Rereading...
Heart Choice is book 4 in the Celtan Heart Mates series. The hero and heroine are very likable - but the conflict between them is irreconcilable. He wants a family more than anything - but only thinks of his own blood children, despite a genetic flaw which destroyed every member of his family when he was seventeen. She would love a family but is sterile due to a childhood illness. They might have overcome the differences in class and ability but she knows that anything between them is doomed by her sterility.

Other plot lines are threaded through the romance: a challenge to Straif's standing, the renovation of his Residence, and the politics and manipulation of alliances. Straif's fam was not very likable [although her snits were occassionally amusing] she's the Paris Hilton of the feline fams...

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)

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Another pleasant, mildly erotic addition to Robin D. Owens Celta series. This one centers around Straif T'Blackthorn and Mitchella Clover. Straif is a cousin of the Hollys ("Heart Duel" and previous novels) whose entire family has been killed by a virus--he's been all over Celta obsessed with finding a cure to reestablish the Blackthorns. Mitchella is Danith D'Ash's best friend, a Commoner, and an interior designer of homes. She's been contracted to refurbish the dilapidated Blackthorn Residence for the GreatLord. Sparks fly between them, even though she's been left sterile from a childhood illness and has no hope for a lasting romance with a man obsessed with his lineage. Then someone challenges Straif's claim to the T'Blackthorn title, unless he can prove he's worthy of the title and the Residence in a hurry. Add Straif's self-important FamCat and Mitchella's teenage ward and the emotions run high.

This is the fourth book in the series, although each one stands alone: 1. Heart Mate (Danith and T'Ash), 2. Heart Thief (Ailim D'SilverFir and Ruis Elder), 3. Heart Duel (Lark and Holm Holly)

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In book 4 of Robin D Owens "Heartmates" series we have the story of Straith Blackthorn and his attempt to reclaim his place in society. He starts with the with the refurbishment of his residence and property with the help of interior designer Mitchella Clover only to have his claim challenged by another. The story continues with Straith dealing with his genetic disorder and Mitchella's inability to have children. The book also keeps us up with how other characters are doing in the land of Celta. I found the book entertaining and a good read. I look forward to the next in the series.

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Pretty Good Liked Heart Theif better though

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Due to a genetic disorder, Straif Blackthorn is the last of his line. Determined to rebuild his heritage and protect future generations of Blackthorns from the disease, he works tirelessly to find a cure. Nothing else matters to him...until he meets Mitchella Clover...

But Mitchella is a not a woman Straif can build a family with, for she is unable to bear children. Unwilling to let his bloodline fail, Straif refuses to pursue his feelings. Mitchella knows that a family is founded on love, not blood, but unless Straif sees this, they cannot be together, no matter how much they desire to be. Only when an unforeseen tragedy threatens to overshadow them do they realize what truly matters -- and what they truly mean to each other.

Very good book. This is the one of four books written about this world and you meet all the characters in each book. Heartmate, Heart Thief, and Heart Duel are the first three and this is the last of the four. You won't be disappointed in this book. It is very good.

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