Impractical

Deceived #3

by Megan Derr

Terrell believes very strongly in an ordered, practical lifestyle. Nothing good, after all, ever came from following impractical urges and impulses. Nearly finished with school, it is time to focus on the next step in his life—settling down at his estate, Fivecoats, and marrying a suitable spouse to oversee it while he pursues his academic leanings. When his father sends word that he has found the ideal man for Terrell to marry, Terrell can only be pleased—despite the misgivings of his best friend. Marriage, after all, is perfectly practical, and such things as romance highly impractical.

Kirian wants nothing to do with practicality. His parents chose to be happy over being practical, and he refuses to settle for less, no matter what everyone around him says. But then he is forced to marry a man who is colder than ice, settle into a marriage that seems to be in all ways practical, but in no way happy. But beneath the surface of his new spouse, Kirian sees something far from icy, something he realizes he wants—but which seems to belong to another man.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Romance, Historical, M M Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction

115 pages, ebook

First published December 13, 2011

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

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Impractical follows two couple ... Terrell who believes in practicality, who thinks that marriage should be for convenience rather than love, because he is busy with study and work, thus having a husband who can take care of his estate will be perfect for him. So when his father arranged a marriage with Edlin Crandall Courtright, Terrell thinks he finds the right match While Kirian, his best friend, refuses to settle for practicality, he wants to marry for love (just like his parents). But then his professor forces him to marry the icy Evelyn Thiering, because they both need support for Literary Tour, Kirian who has been smitten with Evelyn for quite a while plans to thaw Evelyn and makes the lord like Kirian for who he is.

Apparently, I still have few Megan Derr titles on my virtual TBR that I have not read yet :). Time to take one out of the shelf. I love Megan Derr's world. I love that in her stories, men can marry each other like it's something to do everyday, without anyone batting an eye. It's an acceptable practice, so I don't have to deal with homophobic actions along the way.

I thought this one was adorable. I must say though, that Kirian and Evelyn's story was better for me. Maybe because both men seem to have totally different characteristics. Kirian is fiery, passionate, and often loses his temper. Evelyn is cold and detached and never loses his temper. It's opposites attract, yo! I also thought that this couple is the one better learning from one another. Kirian calms down with Evelyn but Evelyn learns to show his passion more outward too. I loved their romance.

Terrell and Edlin, on the other hand, is a little imbalanced. I mean, yes, Terrell learns that practicality doesn't always win over one heart's content. That he realizes he falls in love after all, with his charming husband. However, Edlin is already a more developed character, in a sense that I didn't see him matured or progressed into someone better when the story ended. So unlike Kirian and Evelyn who are both progressing in their marriage, in Terrell and Edlin's case, it is only Terrell that does so. Not that I thought Edlin was a bad character; but he is basically the 'same' man from the moment he is introduced to readers. Does that make sense??

I have to dodge my star rating for one HUGE issue though. The use of the words practical, impractical, and their versions. I know that Megan Derr is trying to point that characteristics from both Terrell and Kirian. However, reading over 100+ occurrences(!) of those words were driving me insane!! It was repetitive and annoying! Those two words were more present in Terrell and Edlin's chapter, which probably also made me like Kirian and Evelyn's story better.

[L-D · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book we get two love stories for the price of one.

Terrell and Kirian are best friends and roommates attending school together. They are a study in opposites. Terrell is practical as the day is long, and Kirian is hot-blooded and rash.

Terrell is the owner of Fivecoats, a successful winery bequeathed to him by his mother. He knows that he does not have the business acumen to run Fivecoats himself and is satisfied to learn that his father has arranged a marriage between Terrell and a successful businessman, Edlin. This marriage is practical for Edlin as well, because Fivecoats is a dowry fit for any man. When they meet, however, it becomes apparent that the convenient marriage may turn out to be nothing like the practical business transaction Terrell was expecting.

Kirian is one of the academic stars at school, but his hot-headed nature has gotten him into trouble as of late. After a number of duels, Kirian has gained the attention of the academy heads as someone that may not be a desirable addition to the upcoming literary tour that Kirian is dying to attend. On the other hand, Evelyn Thiering is his equal from an academic standing, but Evie's icy coldness is keeping him from being considered for the literary tour as well. Their academic adviser, Professor Grayson, notes their dilemma and determines that if they are paired together, the heat and cold may merge into something a bit more palatable for all.

Both of these stories were very interesting and I enjoyed them immensely. I am loving this Deceived world that Megan Derr has created. I greatly recommend this series, but definitely start with the Deceived anthology which I also rated 5 stars.

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition

4 ⭐️

I liked the way this one was done, the two best friends and finding their partners, or rather being pushed. One went willingly the other just didn’t fight it. Both storyline’s worked well for me. I did take longer to connect to Edlin, but that was because he was too perfect and it felt at times like it could be fake.
Enjoyable read

[Lady*M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite, but almost 5 stars.

For what it is - sweet, naive fairytale - the story was truly romantic, amusing and, yes, hot. I liked both couples and I was glad they both got their happy endings. This is a true fairytale, with no true villains and obstacles, beyond the men themselves, but, sometimes, you need a piece of pure escapism in your life. Highly recommended.

[T.T. Kove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good. I'm looking forward to when I can finally go to bed and read, and then I wake up early so I can read some more before I start my day. ^^

I must say I'm partial to Kirian's chapters though, as they feature one of my favourite tropes: melting the Ice Queen/King :D

[Blaine]

This was a lighthearted read that made me smile, despite the overuse of the words im/practical. It has to be the geeky scholars with their im/practical behaviours ;)

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still on my silly novels backread. This is a shortish novella with two linked romances. Organized Terrell takes his arranged marriage into stride and is certain that it won’t disturb his orderly life. Kirian is impulsive and has a reputation for starting fights– which influences his student advisor into blackmailing him into marrying a fellow student.*

Like most of the Derr books I’ve read, this is fun and fluffy, if a bit implausible at points. Balancing the two different romances makes an interesting contrast between the two protagonists’ very dissimilar personalities. However, this did weigh down the plot at times, as Derr seems determined to wedge in the three-plus standard sex scenes– for each protagonist. I found this to be a bit much for a one hundred thirty eight page book.



*Yeah this one made me go hellaux??? too. rating: NOT cute, contact your university administrators immediately to file a complaint.

[Arthur · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are several things I don't like from my romance. Among others:
- fait a compli
- big misunderstanding
- melodramatic MCs
- keeping secret to blow up at the end
This book manages to hit all points above. One of very few 2-star rating for Ms. Derr's books from me.

Oh, just like MandyM, I also noticed that the term practical/impractical practically scattered throughout the book that the use of those terms have become completely impractical.

[Julesmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to adore this world! All the fun of regency combined with a complete acceptance of homosexuality. To the extent that Terrell's father even picked out a male spouse for him.

I definitely enjoyed that there were two couples in this one. It was interesting the similarities and differences in the progression of both of the relationships. It was also interesting to get to read about the changes in the friendship between Terrell and Kirian as both of their relationships progress.

[Fehu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story and just in time before Christmas.
Oh I know impractical is the theme but there is such a thing as an overkill, here it is the use of the words "impractical" and "practical".

Otherwise a great, romantic story about two couples and marriage. One pair is forced into marriage and the second has an arranged match but who will end up with a HEA?

[Kaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed it, but it required a little bit too much suspension of disbelief when it came to the reasons behind Kir and Evie's marriage. Too much secret-keeping in both relationships for my tastes. And I was one of the readers bothered by overuse of the words practical/impractical. But the chemistry in both relationships was lovely.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, we follow two couples , one was an arranged marriage, and one was sort of "blackmailed" into marriage.
There is no real outside forces working against the couples and for the most part it's a pretty sweet and angst free story, typical of Megan Derr's writing.

[Leta Blake]

Sweet, predictable but in a lovely comforting way. Enjoyed it on a cold early autumn string of nights.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't entirely clear from the blurb, but this follows two different couples. Terrell and Kirian are best friends and polar opposites; Terrell is calm, ordered, and practical with a planned out life, while Kirian is passionate, impulsive, romantic and waiting for the love that will sweep him off his feet. The two are each others closest family but despite what others believe they are not interested in each other. So when they each get setup for marriage around the same time they are trying to deal with it in their own ways and sometimes coming back to their friend to get help with all that is going on.

Terrell is not as blind as others believe. It is thought that he has been oblivious to others (which, yes, he is oblivious to flirting) but he is aware. After all, Terrell knows that Kirian is beautiful and knows that there have been those that have used their looks in his sphere. But Terrell saw when younger that a love lost is painful and causes disorder in life. He built walls around his heart and has kept to the path set out for him and throws himself into his studies. Meeting Edlin throws all of this into disorder. After all, he is allowed to truly see the man that he will marry and noticing his looks, his dedicated work, and his passion, draws him in. If Terrell lets down his walls he could have love again but with it comes all the risks of letting out your heart.

Kirian came from an unorthodox background. His parents truly married for love, even forsaking their families and fortune just to have each other. They built back their money and made a life and a family, but then died tragically in an accident. Kirian cannot imagine not marrying for love. When he is instead maneuvered into a marriage through blackmail, but to the very man who has caught his eye on campus, Kirian feels trapped but hopeful. Kirian's husband Evelyn is cold and planned but his letters are sweet and loving, so Kirian hopes he can bring out that side for himself. But Kirian has built his own walls around his heart and covers it with his impulsiveness. Letting in Evelyn will mean he has to truly trust after years to allow love in.

While Kirian and Terrell are trying to figure out their loves and their lives they are also seeing what it will be to move on out of school and stop being so close to each other all the time. Lives beyond school are different and love can change things, but it doesn't mean losing the friends and family you already have. All these men are trying to figure out their lives and despite making mistakes along the way they try to let love be their guide.

[Megan | The Mood Read Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is getting soft because this book isn't worth 5 stars. The writing and the character and plot development probably put it solidly at 3.5 stars. BUT it made me feel 5 star things, so that's the rating I'm going with.

I liked this story for several reasons. Firstly, it is two stories in one, and I appreciated that the two relationships presented mirrored each other in some ways and in other ways were quite different. Secondly, I love a good arranged marriage trope, and this book hit that nose on the head twice.

This book is far from perfect. The meat of what could have been a much longer book -- the building of the romantic relationships between these characters -- is left out and essentially skipped over. We meet the characters, learn their circumstances, and, before we know it, they are already having feelings for their respective partners with very little lead up.

That's my main complaint. The book is still short, coming in at less than 200 pages, and it needed at least 100 pages of this development. I wanted to see the characters as they gradually got to know each other. I wanted to see the awkward moments. I wanted to be there as they first started having romantic feelings. Instead, I'm told this in a passing fancy, conveniently skipping over all the essential elements of any story.

So why 5 stars? Oh, who even knows at this point. These gay boys made my heart happy (and set it racing many a time 😉), and I loved spending time with each one of them. There were intense, heartfelt moments. There were sad ones. My heart hurt sometimes.

One moment in particular that made me feel something was when Terrell, the logical scholar, is unsure why his fiance would want someone like him. Terrell loves him, but he doesn't feel worthy. I related to this more than I can say.

Anyway, it was hella good (though not as good as The Beast -- check that one out immediately), but I still freaking loved it.

[Nix Buttons]

I felt like I missed a chapter or two in the middle and am confused, wondering if I actually missed some pages (I totally missed Kir's relationship developing and them becoming intimate) or if there was some plot jump that just didn't fit. So I will hold off final judgement and only rate it after I read it again.
At the core I really very much liked these two intertwined stories, but somehow I found the execution lacking at points. The plot didn't move along smoothly. Also, Kirin was a bit tiring, only knowing how to cope with violence or by running away, and I felt the connection between Terrell and his beau was too insta-lovish. But as I said, I will read it again anyway at some point (Derr is one of my favourite authors after all) and will hold off rating it. I was rather tired while reading it, so there is a slight chance it was a me-problem, as small as that chance might be.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Some day, GoodReads, you will give us our half-stars.

First of all, this was much better than #2, better plot, and the contrast of MCs was good. But I can't give it full marks, because the sex scenes were overt without adding much of anything, and that's always disappointing. Worse, a few were a tad more violent-ish than I was prepared for. And, one was sorely misplaced in the greater scheme of things. This is a book, not a romcom, that was silly.

Anyway. No regrets, just a few reservations. :)

[Sha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is two different romances, each starring one half of a BFF pair and on a different point in the relationship drama scale. The romances are both sweet (and they do not fall on the how are these two together without murder scale), but there is really nothing here that's particularly new or interesting.

Maybe I should take a break before getting back to Megan Derr. I feel like I'm giving her the short end of the stick here.

[Averly Wilke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the friendship between Terrell and Kirian as well as Kirian’s relationship with Evelyn. Edlen was ok but the part where he forcibly shoved Terrell around and forced a hand job on him was completely unexpected and off putting. Honestly beyond the estate manager aspect of himself, Edlen reads pretty shallow in character, as the only other thing we are shown and quite often is that he’s horny as all hell.

[Soraya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about two best friends, one always practical and the other a hot-headed romantic. Both enter into arranged marriages (two romances for the price of one!) Through the book they both find a bit of balance as they get to know their new husbands. The plot is all about the characters, and is quite fun.

[Justyna Małgorzata · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars. I enjoyed Kirian and Evie's romance decidedly more, with one exception - the reason for their marriage was something hard to believe at best. Terrell's story was a bit too sweet by comparison and the plot too obvious. Bit it was a fun read anyway.

[Renn · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, Megan Derr writes interesting characters and the most engaging short stories. This is actually the stories of two couples in one, so, not quite what I was expecting from the description, and not usually my cup of tea, but a fun read nevertheless.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it well enough

The characters are pretty typical, nothing too dramatic happened. It was a cute story overall and a nice light read if you don't want anything too stressful and a guaranteed double happy ending.

[T Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than Deceived and other tales, but still the repetitions are only amusing up to a certain point.

[Ashley E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impractical ~ 5 stars
Seconds ~ 4 stars
The Wager ~ 5 stars
Runaways ~ 4 stars

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The word Impractical was used too much. But I still enjoyed this book.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the contrast between the two friends, one practical and the other impractical. Every other chapter pieces together a sweet story of misunderstandings and falling in love.

[Omega696 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to start this story twice since the first time I tried to read it the sheer number of word "impractival" per page overwhelmed me. Still it wasn't a bad ready, once I got into it.

[Renée · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this dual romance with best friends who each have different reactions to their separate arranged marriages. This is in the same world as Deceived.