Rating: 
Summary: A new "keeper book"!
Review: I really enjoyed Robin's debut book, and considering that its flying off the shelves at all bookstores must prove that its loved just as well by other readers!
Robin creates a whole new world that is intriguing and wonderful. Her characters are well portrayed, and the humor with the cat Zanth is so great. Its a book full of destined love, challenges, swords and duels, magic, and nonstop adventure.
When youre finished reading you'll definitely be glad that Robin is writing the next book in this great series. Its sure to be just like this one --- a book that will remain a "keeper" in many readers' collection.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful magical romance
Review: I spent the weekend reading this book and loved every minute. Robin D. Owens spins a wonderful story set in a an entrancing magical world. I also love Dara Joy's and Jayne Castle's books and this one is equal to them.
I especially liked it that the hero, T'Ash, has no "commitment" issues. He wants Danith as his HeartMate and pursues her relentlessly, almost driving her crazy in the process.
The "familiar" cat, Zanth, adds marvelous humor to the story.
Rating: 
Summary: Not For Me
Review: I struggled throught this book. I gave it a three star rating thinking maybe it was just not my type of book. It was good to read before bedtime to put me to sleep. The last three chapters were the only redemption. I picked up some of my tried and true authors to read after this one.
Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: I understand this is the first for this author, but not the last I hope. It is a great book and held my attention from the beginning. I love books that are different and with an sense of humor as well as believable characters. Robin Owens has both in this book. The fantasy and magic are something else I enjoy. The author uses all of these elements in the story to their best advantage. I cared about about TAsh and about Danith. I can see more stories coming from this book with Holly and his brother for instance. Perhaps also Danith's best friend could have her own love story. She has no flair and can't have children, in this world both are a huge handicape. It would take a special man for her. Please continue writing and could you hurry, I am almost done with this one and want a new one soon. thanks dj
Rating: 
Summary: If you're looking for something different, this is it
Review: I was looking for something different, and I found it. HeartMate is a story that occurs in a fascinating setting that includes science fiction, fantasy, and romance. Owens blends these genres well and comes up with a winner, literally (RITA).
T'Ash is part of the ruling class, but lost his family at 6, raised himself in the mean streets of Downwind, and fought his way out of there, through vengeance against his family's killers, and back into the nobility. He is very powerful magically, an impressive fighter, haughty and arrogant in the fashion of the nobility, but also fearful of the dark part of his nature that he had to rely on for so many years. In addition, he is totally inept when it comes to a relationship with a woman--clueless. It's this very dichotomy that makes him interesting.
Danith is an orphan who's been rejected too many times, felt alone too many times, and is sick of others telling her what to do. So she's not too keen on T'Ash essentially commanding her to be his (among other things). But he also gives her what she's always wanted--he discovers her magical ability and sets her on the path to harness & use it. Then again, that utterly changes her life, and she's not sure she likes it. He pushes; she runs. Her fears and doubts are understandable, but her resistance does get old.
The story is very interesting, in large part because of the world Owens has created, a world that is both familiar and different. She manages to set up the world and deliver a romance in a seamless fashion. Although the story dragged some in the middle, it generally held my interest well. I will read the rest of the series, but not immediately--perhaps a book or two in between.
When you consider that this is a first novel, it's obvious that Owens will go far.
Rating:
Summary: New and Interesting!
Review: I'm an avowed (and avid) Fantasy and Romance reader. This means I've 'seen it all' and 'read it all'...*yawn* Ho Hum. But, I was incredibly surprised by this book!! It was a new and innovative world with a great twist in the caste system of society. The use of magic (always a welcome addition!) is not restricted to the high and mighty or necessarily a 'birthright'. I enjoyed the 'Equal Opportunity' way this book was written. It flowed. It moved gracefully and was brash when it should have been. The introduction of a telepathic cat species into Robin D. Owens' world was wonderful. For those of you who are catless, trust ne...this is what they are really like! I would have liked to see more...well, of *everything*! I gave it a 4 out of 5 because I thought the end was rushed - You get the feeling that she didn't know how to end a story. I'm hoping it was rushed because there is more planned for the 3 of them or more in this universe!
Rating: 
Summary: Teeth Grittingly Frustrating!
Review: If you want to read an original, sensual, sci-fi romance pick up something by Dara Joy and skip over Robin D. Owens pale imatation. Gosh, I so wanted to like this book. I tried to, I really did, but reading it was like slogging through wet cement. I kept turning pages in hopes of something interesting happening, but it never did. I really liked Matrix of Destiny series, and I think that was what HeartMate was trying to recreate but fails miserably.
The action takes place on Celta, a world were everyone posesses Flair, which alternates between being a psychic and magical ability, with your status being determined by how great your Flair is. Which brings up frustrating point number one. The parameters of Celta and the mysticism of this culture are never clearly defined and, frankly, mind-boggling! It seems to be based on Wicca, and they use crystals and such, all in a tangled up web that's more confusing than complex. And the rules contradict themselves. A Heartmate can only see a HeartGift but that doesn't stop someone from stealing in the first chapter. The thief certainly saw it!
Rand T'Ash is the hero. His Flair is the most powerful on Celta and he's a nobleman who has just managed to reclaim his heritage after his family was wiped out by enemies. He lived many years as a street tough, and isn't every elegant, cultured, and doesn't feel like he fits in. He's a moody alpha-male, and as I got the feeling in this Just-Like-Dara-Joy book Owens was going for a Just-Like-Traed hero. Rand T'Ash is no Traed ta'al Krue! He's basically an annoying, macho insufferable jerk who isn't very sympathetic. No wonder Danith doesn't want him! Danith is so intimadated by him and his status that they just don't make a good match, destiny or no! But Rand bumbles through a boring courtship, trying to convince her or his love through jewerly and lots of italicized words.
Zanth, Rand's telepathic cat, was amusing. He's still a pale imatation of Dara Joy's Familiars, but by far the best character in this book.
Rating:
Summary: A must read!!
Review: In Druida City, Celta, Rand T'Ash, a renowned jeweler, is lonely until his psi power, the Flair, informs him that "Today you will meet your HEARTMATE". Suddenly his adrenaline flows to extreme levels as Rand anxiously awaits the arrival at his shop the Phoenix of whom he has dreamed of forever. As he anxiously awaits her arrival, Rand pulls out of his safe his HeartGift, a special necklace for his beloved.
However, instead of falling into his arms as he has fantasized, Danith Mallow seems frightened of the over eager and clearly ardent Rand with his brooding sensual dark looks at her. She flees his shop and while he falls into in self-pity, someone steals his HeartGift. Now Rand must show the patience of Job (minor anachronism) while courting his reluctant beloved and seeking the stolen necklace that symbolizes everything he cherishes in life.
HEARTMATE is a jocular fantasy romance with a touch of mystery that showcases Robin D Owens' ability to combine the varying elements into an entertaining novel that engages fans of all three genres. The lead couple is a delightful duo and his familiar Zanth (don't even go there) adds humor and feline advice to the mix. The amusing one-sitting story line works on all levels as readers from the different genres will want Ms. Owens to return to Celta for more tales of heartmates. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely delightful -- Very highly recommended
Review: In the delirium of his third Passage when he gained mastery of his psi powers, T'Ash created a HeartGift that binds him to his future HeartMate. He had fashioned a necklace that lacked his current level of graceful craftsmanship, but that holds his creative, carnal energy. The fine jewel in the center is a large roseamber pendant with an inner flaw that takes a different appearance to each person who views it. Only T'Ash and his HeartMate can see the true image captured within. The necklace will attract and affect only his HeartMate. Danith Mallow prefers the charming and whimsical over the expensive and gilt laden. She comes to the jewelry shop because she's drawn to T'Ash's most sensual and original creations. But the stunning necklace that T'Ash holds out to her at once attracts and repulses her. Overwhelmed by her responses to it, she believes he's cast a filthy seduction spell in an effort to win a common woman to his bed. It leaves her feeling cheapened and oddly betrayed. A Null, someone unaffected by psi gifts, steals the necklace from the counter before T'Ash can convince Danith to take it. Worse, an heir to another Great House calls in his debt of honor, forcing T'Ash to focus on another task rather than searching for the necklace and winning his HeartMate. Now his once serene life is suddenly in a shambles. He had believed pursuing his HeartMate would be simple, easy. Instead, the task becomes incredibly complicated and confusing. Danith wants a family, marriage to a simple man, and a peaceful life, not a nobleman with Flair and dubious intentions. T'Ash, the man who once moved in Downwind circles, and now in rich noble circles, is too different than Danith, too intense and too alone. She's an average woman of common birth and was raised in an orphanage. She's learned to accept that there are many things she cannot have, like an extraordinary psi gift, and T'Ash only reminds her of her insignificance. Danith's fears result in a habit of refusing T'Ash, of disbelieving his words and running from him. Yet their destiny drives T'Ash to face her rejection again and again, even though his inept attempts at courtship only seem to infuriate her. Accompanied by his familiar, Zanth, T'Ash will steal the heart of readers with his inept wooing of his HeartMate and his fear of sharing his inner self. His incredible abilities balance a carefully protected vulnerability that makes him endearing to readers. Zanth's attitude about life, that "Life is good," as he stalks sewer rats and arranges jewels also provides excellent amusement. Indeed, author Robin Owens' world of Celta that includes psi gifts and familiars who communicate telepathically is delicious. Rich with humor and nuance, presenting danger on multiple levels while remaining utterly irresistible, HEARTMATE will capture readers' hearts, and leaving them hoping for a sequel. Very highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant tale!
Review: It is amazing to think this is a first book from Owens. Her storyteller's ability is strong, her use of humour done with flair, her adapting ancient Celt lore into a whole new world is done with strong imagination. It is obvious there will be more
"Heart" tale from the world of Celta, where there are gifted people who are blessed with Fams (familiars). Anyone who loves kitties will enough this tale that is so original. I cannot wait for Heart Thief! One of the best books I have ever read, so I hope there will be many more visits to Celta!
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