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Natures in Harmony
Gather Close
Rosa is the eccentric daughter of the royal family of Seavow, the greatest of the Kraken clans. More interested in combat that conversation, and named for a plant that doesn't even exist in her world, she has always stood apart.
Her chance to change that comes with the unexpected offer to marry Lord Gaston, the notorious favorite of Queen Marga, often called the Queen's Man. Even though everyone knows he has a lover, a beautiful Sylph with plenty of scandals of his own to his name. Even if she succeeds and the marriage goes through, she will still always be the second best cast to the side…
Her chance to change that comes with the unexpected offer to marry Lord Gaston, the notorious favorite of Queen Marga, often called the Queen's Man. Even though everyone knows he has a lover, a beautiful Sylph with plenty of scandals of his own to his name. Even if she succeeds and the marriage goes through, she will still always be the second best cast to the side…
74 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
13 people are currently reading
25 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.
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facebook.com/meganaprilderr
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 5, 2023
I didn't realise this was a direct sequel until I got into it. I thought it was one of those loosely attached on in the same setting. Nice to see Essen causing trouble again and Queen Marga and her secret family. If anything I'm glad that was resolved. Rosa was an interesting character, that seemed to blend in nicely to the point they forgot she was there at one time. It did feel a bit insta attachment. The fighting scene was cool. Nicely rounded. MFM.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2024
Good storytelling, as usual. However. . .
. . .there were too many WTH moments while reading (and they didn't happen because I didn't like both Gaston and Esen wooing Rosa). What I didn't much care for were the royals, Esen, and the two chiefs caring so much about what the court and clans would think about Gaston's heritage. He was a living miracle, not an abomination, and his entire presence, ethics, and honor were beyond impeccable and certainly above reproach. Sure, he had a temper; nevertheless, he always managed to make honorable and fair decisions that benefited everyone, not just the queen.
The most absurd issue that ought to have been a non issue we Marga refusing to marry at all because she didn't want to choose one over the other. Why couldn't she institute a new law allowing poly marriage? Designate consort titles instead, and allow the one with the royal bloodline of the kingdom have the main month's title. For example, Gaston would be King, and Rosa would be Queen Consort, while Esen became King Consort. I think by Gaston marrying only Rosa, he's disrespecting Esen, whom he truly loves. I don't like the way that played out. Another point I disagreed with was how every clan lived separately in their own territories. It seemed counterproductive to the kind of government and monarchy Queen Marga seemed to want. There was no true interpersonal mixing of clans between certain species. She did nothing to encourage the species to work together. She needed to mix them up, combine ALL the warriors under one army, or air force for the flying species, and navy for the water species. Her mistake was in letting them stay segregated, which metabolites unity. Anyhow -- Rosa being there really emphasized that segregation. Take a page from the s Mon Prince of blood series -- wizards, priests, dragons, humans, mixed species, paladins, as well as the prince's of blood, all fought ROGETHER against their common enemy. In this story, there were species fighting other particular species. They were a mess. Three stars.
. . .there were too many WTH moments while reading (and they didn't happen because I didn't like both Gaston and Esen wooing Rosa). What I didn't much care for were the royals, Esen, and the two chiefs caring so much about what the court and clans would think about Gaston's heritage. He was a living miracle, not an abomination, and his entire presence, ethics, and honor were beyond impeccable and certainly above reproach. Sure, he had a temper; nevertheless, he always managed to make honorable and fair decisions that benefited everyone, not just the queen.
The most absurd issue that ought to have been a non issue we Marga refusing to marry at all because she didn't want to choose one over the other. Why couldn't she institute a new law allowing poly marriage? Designate consort titles instead, and allow the one with the royal bloodline of the kingdom have the main month's title. For example, Gaston would be King, and Rosa would be Queen Consort, while Esen became King Consort. I think by Gaston marrying only Rosa, he's disrespecting Esen, whom he truly loves. I don't like the way that played out. Another point I disagreed with was how every clan lived separately in their own territories. It seemed counterproductive to the kind of government and monarchy Queen Marga seemed to want. There was no true interpersonal mixing of clans between certain species. She did nothing to encourage the species to work together. She needed to mix them up, combine ALL the warriors under one army, or air force for the flying species, and navy for the water species. Her mistake was in letting them stay segregated, which metabolites unity. Anyhow -- Rosa being there really emphasized that segregation. Take a page from the s Mon Prince of blood series -- wizards, priests, dragons, humans, mixed species, paladins, as well as the prince's of blood, all fought ROGETHER against their common enemy. In this story, there were species fighting other particular species. They were a mess. Three stars.
March 4, 2025
Very fun read! A continuation of Esen and Gaston's story, a little bit of time after the last book and with the two having solidified their relationship. This has brought the relationship, and its political advantages, to the attention of Esen's family. To prevent them from causing any trouble Queen Marga proposes the most logical thing; prevent any political gain from Esen by having Gaston marry. But Gaston doesn't just want a political marriage and as it turns out neither do Esen or Marga. The hope is that the proposed fiancé could be a third in their relationship, much as the relationship Queen Marga has herself. And Princess that the Queen has chosen for this (still politically advantageous) relationship just might be the perfect fit.
I really enjoyed the addition of Rosa in this book. Within a single sentence of meeting her it is hard not to like her, with nothing going right but her struggling through to make the best of it. Rosa is a great match, from her 'unnatural' pursuits for her position, her 'uncouth' language, and her estrangement from her family and the land in which she was born. She makes a connection with Esen immediately, something unexpected as she thought they would be competition, and she fits in with the family as well. It was great seeing Rosa come in and figure things out beyond the rumours and hearsay that she heard ahead of time and find a place where she could have love and a home.
One of the only things that I really didn't understand, especially since they were off hand mentioned in the first story, is we never do see any of the apparent half siblings that Gaston has. It was mentioned in the first book that they were shocked to learn of him just a few years back, but they do not show up outside of that and they don't make an appearance in this book either. As they should be royals themselves this seems odd. It was very unusual and it sort of seemed like they had perhaps simply been a forgotten plot point.
I really enjoyed the addition of Rosa in this book. Within a single sentence of meeting her it is hard not to like her, with nothing going right but her struggling through to make the best of it. Rosa is a great match, from her 'unnatural' pursuits for her position, her 'uncouth' language, and her estrangement from her family and the land in which she was born. She makes a connection with Esen immediately, something unexpected as she thought they would be competition, and she fits in with the family as well. It was great seeing Rosa come in and figure things out beyond the rumours and hearsay that she heard ahead of time and find a place where she could have love and a home.
One of the only things that I really didn't understand, especially since they were off hand mentioned in the first story, is we never do see any of the apparent half siblings that Gaston has. It was mentioned in the first book that they were shocked to learn of him just a few years back, but they do not show up outside of that and they don't make an appearance in this book either. As they should be royals themselves this seems odd. It was very unusual and it sort of seemed like they had perhaps simply been a forgotten plot point.
April 27, 2023
A sweet - and surprisingly dramatic! - continuation of the adventures of Esen the sylph and Gaston the chimera from Hold Still.
They find the perfect wife for Gaston: Princess Rosa, an insecure but also powerful and level headed kraken who is just as used to feeling like an outsider in her family as Esen is. She is instrumental in figuring out the court drama that shall not be named, and I liked her immediately.
The book is surprisingly chaste, even more than the first book. They kiss a few times, and that's it. I didn't miss the spice, though, as Princess Rosa is compelling enough on her own.
They find the perfect wife for Gaston: Princess Rosa, an insecure but also powerful and level headed kraken who is just as used to feeling like an outsider in her family as Esen is. She is instrumental in figuring out the court drama that shall not be named, and I liked her immediately.
The book is surprisingly chaste, even more than the first book. They kiss a few times, and that's it. I didn't miss the spice, though, as Princess Rosa is compelling enough on her own.
April 30, 2023
good
4 stars
I actually enjoyed this one. When I saw it was a follow on from Hold Still I wondered why another partner was being added to the pair already together, but I took a chance and it made sense when it was explained.
I liked that the book works on the characters getting to know each other and that Rosa didn’t know that she was to be partnered with both, she came with a.misconception regarding Esen but also put that aside to get to know him. Esen point of view was refreshing and put a stop to all jealousies.
I also enjoyed the who done it aspect of this storyline and how Rosa was able to showcase her skills throughout.
4 stars
I actually enjoyed this one. When I saw it was a follow on from Hold Still I wondered why another partner was being added to the pair already together, but I took a chance and it made sense when it was explained.
I liked that the book works on the characters getting to know each other and that Rosa didn’t know that she was to be partnered with both, she came with a.misconception regarding Esen but also put that aside to get to know him. Esen point of view was refreshing and put a stop to all jealousies.
I also enjoyed the who done it aspect of this storyline and how Rosa was able to showcase her skills throughout.
November 3, 2023
Friends Close, Enemies Closer
NaturesHarmony2
A fun little froth of a book. We met Esen and Gaston in Hold Still, where they overcame disappointments and misunderstandings to find what they could be together. Now the queen has requested they consider a third party, to give Gaston the title he has always deserved.
Rosa is a disposable daughter in the Kraken court, sent off to marry a land-dwelling duke, known as the Queen’s Man. He has a paramour, she will have to oust, but the ties will be made.
They meet informally over brigands, but nothing is what she was led to expect. Could her eccentricities find a place here? Or is something deeper and richer coming her way?
NaturesHarmony2
A fun little froth of a book. We met Esen and Gaston in Hold Still, where they overcame disappointments and misunderstandings to find what they could be together. Now the queen has requested they consider a third party, to give Gaston the title he has always deserved.
Rosa is a disposable daughter in the Kraken court, sent off to marry a land-dwelling duke, known as the Queen’s Man. He has a paramour, she will have to oust, but the ties will be made.
They meet informally over brigands, but nothing is what she was led to expect. Could her eccentricities find a place here? Or is something deeper and richer coming her way?
April 30, 2023
Does Gaston have brothers??? What does Rosa look like?
Very important questions I found myself asking multiple times. The past book mentioned Gaston had two brothers and didn’t elaborate if the were half or full or if they were the heir to the throne. They were never mentioned in this book and suddenly Gaston is heir? Loved the characters but wish there was a bit more details in the characters. I know it’s not necessarily Megan’s style but I also think multiple POV would have raised the level of this book so much.
Very important questions I found myself asking multiple times. The past book mentioned Gaston had two brothers and didn’t elaborate if the were half or full or if they were the heir to the throne. They were never mentioned in this book and suddenly Gaston is heir? Loved the characters but wish there was a bit more details in the characters. I know it’s not necessarily Megan’s style but I also think multiple POV would have raised the level of this book so much.
June 9, 2023
This was cute!!!!
I was not expecting a sequel to Hold Still……….and ESPECIALLY the addition of a badass female to the team!
I am here for it and so happy that Derr came through!
At the end of Hold Still, I figured they were just going to go marry some gentle princess so they could create a family and be like the queen. So, this was excellent and I kind-of wish it was longer!
I was not expecting a sequel to Hold Still……….and ESPECIALLY the addition of a badass female to the team!
I am here for it and so happy that Derr came through!
At the end of Hold Still, I figured they were just going to go marry some gentle princess so they could create a family and be like the queen. So, this was excellent and I kind-of wish it was longer!
April 28, 2023
Rosa, Gaston and Esen
Good story. Would have been nice to extend it to beyond the assassination attempt. Would like to have seen the three characters settle into their relationship. Loved the characters though. Great work Megan.
Good story. Would have been nice to extend it to beyond the assassination attempt. Would like to have seen the three characters settle into their relationship. Loved the characters though. Great work Megan.
November 19, 2023
3.75 stars - Really would have loved this MMF fantasy novella to be longer. This is pretty action-packed, with good characterizations given the length. Good use of the space provided, even if it left me wanting more of these three together.
July 11, 2023
A lovely short story, just like the prequel.
November 5, 2023
Well done!
Shows a fascinating view of polyamory with strong women and the men who love them and each other. The clan characteristics add a great dimension.
Shows a fascinating view of polyamory with strong women and the men who love them and each other. The clan characteristics add a great dimension.
March 6, 2024
More court intrigue and a badass female lead.
Read
February 20, 2024If you have not read Hold Still by Megan Derr, then this book will not make any sense to you. This second book in the series elaborate on the relationship between the two main male characters well, adding in a third romantic partner, who is female. There are many crude ways that this could be accomplished, however, Derr manages to accomplish this with grace and no graphic sex scenes. I enjoyed the addition of an extremely strong, female character into the established relationship, and I certainly hope that Derr is going to elaborate on the revelation of the queens relationships. Two dollars might be considered a bit expensive for a book under 100 pages. However, I enjoy Derr’s work enough to keep purchasing these books. For a quick and easy LGBTQ plus polyamory book I highly recommend this.
October 10, 2023
Predictable, but engagingly sweet.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews