What do you think?
Rate this book
Four Families #1
Finder Tolan
Tolan never wanted or expected much out of life; his only goal was to be a good Finder with his own shop and a steady income. Instead, he is stuck as an apprentice in a rundown shop run by a drunken, lazy master too busy wasting his days away to train Tolan properly. Left to his own devices, Tolan has always trained himself.
Watching the shop one day while his master is out carousing during a festival, Tolan is startled when a small child wanders into his shop and loudly demands that Tolan 'Find Secret'. But locating Secret proves to be more difficult than Tolan first surmised, and leads him to a life—and a man—that he never expected to find.
Watching the shop one day while his master is out carousing during a festival, Tolan is startled when a small child wanders into his shop and loudly demands that Tolan 'Find Secret'. But locating Secret proves to be more difficult than Tolan first surmised, and leads him to a life—and a man—that he never expected to find.
50 pages, ebook
First published February 21, 2011
25 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
284 books2,948 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
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 24, 2019
This captured my attention from the the very beginning. I loved it . Goz was so sweet and just precious. Shaw was so deliciously hot. Tolan grated on my nerves just a wee bit over time with his snarky mouth but I still liked him and he was so good with Goz.
But OMG that ending! WTF was that??? And that is why I couldn't rate this 5 stars. Even for a short story it was right up there in the 4.5-5 star category for me. And then it just ended. Ruined it a little for me. But, I'm on to the next one for sure.
But OMG that ending! WTF was that??? And that is why I couldn't rate this 5 stars. Even for a short story it was right up there in the 4.5-5 star category for me. And then it just ended. Ruined it a little for me. But, I'm on to the next one for sure.
October 6, 2015
When I reached the end, I was like...
And when it dawned on me that there were no secret pages or hidden paragraphs and it really was the end, I was like...
I'm hoping there's more to Tolan and Shaw's story because seriously, this was too vivid and detailed for a short. Megan Derr's imagination combined with her mad writing skills is a rare gift.
February 16, 2013
Tolan finds his life changing pretty dramatically when a 2 year old stumbles into the shop where Tolan apprentices as a Finder and asks him to find "Secret".
Goz/Goss the 2yo is adorable.
Tolan is wonderfully snarky and grumpy with a heart of gold.
Secret is many things. ;)
I love how cranky Tolan is with Secret and how sweet he is with Goss. This is a fascinating world of magic, I just wish that there had been more of it.
Goz/Goss the 2yo is adorable.
Tolan is wonderfully snarky and grumpy with a heart of gold.
Secret is many things. ;)
I love how cranky Tolan is with Secret and how sweet he is with Goss. This is a fascinating world of magic, I just wish that there had been more of it.
February 21, 2013
An interesting tale.
I loved Goz, but then who doesn’t love a cute baby lol.
Secret was interesting. He was certainly the more lovable character.
But Tolan, could he get any more whinny? Even after getting to train under a real (The) master instead of the useless lump he was apprenticed too he complained.
Overall a good story, but maybe because I was still in Dragon mode from my last book, this never took off as high for me.
Thanks Tailtiu
I loved Goz, but then who doesn’t love a cute baby lol.
Secret was interesting. He was certainly the more lovable character.
But Tolan, could he get any more whinny? Even after getting to train under a real (The) master instead of the useless lump he was apprenticed too he complained.
Overall a good story, but maybe because I was still in Dragon mode from my last book, this never took off as high for me.
Thanks Tailtiu
September 7, 2014
3.75 stars rounded up
First Reaction
What do you mean it ended there?! What about Seacrist's sacrifice? What about Tolan's possibility of taking Seabolt's mantle? What about Goss? Arghhhhh I needed more chapters!!! *grumble*
But again, Megan Derr's grumpy characters are the best!! Nobody else could write grumpy characters like her. In here, the grumpy character is Tolan. Tolan is a Finder, a third year apprentice, just two years from making journeyman. Except his master is a drunk and fails to teach him. His life changes when a 2-year-old boy comes to his store, wailing for Tolan to find "Secret".
I thought Goss (the kid) was adorable -- and as always, it was fun to watch the grumpy character interact with the love interest. I loved how Shaw Seacrist called Tolan, "my little spark". Yes, I enjoy pet names that are inventive and not resort to the usual "baby" (BLAH!!).
This was entertaining -- and I wished it was longer darn it!
First Reaction
What do you mean it ended there?! What about Seacrist's sacrifice? What about Tolan's possibility of taking Seabolt's mantle? What about Goss? Arghhhhh I needed more chapters!!! *grumble*
But again, Megan Derr's grumpy characters are the best!! Nobody else could write grumpy characters like her. In here, the grumpy character is Tolan. Tolan is a Finder, a third year apprentice, just two years from making journeyman. Except his master is a drunk and fails to teach him. His life changes when a 2-year-old boy comes to his store, wailing for Tolan to find "Secret".
I thought Goss (the kid) was adorable -- and as always, it was fun to watch the grumpy character interact with the love interest. I loved how Shaw Seacrist called Tolan, "my little spark". Yes, I enjoy pet names that are inventive and not resort to the usual "baby" (BLAH!!).
This was entertaining -- and I wished it was longer darn it!
November 12, 2025
Oh, no-no-no-no! How can it end here? I want to hear the apologies! I want to read about sacrificial sex! I want to know more about Tolan and Goss and Seacrist! How unfair!
July 19, 2020
Oh... this was sweet, albeit a little too short. I love how ornery Tolan is 😆 and Goz is just so adorable!! Really with this was longer
April 19, 2011
No surprise I love this one, eh? Lol.
If I didn't so thoroughly enjoy all of Megan Derr's books I'd probably take off stars because I'm always left with wanting more. Which is exactly the case with this one. I loved it a lot but I wished we were given more. More about what will happen to Goss and Tolan now that things are settling down for them and more about how Tolan and Shaw's relationship will work. I just want to know what happens after!
I like how Tolan doesn't hold his punches, per se, with the Shaw. Tolan had no problem with telling Shaw where to shove it and scowl all the time at him. He wasn't afraid or intimated by him which made it a rather amusing story.
Overall, I thought it was a great, entertaining story and I think other Megan Derr fans will agree.
If I didn't so thoroughly enjoy all of Megan Derr's books I'd probably take off stars because I'm always left with wanting more. Which is exactly the case with this one. I loved it a lot but I wished we were given more. More about what will happen to Goss and Tolan now that things are settling down for them and more about how Tolan and Shaw's relationship will work. I just want to know what happens after!
I like how Tolan doesn't hold his punches, per se, with the Shaw. Tolan had no problem with telling Shaw where to shove it and scowl all the time at him. He wasn't afraid or intimated by him which made it a rather amusing story.
Overall, I thought it was a great, entertaining story and I think other Megan Derr fans will agree.
September 20, 2011
4.5 stars
That was sweet, funny story that ended TOO EARLY. *sigh*
I adore characters like Tolan - snarky as all get out, but essentially decent and kindhearted. And, of course, running away from arrogant, smirking types like Shaw - only to be caught in the end and happy about it. :)
And Goss/Goz is the most adorable and entertaining example of terrible twos I've ever read about. There has to be a sequel to this in the works, right? RIGHT?!
Highly, highly recommended in spite of the frustrating end.
That was sweet, funny story that ended TOO EARLY. *sigh*
I adore characters like Tolan - snarky as all get out, but essentially decent and kindhearted. And, of course, running away from arrogant, smirking types like Shaw - only to be caught in the end and happy about it. :)
And Goss/Goz is the most adorable and entertaining example of terrible twos I've ever read about. There has to be a sequel to this in the works, right? RIGHT?!
Highly, highly recommended in spite of the frustrating end.
June 17, 2013
I have a love/hate relationship with Megan Derr's books. LOVE the full length and what I would consider complete books. HATE the books that make you think they might be full length, but then end up being half a book at best. I can sort of forgive the shorts for that quality because, after all, they're like, 20-50 pages. This one falls in the hate category because, while I was seriously into this book, it inexplicably ended in the middle of a perfectly good story and left me with millions of questions. Did the author run out of time or what?
August 5, 2012
Tolan is such a grumpy sweetheart! Love him, and Shaw is a good guy, although it wouldn't hurt him to tell Tolan more of what's going on.
Gozz....yes, all 2 year olds are like that - not! Lol
I was in a reading slump and nothing I have read recently really worked for me, thank goodness I picked this one up, it was exactly what I needed, a happy, cute, sweet and fun read. My only complaint, and it's one I usually have when reading Ms Derr's stories, is she always leaves me wanting more!
Gozz....yes, all 2 year olds are like that - not! Lol
I was in a reading slump and nothing I have read recently really worked for me, thank goodness I picked this one up, it was exactly what I needed, a happy, cute, sweet and fun read. My only complaint, and it's one I usually have when reading Ms Derr's stories, is she always leaves me wanting more!
July 27, 2011
4.25 stars
Wonderful story with amazingly lovable characters! If the story hadn't seemed to end at the MOST inopportune time, it would have gotten 5 stars from me.
Wonderful story with amazingly lovable characters! If the story hadn't seemed to end at the MOST inopportune time, it would have gotten 5 stars from me.
September 11, 2011
So, this author has done it again -I mean, she create nice characters, an interesting world around them and then when things are getting really interesting, here's the abrupt end! *sigh*
September 17, 2019
Megan Derrs world building is freaking amazing!! how does one person come up with so many different countries and cultures ??? But she doesn't over explain or overwhelm you with information about this world she's made either. Aside from that I love the characters and their chemistry I got warm fuzzies watching talon , Goss, and Shaw. Definitely read if you want something short and sweet and filled with magic!
December 23, 2019
Short but one of my favourites from this author. Smooth but subtle Shaw and temper challenged Tolan attempting to keep a baby safe. Goz was an adorable baby and I really liked his and Tolan’s relationship, as well as the troublesome two.
August 26, 2018
I loved this book, sadly it ended too soon but Megan Derr did not disappoint..
December 20, 2015
This book could really do with a good edit, as well as better characters. The plot itself wasn't too bad, despite being rushed and not fleshed out enough. The MC was constantly angry about everything, and not in a charming way, and was unbelievable and ridiculous most of the time. He apparently has this huge amount of power and is so skilled at it, but all he seemed to be was whiny and, honestly, pretty stupid. The love interest did nothing but laugh mysteriously all the time.
Boring.
Boring.
February 17, 2015
2 stars
I wished I could have given this more, but the ending was just so abrupt and out of nowhere. It's one thing to have a rushed ending but the story wasn't even over! So many things were left hanging, many plot lines were started and then left alone, and then it just ended. I am just so disappointed.
I wished I could have given this more, but the ending was just so abrupt and out of nowhere. It's one thing to have a rushed ending but the story wasn't even over! So many things were left hanging, many plot lines were started and then left alone, and then it just ended. I am just so disappointed.
November 7, 2014
Not a huge fan of fantasy but I really enjoyed this one. Humorous and witty with the cutest baby ever! I was actually wishing this one was a bit longer and we could see how these two could possibly make it all work.
May 26, 2013
A really fun read.
Love the world building, and wish this were a longer story. I wouldn't mind reading more adventures of Tolan, Goz and Secret.
This is my second Megan Derr (after The High King's Golden Tongue), and I definitely hope to read more by this author.
Love the world building, and wish this were a longer story. I wouldn't mind reading more adventures of Tolan, Goz and Secret.
This is my second Megan Derr (after The High King's Golden Tongue), and I definitely hope to read more by this author.
September 30, 2015
I can't believe this book just ended! It was way too short! I definitely wouldn't mind it to have a sequel or at least a book written in the same world. I really do love Megan Derr. Just one more book to scrap off the list.
March 15, 2019
too short and the ending was too abrupt, like in the middle of the story T_T
but I so like this author and her stories
but I so like this author and her stories
August 12, 2015
Where on earth is the rest of this book? It's like the author just decided to... stop.
Read
August 19, 2024In this start to a new series we are introduced to an individual who has low self esteem, a bad temper, a bad lot in life, but who melts when confronted by a very confused 2 year old. Tolan, our good hearted grump, specializes in a type of magic that allows him to find things. He is not supposed to find people. He is apprenticed under a drunk who makes him do all of the work despite it being very far above his level. All of this culminates when he does not find who the 2 year old is looking for, but gets kidnapped along with the child and accidentally finds who they were looking for. This is where the fun begins. If you like snarky individuals, and domineering individuals, along with conspiracies and some not so nice parents then this is the book for you.
April 5, 2023
I have a complaint for Megan Deer and that is I want epilogues!!
So many of her books end and I’m left with not the feeling of wanting the book to continue but a craving for what happen in the future. I wanted to see Tolan post graduation as Shaw’s equal. I wanted to see them as a family with a slightly older Shaw. Even a few pages of them at home together in 5 years would have been frosting on a cake. I personally do not like cake with no frosting. Very unsatisfactory.
Still has to be 5 stars because it takes a good book to make you wish for more.
So many of her books end and I’m left with not the feeling of wanting the book to continue but a craving for what happen in the future. I wanted to see Tolan post graduation as Shaw’s equal. I wanted to see them as a family with a slightly older Shaw. Even a few pages of them at home together in 5 years would have been frosting on a cake. I personally do not like cake with no frosting. Very unsatisfactory.
Still has to be 5 stars because it takes a good book to make you wish for more.
February 10, 2019
Megan Derr can do a lot of things, but she can't write children. That is, I don't think she knows about how children's language progresses. So the scenes with Goss are a little cringey for me. Those without him are pretty good, though (Tolan is complaining the whole time, and Seacrist is soo condescending, so I don't really like both characters, but somehow that doesn't bother me so much). And since I have the sequel before me, I can forgive the rather abrupt ending.
September 19, 2019
One of my absolute favorites, I read it over and over. Goz is so adorable the second he enters the story and all through out! I admit I have a little problem with Tolan talking back to him in baby talk but it's very minor for me. I admire Seacrist for his infinite patience with Tolan, and finally Tolan... Tolan is a Megan Derr character through and through, courageous, feisty, stubborn (although a bit too much at times). Very heartwarming story.
October 31, 2023
Say My Name, Say My Name
FourFamilies1
Tolan Lakeith has a lot to grimble about. He is stuck manning the counter in his master’s shop, while everyone else is celebrting. Then in walks the most unusual customer, Tolan has ever had - a small child has lost his “Secret” and needs Tolan to find him.
Finding “Secret” turns Tolan’s life upside down and all around; and it starts with protecting the small boy, who climbed into his arms and then into his heart.
FourFamilies1
Tolan Lakeith has a lot to grimble about. He is stuck manning the counter in his master’s shop, while everyone else is celebrting. Then in walks the most unusual customer, Tolan has ever had - a small child has lost his “Secret” and needs Tolan to find him.
Finding “Secret” turns Tolan’s life upside down and all around; and it starts with protecting the small boy, who climbed into his arms and then into his heart.
March 8, 2017
I've spent the last month devouring anything I could find Megan Derr (Thank you, Kindle!). I love the way she pulls you in and hate it how she spits you out! I love the characters, the world building and am constantly surprised. Each of her little stories that warm the heart and move you just enough to need more!
January 26, 2019
I knew going in that this was short, but honestly I forgot and I was really startled when it ended where it did. It felt like the prologue had just finished and the reader was about to launch into the meat of the story -- and then it suddenly ended.
I liked how grumpy and put-upon Tolan was, and how completely unwilling he was to kowtow to people with power and influence; that helped a lot with my usual squick when it comes to romances where one character has substantial power over the other. Shaw is older and a more experienced mage but Tolan doesn't give two shits, which I really enjoyed. The magic system and fantasy setting was neat and interesting, as Derr's worlds always are for me. I found Shaw kind of irritating, to be honest, and if I never hear the phrase "little spark" again it will probably be too soon, but I loved how devoted the two of them, especially Tolan, were to Goss.
I liked how grumpy and put-upon Tolan was, and how completely unwilling he was to kowtow to people with power and influence; that helped a lot with my usual squick when it comes to romances where one character has substantial power over the other. Shaw is older and a more experienced mage but Tolan doesn't give two shits, which I really enjoyed. The magic system and fantasy setting was neat and interesting, as Derr's worlds always are for me. I found Shaw kind of irritating, to be honest, and if I never hear the phrase "little spark" again it will probably be too soon, but I loved how devoted the two of them, especially Tolan, were to Goss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews