Seconds

Deceived #1.1

by Megan Derr

Called to be the second to a young, rash duelest, Alexis seeks out the appointed second of the challenger. But the man he expects is not the man he encounters, and Alexis finds himself thinking of things vastly more interesting than settling challenges put forth by hot-headed young men, things that heat his own blood and which he thought well in his past...

Approximate word count: 10,000

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Historical, Fantasy, LGBT, Short Stories, Historical Fiction

42 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Megan 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
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr

Reviews

[Macky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bastard Earl and a viscount become seconds to two young rebellious young men who are unable to be in each other's company for more than one minute before they're flinging insults or indulging in fisticuffs and its pretty obvious why but the men are constantly having to defuse their outbursts before they end up duelling. The more the two young ones argue the more the two men are thrust into each other's company and over time an unspoken and underlying attraction begins to simmer between them .... So what will it take for them to finally act on it?

This is practically all sexual tension and no actual sex but personally I think its all the better for that. I found this a delicious short story and yet again its free. It felt like it was set in the Regency period but like most of Megan Derrs stories it has that feel of whimsy to it as well. These shorts of hers are super reads and the only thing I would say is that however satisfying they are, I always want them to last that bit longer. Delightful.

[Ro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread it, still love it.

4.25
This short story is historical in a sort of alternate Regency history, as same-sex unions appear to be accepted as norm. Viscount Knox, Alexis, finds himself calling on the Earl of Chelsea. Haven, or “the Dragon”, is the illegitimate son and a source of gossip for society. Not only was he claimed by the Earl, and has inherited, but he works as a translator! It’s just not done. Alexis is the second for a young Henry, who has challenged Haven’s friend, Otis, to a duel. Now the calmer heads of Alexis and Haven must sort the whole thing out.

The story of Alexis and Haven is woven into the struggles of Henry and Otis, two young men who continually challenge each other instead of trying “working on the real source of your problem.”

Alexis has been dreadfully hurt in the past and this causes him to keep his distance from what he really wants. Haven is so lovely, I wanted to hug him. He is awkward at social gatherings yet he is the more polite of the two of them. When he apologizes to Alexis at the ball, it’s a little heartbreaking.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up

A wonderful free story from the world of Deceived's "Regency" -- Bartholomew Ford, from "The Highwayman" (Deceived and Other Tales) made an appearance here as Alexis's friend.

I loved that Haven was an Oriental ethnicity with a penchant for language and he worked as translator (aaaahhhh). It was cute to read about Alexis and Haven's role as seconds for their younger friends (Henry and Otis) -- and how instead of letting the boys go into duel, both men decided to take the friendly path instead. Love reading Alexis's friends teasing him about "his Dragon (Haven)". Bart was still in his interfering mode (but where was Perry?!?)

All the characters entertained me immensely. The only let down was I wish there were scenes with Henry and Otis, because I wanted to know if they ended up being a couple as well *lol*

[S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Racist mess...yikes.

[Sarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Megan Derr; there's just something about the stories she writes that draws me in. I have yet to read the first book in this series but it wasn't necessary to understand or enjoy this one. Lex and Haven first meet while attempting to keep a duel from happening between two young and brash men who can't seem to keep from fighting. I actually thought the issues between the two younger men was amusing and fully expected them to be locked together in a room at one point but, alas, that did not happen. I was still satisfied with how their interactions ended, however. Between Lex and Haven, I would've liked just a little more. Lex's past, for instance; I would've loved to have seen that explored more or for Haven to have at least learned about it. Over all I enjoyed it though.

[Bethany Ebert · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the Regency setting, but the dialogue was a real snooze. I didn't see any chemistry between the two male characters, and I found the younger two squabbling about nothing to be repetitive. I wish the author had bothered to explain what exactly the fighting was all about. As it was, it read more like a constant background noise, with no real meaning as to what or why. I understand the Regency setting was different, but the exoticizing of the one male lead really got on my nerves. Not only did the author use the term "Oriental", not bothering to describe which specific country and instead lumping all of them together, but the character was also referred to as "your Dragon". What was supposed to have been a cutesy nickname just ended up sounding racist and patronizing.

[L-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting short story about two lords who are seconds in a duel for their young charges. Rather than let the young boys go through with the duel, the lords meet in an attempt to settle matters peaceably. Knowing that the boys are still acting hot-headed, the lords escort them to various functions, to prevent further altercations.

While this was an extremely short story, I still felt engaged with Alexis and Haven. I would have enjoyed a longer novella with these characters.

[Terry Milien · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to say? The more I discover of Megan's works, the more I need. And this is only a short, free read! I am, clearly, addicted, and it's a drug I don't ever need to be detoxing for! Now, I should really get on to praise the story instead of the writer... A sweet story of a lord who has sworn off love but clearly he never planned to meet "the Dragon" Earl, who so effectively melts his icy heart. Honestly, I was biased from the moment it was said the earl was a translator. :-D

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful little story! I loved the setting, the characters, the humor. Well written historical gay romances that don't focus on sex are hard to find but this one was incredibly sweet and well written. In a handful of pages, Megan Derr made me really care about the characters which is not that common. I think I found a new author to follow avidly!

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 fun, non explicit read:)

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexis is the second for a rash young family friend. Determined to keep him from making mistakes such as he did at that age, Alexis sets out to sort things out with the other named second in the duel, the elusive Dragon. What he finds is that the man is gorgeous, kind, and just outside of society norms in a way that entices him. But Alexis swore off love back when he was a young man and it seems it will takes both his friends and his charges continued actions to make him go further.

Both the men were very enjoyable to watch in this. With Alexis positive that he cannot be a good judge of love, and Haven (the Dragon) positive he is no good for anyone in society, they are equally distressed and hopeful in their meetings. With their charges keeping fighting for what they suspect is young lust they are drawn together time and again, which finally lets them make a mvoe. It was sweet and fun to read.

[Teeny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of the new edition of Deceived. It was a lovely story although I have to say I was more interested about what was going on between the two young men that Alexis and Haven have taken under their wings than their own romance. It started excitingly but it kinda fizzled out.

[Audra Rytter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short story

Haven is sweet and Lex is struggling with his own issues. The hot and cold, sweet then rude act Lex puts on confuses Haven as he tries to navigate a society with which he is unsure.

[GossamerMyst · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story may be short but it packs quite a punch because it is full if repressed passion and longing of two men who tiptoe around what they want that makes all recency romances so popular and it ended just when it wad getting good which is so annoying😂 I Love This Story!!!

[Meyari McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovey little story with an older couple that I found believable and delightful as they found their way to each other.

[Tira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Dragon as an endearment.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viscount Alexis Mariemont finds himself calling on the mysterious 'Dragon', Haven Linwood, Earl of Chelsea, in the very early morning hours. The two have been named as seconds in the duel of two young friends of of theirs, Henry and Otis. Through these less-than-ideal circumstances, they each find an unspoken interest in the other man, but are both left wondering if they dare speak it. After all, Alexis has rules about this sort of thing and Haven doesn't really feel like he fits in as a 'society gentleman'. And yet they seem destined to be repeatedly drawn together by Henry and Otis' continuing squabbles - will this simply lead to continued awkward encounters or could it become something more?

This is the third work I've read by Megan Derr, and I've enjoyed them all. Derr has a way of writing that easily conveys what the characters are thinking and feeling - you can really get into their heads. Both the situations and characters come across as realistic, complete, and believable, even when there's just that little touch of the fantastic involved. Highly recommend this for those interested in historical m/m romance (especially regency era historical fiction).

[Julesmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up for being free

I read this immediately after finishing Deceived, and I loved that I got to spend some more time in that world. It is quite possible that this is my favorite of all of the stories set there.

I LOVED Haven, right from the first scene, and just loved him more the more I learned about him. He is probably the most sympathetic of all of the characters in either book, and I found myself very invested in his happy ending.

I also loved that, in spite of how short the story was, Alexis was able to show fantastic character progression as he finally stepped up to be the man that Haven needed.

Great good fun. I love this world, and can't help but hope that Ms. Derr returns to it at some point.

[Nancy Carbajal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really short sweet read. Haven Linwood, the out of wedlock son of the late Earl of Chelsea is paid an early morning visit by Alexis Marimont, the Viscount Knox. Haven is now the Earl of Chelsea and good friends of a very young and hot headed Otis Bolton who has named him his second in a duel. Alexis is named second to his young family friend, Henry Young. Alexis has come to visit "The Dragon" as Haven is called by society because he is of half Asian descent and not prone to showing up at functions. Both men have their hands full trying to keep the young men from clashes, believing older and cooler heads to prevail. Haven believes at last, maybe he has found a friend and Alexis is enraptured by Haven....but Lord Marimont has been hurt before and dare Haven dream of more than finding a friend?

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taken for what it is, a short story available for free on the publisher's site, it's an enjoyable read. The protagonists are interesting and their interactions didn't feel forced in the least. However all characters suffer from that ailment that plagues most historical fiction: they talk and act like contemporaries who have been dropped a couple of centuries in the past, complete with modern sensibilities. I guess it'd be fine if I wasn't such a stickler for details, but historical details are one of the reasons I love historical fiction so much, so I was pulled out of the story every time characters addressed each other in the wrong way or showed too much familiarity with strangers. And another round of editing could have been useful to catch some stray errors.

[Mara Ismine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful free read by talented Megan Derr. Available from: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/ebo...

Alexis Mariemont,Viscount Knox,calls upon Haven Linwood, Earl of Chelsea, in the early hours of the morning hoping to avoid a duel between his impetuous friend Henry Young and Linwood's young acquaintance, Otis Bolton. The older men happily apologise on behalf of the younger ones and part company. Henry and Otis seem to be incapable of avoiding one another or being civil when they meet. Alexis and Haven do their best to smooth over the arguments, without admitting their own feelings.

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet non-explicit short about two men who while attracted, seem to keep pushing each other away, one from fear of choosing the wrong guy again, and one from a feeling of inferiority in society. Being "seconds' to two young men bring them together to keep the two hotheads from doing something stupid. I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be an AU or not. The one's friends seemed to know all about his penchant for men and the two were pushing the young guys together as they figured it was sexual tension causing the ruckus. No one seemed to blink at that, so not sure. It felt a bit unfinished as they just kind of kissed and the end. But the characters were enjoyable to read.

[Eli Easton]

This was a sweet little historical romance. Two men, one a half-Asian bastard Earl, and one a full blooded English Viscount, are each seconds for two hot-headed young men who can't stop getting into fights with each other. Trying to keep their charges from killing each other, the two older men finally have to acknowledge their own attraction. This is a short story with no sex but plenty of UST.

[Furio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not complaining about not seeing the two leads getting hot and sweaty in this very short period romance as there is no need for a romance to go beyond the first romantic understanding.
I miss some further character development, though, and more background details. As it is Haven is a bit too meek and Lex far too ill-behaved: that makes the final conversation between the two too implausible for comfort.
A revision should also take care of a couple of pen-slips.

[JC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story and loved that it was set in the same pseudo Regency England setting as the first book in the Deceived series. I only wish it was longer so we could see more of how the relationship between Alexis and his Dragon develops after they discovered their mutual interest in each other.

Having said that, this was a nice, pleasant and light read perfect if you're looking for something short and sweet to pass the time with.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I liked this one!

It's as well done and as charming as most of Derr's work. It's also an illustration of how insecurities and a refusal to be vulnerable trip us up, how we have to risk ourselves in the pursuit of happiness.

For such a short story, the romance was agonizingly slow...just the way I like it. Add to that how infinitely relatable the characters are, and how much meaning she was able to pack into this tiny little fable, and we're looking at a 5-star short story.

[La*La · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up, hoping for a short, sweet read.. Sadly, this was a huge disappointment - jumbled storyline, Alexis was an idiot, and Linwood - too shy and insecure. No chemistry, no believable attraction, too much inconsequential stuff.. And what on Earth was that with out-and-proud gay people in Regency setting? Is it some alternative reality?

Me not likey.

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Free read from allromanceebooks.com***
Naww
this is a M/M romance. (no sex)
this is a very sweet story about two young men wanting to duel, and thier seconds getting them out of trouble.
28 pages so it's a quick read. But a good one.

[Tamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story packs a real punch. I love Haven and am so glad Alexis "found" him. Isn't it always the way, when you least expect it, you meet that special someone. This short story made me a Megan Derr fan.

[Lemonhed67 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little short story. I didn't know this was part of a series - I might upgrade to 4 stars if it fits in well with the rest of the stories. Maybe there's some backstory for the two main characters in the previous collection.