What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood in the Water
Dear Author,
My sister has always been of the romantic sort. She fell in love with a prince and made a deal with the sea witch that she could make him fall in love with her as well. But it's been a month and so far she has failed. Unable to see her broken hearted and knowing that she would soon be claimed by the sea witch, the three eldest sisters presented her with a knife to kill him.
She loves him too much to do so and now the task falls to me. If I can kill the prince, my sister will be safe to mend her broken heart. And what does it matter, he is only human. The human that rejected my sister and put her in the situation.
But I'm beginning to realize that the prince is far more than simply human to me. And I think I'm losing my heart to him as well.
Photo Description: It's a bright, clear day; the perfect day for the beach. A dark-haired man lies on the sand, the tide washing over him. He is naked, well-tanned, and in very good shape. He is lying on his back, but is partially sitting up to stare at something off in the distance.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Download the story, read it online or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 1.
My sister has always been of the romantic sort. She fell in love with a prince and made a deal with the sea witch that she could make him fall in love with her as well. But it's been a month and so far she has failed. Unable to see her broken hearted and knowing that she would soon be claimed by the sea witch, the three eldest sisters presented her with a knife to kill him.
She loves him too much to do so and now the task falls to me. If I can kill the prince, my sister will be safe to mend her broken heart. And what does it matter, he is only human. The human that rejected my sister and put her in the situation.
But I'm beginning to realize that the prince is far more than simply human to me. And I think I'm losing my heart to him as well.
Photo Description: It's a bright, clear day; the perfect day for the beach. A dark-haired man lies on the sand, the tide washing over him. He is naked, well-tanned, and in very good shape. He is lying on his back, but is partially sitting up to stare at something off in the distance.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Download the story, read it online or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 1.
29 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2012
29 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
283 books2,936 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 116 reviews
April 18, 2025
A charming interpretation of the “little mermaid”. Seree is a very interesting main character. It's another one of those super short books, in this case wonderful again. The only exception is that although it ends in a perfect moment, it somehow lacks a tiny bit for me. So maybe one more page would have helped to round off the story better.
No one fell in love on a moment, and no one of the Deep fell in love with a human. Well, not outside of overblown stories, anyway. 🧜🏽♂️🤭🧜🏽♂️
And then he thought of Aimé's smiles and how easy it was to return them. How easy it was to forget everything, but Aimé whenever he was in the room. 🧜🏽♂️🫠🧜🏽♂️
No one fell in love on a moment, and no one of the Deep fell in love with a human. Well, not outside of overblown stories, anyway. 🧜🏽♂️🤭🧜🏽♂️
And then he thought of Aimé's smiles and how easy it was to return them. How easy it was to forget everything, but Aimé whenever he was in the room. 🧜🏽♂️🫠🧜🏽♂️
September 11, 2022
3 Stars
A quasi MM take on The Little Mermaid. Too short with an abrupt ending, it was still a nice little diversion if you want/need something quick.
A quasi MM take on The Little Mermaid. Too short with an abrupt ending, it was still a nice little diversion if you want/need something quick.
December 19, 2016
This one was a good short story, but pretty low on the feels department.
Most very short fantasy romances that I've read don't have sufficient length to flush out the characters, set up the world building *and* make the romance believable.
This one did a fine job of the first two, but fell short in turning basic physical attraction into tangible on-page emotion.
If the story had been longer, I'm positive that the story would have been stellar; however, at this length, it was merely a 3.25 star read that left me wanting more.
January 11, 2019
3.5 Stars
This (free) fantasy short was a compelling retelling/re-imagining of the classic tale of The Little Mermaid.
With an M/M spin, Blood in the Water features two lonely royals, a pesky sea witch curse to overcome, and a self-sacrificing merman who stumbles upon love where he least expects it.
I liked this a lot, considering its limited page count, but I'm greedy and wish this was a longer story - one with a more fleshed out romance.
This (free) fantasy short was a compelling retelling/re-imagining of the classic tale of The Little Mermaid.
With an M/M spin, Blood in the Water features two lonely royals, a pesky sea witch curse to overcome, and a self-sacrificing merman who stumbles upon love where he least expects it.
I liked this a lot, considering its limited page count, but I'm greedy and wish this was a longer story - one with a more fleshed out romance.
August 27, 2013
3.5
Another Fairytale told so well by Miss Derr.
I loved the twist on the Little Mermaid tale.
A delightful, sweet story.
I really enjoy the play on words Miss Derr uses too. “Sanding” I loved it lol.
July 13, 2012
3.5*
Sweet story about a merman and a prince.
I liked the world building and Ser a lot, I just wish there had been a bit more of the two MC's together, seeing the relationship develop a bit more!
Sweet story about a merman and a prince.
I liked the world building and Ser a lot, I just wish there had been a bit more of the two MC's together, seeing the relationship develop a bit more!
January 11, 2013
wow... wow ...
this is great....
i was almost gonna cry, i thought it will end up like the story of the little mermaid, but thanks god it didn't. i loved the ending.it was so inspiring and amazing.
the moon, the sea, and the title on the cover. they all look amazing.
the two heroes, the prince of the deeps, and the prince of the lands, and their love... wow...
thank you Megan Derr for writing this story.
i love it.
i think i will not sleep tonight, cos i will be thinking of them.^0^
Read
January 24, 2023Love is Always Write - Volume 1
Cute and free short story featuring a merman and a curse. This is not my usual choice of reading and I don't think I would find a full size book interesting but this short story was quite entertaining.
Cute and free short story featuring a merman and a curse. This is not my usual choice of reading and I don't think I would find a full size book interesting but this short story was quite entertaining.
January 8, 2013
3.5 stars – A fun free short story that’s sort of an update/sequel to the Little Mermaid, Warrior of the seas Seree comes to land to save his sister from a curse, only to have his plans foiled by a kind human prince...
A good story, and I especially liked Derr’s sea-worthy word choices, but at just over 8,000+ words, I was definitely wishing for more, especially more scenes and development between warrior Seree and Prince Aimé. (Aimé came off definitely sweet, but had the depth of a Disney Prince.)
But it is free, and it will give a reader a good gander at Derr’s smooth, imaginative writing style. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her work.
If you’re a part of the m/m romance group, you can read the full story online here. Multiple e-book formats can also be found in the Love is Always Write anthology 1 or at Less than Three Press, both for free download.
A good story, and I especially liked Derr’s sea-worthy word choices, but at just over 8,000+ words, I was definitely wishing for more, especially more scenes and development between warrior Seree and Prince Aimé. (Aimé came off definitely sweet, but had the depth of a Disney Prince.)
But it is free, and it will give a reader a good gander at Derr’s smooth, imaginative writing style. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her work.
If you’re a part of the m/m romance group, you can read the full story online here. Multiple e-book formats can also be found in the Love is Always Write anthology 1 or at Less than Three Press, both for free download.
June 8, 2017
One of the problems that I always seem to have with Megan Derr's books is that they are too short, and I don't mean this in a "It was so great I wish there was even more for me to enjoy" but rather as a "There seems to be great potential in ths book, but it was cut short, leaving the whole thing lacking."
The premise of this book are facinating as is the brief glimpses of the world that the story takes place in. However, there isn't enough of this book to really get any satisfaction from any of these things. The relationship between the main characters seems to simply fall from the sky with no potential explaination except a kind of "and they started liking each other offstage" hand waving. The backgrounds, cultures, and motivation behind the characters' actions are similiarly absent. All in all, I found this book to be rather like taking a small sampleo of a delicious dessert and then having it swept away from you.
The premise of this book are facinating as is the brief glimpses of the world that the story takes place in. However, there isn't enough of this book to really get any satisfaction from any of these things. The relationship between the main characters seems to simply fall from the sky with no potential explaination except a kind of "and they started liking each other offstage" hand waving. The backgrounds, cultures, and motivation behind the characters' actions are similiarly absent. All in all, I found this book to be rather like taking a small sampleo of a delicious dessert and then having it swept away from you.
July 14, 2012
A fairytale type story about a Prince named Aime and a Warrior of the Deep, Seree. Seree takes on the curse that his younger sister Lana agreed to. Time is running out to break the curse. If Seree doesn't kill the young prince, Seree himself will die.
I couldn't get into this story as much as I wanted. Probably because it was very short and events happened too quickly. I'm also wondering if Aime and Seree are related considering the information that Aime provided Seree about his grandmother.
If you like merpeople, fairytales and quick reads, you'll like this.
I couldn't get into this story as much as I wanted. Probably because it was very short and events happened too quickly. I'm also wondering if Aime and Seree are related considering the information that Aime provided Seree about his grandmother.
If you like merpeople, fairytales and quick reads, you'll like this.
September 23, 2015
Lovely and very good interpretation of the mermaid legend, I'd love to have this one expanded into a full-lenght novel.
I just wish there was more. I barely get to know Aime. And I know more about Seree's knifes than about the man himself. A little bit more at the end would have been great.
I just wish there was more. I barely get to know Aime. And I know more about Seree's knifes than about the man himself. A little bit more at the end would have been great.
December 18, 2012
Wonderfull sweet, and funny take on the little Mermaid. Love the elements of magic, and knives. An interesting idea, and one I'd love to see expanded on.
June 12, 2018
Sweet and short.
September 4, 2013
This well written fairy-tale filled my desire for an m/m merman romance. There is nothing quite like crossing a depiction of a desired fantasy - I feel quite lucky to have stumbled across this. The characters were strong for their short moment of fame and the bits of the culture and history were quite imaginative. The plot was sweet and simple ...and even if the solution was predictable, it was fun to watch it reach that point.
A bit criticism was the overuse of sea references; using marine animal nicknames and metaphors stretched the water theme unnecessarily. It did not go far enough to make it cheesy, but it was getting a little close. The main character also seemed to be a bit too perfect, and everyone enjoyed stroking his ego. When they did, he simply agreed with them (I don't particularly find a lack of modesty attractive). Perhaps they should have exposed his workaholic tendencies as a flaw, but instead it was admired. The only other complaint is more of a compliment, and that was I wanted more. It was really unfortunate this was a short story; it had so much potential to take everything so much further. I was sad when time skipped because the content was interesting. The author could have dragged it on and on and I would happily jump aboard for the ride. The extra development between scenes would have made the conclusion that much more convincing; I have a huge weakness watching characters fall in love slowly and naturally. This story felt a bit rushed. Maybe this is asking a lot form the author, but -needless to say- I'll be looking into her other works to get my fix!
A bit criticism was the overuse of sea references; using marine animal nicknames and metaphors stretched the water theme unnecessarily. It did not go far enough to make it cheesy, but it was getting a little close. The main character also seemed to be a bit too perfect, and everyone enjoyed stroking his ego. When they did, he simply agreed with them (I don't particularly find a lack of modesty attractive). Perhaps they should have exposed his workaholic tendencies as a flaw, but instead it was admired. The only other complaint is more of a compliment, and that was I wanted more. It was really unfortunate this was a short story; it had so much potential to take everything so much further. I was sad when time skipped because the content was interesting. The author could have dragged it on and on and I would happily jump aboard for the ride. The extra development between scenes would have made the conclusion that much more convincing; I have a huge weakness watching characters fall in love slowly and naturally. This story felt a bit rushed. Maybe this is asking a lot form the author, but -needless to say- I'll be looking into her other works to get my fix!
July 13, 2012
I really like the cover, it's beautiful and I like that it's not flashy or showing slutty man chest.
I can already tell this will be too short and I'll want more.
This reminded me of this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8xCgC...
"my best feature is my voice... So I sold it for plastic surgery." quote from the video not the story
This was a cute story. Too short. Pretty simple. And the two guys were barely in the same scene together. The short scene when they first meet. The random handjob scene. And then together at very end. So yeah it was really cute I guess but not much depth to the story.
Felt like we for to know his knives better than either character. And of course there is the instant love
So yeah I was like "cute, but that's it?" after reading it
I can already tell this will be too short and I'll want more.
This reminded me of this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8xCgC...
"my best feature is my voice... So I sold it for plastic surgery." quote from the video not the story
This was a cute story. Too short. Pretty simple. And the two guys were barely in the same scene together. The short scene when they first meet. The random handjob scene. And then together at very end. So yeah it was really cute I guess but not much depth to the story.
Felt like we for to know his knives better than either character. And of course there is the instant love
So yeah I was like "cute, but that's it?" after reading it
February 5, 2013
Rating: A bit less than 4
It was too short, and their romance wasn't as developed as I would've wanted, but sigh, isn't that how it always is with short novels like this? And despite all that, this is actually one of my favourite short novels of hers. It's really.. I don't know. I just really liked this one. Maybe I have a thing for hot mermaids.
It was too short, and their romance wasn't as developed as I would've wanted, but sigh, isn't that how it always is with short novels like this? And despite all that, this is actually one of my favourite short novels of hers. It's really.. I don't know. I just really liked this one. Maybe I have a thing for hot mermaids.
September 29, 2013
Short, sweet fairytale romance with mermen and princes and curses! Another Lovely freebie.
January 3, 2014
This had so much going for it . . .
It should have been made into a novel, though--the tension could have been stretched much longer.
Still, I liked it. :D
It should have been made into a novel, though--the tension could have been stretched much longer.
Still, I liked it. :D
January 24, 2022
Was sweet. Liked it but felt it could have been longer to be more satisfying. The glimpse of the world seemed interesting.
August 13, 2012
This was a story short and it is very hard for me to review it because it had some strong elements and some weak elements in my opinion. I really liked the premise and it was building up to a strong intense plot, but it just seemed to run out of pages before the plot could develop properly so the ending was rushed and an important character was never really given the page time required.
The plot is loosely based on the Little Mermaid fairytale. In this one, the mermaid princess, Lana, becomes infatuated by a human prince so she strikes a deal with the sea witch so she can have him. Problems develop when Lana discovers the difference between true love and a fleeting infatuation particularly when said Prince is only interested in her as a friend because he's not interested in females in that way. Lana's pact with the sea witch is a toughy- get the Prince to love you or you must kill him within the prescribed period. Lana can't kill him and doesn't want to die either so it is at this point that her 'always there for her' brother, Seree, comes to the rescue by taking on her curse with plans to dispatch the human and return to life as usual below the waves.
But then Seree catches sight of the human prince and begins to interact with him. Seree soon finds that he is no more prepared to do the murderous deed than Lana was. He has met a human that is worthy and does not deserve to die for Lana's mistake. Seree, a warrior and sea prince who can wield magic, has always thought highly of his people and very little of the race of humans on land, but now he has to re-evaluate. He must also come to terms with his own feelings for the prince. How can he not kill the prince, but keep himself alive?
I liked the character of Seree and enjoyed the story from his point of view. I was so disappointed to see very little interaction between him and the prince because I really think that would have been a strength in this story. There is still many strong points particularly when Seree tells the prince the truth and when he calls on his father for help. The solution to Seree's dilemma was there all along.
So, it was a wonderful premise that really just needed more space to develop. A nice read!
The plot is loosely based on the Little Mermaid fairytale. In this one, the mermaid princess, Lana, becomes infatuated by a human prince so she strikes a deal with the sea witch so she can have him. Problems develop when Lana discovers the difference between true love and a fleeting infatuation particularly when said Prince is only interested in her as a friend because he's not interested in females in that way. Lana's pact with the sea witch is a toughy- get the Prince to love you or you must kill him within the prescribed period. Lana can't kill him and doesn't want to die either so it is at this point that her 'always there for her' brother, Seree, comes to the rescue by taking on her curse with plans to dispatch the human and return to life as usual below the waves.
But then Seree catches sight of the human prince and begins to interact with him. Seree soon finds that he is no more prepared to do the murderous deed than Lana was. He has met a human that is worthy and does not deserve to die for Lana's mistake. Seree, a warrior and sea prince who can wield magic, has always thought highly of his people and very little of the race of humans on land, but now he has to re-evaluate. He must also come to terms with his own feelings for the prince. How can he not kill the prince, but keep himself alive?
I liked the character of Seree and enjoyed the story from his point of view. I was so disappointed to see very little interaction between him and the prince because I really think that would have been a strength in this story. There is still many strong points particularly when Seree tells the prince the truth and when he calls on his father for help. The solution to Seree's dilemma was there all along.
So, it was a wonderful premise that really just needed more space to develop. A nice read!
Want to read
August 20, 2015I didn't know the little mermaid had a brother
Offered FREE from the M/M Romance Group, Love Is Always Write: Volume One.
Offered FREE from the M/M Romance Group, Love Is Always Write: Volume One.
May 31, 2014
3.5 stars
Nothing I can add more than what other reviews have said ...
It is a twist on the "Little Mermaid"; and I do wish there are more scenes in the middle -- especially to show the relationship progress between Seree and Aimé, so I can believe in Seree's change of heart. I do like the King though -- he's fun, even if he only appears briefly. All in all, another nice fairy-tale like story from Miss Derr.
Nothing I can add more than what other reviews have said ...
It is a twist on the "Little Mermaid"; and I do wish there are more scenes in the middle -- especially to show the relationship progress between Seree and Aimé, so I can believe in Seree's change of heart. I do like the King though -- he's fun, even if he only appears briefly. All in all, another nice fairy-tale like story from Miss Derr.
August 21, 2012
I love Megan Derr's fairy tales and fantasy stories, but this was too short. It reminded me a of a few other short stories she has that just aren't long enough to do the story justice, like Finder Tolan. A great setup, a good play on the mermaid fairy tale... but the story seems incomplete.
June 3, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up
nice short story of Seree, a merman who has to go rescue his sister who thinking she was in love with a human prince sought the aid of the Sea Witch and was cursed so that if they didn't fall in love she would either die or must kill the prince. Only Seree takes on the curse and finds that killing the prince is not the option he wants to take.
nice short story of Seree, a merman who has to go rescue his sister who thinking she was in love with a human prince sought the aid of the Sea Witch and was cursed so that if they didn't fall in love she would either die or must kill the prince. Only Seree takes on the curse and finds that killing the prince is not the option he wants to take.
April 15, 2024
Classic story short with an MM twist
Blood in the Water is a standalone MM Romantic Fantasy. HEA. PNR, Fantasy. Shifters. Merfolk. Royals. Short reads
This was a good short MM version of a classic fairy tale. I only wish it had been longer, a bit more flesh on the bones on this story but it does work like this too.
Blood in the Water is a standalone MM Romantic Fantasy. HEA. PNR, Fantasy. Shifters. Merfolk. Royals. Short reads
This was a good short MM version of a classic fairy tale. I only wish it had been longer, a bit more flesh on the bones on this story but it does work like this too.
February 14, 2013
I read this for the Shelf-A-Thon challenge, to get a 'merman' story. It's a rift off of The Little Mermaid. It was a short read and interesting. It felt pretty light as there wasn't much of a build-up really between the two MCs. Some nice, light mythology.
July 28, 2013
I've been reading some of Megan Derr's works since yesterday. I enjoyed this one, too. My only complaint is that it was over so soon - too bad I would've wanted to read more [especially about our MCs and their eherm - new found love]. ^_^
January 27, 2021
My first story with merpeople. It was really cute and well written, typical Megan Derr. However (and it's understandable due to its length), the romance could've had a bigger and more in-depth presence. Except for that, it was a really good story.
January 15, 2016
I've read M/M manga, but this is the first time I read a none graphic M/M story and I realy like the story. It's short, sweet and romantic. It's easy to read and enjoyable adventure. The side story is a spin-off of The little mermaid. (If not purposely taken from it)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews