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Always There
Tales of knights bound by duty, honor, and each other...
Always There—When the princess they are sworn to protect is kidnapped, two knights are separated in their efforts to save her, and in being part realize what they always had together...
Tournament—a young man attends accepts an offer to attend Tournament in the hopes that by winning it, he will finally gain the affections of the man he has loved his entire life.
Vow Unto Me—two men, divided by tragedy and grief, are ordered to a remote monastery to unravel a mystery, and finally overcome the problems keeping them apart.
Always There—When the princess they are sworn to protect is kidnapped, two knights are separated in their efforts to save her, and in being part realize what they always had together...
Tournament—a young man attends accepts an offer to attend Tournament in the hopes that by winning it, he will finally gain the affections of the man he has loved his entire life.
Vow Unto Me—two men, divided by tragedy and grief, are ordered to a remote monastery to unravel a mystery, and finally overcome the problems keeping them apart.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2011
About the author
Megan Derr
272 books2,866 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
[email protected]
@meganaderr
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
[email protected]
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 5, 2013
Average (total stars / 3 stories) = 3.75 stars rounded up
The good thing about Megan Derr's fairy-tales is that I can actually dismiss some of the things that might annoy me in other stories. Like how her characters keep their feelings inside; which result to a lot of pining/yearning and well, TAKING THEIR BLOODY TIME to act on their feeling...
Always There: 4 stars
The story is about Lyon and Chastaine, two knights whose job is to protect Lady Winifred. When Winifred is taken by brigands, and Lyon is down after he is poisoned, Chastaine leaves to get the lady back. Lyon is left to take care of the Castle. It is very interesting because Chastaine and Lyon spend most of the story being apart -- however, it's true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Lyon and Chastaine realize what they mean for one another. Those who are looking for concrete/physical act of romance might be disappointed. Because the romance is more apparent on their thoughts and how they write their letters. Me? I love it!
Tournament: 4.25 stars
In "Always There", Chastaine sort of adopt a 10-year-old boy named Kodey, and Lyon takes an 18-year-old royal messenger, Brice, under his wing. This is their story, eight years after. Kodey has planned to make Brice falls in love with him ever since Kodey is twelve years old. He doesn't know that Brice has labored the same feeling, but never act on it because Kodey is much younger than he is. Cue jealousy, grumpy Brice, DELICIOUS PINING, and well, quite hot kiss in the end. I love it!!
Vow Unto Me: 3 stars
The story is about Yvain and Corentin, two dukes whose connected by one tragedy (Yvain has also loved Corentine for long time without Corentin knowing). The two dukes then must work together in a monastery to address a matter on how brigands gain entrance. This one is my least favorite. I don't really care for Yvain and Corentin. And I prefer grumpy pining than something built on angst. But the ending is pretty sweet, in which why I can still give it my 3-stars.
As always, the editing/formatting of the story is not the best. I end up reformatting it for my reading purpose. I also notice one reviewer complaining about the strange language used here ... terms like brigands, naught, oft, etc. I don't mind the language though, since the story is fairy-tale like and set in medieval era-like, so it is actually fitting. But those who don't like it, might feel that this put a damper on their enjoyment.
The good thing about Megan Derr's fairy-tales is that I can actually dismiss some of the things that might annoy me in other stories. Like how her characters keep their feelings inside; which result to a lot of pining/yearning and well, TAKING THEIR BLOODY TIME to act on their feeling...
Always There: 4 stars
The story is about Lyon and Chastaine, two knights whose job is to protect Lady Winifred. When Winifred is taken by brigands, and Lyon is down after he is poisoned, Chastaine leaves to get the lady back. Lyon is left to take care of the Castle. It is very interesting because Chastaine and Lyon spend most of the story being apart -- however, it's true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Lyon and Chastaine realize what they mean for one another. Those who are looking for concrete/physical act of romance might be disappointed. Because the romance is more apparent on their thoughts and how they write their letters. Me? I love it!
Tournament: 4.25 stars
In "Always There", Chastaine sort of adopt a 10-year-old boy named Kodey, and Lyon takes an 18-year-old royal messenger, Brice, under his wing. This is their story, eight years after. Kodey has planned to make Brice falls in love with him ever since Kodey is twelve years old. He doesn't know that Brice has labored the same feeling, but never act on it because Kodey is much younger than he is. Cue jealousy, grumpy Brice, DELICIOUS PINING, and well, quite hot kiss in the end. I love it!!
Vow Unto Me: 3 stars
The story is about Yvain and Corentin, two dukes whose connected by one tragedy (Yvain has also loved Corentine for long time without Corentin knowing). The two dukes then must work together in a monastery to address a matter on how brigands gain entrance. This one is my least favorite. I don't really care for Yvain and Corentin. And I prefer grumpy pining than something built on angst. But the ending is pretty sweet, in which why I can still give it my 3-stars.
As always, the editing/formatting of the story is not the best. I end up reformatting it for my reading purpose. I also notice one reviewer complaining about the strange language used here ... terms like brigands, naught, oft, etc. I don't mind the language though, since the story is fairy-tale like and set in medieval era-like, so it is actually fitting. But those who don't like it, might feel that this put a damper on their enjoyment.
September 7, 2011
I enjoy reading this book. It reminds me of other medieval fantasy book by Miss Derr, the Rapier Brothers. The stories are not terribly original--the blurb has said all--but I always enjoy the way her stories developed. All three stories are about men who knew each other for long, but they never have gotten themselves to reveal their feelings. In the first two cases, a separation makes them realized what they missed by not telling the other man. In the last case, an order from the Grand Duke 'forced' the two persons together and worked on their differences. The stories are related, where supporting characters from the previous story become the main characters in the next one.
Megan Derr's books in general can be grouped into two: the romantic one and the sexy one. Her earlier works, like this one, have been mostly the romantic ones, where the romance dominates the book, and the sex scenes are almost non-existent. In the most recent ones, her stories contain more explicit sex scenes. While the romance is there, we feel that the books are more 'adult' or 'grown up'. This one is the former.
In general, Derr creates a world where homosexuality is accepted. Conflicts usually arise from the dynamic among the characters, not from homophobic situations found in most M/M books. As a result, she can focus on the romance side very well, which is evident in this book.
The main characters are very likable. The plots make sense. The romances are sweet but will not give you toothache.
Recommended.
Megan Derr's books in general can be grouped into two: the romantic one and the sexy one. Her earlier works, like this one, have been mostly the romantic ones, where the romance dominates the book, and the sex scenes are almost non-existent. In the most recent ones, her stories contain more explicit sex scenes. While the romance is there, we feel that the books are more 'adult' or 'grown up'. This one is the former.
In general, Derr creates a world where homosexuality is accepted. Conflicts usually arise from the dynamic among the characters, not from homophobic situations found in most M/M books. As a result, she can focus on the romance side very well, which is evident in this book.
The main characters are very likable. The plots make sense. The romances are sweet but will not give you toothache.
Recommended.
May 22, 2012
Always There: [5 stars] Chastaine and Lyon are two knights that work jointly as Seneschals for a hidden castle. Ensconced within the castle is the King's only daughter, Lady Winifred, who they are sworn to protect. When Lady Winifred is captured and the castle taken by surprise, Chastaine heads off to rescue her while Lyon holds down the fort. The longer the mission keeps Chastaine and Lyon apart, the more they realize how they have come to rely on each other as a team. I loved Chastaine and Lyon and thought this was really a very sweet story.
Tournament: [4 stars] Kodey is Chastaine's squire and practically his son. When Kodey enters a tournament in the hopes of winning Brice's regard, he becomes embroiled in a game of intrigue between two feuding Dukes. Brice must speed to his rescue. I loved the way this story occurs a few years after "Always There", but focuses on two new MCs. Another cute story.
Vow Unto Me: [5 stars] This was my favorite story of the three. In "Tournament" we meet the Duke de Capre and the Duke of Lons who were raised embroiled in family feuding. In this story, the Grand Duke has forced Yvain and Corentin to work together to aid some monks who are being threatened by brigands. They must overcome years of family feuding, anger, and even guilt to solve this mystery. I thought this was a very good plot and I really liked both the Dukes.
Overall this was a 5 star anthology for me and Megan Derr remains my favorite M/M fantasy author.
Tournament: [4 stars] Kodey is Chastaine's squire and practically his son. When Kodey enters a tournament in the hopes of winning Brice's regard, he becomes embroiled in a game of intrigue between two feuding Dukes. Brice must speed to his rescue. I loved the way this story occurs a few years after "Always There", but focuses on two new MCs. Another cute story.
Vow Unto Me: [5 stars] This was my favorite story of the three. In "Tournament" we meet the Duke de Capre and the Duke of Lons who were raised embroiled in family feuding. In this story, the Grand Duke has forced Yvain and Corentin to work together to aid some monks who are being threatened by brigands. They must overcome years of family feuding, anger, and even guilt to solve this mystery. I thought this was a very good plot and I really liked both the Dukes.
Overall this was a 5 star anthology for me and Megan Derr remains my favorite M/M fantasy author.
December 5, 2012
Sometimes when I look at what other reviewers have written about a book I wonder "did they read a different book than I did?". In this case, when I look at some of the great reviews of this book I'm starting to wonder "is there another book called "Always There", maybe even by another Megan Derr?"...
To me, this book was Just. So. Booooooring. I would never have finished it if it wasn't for that I read it for the Bingo challenge and that I couldn't find another book to switch to in the specified category.
The book consists of three stories with different MCs, but they are connected, each "new" couple have been introduced in the previous story, and they take place in the same world. This is a world much like medieval England, I'd say, minus any hint of homophobia, it's apparently perfectly alright for men to have romantic feelings for each other and/or become lovers. The latter part of those, the actual "lovers"-thing, isn't really part of this book.
Instead, in the first part, two guys who's know each other for ages, have to part and then realize that they actually miss each other so when they're reunited they're apparently "in love/in lust/in the mood for a romp in they hay", whatever. It's a complete mystery to me as a reader how they came to this realization, somehow they just know. But to me it read like an old married couple where the husband didn't realize he actually liked his wife untill she went away on holliday for a couple of weeks...
The second story is about two youngish boys who's know each other for years (they meet for the first time in the first story) and they are both infatuated by the other but doesn't understand that it's reciprocated. Well, it is, and they get their luke-warm HEA after annoying me with their "is he or isn't he" until I wanted to travel into their world and give them both an earful of "stop wasting my valuable reading time and try to actually communicate with each other!".
By the third story I admitt that I was already so not in the mood for yet another of these stories, but since it's a challenge... The third story was about two men who had grown up in families that had been feuding with each other for ages, but then they're sent to a remote place to solve a mystery and guess what: They find out they don't have to be enemies just because they were raised to hate each other, no they can actually like each other!
And that was about that.
Now, to the author's defence: maybe this book wasn't written as a romance novel at all. I just assumed that it was, and therefore read it expecting some romance and when I didn't find any, I was disappointed. But as far as I know Ms Derr might have written this as a YA adventure story, and if read as such, it might be more interesting. To those who like reading stuff like that.
Another thing that put a damper on the reaing enjoyment for me was the strange language Ms Derr used. They kept speaking in what I assume was some kind of medieval English, and for me, who is a non-native English speaker, that was hard to follow and made the reading slower that it otherwise might have been.
The book also seemed badly edited. Sometimes there was just a sudden skip a few weeks forward between one paragraph and the next, and it took a while to get "Oh! Okay, so this is several weeks after what I just read...". There was also some skipping between places and POV that was too sudden and quite confusing. But this might also not be Ms Derr's fault, I've never written a book so I'm not sure if stuff like that should be fixed by an editor, or something.
Anyway, I can't actually think of a single person that I would recommend this book to. If I absolutely had to recommend it to someone I guess it would be to a teenager with a firm grasp of medieval English language.
... and if it turns out that there actually is another book by the same name, written by an author who also happens to have the same name, and that it's that book that some of the other reviewers have read, please let me know so I can read that one!
To me, this book was Just. So. Booooooring. I would never have finished it if it wasn't for that I read it for the Bingo challenge and that I couldn't find another book to switch to in the specified category.
The book consists of three stories with different MCs, but they are connected, each "new" couple have been introduced in the previous story, and they take place in the same world. This is a world much like medieval England, I'd say, minus any hint of homophobia, it's apparently perfectly alright for men to have romantic feelings for each other and/or become lovers. The latter part of those, the actual "lovers"-thing, isn't really part of this book.
Instead, in the first part, two guys who's know each other for ages, have to part and then realize that they actually miss each other so when they're reunited they're apparently "in love/in lust/in the mood for a romp in they hay", whatever. It's a complete mystery to me as a reader how they came to this realization, somehow they just know. But to me it read like an old married couple where the husband didn't realize he actually liked his wife untill she went away on holliday for a couple of weeks...
The second story is about two youngish boys who's know each other for years (they meet for the first time in the first story) and they are both infatuated by the other but doesn't understand that it's reciprocated. Well, it is, and they get their luke-warm HEA after annoying me with their "is he or isn't he" until I wanted to travel into their world and give them both an earful of "stop wasting my valuable reading time and try to actually communicate with each other!".
By the third story I admitt that I was already so not in the mood for yet another of these stories, but since it's a challenge... The third story was about two men who had grown up in families that had been feuding with each other for ages, but then they're sent to a remote place to solve a mystery and guess what: They find out they don't have to be enemies just because they were raised to hate each other, no they can actually like each other!
And that was about that.
Now, to the author's defence: maybe this book wasn't written as a romance novel at all. I just assumed that it was, and therefore read it expecting some romance and when I didn't find any, I was disappointed. But as far as I know Ms Derr might have written this as a YA adventure story, and if read as such, it might be more interesting. To those who like reading stuff like that.
Another thing that put a damper on the reaing enjoyment for me was the strange language Ms Derr used. They kept speaking in what I assume was some kind of medieval English, and for me, who is a non-native English speaker, that was hard to follow and made the reading slower that it otherwise might have been.
The book also seemed badly edited. Sometimes there was just a sudden skip a few weeks forward between one paragraph and the next, and it took a while to get "Oh! Okay, so this is several weeks after what I just read...". There was also some skipping between places and POV that was too sudden and quite confusing. But this might also not be Ms Derr's fault, I've never written a book so I'm not sure if stuff like that should be fixed by an editor, or something.
Anyway, I can't actually think of a single person that I would recommend this book to. If I absolutely had to recommend it to someone I guess it would be to a teenager with a firm grasp of medieval English language.
... and if it turns out that there actually is another book by the same name, written by an author who also happens to have the same name, and that it's that book that some of the other reviewers have read, please let me know so I can read that one!
August 30, 2023
For some reason, this wasn't marked as read, but sometime as I read the first story, I realized I had already read this. But, it must've been awhile ago, so I'm giving it a reread.
It was . . . fine. I must've literally forgotten that I read it almost as soon as I finished, which tracks, based on my re-read experience.
It was . . . fine. I must've literally forgotten that I read it almost as soon as I finished, which tracks, based on my re-read experience.
December 4, 2012
This was my Round Three Bingo Book, category Alternate Universe.
Always There is a book for me, again, that is better than a 3 star read that I really really enjoyed but I'm not really sure was up to a 4 star read. 3.75 stars. Rounded up to 4 with this system.
This book is made up of three interrelated stores about three interrelated couples. The book is fun and sweet (no-sex) and would be a great way to introduce someone who loves stories set in the time of knights and quests to the m/m genre.
The title is very appropriate. In each of the stories, the two MCs really have been "always there" in the others life, but it is now they are realizing the love that is there also.
The first story is about two old friends (Knights) who have actually been together for years and are an old married couple, even if they haven't realized it yet. It takes a quest to rescue a damsel in distress and the resulting separation for the clue to dawn :)
The second story - two young men who having basically grown up together in the castle, each thinks their love for the other is hopeless. Oh you clueless, clueless boys. I never knew whether to smack them or to pat them on the head.
The third story - two nearby dukes and ancient enemies whose family's feud drove story plot #2 are sent on their own quest to solve a mystery and to "fix things".
Only two minor quibbles. There are a few instances of missing words, and I think that the POV changes should have been externally marked with *** or the book equivalent. But it was fairly easy to figure out and didn't bother me overmuch.
A lovely little book. Good for a rainy day inside or when you're in the mood for warm smiles.
Always There is a book for me, again, that is better than a 3 star read that I really really enjoyed but I'm not really sure was up to a 4 star read. 3.75 stars. Rounded up to 4 with this system.
This book is made up of three interrelated stores about three interrelated couples. The book is fun and sweet (no-sex) and would be a great way to introduce someone who loves stories set in the time of knights and quests to the m/m genre.
The title is very appropriate. In each of the stories, the two MCs really have been "always there" in the others life, but it is now they are realizing the love that is there also.
The first story is about two old friends (Knights) who have actually been together for years and are an old married couple, even if they haven't realized it yet. It takes a quest to rescue a damsel in distress and the resulting separation for the clue to dawn :)
The second story - two young men who having basically grown up together in the castle, each thinks their love for the other is hopeless. Oh you clueless, clueless boys. I never knew whether to smack them or to pat them on the head.
The third story - two nearby dukes and ancient enemies whose family's feud drove story plot #2 are sent on their own quest to solve a mystery and to "fix things".
Only two minor quibbles. There are a few instances of missing words, and I think that the POV changes should have been externally marked with *** or the book equivalent. But it was fairly easy to figure out and didn't bother me overmuch.
A lovely little book. Good for a rainy day inside or when you're in the mood for warm smiles.
April 22, 2014
Always There
A rather different way to tell a love story lol.
Rather than spend tome with Lyon and Chastaine together we see them slowly realise their feelings after being separated. A unusual way that worked nicely for me.
Not sure I quite understood the entire Kings plot lol. But I loved the story especially meeting young Kodey, a highlight for me.
3.5 stars
Tournament
While I would of enjoyed seeing a little more of the young Kodey, watching him as he reached his 18 year was sweet enough.
Watching poor Brice struggle with his feelings while Kodey was oblivious is just the kind of story I love.
The added mystery of the Duke of Lons, and Duke de Capre gave this an interesting twist.
Too short but other wise perfect for me
4 stars
Vow Unto Me
While I'm slightly puzzled as to why indeed Yvain loved Corentin so deeply, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Corentin struggle and at the end was very happy to see him given another chance.
Nice little mystery with a climatic ending didn't hurt the story either.
3.5 stars
A rather different way to tell a love story lol.
Rather than spend tome with Lyon and Chastaine together we see them slowly realise their feelings after being separated. A unusual way that worked nicely for me.
Not sure I quite understood the entire Kings plot lol. But I loved the story especially meeting young Kodey, a highlight for me.
3.5 stars
Tournament
While I would of enjoyed seeing a little more of the young Kodey, watching him as he reached his 18 year was sweet enough.
Watching poor Brice struggle with his feelings while Kodey was oblivious is just the kind of story I love.
The added mystery of the Duke of Lons, and Duke de Capre gave this an interesting twist.
Too short but other wise perfect for me
4 stars
Vow Unto Me
While I'm slightly puzzled as to why indeed Yvain loved Corentin so deeply, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Corentin struggle and at the end was very happy to see him given another chance.
Nice little mystery with a climatic ending didn't hurt the story either.
3.5 stars
January 26, 2021
Sigh...
This was okay. Again, Megan Derr has a keen knack for providing intrinsic details and obtuse, fairly obscure clues within her narratives that reveal a mystery or other puzzle solved by our protagonists. Our two feuding dukes Yvain and Corentin are sent to handle trouble stirring in a monastery by the supreme duke, who is their lord. They are forced to work together despite past differences and betrayal between them -- while there, they grow to learn and observe things about each other they had never before had any opportunity to gain or indulge in, and they eventually learn to communicate with each other. A sweet tale set in generic Europe back in the days of swords and knights, of two men destined to be with each other rather than apart. Four and a half stars.
This was okay. Again, Megan Derr has a keen knack for providing intrinsic details and obtuse, fairly obscure clues within her narratives that reveal a mystery or other puzzle solved by our protagonists. Our two feuding dukes Yvain and Corentin are sent to handle trouble stirring in a monastery by the supreme duke, who is their lord. They are forced to work together despite past differences and betrayal between them -- while there, they grow to learn and observe things about each other they had never before had any opportunity to gain or indulge in, and they eventually learn to communicate with each other. A sweet tale set in generic Europe back in the days of swords and knights, of two men destined to be with each other rather than apart. Four and a half stars.
December 5, 2012
This book was really sweet!
It consists of three short stories, with each a different set of MCs, of which the first one I really wished was longer. There is no sex in the stories, just some really sweet loving. It was nicely written, however I had some difficulties adjusting to the old english style of writing, but that's just personal =)
It consists of three short stories, with each a different set of MCs, of which the first one I really wished was longer. There is no sex in the stories, just some really sweet loving. It was nicely written, however I had some difficulties adjusting to the old english style of writing, but that's just personal =)
December 28, 2011
SOLID 4.5+ stars :) one of my absolute favourites by this author---really enjoyed her knights portrayal!
February 10, 2024
Three short stories set in the same country and set some years apart from each other.
Always There — Two knights are charged by the king to be the princess's guardians. As seschenals of the remote Castle Triad, Chastaine and Lyon safeguard Lady Winifred for eight years even as the trio work to rebuild the castle and community around it. One night, Winifred is kidnapped after the castle is poisoned during a feast. Knowing their lives are likely forfeit, Chastaine sets off to find and rescue her, while Lyon works keep her disappearance a secret until she can be safely restored. The two knights are separated for several months and realize they have deep feelings for each other. — Two stars
Tournament — Eight years after the previous story, Kodey has been training hard to prove himself as Chastaine's squire and knight in training. After helping to rescuing an affable Duke, he's invited to a tourney to earn his knight's spurs. Kodey is also in love with Brice, and has been a pest to the older cook/knight over the years. So he goes to the tourney, makes new friends, and hopes to make a name for himself. Meanwhile, Brice is brusque to the younger man and views their relationship with strained animosity, but is afraid of engaging Kodey because of his own growing feelings. Sent to discover why the Duke is dragging Kodey (and by extension the Castle Triad) into his affairs, Brice discovers Kodey might be in deadly danger, and charges to the Tourney to save him. — Four stars
Vow Unto Me — After years of their families feuding, the King and the Archduke order the Duke de Capre (Yvain) and the Duke of Lons (Corentin) to investigate a remote monastery being harassed by brigands. Years before, Yvain was involved somehow with the mysterious death of Corentin's secret lover, but instead he accidentally revealed he's been in love with the other man for years. Corentin doesn't take that well and flees, avoiding everyone's attempts to resolve the matter. When the threatening brigands show up inside the monastery, the two Dukes must finally work together. — Three stars
Three stars average. Each of these stories have certain themes that work well in this collection but the characters aren't developed very much, or the plot is more about what's going on than developing their relationships. Not Derr's best works, but entertaining enough.
Always There — Two knights are charged by the king to be the princess's guardians. As seschenals of the remote Castle Triad, Chastaine and Lyon safeguard Lady Winifred for eight years even as the trio work to rebuild the castle and community around it. One night, Winifred is kidnapped after the castle is poisoned during a feast. Knowing their lives are likely forfeit, Chastaine sets off to find and rescue her, while Lyon works keep her disappearance a secret until she can be safely restored. The two knights are separated for several months and realize they have deep feelings for each other. — Two stars
Tournament — Eight years after the previous story, Kodey has been training hard to prove himself as Chastaine's squire and knight in training. After helping to rescuing an affable Duke, he's invited to a tourney to earn his knight's spurs. Kodey is also in love with Brice, and has been a pest to the older cook/knight over the years. So he goes to the tourney, makes new friends, and hopes to make a name for himself. Meanwhile, Brice is brusque to the younger man and views their relationship with strained animosity, but is afraid of engaging Kodey because of his own growing feelings. Sent to discover why the Duke is dragging Kodey (and by extension the Castle Triad) into his affairs, Brice discovers Kodey might be in deadly danger, and charges to the Tourney to save him. — Four stars
Vow Unto Me — After years of their families feuding, the King and the Archduke order the Duke de Capre (Yvain) and the Duke of Lons (Corentin) to investigate a remote monastery being harassed by brigands. Years before, Yvain was involved somehow with the mysterious death of Corentin's secret lover, but instead he accidentally revealed he's been in love with the other man for years. Corentin doesn't take that well and flees, avoiding everyone's attempts to resolve the matter. When the threatening brigands show up inside the monastery, the two Dukes must finally work together. — Three stars
Three stars average. Each of these stories have certain themes that work well in this collection but the characters aren't developed very much, or the plot is more about what's going on than developing their relationships. Not Derr's best works, but entertaining enough.
October 29, 2018
Not as good as I hoped it to be, though not bad either.
'Always there' was the least enjoyable, mostly because I saw no reason the protagonists actually leaped from being friends to kissing before the whole crowd. The romance development was somewhat lacking.
'Tournament' was as cute as Kodey is. The fiery redhead went overboard a few times though, snapping at Kodey for no other reason than his own insecurities. Seriously, that was like kicking a puppy that came to you wagging his tail. I liked how this romance developed (as compared to the previous one), the feeling were obviously there, unspoken, but true.
'Vow unto me' - that one left me with mixed feelings. The plot was good, the romance angsty. I positively adored Yvain. It was Corentin I couldn't exactly like. Overthinking everything, brooding, not having the balls to set things straight with Yvain. I was like 'dude, you have this great, noble and humble man in love with you and you're hesitating?'. And the worst of it is that he's hesitating basically till the last sentences of the book. The kiss on the balcony was hot though.
'Always there' was the least enjoyable, mostly because I saw no reason the protagonists actually leaped from being friends to kissing before the whole crowd. The romance development was somewhat lacking.
'Tournament' was as cute as Kodey is. The fiery redhead went overboard a few times though, snapping at Kodey for no other reason than his own insecurities. Seriously, that was like kicking a puppy that came to you wagging his tail. I liked how this romance developed (as compared to the previous one), the feeling were obviously there, unspoken, but true.
'Vow unto me' - that one left me with mixed feelings. The plot was good, the romance angsty. I positively adored Yvain. It was Corentin I couldn't exactly like. Overthinking everything, brooding, not having the balls to set things straight with Yvain. I was like 'dude, you have this great, noble and humble man in love with you and you're hesitating?'. And the worst of it is that he's hesitating basically till the last sentences of the book. The kiss on the balcony was hot though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2023
A trio of short MM romances set in a mundane world of sword-fighting, castles, and horses. I swear I saw 'twas more than any other word.
The first story deals with two knights separated when one leads a rescue mission and the other has to stay home and mind the castle. The second is about two young lovers (characters from the first story) with wrong assumptions about the other's feelings towards them. They show affection by dumping each other in the moat, the equivalent of pulling each other's pigtails. The last features two older nobles sent to solve a mystery and resolve their own differences. They too assume wrongly about the other's feelings towards them, and they both have a lifetime of regrets.
I skimmed a bit when things were slow, especially on the last story, which I found dull.
Typos: expect for except, sentence fragment ("The soldier replied"), a few minor words missing, misplaced, or unneeded.
The first story deals with two knights separated when one leads a rescue mission and the other has to stay home and mind the castle. The second is about two young lovers (characters from the first story) with wrong assumptions about the other's feelings towards them. They show affection by dumping each other in the moat, the equivalent of pulling each other's pigtails. The last features two older nobles sent to solve a mystery and resolve their own differences. They too assume wrongly about the other's feelings towards them, and they both have a lifetime of regrets.
I skimmed a bit when things were slow, especially on the last story, which I found dull.
Typos: expect for except, sentence fragment ("The soldier replied"), a few minor words missing, misplaced, or unneeded.
July 25, 2020
There was no extra space or other indication when a time skip or POV-change occurred, which proved really annoying. The manner of speaking sounded forced, I know people who'd mind it though I didn't. What I minded was no epilogues, the stories ended as soon as the characters confessed their feelings.
An easy and entertaining read, I will gladly read this again sometime.
Always there - 3,5 stars, 1h 20min
Tournament - 3,5- stars, 1h 7min
Vow Unto Me - 3,5 stars, 1h 10min
An easy and entertaining read, I will gladly read this again sometime.
Always there - 3,5 stars, 1h 20min
Tournament - 3,5- stars, 1h 7min
Vow Unto Me - 3,5 stars, 1h 10min
June 14, 2017
Always There: ★★
I struggled with the language choices a bit, it was a little too "Ye Olde" for my tastes. There was also frustratingly little interaction between the main couple
Tournament: ★★★
Cute despite the fact that the characters were incredibly inept at displaying their feelings
Vow Unto Me: ★★
I skimmed this one since the monastery thing just wasn't holding my interest
I struggled with the language choices a bit, it was a little too "Ye Olde" for my tastes. There was also frustratingly little interaction between the main couple
Tournament: ★★★
Cute despite the fact that the characters were incredibly inept at displaying their feelings
Vow Unto Me: ★★
I skimmed this one since the monastery thing just wasn't holding my interest
August 6, 2018
Three stories.
Three short stories, the first two knights guarding their princess. The second is the two strays from the first and the third is the two dukes ordered to heal a rift. The first story was subtle, the last was a bit annoying with all the old language. My favourite was the second story of misunderstandings and jealousy.
Three short stories, the first two knights guarding their princess. The second is the two strays from the first and the third is the two dukes ordered to heal a rift. The first story was subtle, the last was a bit annoying with all the old language. My favourite was the second story of misunderstandings and jealousy.
December 28, 2017
3 little stories of Knights and Dukes. The fantasy setting is awesome as always with Megan Derr and the characters are fun and lovable.
I liked the 3 stories and was sorry to come to the last page.
✨❄️💓❄️✨
I liked the 3 stories and was sorry to come to the last page.
✨❄️💓❄️✨
February 20, 2022
The first story (always there) was definitely my favourite, the other two (tournament and vow unto me) weren’t as enjoyable.
All three stories have conclusions that are barely a page long which makes the endings feel very rushed.
All three stories have conclusions that are barely a page long which makes the endings feel very rushed.
August 26, 2017
not quite as good as most of this authors work....
June 3, 2021
if you're looking for some of that gay knights pinning good shit like me, this masterpiece by Megan Derr is the place to start. I loved this book so much
September 29, 2015
Nice, light reading about three different but interlinked couples.
Always There - 4 Stars
Two knights share a duty to look after Lady Winifred, who is the princess of their land. She has been sent to live in a remote castle with no name, and Lyon and Chastaine serve as her guardians and protectors. When treachery arrives and Winifred is abducted, Chastaine follows to bring her back while Lyon remains behind to set the castle to rights. This prolonged separation of the two often bickering knights causes the two of them to realize that they might actually harbor deeper feelings for each other.
The story started slow, but soon I was drawn into Chastaine's search as well as Lyon's desperate attempt to hide what has happened from the king until the princess is found.
Tournament - 4 Stars
Kodey, Chastaine's squire, and Brice had a fiery first meeting at the end of Always There. Brice called Kodey a whelp, and Kodey retaliated by calling him "my lady" since he's as pretty as a girl. Since that time, Kodey has been in love with Brice from afar. He tries to win Brice's favor and attention, but somehow it always ends up with them fighting even more. The Kodey saves the Duke of Lons from brigands and is asked to go to a tournament.
Probably my favorite of the book. Some might not like the story because of all the pining. However, I thought it done well and I really felt for Kodey, for who hasn't had feelings that were not reciprocated for someone? Luckily, we also get to see Brice's side of things, and he's been keeping Kodey at a distance not only because of his age, but because he thinks Kodey's feelings nothing more than a childhood crush. And he's afraid of getting his heart broken. Oh these two guys. Just so frustrating with their inability to communicate and just figure it out!
Vow Unto Me - 3 Stars
The Dukes of Lons and Capre are mired in a family feud that had become personal when Corentin, the Duke de Capre, believed that Yvain, the Duke of Lons, had killed his peasant lover. In Tournament, the truth had been revealed, however, there is still tension between the two of them. The Grand Duke orders them to put that aside and solve a mystery together at a remote monastery.
My least favorite of the book. There was a great mystery in this one, but I just didn't get the feelings between the two characters.
Always There - 4 Stars
Two knights share a duty to look after Lady Winifred, who is the princess of their land. She has been sent to live in a remote castle with no name, and Lyon and Chastaine serve as her guardians and protectors. When treachery arrives and Winifred is abducted, Chastaine follows to bring her back while Lyon remains behind to set the castle to rights. This prolonged separation of the two often bickering knights causes the two of them to realize that they might actually harbor deeper feelings for each other.
The story started slow, but soon I was drawn into Chastaine's search as well as Lyon's desperate attempt to hide what has happened from the king until the princess is found.
Tournament - 4 Stars
Kodey, Chastaine's squire, and Brice had a fiery first meeting at the end of Always There. Brice called Kodey a whelp, and Kodey retaliated by calling him "my lady" since he's as pretty as a girl. Since that time, Kodey has been in love with Brice from afar. He tries to win Brice's favor and attention, but somehow it always ends up with them fighting even more. The Kodey saves the Duke of Lons from brigands and is asked to go to a tournament.
Probably my favorite of the book. Some might not like the story because of all the pining. However, I thought it done well and I really felt for Kodey, for who hasn't had feelings that were not reciprocated for someone? Luckily, we also get to see Brice's side of things, and he's been keeping Kodey at a distance not only because of his age, but because he thinks Kodey's feelings nothing more than a childhood crush. And he's afraid of getting his heart broken. Oh these two guys. Just so frustrating with their inability to communicate and just figure it out!
Vow Unto Me - 3 Stars
The Dukes of Lons and Capre are mired in a family feud that had become personal when Corentin, the Duke de Capre, believed that Yvain, the Duke of Lons, had killed his peasant lover. In Tournament, the truth had been revealed, however, there is still tension between the two of them. The Grand Duke orders them to put that aside and solve a mystery together at a remote monastery.
My least favorite of the book. There was a great mystery in this one, but I just didn't get the feelings between the two characters.
January 7, 2014
I quite enjoyed this anthology. It contains 3 short stories, each featuring a different set of couples. All 3 couples are likable, with perhaps Kodey and Brice being my favorite as I found them adorable from the time they met at the end of the first story and all throughout their own tale in the second story. Plus, 'Tournament' had 2 side characters I really enjoyed. I kind of wish the second chapter lasted longer, although I did like Yvain and Corentin's story as well, even though their internal dialogue became a bit repetitive at times (especially Corentin dwelling on how unworthy he is of Yvain's love). Still, I've always loved the whole enemies-to-lovers trope, even though in this instance, it was a bit one-sided as Yvain never considered Corentin his enemy.
Lyon and Chastain were wonderful as individual characters, the most mature and grownup of the three couples, and played into the friends-to-lovers trope. I would have loved it if they got to spend more time together since the plot of the first story had them apart for the majority of it and that kind of sucked some of the romance out of the story. However, I've found some extra scenes featuring this couple on the author's website which I intend to read.
All stories in this book are set in a pseudo Medieval Europe world, with each story having a light connection to the previous one. People looking for smut/porn, this is not for you. People looking for cute romances featuring knights, a squire and a fiery ex-Royal Messenger turned Cook, two noble Dukes, then this will be a good book to cuddle with.
Lyon and Chastain were wonderful as individual characters, the most mature and grownup of the three couples, and played into the friends-to-lovers trope. I would have loved it if they got to spend more time together since the plot of the first story had them apart for the majority of it and that kind of sucked some of the romance out of the story. However, I've found some extra scenes featuring this couple on the author's website which I intend to read.
All stories in this book are set in a pseudo Medieval Europe world, with each story having a light connection to the previous one. People looking for smut/porn, this is not for you. People looking for cute romances featuring knights, a squire and a fiery ex-Royal Messenger turned Cook, two noble Dukes, then this will be a good book to cuddle with.
January 14, 2013
3 short stories all set in the same world. All involving knights who fall in love with each other.
I have to say I was very disappointed in the first story and was dreading finishing the others. The first story involved 2 knights who were both charged with protecting a princess and running her castle. When the princess was kidnapped one of the knights goes off for months on end to find her and the other remains back to run the castle. There was no build up of feelings, desire or anything between the two knights. No mention of longing for one another or even if they were gay! It ended and that was the total of the romance in the book.
Luckily the next two stories were much much better! Both ended with a kiss but there was a build up of a story and sexual tension and longing and emotions and the foundation of a relationship. So I'm glad I finished it!
I have to say I was very disappointed in the first story and was dreading finishing the others. The first story involved 2 knights who were both charged with protecting a princess and running her castle. When the princess was kidnapped one of the knights goes off for months on end to find her and the other remains back to run the castle. There was no build up of feelings, desire or anything between the two knights. No mention of longing for one another or even if they were gay! It ended and that was the total of the romance in the book.
Luckily the next two stories were much much better! Both ended with a kiss but there was a build up of a story and sexual tension and longing and emotions and the foundation of a relationship. So I'm glad I finished it!
August 25, 2011
I realized, while looking at another Megan Derr book, that this didn't have a written review. It's out of print now I think but I figure I'll write something smalin just in case.
This book is three stories about three separate groups of people. At first it seems to be M/F/M. It's not. There isn't a whole lot of romantic conflict in this book either. It's just a nice little PG fantasy piece set in an alternate midevil society where homosexuality mostly accepted.
The transitions are somewhat fast at times. Weeks and months disappear from one paragraph to the next but its still a nicely solid collection of related short stories.
This book is three stories about three separate groups of people. At first it seems to be M/F/M. It's not. There isn't a whole lot of romantic conflict in this book either. It's just a nice little PG fantasy piece set in an alternate midevil society where homosexuality mostly accepted.
The transitions are somewhat fast at times. Weeks and months disappear from one paragraph to the next but its still a nicely solid collection of related short stories.
June 23, 2015
Over all, it's 4 stars for me.
3.5 stars for both Always There and Tournament, I liked them equally. These two stories were beautiful, even if it still had some dragging parts.
But for the last short story in this book, Vow unto Me, I gave it 5/5 stars. First, it's because I always enjoyed this type of relationship and the story was kind of bitter and sweet which I really liked. Also, Yvian, he's my favorite character among these three, he's such a sweet, decent person. And I was glad that eventually he got what he always wanted, this guy truly deserved happiness.
3.5 stars for both Always There and Tournament, I liked them equally. These two stories were beautiful, even if it still had some dragging parts.
But for the last short story in this book, Vow unto Me, I gave it 5/5 stars. First, it's because I always enjoyed this type of relationship and the story was kind of bitter and sweet which I really liked. Also, Yvian, he's my favorite character among these three, he's such a sweet, decent person. And I was glad that eventually he got what he always wanted, this guy truly deserved happiness.
November 15, 2013
I was always going to love this book, because it's classic Megan Derr.
I love the light, romantic feel of these three linked stories. Although there's no sex, there's tons, literally tons, of UST and romance.
They all had an alternate-world, medieval, fairy-tale feel to them. I was a happy bunny reading every word!
I love the light, romantic feel of these three linked stories. Although there's no sex, there's tons, literally tons, of UST and romance.
They all had an alternate-world, medieval, fairy-tale feel to them. I was a happy bunny reading every word!
October 16, 2016
I liked the first of these three shorts better than the other two (because seriously, why can't people ever just talk to each other?) but I liked the feudal world the author built here and the sweetness of the romances in such a harsh environment. Not my favorite by this author but a good read overall.
January 21, 2020
Always There — 4.5
Tournament — 5
Vow Unto Me — I loved this one!! Very angsty and heart-rending. Definitely the best of the three tales. My rating: 5+
Overall rating: 5 stars
Tournament — 5
Vow Unto Me — I loved this one!! Very angsty and heart-rending. Definitely the best of the three tales. My rating: 5+
Overall rating: 5 stars
Shelved as 'in-the-middle-or-something'
February 5, 2013I got stuck on the second story :( It makes me sad, cause I used to like almost everything written by Ms. Derr. Maybe the pace is too slow or something.
Hope I will get back to it and I will be able to appreciate this anthology properly :)
Hope I will get back to it and I will be able to appreciate this anthology properly :)
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