C2’s review of Heart Legacy (Celta, Book 14) by Robin D. Owens
Fantasy Romance published by Berkley 3 Nov 15

Well, faithful reader, you know I have long been a fan of Robin D. Owens’ Heart Mates series, so I was very excited to read Heart Legacy. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a particularly strong entry into the series. Wanna know more? Keep reading!

Since this is Book 14, I’m going to assume anyone interested in this book has read previous books in the series and is familiar with the world already. Call me crazy! However, I’ll do a quick primer: Celta – the planet they live on; cut off from Earth by some sort of cosmic event; Flair – psychic power; everyone has some level of Flair but nobles have lots and it is usually in a specific field; Fam – an animal with psychic powers; chooses a human companion to bond with (LOVE THE FAMS!!!).

Our heroine is Loridana d’Yew – titular head of the Yew family. Even though Lori is 18 years old (SO YOUNG!) and should have assumed leadership of the family, her relatives (and even the family Residence) have conspired to keep her from doing so. They use her Flair (psychic power) to fuel the family estate, but they don’t let her make any real decisions and, in fact, don’t let her leave the property.

Our hero is Draeg Blackthorn. Draeg has been sent to work at the Yew stables. Several leading families of Celta suspect the Yews are involved with a dangerous group that has staged attacks on several families/institutions/whatnot (over the last few books). Draeg hopes to uncover proof so they can be brought to justice.

I’m not gonna lie, faithful reader, I am disappointed in this book. Although it is better than the last one – because I don’t enjoy villainous groups…just one bad guy is plenty, thanks. Sometimes even one bad guy is too many…why can’t conflict come from something besides “OMG someone is trying to KEEEEEL me!!! Who can it be???? Whyyyyyy??!?!?” *ahem*

Anyhoo, this book seems to be more about family political wrangling than romance. And the love scenes are more…graphic? Not really graphic, like erotica or whatever, but more clinical? Not that, either. Just not particularly romantic, I guess. Wow, vague criticism is vague. Sorry!

How about some positives? Yes?? YES! It wa\\is nice to see some lead characters from previous books, even briefly, and get a glimpse of their lives. A raven Fam is an awesome addition. And I am so intrigued by the idea of an insane Residence! I mean, if HAL (from 2001: A Space Odyssey) can go crazy, why not??

So, does this book stand alone? Umm…no. It’s Book 14, people! You’ve missed some stuff. Start at the beginning! You’ll be glad you did, because the earliest books are the strongest. Do I recommend this book? Maybe. I definitely recommend the series! I’ll have to wait and see if this book plays into the next one at all before I decide if I recommend it. The world Ms. Owens has built is so fabulous and interesting! The lead characters need to be equally interesting and, this time at least, they weren’t. The story wasn’t bad, exactly…it was just lacking. And that makes me sad. Celta deserves better and so do we.

My grade: C-

Summary:

After the death of GrandLord Yew years ago, the Yews withdrew to their self-sustaining estate and disappeared from Celtan society. The current head of the household is believed to be eighteen-year-old Loridana. To find out, Draeg Blackthorn has been sent to the estate to spy, undercover as a stableman for the stridebeasts—beautiful creatures that hold a place in Lori’s heart no member of her family ever could.

Bullied by her family, Lori has decided to abandon her bloodline and live on her own with her true family—her animals. When Draeg discovers she’s rejecting her heritage, he’s appalled. He’s come to love the land as much as the woman, even spinning small fantasies of marrying Lori and becoming Lord and Lady of the manor. Draeg wants her to stay and fight her elders. For Lori, it’s an alternative that could render her absolutely powerless to pursue her own destiny, and drive her further away from her perfect dreams and the man she loves, Draeg.

No excerpt available.

Other books in the series: