"The next in the series set in the mystical Celta!"

Robin D. Owens' world of Celta fascinates and intrigues me. She has made it so intriguing to me that I eagerly await each and every book she deigns to write involving this mystical, magical world.

This is Straif Blackthorn's story. As we've discovered from previous books, Straif is cuz to the Holly's. He is also the last of his line because a devastating disease decimated his entire family except him. He has spent his life finding a cure to heal the genetic strain that is destined to destroy his hope for any future bloodline.

Straif decides that he's tired of running from family responsibility and it is time for him to come home and be the head of his household and get his home back to its former glory. He hires Mitchella Clover to completely redecorate his entire house. Then Straif discovers that a relative he didn't even know he had has decided to challenge him for his heritage. He also has to deal with the snooty fam Drina who has claimed him for her own. She, of course, is Zanth's daughter.

Straif also needs to deal with his inappropriate feelings for Mitchella. She's a commoner with not much flair and just isn't right for him. Mitchella, on the other hand, can't believe she's been given the opportunity to renovate a First Family home. She knows she will do the very best she knows how to get this house in order. Neither she nor Straif have any idea what they will go through to get through the entire situation.

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book from beginning to end. Robin D. Owens can lure me into her Celta stories any time she sees fit. I feel as if I know the entire population intimately!

Reviewed by Kathy Boswell
Posted July 28, 2005

Everyone's back! Characters from HeartMate, Heart Thief and Heart Duel appear to help renovate the Residence, solve the mystery, give advice on the perfect duel—or meddle. And the first baby of the next generation is born...

Summary

Tracker Straif Blackthorn has returned to Druida City after his last rescue mission, intending to repair his home and resume the noble duties he abandoned at seventeen, when he lost his family to disease. He's futilely searched Celta for a cure.

But he may be too late! A secret enemy is ready to claim his title, his lands, and destroy the woman he loves.

As an interior designer Mitchella Clover dreamt of someone saying "no expense spared." Unfortunately it's a wildly attractive GreatLord who offers her the chance of a lifetime—to restore an ancient showplace. She knows she can never give Straif what he truly wants, but can she resist him?

The job isn't easy. Both the sentient Residence and Straif's new snobbish Fam cat have remodeling ideas, and Mitchella's ward instantly dislikes Straif.