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The Highland Wolves #1
Ulrich
Ulrich is tired of being far from home. He misses the high mountains of his homeland, the familiarity and comfort of living amongst Pack. The thin, weak wolves of the lowlands grate, and he is ready to be done with his duty to the King and return home. Sent on assignment to find the reason behind the death of a fellow wolf, he hopes that by fulfilling the mission, he will have paid his dues and be permitted to return home.
The very last thing he expects to encounter in the wild woods of the lowlands is a wild mage who on the surface seems to hate wolves and everything associated with them. But as Ulrich digs deeper, and danger forces them closer, he realizes that the mage is so much more than he seems—and too much for Ulrich.
The very last thing he expects to encounter in the wild woods of the lowlands is a wild mage who on the surface seems to hate wolves and everything associated with them. But as Ulrich digs deeper, and danger forces them closer, he realizes that the mage is so much more than he seems—and too much for Ulrich.
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First published May 4, 2010
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About the author
Megan Derr
284 books2,946 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.
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meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 18, 2010
This is one of my favorite books for two reasons: there is no sex, just some kissing, so definitely more plot than sex and it involves wolf shifters, where you actually read about them in their wolf form. I was engaged throughout this whole book and I couldn’t have put it down if I tried.
I loved the two separate sections. You get to experience the beginning of how Ulrich and Grosvenor meet under not so friendly terms, Grosvenor’s reluctance to accept Ulrich’s help since he’s been burned in the past by wolves and then their eventual fondness for each other as Grosvenor accompanies Ulrich back to his pack. How they’re both miserable when they realize Ulrich would never be honored with a wolf-given such as Grosvenor and then their shock when the alpha grants their unspoken wish to be together.
*sigh* I don’t have anything bad to say about this book. Megan Derr is one of my favorite authors because she knows a story is more of a story when there’s less sex, at least in my opinion. I recommend this to anyone, you’ll love it even if you don’t like it when there’s no sex in a story. :D
For spoilers go here.
I loved the two separate sections. You get to experience the beginning of how Ulrich and Grosvenor meet under not so friendly terms, Grosvenor’s reluctance to accept Ulrich’s help since he’s been burned in the past by wolves and then their eventual fondness for each other as Grosvenor accompanies Ulrich back to his pack. How they’re both miserable when they realize Ulrich would never be honored with a wolf-given such as Grosvenor and then their shock when the alpha grants their unspoken wish to be together.
*sigh* I don’t have anything bad to say about this book. Megan Derr is one of my favorite authors because she knows a story is more of a story when there’s less sex, at least in my opinion. I recommend this to anyone, you’ll love it even if you don’t like it when there’s no sex in a story. :D
For spoilers go here.
February 1, 2013
So cute! Love MD's writing, descriptive but not too drawn out, and the fantasy world is barely sketched, but intriguing and it provides just the right depth of background for such a short story. The double POV, one in each story, was done well as the mc's voices are quite different and each story has a main happening centered around one of them ("investigation" for Ulrich and new pack for Grosvenor). I love how the story of Hansel and Gretel was tied in.
I can see a possible story for Detlef... pretty please?
I can see a possible story for Detlef... pretty please?
July 19, 2010
Enchanting, as most novels or novellas by Megan Derr are. The fairy-tale tie in goes nicely with the unique environment and world-building that she creates, and it was a fairy-tale very rarely touched on in re-writes, which was refreshing.
Past that, the relationship between Ulrich and Grosvenor is a heart-string case. The whole damn-you-why-do-you-make-me-smile type relationship that never fails to get me every time.
In the second portion, when Grosvenor returns with Ulrich, I think Derr did very well mixing the family relations with family duties and obligations. I wanted to punch Grosvenor a few times for how meekly he accepted his supposed 'fate,' but the end definitely satisfied the means.
Past that, the relationship between Ulrich and Grosvenor is a heart-string case. The whole damn-you-why-do-you-make-me-smile type relationship that never fails to get me every time.
In the second portion, when Grosvenor returns with Ulrich, I think Derr did very well mixing the family relations with family duties and obligations. I wanted to punch Grosvenor a few times for how meekly he accepted his supposed 'fate,' but the end definitely satisfied the means.
January 22, 2012
Cute story with a fairytale twist of Hensel and Gretel in it and wolf-shifters! So yes this one goes to my favorites. It was not instant love; they actually disliked and mistrusted each other quite a bit in the beginning.
Ulrich is a wolf shifter and was send to find out about the disappearance of two other wolf guards near a dark wood. There he finds more than he bargained for, children have been missing and a mage, who is also a wolfgiven but who lives with humans and has nothing friendly to say about wolves! Grosvenor had bad experience with wolveshifters in his past, so he meets Ulrich with firing arrows and magical attacks. You see no instant love there!
Also they have other problems- to find the missing child and find out what happened to turn the other wolves feral. The dark woods have some strange magic and something old and evil raises its head again to prey on innocents. Ulrich and Grosvenor have to work together if they want to save the missing child in time.
That’s the first part of the story and there is not a kiss happening there! Grosvenor will have to face his past if he wants to live with the wolves again and learn to trust in the word of wolves, especially Ulrich. Who is really sweet and caring and loyal but would never dream that someone of Grosvenors worth would actually give the six son of an alpha a chance.
Megan Derr really knows how to tell a good story without hiding in heaps of sex. This story has an interesting plot and a slow developing romance and makes a great comfort read.
Ulrich is a wolf shifter and was send to find out about the disappearance of two other wolf guards near a dark wood. There he finds more than he bargained for, children have been missing and a mage, who is also a wolfgiven but who lives with humans and has nothing friendly to say about wolves! Grosvenor had bad experience with wolveshifters in his past, so he meets Ulrich with firing arrows and magical attacks. You see no instant love there!
Also they have other problems- to find the missing child and find out what happened to turn the other wolves feral. The dark woods have some strange magic and something old and evil raises its head again to prey on innocents. Ulrich and Grosvenor have to work together if they want to save the missing child in time.
That’s the first part of the story and there is not a kiss happening there! Grosvenor will have to face his past if he wants to live with the wolves again and learn to trust in the word of wolves, especially Ulrich. Who is really sweet and caring and loyal but would never dream that someone of Grosvenors worth would actually give the six son of an alpha a chance.
Megan Derr really knows how to tell a good story without hiding in heaps of sex. This story has an interesting plot and a slow developing romance and makes a great comfort read.
June 13, 2012
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this shifter/mage book. I must really like this paranormal combination because I recently read Mind Magic and enjoyed that book as well. I liked this book slightly better because I felt there was stronger character development. I loved both Ulrich, the 7th son of his Alpha, as well as Grosvenor, the wild mage recluse. I also enjoyed the way this book was in two parts with the first part being Ulrich's POV and the second part being Grosvenor's POV. Like many of Megan Derr's books, there is no sex, but her books never seem to need it because the stories are so rich.
The other thing I appreciated about this shifter book is there was no insta-love. Megan Derr did not rely on having the MCs fall in love the minute they laid eyes on each other or the minute the wolf catches a scent simply because they are mates. In fact, Ulrich and Grosvenor's relationship starts off on extremely rocky footing and it takes the entire book for their relationship to fully develop. That always makes me appreciate the HEA much better when the MCs have to really work for it.
I hope that Megan Derr decides to write a sequel very soon!
I really enjoyed this shifter/mage book. I must really like this paranormal combination because I recently read Mind Magic and enjoyed that book as well. I liked this book slightly better because I felt there was stronger character development. I loved both Ulrich, the 7th son of his Alpha, as well as Grosvenor, the wild mage recluse. I also enjoyed the way this book was in two parts with the first part being Ulrich's POV and the second part being Grosvenor's POV. Like many of Megan Derr's books, there is no sex, but her books never seem to need it because the stories are so rich.
The other thing I appreciated about this shifter book is there was no insta-love. Megan Derr did not rely on having the MCs fall in love the minute they laid eyes on each other or the minute the wolf catches a scent simply because they are mates. In fact, Ulrich and Grosvenor's relationship starts off on extremely rocky footing and it takes the entire book for their relationship to fully develop. That always makes me appreciate the HEA much better when the MCs have to really work for it.
I hope that Megan Derr decides to write a sequel very soon!
May 11, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. It has a few sweet moments and is very angst filled. There is a lot of conflict and the added touch of the Hansel and Gretel story as well as a couple other fairy tales was a bonus for me. I must say if you are looking for a sex filled shifter story, this is not the book for you. Not one love scene in this book. To be honest I didn't really miss the sex but I would have liked a bit more in the ending with Ulrich and his mage.
Still, this is a very nice story and a good adventure. The characters are strong men with character, no girly boys here. The pace sometimes dragged a bit, but the world building is solid. It is well written and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for more story and less sex in their romance.
Still, this is a very nice story and a good adventure. The characters are strong men with character, no girly boys here. The pace sometimes dragged a bit, but the world building is solid. It is well written and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for more story and less sex in their romance.
September 6, 2015
This story was built into a fair tale world. There is the story of Hansel and Gretel and I see a hint of red riding hood. Ulrich is the seventh son of the alpha of his pack. He is fulfilling his duty to the king and has nearly completed it when he meets Grosvenor the huntsman and wild mage. Grosvenor isn't happy to see him and remains with a grumpy attitude throughout the book. Ulrich sees an opportunity to bring a new wild mage to his pack and convinces Grosvenor to go home with him. Of course Ulrich wants Grosvenor and Grosvenor, grumpily, wants Ulrich but an ex and pack status stand in their way. A fun read that makes you smile at all the grumping Grosvenor does:)
May 14, 2017
A mix between a shifter romance and a fairy tale. A sweet lovestory between the seventh son of an alpha - Ulrich - and a wild mage - Grosvenor - who has been exiled from his former pack. The two meet and work together to rescue the grandaughter of Gretel (as in Hans and Gretel) from a "new" evil witch in a gingerbread house.
Ulrich convinces Grosvenor to return to his pack with him, even though he knows that he, as a low rank seventh son, will have no chance of marrying the mage. Of course everything works out in the end - like it should in a fairy tale :D
A sweet and light read with absolutely no sexual content.
Ulrich convinces Grosvenor to return to his pack with him, even though he knows that he, as a low rank seventh son, will have no chance of marrying the mage. Of course everything works out in the end - like it should in a fairy tale :D
A sweet and light read with absolutely no sexual content.
May 22, 2013
It was okay. It started out really strong and interesting, then kind of petered out. It followed very similar tropes of "I can't tell him I want him. I must not say it," which is annoying, even if these characters had a more convincing reason than most others that use it. The bad guy was lackluster and the climax was a bit of the same. So, it was enjoyable as a story, just not ah-mazing. Which, you know, is just fine. We need those kind of stories. They give us comfort and that's just as important as the ones that blow our minds. It'd get tiring to always have your mind blown.
December 30, 2023
Ulrich is a shifter wolf from the Highlands who has been sent by his clan to serve at the King's pleasure in the lowlands. Reports of a wolf being killed in the Laughing Woods have returned to the palace, where Ulrich is asked to go investigate. While searching the woods, he comes across an unusual trio: an elderly grandmother, her young granddaughter, and a very surly mage. That mage, Grosvenor, keeps sending Ulrich away repeatedly and aggressively... until he stumbles upon Ulrich in his frantic search for the suddenly missing young girl. The pair quickly deduce a witch has kidnapped the child with the intention of eating her (shades of Hansel and Gretel!)
In part 2, Ulrich has convinced the mage Grosvenor to return to the highlands to meet his own clan. We learn more about why Grosvenor is so surly, and why he lives alone in the lowland forests. There's attraction between the two, but Ulrich's Alpha father decides that a high mage of Grosvenor's power is more suited to marry his first born son, not the seventh born son (Ulrich). Meanwhile, Grosvenor's old clan shows up demanding him back (or else.)
I don't care for shifter stories at all, but this was sweet. I liked this because it was distinctly different view points. A couple minor plot issues with pacing, and several times Ulrich was shifting, but where were his clothes going? I really was glad there wasn't any sex scenes to kill the momentum of the story.
3.75 stars, so I rounded up to four stars.
In part 2, Ulrich has convinced the mage Grosvenor to return to the highlands to meet his own clan. We learn more about why Grosvenor is so surly, and why he lives alone in the lowland forests. There's attraction between the two, but Ulrich's Alpha father decides that a high mage of Grosvenor's power is more suited to marry his first born son, not the seventh born son (Ulrich). Meanwhile, Grosvenor's old clan shows up demanding him back (or else.)
I don't care for shifter stories at all, but this was sweet. I liked this because it was distinctly different view points. A couple minor plot issues with pacing, and several times Ulrich was shifting, but where were his clothes going? I really was glad there wasn't any sex scenes to kill the momentum of the story.
3.75 stars, so I rounded up to four stars.
October 25, 2018
I started this book being hopeful because I have always loved reading stuff by Megan Derr. I wasn't sure how it would go though because of the length. Lets just say that there was a lot of action packed in those pages.
The first thing I will say about this book is that it was sweet and romantic but did not contain sex. That was fine by me because I loved the storyline. It had a hint of Hansel and Gretel to it with a side of wolf shifter and mage. It was unique.
I really loved both Ulrich and Grosvenor. They both had their own strength and temperament. Ulrich was all about pack. He was also easy going and noble. Grosvenor was all vinegar and sharp retorts. It was funny reading his replies and the way he got after Ulrich. You could see he was fond of him and comfortable. Ulrich never took what he said to heart because he knew it was a front. I just loved reading about them together.
In the end, this book has me curious about what else will happen with these two. There is an ending to their story, but you could easily see where it could be continued. I look forward to reading more in this series when something comes out.
The first thing I will say about this book is that it was sweet and romantic but did not contain sex. That was fine by me because I loved the storyline. It had a hint of Hansel and Gretel to it with a side of wolf shifter and mage. It was unique.
I really loved both Ulrich and Grosvenor. They both had their own strength and temperament. Ulrich was all about pack. He was also easy going and noble. Grosvenor was all vinegar and sharp retorts. It was funny reading his replies and the way he got after Ulrich. You could see he was fond of him and comfortable. Ulrich never took what he said to heart because he knew it was a front. I just loved reading about them together.
In the end, this book has me curious about what else will happen with these two. There is an ending to their story, but you could easily see where it could be continued. I look forward to reading more in this series when something comes out.
September 10, 2017
Told in two parts, with two different views and two different locations, this was an excellent novella! Following as Ulrich, a highland wolf, meets a highland wild mage while on tour in the lowlands, we see them navigate the dangers of the lowlands as they get to know each other, and we see them deal with family and duty in the highlands. With an antagonistic relationship that classically develops into more as they work together this story was heartwarming and a joyful read!
September 8, 2018
Good but slow
This book was a good book but it was more like a novella then a novel because of so much unnecessary or info I wasn't interested in made me give it a 3 instead of a 4. I would love to had a short script on the oldest brother's dead wife then the description of the houses and I hope there will be a story on him when he becomes alpha of this pack.
This book was a good book but it was more like a novella then a novel because of so much unnecessary or info I wasn't interested in made me give it a 3 instead of a 4. I would love to had a short script on the oldest brother's dead wife then the description of the houses and I hope there will be a story on him when he becomes alpha of this pack.
February 27, 2018
This was great to read and I enjoyed it. I wish there was a bit of epilogue or a second book to tidy up some more of the story but it was still a decent read. Some of the plot felt a bit rushed but it didn’t ruin the book.
October 16, 2018
After a disappointment that was "Suitable replacement", this story is a real treat. I could actually feel the love growing between the wolf and the mage and I found Ulrich just the right type of main character. Two different POV's also worked well. A decent read!
August 18, 2018
Another wonderful read, Megan Derr does not disappoint.
March 31, 2019
3.5 star
November 7, 2019
Interesting and cute.
April 30, 2020
My only complaint is that i wanted more.
March 23, 2017
2.5 stars
I can only say that a week or two from now, I will have no memory of this short story.
I can only say that a week or two from now, I will have no memory of this short story.
January 26, 2021
This moved more along the lines of ok than anything else. I kinda forced myself to not skim and just finish it so I won't be continuing with the series, if it is ever continued.
Although I liked the concept of the "werewolves" and the wolf given thing not much else drew me to the story. Gros-sth (just a difficult to pronounce names I just shortened it in my head to Gros) was just too prickly and I never warmed up to him. Ulrich was cute and I liked him but he didn't really have much page time.
So yeah I guess once less series for me to follow from Mrs. Derr.
Although I liked the concept of the "werewolves" and the wolf given thing not much else drew me to the story. Gros-sth (just a difficult to pronounce names I just shortened it in my head to Gros) was just too prickly and I never warmed up to him. Ulrich was cute and I liked him but he didn't really have much page time.
So yeah I guess once less series for me to follow from Mrs. Derr.
March 4, 2017
It was a very good book but not perfect. The story could have been a lot more elaborate. I did like the fairy tale rewrite.
February 18, 2017
Not as strong as Derr's normal fare, however it is still well-stitched together. The second part was just a bit weak between our two MCs (Ulrich Schwarz and Grosvenor Allaway). I'd like to have had the drama of the second wolf pack more pronounced, and a bit more chemistry between Ulrich (Rich to some pack members) and Grosvernor.
June 9, 2011
'Ulrich' was quite a captivating read, I loved it. In part one it had a very whimsical, fairy tale like quality to it. Plus there's a little Hanzel and Gretel twist thrown in. It read very smoothly and fast and was entertaining the whole way. Part two was all about the romance and very well done. It read very much like a YA romance. Which I guess it could be I'm not sure (??). But unlike most YA I read I didn't get bored. I quickly fell in love with them and couldn't stop reading to find out if they ended up together. Words that came to mind while reading this were: endearing, innocent, sweet and romantic. I loved it! If your looking for a complex or in depth read though this isn't it. It's clean, simple, and to the point.
Oh, and I loved all the names! I'm a name buff and its been quite a while since I read a book where the names were unique. :)
Oh, and I loved all the names! I'm a name buff and its been quite a while since I read a book where the names were unique. :)
January 2, 2013
Wonderful read, couldn't put it down once I'd started. I loved, loved how it touched on a fairy tale and how that was worked into the story!
I loved Grosvenor and his grouchiness and Ulrich was just adorable. I like the way that Gros grew to trust Ulrich and want to spend time with him, and I felt for both characters when it seemed like they weren't going to get what they wanted from each other. Ulrich's conversation with his father, when asking if he could court Gros was a highlight for me because it just showed so much of his character, and then his quiet acceptance of it broke my heart.
Lovely romantic and fairy tale read :) would love to read more of this world!
I loved Grosvenor and his grouchiness and Ulrich was just adorable. I like the way that Gros grew to trust Ulrich and want to spend time with him, and I felt for both characters when it seemed like they weren't going to get what they wanted from each other. Ulrich's conversation with his father, when asking if he could court Gros was a highlight for me because it just showed so much of his character, and then his quiet acceptance of it broke my heart.
Lovely romantic and fairy tale read :) would love to read more of this world!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2018
I love Megan Derr. Fairy Tales retold in different ways have always been one of my favourite genres and when I discovered one of her Fairy Tales Slash omnibuses in my local library I couldn't believe my luck! Since then I haven't stopped reading her :) This particular book is a meld of at least two fairy tales. Red Riding Hood meets Hansel and Gretel with the Megan Derr twists and turns that makes these old stories her own.
October 5, 2016
This very nice short story is based on fairy tales in a first half, than becomes a more traditional shifter/werewolves story in the second half. (i was happy that the fairy tales were those which are not often used in m/m romance)
Both main heroes are really cute and my heart was breaking for them in a second half. But it got happy ending and that's all I am asking for. :)
Both main heroes are really cute and my heart was breaking for them in a second half. But it got happy ending and that's all I am asking for. :)
April 21, 2012
3.5
This was a quick sweet story which I felt I really wanted to see more of Ulrich and Grosverors interactions. The fairy tale element was interesting, but I would have liked more wolf world building. Good read.
This was a quick sweet story which I felt I really wanted to see more of Ulrich and Grosverors interactions. The fairy tale element was interesting, but I would have liked more wolf world building. Good read.
April 12, 2011
I love wolf-shifter stories and this one was wonderful. I love the world Megan has created and can't wait to read more.
July 1, 2011
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews