My rating: 4 of 5 stars
On the planet Celta, accepting a HeartMate can be the greatest challenge in the universe…
Antenn, an architect hired to build a cathedral in Druida City, dares not think of his HeartMate. Even though he yearns for her, he’s taken steps to ensure she will be forever unknown to him. After all, how could he, a commoner who grew up in the slums, the brother of a murderer, be worthy of any woman?
Tiana, a priestess, has her own fears about being a HeartMate. She’s watched her friends struggle with such a stormy destiny. She’s sure her HeartMate has never claimed her due to a terrible scandal involving her Family, and she’s set aside hopes for love.
Antenn’s gotten the commission of his life. The cathedral will make him famous, but more, it will last for ages and prove to others he can contribute to Celta…if the controversial structure isn’t destroyed while being built. Tiana, too, is an integral part of this process, but the villain who wrecked her Family is ready with firebombs. Can they trust each other in dangerous circumstances to succeed…and to love?
Thirteen? This can’t possibly be the thirteenth story in the Celta’s Heartmates series. I have loved these books since the first one was published. I have no idea how I discovered them, but I am so glad I did. Like every series, there are some books (and Fams) I prefer more than others, but I enjoy them all.
Heart Fire is one of the good ones. Antenn and Tiana are both likeable people with their own personal problems to overcome. Antenn comes from a violent background and Tiana suffered from a violent episode in her childhood. Both of them keep too much bottled inside which interferes with the Heartbond.
They are both dedicated to their careers and neither feel that it is the right time to begin a serious relationship. Sex? Of course. There is plenty of time for a sexual relationship, but not time enough to commit to a Heartbond.
But this is Celta and the Heartbond will win out.
Antenn’s Famcat Pinky was introduced in an earlier book and has been with him since he was a child. Tianna has just met her Famcat Ratkiller although he also made a small appearance in an earlier book. Another recurring character is the Turquoise House. He is a young sentient house and I love him. I enjoyed watching his development towards becoming a Residence.
Since this is the thirteenth book, there is plenty of history available. The author does an excellent job of reminding longtime fans of what has happened before without overwhelming them with backstory. However, there is enough backstory to keep new readers from being confused.
I have to say, she gives just enough of the earlier books to make me want to go back and read them again.
Heart Fire is wonderful as a stand alone novel, but I highly recommend the entire series. We’re in the next generation of characters and it is fun to see their lives now.
Elaine Reads . . . constantly! 