to conceptualize why he thinks of himself as so old.
The age gap between Winterberry and Trif would be less odd if the language of the book didn't consistently fetishize it. On more than one occasion, Trif is defined in sexual settings as having the scent of "young woman," and it's just kinda...offputting. It's written to draw out the contrast between the two characters, but the language is just not careful enough at times.
The psychic cat of this book, Greyku, is another manifestation of the cat vanity trope, but lacking the constant misogyny of how Drina was treated in the previous book, the effect is a lot more endearing. This is made more enjoyable by the contrast with Winterberry's psychic animal companion-- a fox named Vertic. If I'm honest, I think Vertic was my favorite character in the book, this strange, half-wild vulpine loping through and generally being the smartest and wisest character of the bunch. I loved him.
Pros: well matched couple, psychic fox!, fun leading lady
Cons: plot felt more like a way to string together sex scenes, antagonists are virtually useless, vague treatment of aging in the series leads to weird characterization, age gap of the main couple might be offputting
The plot suffers from the occasional bout of trying too hard to be a crime novel, as well as a few moments where things don't quite add up; when the main villain was unmasked, I literally had to stop and reread earlier parts in the book because I had no clue who she was supposed to be. There's so little interaction with any of the antagonists, just the quick "what they're doing is bad, so very very bad," and then the book goes back to the leading lady pursuing her man.
Which is dynamic enough of a variance to make this book stand out in comparison to the others. Indeed, Trif is a cool leading lady. She's bright and cheerful and determined and provides a contrast to her counterpart, Winterberry. Their differences feel more complementary than the "opposites attract" trope, though, and I think that this is probably the second best coupling after Ruis and Ailim in the second book.
Winterberry himself is not as much fun as his leading lady, though I feel like the biggest issue here is the fact that Owens is kinda vague on how aging works in this universe. It's stated that people on Celta live somewhere around two hundred years, but Winterberry, who is vaguely somewhere between mid forties and sixty, considers himself "old." Too old, in fact, for Trif. But if the lifespan of Celtans is two hundred years, then he's not even truly middle aged, so it's hard to conceptualize why he thinks of himself as so old.
The age gap between Winterberry and Trif would be less odd if the language of the book didn't consistently fetishize it. On more than one occasion, Trif is defined in sexual settings as having the scent of "young woman," and it's just kinda...offputting. It's written to draw out the contrast between the two characters, but the language is just not careful enough at times.
The psychic cat of this book, Greyku, is another manifestation of the cat vanity trope, but lacking the constant misogyny of how Drina was treated in the previous book, the effect is a lot more endearing. This is made more enjoyable by the contrast with Winterberry's psychic animal companion-- a fox named Vertic. If I'm honest, I think Vertic was my favorite character in the book, this strange, half-wild vulpine loping through and generally being the smartest and wisest character of the bunch. I loved him.
Pros: well matched couple, psychic fox!, fun leading lady
Cons: plot felt more like a way to string together sex scenes, antagonists are virtually useless, vague treatment of aging in the series leads to weird characterization, age gap of the main couple might be offputting
October 12, 2014
This was an interesting one for the series. This time around the guy knew exactly who his heart mate was, but couldn't/wouldn't claim her, while the girl was on a quest to find her heart mate. It made for an interesting dynamic.
There was the possibility for both Trif and Ilex to become a a stereo type as Ilex was double her age, in fact when he was making his heart gift Trif was 2, sort of creepy if you think of it. Trif's personality was one of fun and openness, which balanced Ilex's serious Guardsman. I loved how when Ilex learned that Trif was his he changed his life to be there in the background and do what he could to protect her. I also loved that in this he cultivated a sweet friendship that was just what they both needed.
The way all of Druida learned of their situation and Ilex not claiming Trif made for some fun. Some of them understood and agreed with him, others thought he was the stupidest man on the planet. I am not sure where I fall in that argument, I sort of agree with both sides.
As always with these books there was lots of fun with all the fam's. It seems like each one of them has their own personality and they make it know.
The whole Holm debacle rages in this book too and comes to a head. I think that Tinne did what he needed to in order to save his family. It was nice to see everything resolved in the end.
I am looking forward to the next book as there were large hints left on who it would be.
There was the possibility for both Trif and Ilex to become a a stereo type as Ilex was double her age, in fact when he was making his heart gift Trif was 2, sort of creepy if you think of it. Trif's personality was one of fun and openness, which balanced Ilex's serious Guardsman. I loved how when Ilex learned that Trif was his he changed his life to be there in the background and do what he could to protect her. I also loved that in this he cultivated a sweet friendship that was just what they both needed.
The way all of Druida learned of their situation and Ilex not claiming Trif made for some fun. Some of them understood and agreed with him, others thought he was the stupidest man on the planet. I am not sure where I fall in that argument, I sort of agree with both sides.
As always with these books there was lots of fun with all the fam's. It seems like each one of them has their own personality and they make it know.
The whole Holm debacle rages in this book too and comes to a head. I think that Tinne did what he needed to in order to save his family. It was nice to see everything resolved in the end.
I am looking forward to the next book as there were large hints left on who it would be.
October 6, 2009
Rereading...
Heart Quest is book 5 in the Celtan Heart Mates series. Another winning hero and heroine. Both have been introduced in earlier Heartmate books. Ilex Winterberry has been a quiet presence in earlier novels in his role as a guardsman. He knows his heartmate is Trif Clover. As an honorable man he refuses to pursue the bond since he is convinced he will die soon and refuses to take a heartmate with him [heartmates do not survive the death of their partner:]. Trif, however, is actively pursuing her heartmate and every time they come together, Ilex sinks a little deeper. And then Trif is kidnapped by the black magic cult that Ilex has been hunting...
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 Quest is book 5 in the Celtan Heart Mates series. Another winning hero and heroine. Both have been introduced in earlier Heartmate books. Ilex Winterberry has been a quiet presence in earlier novels in his role as a guardsman. He knows his heartmate is Trif Clover. As an honorable man he refuses to pursue the bond since he is convinced he will die soon and refuses to take a heartmate with him [heartmates do not survive the death of their partner:]. Trif, however, is actively pursuing her heartmate and every time they come together, Ilex sinks a little deeper. And then Trif is kidnapped by the black magic cult that Ilex has been hunting...
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)
July 31, 2015
I have greatly looked forward to re-reading this book. I fell in love with Trif, the impish young lady who dared T'Ash's wrath in Heartmate, from our first meeting with her. The cameos in other books only whetted my appetite and I am happy to say that this book more than lived up to my expectations. It brought me to tears on several occasions and to me a book that reaches out and grabs hold of your emotions is beyond worth.
This book is perhaps one of my very favorites because out of all the characters in the series Trif and Ilex feel more like regular everyday people. Their relationship/courtship gets interrupted by real life and is more easily relatable than some of the past books. Overall, a book that I would highly recommend and read again.
As a side note there is one small error where Trif is telling Tinne that she only knows two residences, but she had already visited the Willow residence so not entirely true.
This book is perhaps one of my very favorites because out of all the characters in the series Trif and Ilex feel more like regular everyday people. Their relationship/courtship gets interrupted by real life and is more easily relatable than some of the past books. Overall, a book that I would highly recommend and read again.
As a side note there is one small error where Trif is telling Tinne that she only knows two residences, but she had already visited the Willow residence so not entirely true.
February 17, 2014
Another wonderful entry in the Celta series, as the reader learns still more details about life on this planet. These books are a mix of romance, fantasy, and science fiction, the paranormal label is a bit misleading.
Celta was settled by people from Earth a long time ago, there's a derelict spaceship on the planet. The people have developed Flair, a type of psi power. Each book describes new uses for Flair and shows more of the social structure of the planet.
In this book, the reader learns more about the Flair associated with musicians and policemen and still more of the convoluted politics of the First Families. The Fams (psychically connected pets) play a central role in the plot.
Great fun, reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey and Pern.
Highly recommended.
Celta was settled by people from Earth a long time ago, there's a derelict spaceship on the planet. The people have developed Flair, a type of psi power. Each book describes new uses for Flair and shows more of the social structure of the planet.
In this book, the reader learns more about the Flair associated with musicians and policemen and still more of the convoluted politics of the First Families. The Fams (psychically connected pets) play a central role in the plot.
Great fun, reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey and Pern.
Highly recommended.
October 24, 2015
This is the a wonderful book in the Celta series but you do not have to read the others to love this love story. You will love it even harder if you do though.
Trif is a wonderful hopeful heroine who comes into her power and talent. Ilex is a devoted smart hero and sexy as hell. I love that this book is about commoners rather than nobility. I love the older hero/younger heroine tension which is based on really issues that keep them apart instead the hero being an idoit. The mystery here is great and the world building supreme.
It is a sexy fun book with talking animals. Yep. Good stuff.
Robin Owens does wonderful plots that have that perfect blend of character driven with events that matter. We have humor and pathos. A yearly reread for me.
May 27, 2016
There was a large cast of characters in this book of the series. The Hollys' problems get semi-resolved. Trif and Ilex are a strange mis-match that end up complimenting each other. This one needed a cd to go along so we could hear the Heartmate music.
However, when I finished I had to go back to find where the villain had originally been mentioned. Talk about hidden -- and not even in plain sight.
The Turquoise House is becoming one of my favorite characters. I read the series out of order so I knew what was coming for the Hollys and the house.
However, when I finished I had to go back to find where the villain had originally been mentioned. Talk about hidden -- and not even in plain sight.
The Turquoise House is becoming one of my favorite characters. I read the series out of order so I knew what was coming for the Hollys and the house.
September 23, 2009
I liked that the characters in this novel were of the lower nobility. It was a nice change from the previous entries in the series.
I understood Ilex's reason for wanting to keep Trif away from him, especially in the beginning. I really liked the way the story progressed and the overall arc of the romance.
Trif really matured as the story progressed. I loved the way she pushed for what she wanted.
I understood Ilex's reason for wanting to keep Trif away from him, especially in the beginning. I really liked the way the story progressed and the overall arc of the romance.
Trif really matured as the story progressed. I loved the way she pushed for what she wanted.
November 20, 2011
I was offended for the heroine - the H knew she was his heart mate and avoided her. Oh, he had his reasons but really.
The blasar became a blazer, which led to me giggling a bit when the villainess was attempting to shoot someone with her blazer. I mean; I know they're like deadly to the fashion conscious but this is ridiculous.
And yet another round of anger management issues. Enough with the red haze of anger.
The blasar became a blazer, which led to me giggling a bit when the villainess was attempting to shoot someone with her blazer. I mean; I know they're like deadly to the fashion conscious but this is ridiculous.
And yet another round of anger management issues. Enough with the red haze of anger.
August 3, 2013
This is the story of Trif Clover, a member of the very big Clover family. They are an amazing bunch of family members that are fun to be around. This book focuses on Trif's journey to find her HeartMate. Some make a HeartMate gift to lure their mate tot hem, some accidentally run into their mates but here Trif goes knocking on door after door, she so wants to find her HeartMate. Great read! A do not miss book!
July 19, 2014
I won this book from one of my book blogs.
This is the 5th Heartmates book that I've read. I think the thing that I enjoyed most about it is the interweaving of other characters from books I've already read. I usually enjoy when characters show up over and over in a series- it makes me feel like I'm really getting to know them, and I feel more connected because I know more about them than what is simply in the current book.
This is the 5th Heartmates book that I've read. I think the thing that I enjoyed most about it is the interweaving of other characters from books I've already read. I usually enjoy when characters show up over and over in a series- it makes me feel like I'm really getting to know them, and I feel more connected because I know more about them than what is simply in the current book.
January 23, 2015
Ok, probably would have given this a 4 star but since I had read all around this book and the stories were more in depth as they went along I really expected more of the "Black Magic" cult but it was almost like it was an afterthought...And Ilex was just stupid not knowing that a few years of Heartmate bonding would be way better than a lifetime of something else. Trif strong and has a spine, I like that.
November 5, 2015
This book is a mystery and a love story. The mystery is who (or how many whos) are murdering noble Celtans who are experiencing unpredictable flair. The love story is that Trif Clover is searching for her heartmate and he (Ilex Winterberry) does not want to be found. The fam animals a fox and a kitten, do their part and we are introduced to a sentient residence. Problems with Ilex's mom are solved in "Heart Match", the next book in the series.
m-its-ch
March 31, 2018April 28, 2023
A re-read.
Not my favorite so far, but, I did like the mystery, and the action. I've never really liked Trif in any of the stories, I found her a little vain and a little kid like even though she's an adult. But, I do like that we see her grow up some. She's not my favorite character, I like Ilex more. But, other than that, it does justice to the whole series. And is it just me or are the cats getting more arragant?
Not my favorite so far, but, I did like the mystery, and the action. I've never really liked Trif in any of the stories, I found her a little vain and a little kid like even though she's an adult. But, I do like that we see her grow up some. She's not my favorite character, I like Ilex more. But, other than that, it does justice to the whole series. And is it just me or are the cats getting more arragant?
March 6, 2009
Not my usual read--I just can't get into romance tropes the way I do into SF/Fantasy stuff. But, this was light reading as a way to relax after other stuff that took time and effort, and it made the subway trip pass speedily enough. Her world-building in this sort of SF/Fantasy setting is interesting and the secondary characters don't become card board cut out set peices.
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