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Paranormal Days
Herbal Remedy
Jordan is used to being the butt of every hedge witch joke, painfully aware he's a checklist of clichés, and long resigned to never being as successful as the more favored elemental witches. Then a prestigious magic firm puts out a call for hedge witches, and the chance to prove himself and become more than a joke is impossible to resist—even if he has to put aside all those things he loves for a little while. It's only temporary, the money is great, and it will all be worth it in the end.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2013
15 people are currently reading
163 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 13, 2013
I didn't really feel the chemistry between the MCs, and the reason for the conflict at the end made me uncomfortable.
Not my favorite story from Ms. Derr.
Not my favorite story from Ms. Derr.
July 1, 2013
2.5
A solid magical little story. A bit too short for me with many details glossed over but I did enjoy the characters and their interactions. It just felt like a lot of things got passed on.
A solid magical little story. A bit too short for me with many details glossed over but I did enjoy the characters and their interactions. It just felt like a lot of things got passed on.
April 11, 2020
3.5 stars
December 2, 2014
2.5 stars
Unfortunately, I didn't really feel for this story and it became a big MEH and I ended up skimming it. When you skimmed a short story, it wasn't a good sign.
I guess my issue was that I didn't feel connected to these characters and I didn't feel their chemistry. I thought the boyfriend (gah, I already forgot his name) could actually told Jordan early on about who he was, and the fact that he didn't made me question his intention. Or maybe because I felt his character was glossed over and I didn't get him much. Even if I liked Jordan.
One more thing, I didn't know what the magic element actually did to the story. I mean, this could easily be a non-magic contemporary story with the same story-line, about a young man who discovered that his older boyfriend was keeping secret from him. It didn't feel like Derr's usual regency stories. It just felt off to me.
Unfortunately, I didn't really feel for this story and it became a big MEH and I ended up skimming it. When you skimmed a short story, it wasn't a good sign.
I guess my issue was that I didn't feel connected to these characters and I didn't feel their chemistry. I thought the boyfriend (gah, I already forgot his name) could actually told Jordan early on about who he was, and the fact that he didn't made me question his intention. Or maybe because I felt his character was glossed over and I didn't get him much. Even if I liked Jordan.
One more thing, I didn't know what the magic element actually did to the story. I mean, this could easily be a non-magic contemporary story with the same story-line, about a young man who discovered that his older boyfriend was keeping secret from him. It didn't feel like Derr's usual regency stories. It just felt off to me.
June 15, 2013
More a 3.5 due to the shortness.
This was fun and sweet.
A modern world but with a olde worlde feel.
Shayne and Jordan are a lovely couple, and the slight little drama at the end was a lovely way to get to the HEA.
To short as always, but that’s because I’m greedy lol.
This was fun and sweet.
A modern world but with a olde worlde feel.
Shayne and Jordan are a lovely couple, and the slight little drama at the end was a lovely way to get to the HEA.
To short as always, but that’s because I’m greedy lol.
August 8, 2014
The ending is too sweet and sticky. Otherwise quite enjoyable in a Megan Derr kind of way :) 3 stars.
June 13, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
3.5 stars
In this Paranormal Days story, we get to know Jayden's brother, Jordan. In Beach Remedy we really don't get to see much of Jordan, only enough to see that he's a more reserved and responsible version of Jayden with long, beautiful dreadlocks. And, while they're both hedge witches, Jordan is the only one that really practices. He's a stereotype in most ways (think beach bum), even down to the herbal blends he loves to smoke. One of the biggest differences are their sexuality -- while both brothers are gay and Jayden tends to be a somewhat promiscuous wildcat, Jordan prefers a more sedate and mature man, and hasn't been out on a date in forever.
Being a hedge witch is Jordan's dream. He makes defensive amulets and protection charms agains vampires and werewolves. He makes his own small spells that he sells to his neighbors, including his herbal cigarettes (though some of them are private and definitely not-legal). It's what he loves to do, even if most people see him and immediately take him for a lazy bum and he'll never make enough money. Both he and Jayden have taken care of each other from a young age, but Jordan is fed up of always living hand to mouth when they deserve so much more.
The remedy seems to be against a lot of what he stands for, but it might not be that bad either. A large magic firm is looking to take on hedge witches to travel around the country and work. It pays a lot of money and Jordan knows that he's good enough to get one of the coveted spots. But working up the corporate ladder means saying goodbye to his dreadlocks, his pride, and most unfortunately, his time. The only thing that saves him from a complete breakdown of spirit is the distinguished older man he meets while on the road...
In structure and plot, this story differs a bit from Beach Remedy. Where that story is all about falling in love and having fun on the beach, Herbal Remedy is really about trying to make it through the pitfalls of a relationship with an older man while trying to work a particularly demanding job. Jordan is a genuinely good soul. In many ways he's uncomplicated and fiercely loyal, and that can come across as naivety. In a way it is. Falling in love for Jordan is freeing and beautiful with no reservations, which makes dealing with the experience of a man so much older than him a difficulty that he didn't expect to face and doesn't know how to reconcile. I liked Jordan quite a bit. I'm not sure how much I liked Shayne, and I can't decide if it's his actions or the fact that I felt like I didn't really get to know him or much about him or see them a lot together. Or both. Probably a little of both.
However, for a short story, I think that we get a pretty good picture of the world and a lot of story for only 13,000 words. As I said in my review today of Beach Remedy, these stories should definitely be read as a pair. I only say that because I enjoyed both of them. They definitely don't need to be read together, and you could pick either one to read as a standalone story and be satisfied. Recommended.
3.5 stars
In this Paranormal Days story, we get to know Jayden's brother, Jordan. In Beach Remedy we really don't get to see much of Jordan, only enough to see that he's a more reserved and responsible version of Jayden with long, beautiful dreadlocks. And, while they're both hedge witches, Jordan is the only one that really practices. He's a stereotype in most ways (think beach bum), even down to the herbal blends he loves to smoke. One of the biggest differences are their sexuality -- while both brothers are gay and Jayden tends to be a somewhat promiscuous wildcat, Jordan prefers a more sedate and mature man, and hasn't been out on a date in forever.
Being a hedge witch is Jordan's dream. He makes defensive amulets and protection charms agains vampires and werewolves. He makes his own small spells that he sells to his neighbors, including his herbal cigarettes (though some of them are private and definitely not-legal). It's what he loves to do, even if most people see him and immediately take him for a lazy bum and he'll never make enough money. Both he and Jayden have taken care of each other from a young age, but Jordan is fed up of always living hand to mouth when they deserve so much more.
The remedy seems to be against a lot of what he stands for, but it might not be that bad either. A large magic firm is looking to take on hedge witches to travel around the country and work. It pays a lot of money and Jordan knows that he's good enough to get one of the coveted spots. But working up the corporate ladder means saying goodbye to his dreadlocks, his pride, and most unfortunately, his time. The only thing that saves him from a complete breakdown of spirit is the distinguished older man he meets while on the road...
In structure and plot, this story differs a bit from Beach Remedy. Where that story is all about falling in love and having fun on the beach, Herbal Remedy is really about trying to make it through the pitfalls of a relationship with an older man while trying to work a particularly demanding job. Jordan is a genuinely good soul. In many ways he's uncomplicated and fiercely loyal, and that can come across as naivety. In a way it is. Falling in love for Jordan is freeing and beautiful with no reservations, which makes dealing with the experience of a man so much older than him a difficulty that he didn't expect to face and doesn't know how to reconcile. I liked Jordan quite a bit. I'm not sure how much I liked Shayne, and I can't decide if it's his actions or the fact that I felt like I didn't really get to know him or much about him or see them a lot together. Or both. Probably a little of both.
However, for a short story, I think that we get a pretty good picture of the world and a lot of story for only 13,000 words. As I said in my review today of Beach Remedy, these stories should definitely be read as a pair. I only say that because I enjoyed both of them. They definitely don't need to be read together, and you could pick either one to read as a standalone story and be satisfied. Recommended.
July 2, 2013
Jordan is a practicing hedge witch who gets the chance to improve his finances and maybe the reputation of hedge witches when he gets a job at a big magic firm. They have previously hired the more prestigious elemental witch, so he’s determined to make a go of it. The fact that he hates it is beside the point.
As he is unwinding one night outside his motel room, smoking herb and kicking back in his pajama pants, herb and flower tattoos on display, he meets the gorgeous Shayne. I did blink a little bit at Jordan wanting to dispel the idea that hedge witches are herb-smoking hippies as he is acting like an herb-smoking hippie, but okay.
Even as Jordan is just holding out that after his probationary period his job will get better, he is happier with more money for himself and his brother and now has a new guy in the form of Shayne. I read Jayden’s story first (Beach Remedy) and he seems a lot more scatterbrained here. The brothers snipe at each other and you can see the love behind it. They have been all for each other for years and you can tell. I liked that a lot.
There are some secrets being held and some problems at work that have to be worked through. Jordan is a great character, honorable and loyal. Shayne is a bit more complicated. Jayden’s protection of Jordan towards the end was the best. Those brothers have each other’s backs. I did want a little more groveling, as well.
I like the setting for this story and I’m hoping there will be more in this world in the future.
As he is unwinding one night outside his motel room, smoking herb and kicking back in his pajama pants, herb and flower tattoos on display, he meets the gorgeous Shayne. I did blink a little bit at Jordan wanting to dispel the idea that hedge witches are herb-smoking hippies as he is acting like an herb-smoking hippie, but okay.
Even as Jordan is just holding out that after his probationary period his job will get better, he is happier with more money for himself and his brother and now has a new guy in the form of Shayne. I read Jayden’s story first (Beach Remedy) and he seems a lot more scatterbrained here. The brothers snipe at each other and you can see the love behind it. They have been all for each other for years and you can tell. I liked that a lot.
There are some secrets being held and some problems at work that have to be worked through. Jordan is a great character, honorable and loyal. Shayne is a bit more complicated. Jayden’s protection of Jordan towards the end was the best. Those brothers have each other’s backs. I did want a little more groveling, as well.
I like the setting for this story and I’m hoping there will be more in this world in the future.
June 16, 2013
2.5 stars
I was not entirely convinced of Shane's motivation. The circumstances surrounding the couple's meeting and what Shayne had been doing even before he met Jordan rubbed me the wrong way. Even with the grovelling and explanations I still dislike Shayne and I think Jordan could do so much better than him.
I was not entirely convinced of Shane's motivation. The circumstances surrounding the couple's meeting and what Shayne had been doing even before he met Jordan rubbed me the wrong way. Even with the grovelling and explanations I still dislike Shayne and I think Jordan could do so much better than him.
February 11, 2023
Usually these are quick reads for me. But not this one. I'm not certain why, but something about the way the story's written kept tagging my anxiety--which just means I read it in chunks rather than steadily. It's very good, the tension and so on work well, and the resolution's entirely delightful.
CW: casual drug use (like marijuana but a magic thing), physical tussles between siblings who love each other.
CW: casual drug use (like marijuana but a magic thing), physical tussles between siblings who love each other.
January 7, 2023
Just A Puff Or Two
4.5 ⭐️
Sometimes these shorts go by so quickly, that they feel like chasers.
I hope we get a collection of Jordan and Shayne stories, because there were some notes that reminded me of Wriggle and Sparkles.
It would be nice if this grew somewhat like that did.
4.5 ⭐️
Sometimes these shorts go by so quickly, that they feel like chasers.
I hope we get a collection of Jordan and Shayne stories, because there were some notes that reminded me of Wriggle and Sparkles.
It would be nice if this grew somewhat like that did.
July 1, 2017
Cute little short with modern-day hedge witches.
December 20, 2017
Good, but the plot felt a bit too simple....I just know I was expecting more...
February 15, 2019
Shayne reasoning was a bit... hedgy...
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March 13, 2021I read this here.
December 31, 2022
Definitely not my favorite of this author's stories. 😕
December 28, 2023
The chemistry between the mcs was lacking and the miss communication jus made it worse. Lack of chemistry made me think Jordan naive for resolving the problem the way he did.
April 30, 2025
3.2 stars for me. I did not love it as much as the author's other works, but it was quite a cute read (a bit too cute perhaps? - and too simple?)
November 17, 2015
What there is of this story is sweet, and the world-building ("folksy" magical practices + corporatization of magic) is intriguing. But, wow, it needs at least 2,000 more words--at least 1,500 of them about Shayne.
I mean, this is a romance, right? We're supposed to root for the couple, right? But I didn't feel like I knew the Shayne half of the couple at all. He appears basically out of nowhere (if they had met at Cumberly & Pass, or on one of Jordan's customer calls, or at one of Jayden's parties, that might've told us something about Shayne, but "random guy in a diner" could be anyone), says very little in their first two meetings, and basically moves right from "Hello, handsome" to "Hello, bed."
How old is Shayne supposed to be? Jayden teases Jordan about his taste in "older men," but given that Jordan is 24, "older" could be anything from 29 to 50. His hair is still red, which says younger, but he's . It's all very confusing, and compounded by the fact that, once they're together, Shayne says little that isn't either exposition or endearment. Frankly, I spent a big part of the story expecting to find out that Shayne was either 1) also Jayden's boyfriend (not having read the other story in the set, it took me a long time to figure out that Jordan already knew Lee), or 2) a villain.
And while we're on the subject! How on Earth did Jordan not figure out that
Last question: what race are Jordan and Jayden supposed to be? We don't get descriptions of them beyond the fact that Jordan has tattoos and nipple rings and had dreads. This story reads very differently if Jordan is a black man forced to cut off his dreads than if he's a white man forced to do the same. And it really bothers me that that's never specified. Maybe it's clearer in the other story, but, again, I didn't read that, and stories in a series have to be able to stand at least somewhat on their own.
I mean, this is a romance, right? We're supposed to root for the couple, right? But I didn't feel like I knew the Shayne half of the couple at all. He appears basically out of nowhere (if they had met at Cumberly & Pass, or on one of Jordan's customer calls, or at one of Jayden's parties, that might've told us something about Shayne, but "random guy in a diner" could be anyone), says very little in their first two meetings, and basically moves right from "Hello, handsome" to "Hello, bed."
How old is Shayne supposed to be? Jayden teases Jordan about his taste in "older men," but given that Jordan is 24, "older" could be anything from 29 to 50. His hair is still red, which says younger, but he's . It's all very confusing, and compounded by the fact that, once they're together, Shayne says little that isn't either exposition or endearment. Frankly, I spent a big part of the story expecting to find out that Shayne was either 1) also Jayden's boyfriend (not having read the other story in the set, it took me a long time to figure out that Jordan already knew Lee), or 2) a villain.
And while we're on the subject! How on Earth did Jordan not figure out that
Last question: what race are Jordan and Jayden supposed to be? We don't get descriptions of them beyond the fact that Jordan has tattoos and nipple rings and had dreads. This story reads very differently if Jordan is a black man forced to cut off his dreads than if he's a white man forced to do the same. And it really bothers me that that's never specified. Maybe it's clearer in the other story, but, again, I didn't read that, and stories in a series have to be able to stand at least somewhat on their own.
February 5, 2015
Courte nouvelle de Megan Der, petit plaisir mélangeant bit lit et romance gay. On y retrouve des magiciens et herboristes. Dès les premiers abords j'ai trouvé le personnage de Jordan sympathique, gentils rebelle, un peu hippy. L'univers est assez original, j'aurais aimé un récit plus long afin de pouvoir le découvrir. Par exemple, les ingrédients utilisés pour le parfum du savon de Jordan ou les ingrédients qui composent ses cigarettes, il y a là tout un monde à explorer.
J'ai trouvé mignon le petit logo utilisé par la maison d'édition Less Than Three Press, celui entre les changements de scènes, joli petit clin d'oeil à l'histoire.
On s'attache tout de suite aux personnages, que se soit Jordan ou son frère Jayden. Ce qui est plutôt bien au vu du nombre de pages de cette nouvelle. Jordan est dévoué à son frère, j'aurais adoré en savoir un peu plus sur eux et leur passé... et leur avenir aussi.
L'ambiance de cette histoire est calme, agréable, petit moment de détente bienvenue.
Shayne l'amoureux de Jordan est très posé, ils ont tous les deux une relation qui évolue dans le bon sens... mais... et oui il y a souvent un « mais », ça permet de mieux apprécier le livre... d'ailleurs je vous laisse le découvrir se sera mieux.
Megan Derr a le talent de nous prendre dans son récit en peu de pages, on est content avec Jordan, on est malheureux ou on sourit avec lui, bravo à l'auteur !
Mais on lui en voudrait presque d'en avoir pas écrit plus sur Jordan, Jayden et Shayne, on voudrait dire : encore, encore !!!
Alors surtout n'hésitez pas, arrêtez vous et lisez cette nouvelle.
J'ai trouvé mignon le petit logo utilisé par la maison d'édition Less Than Three Press, celui entre les changements de scènes, joli petit clin d'oeil à l'histoire.
On s'attache tout de suite aux personnages, que se soit Jordan ou son frère Jayden. Ce qui est plutôt bien au vu du nombre de pages de cette nouvelle. Jordan est dévoué à son frère, j'aurais adoré en savoir un peu plus sur eux et leur passé... et leur avenir aussi.
L'ambiance de cette histoire est calme, agréable, petit moment de détente bienvenue.
Shayne l'amoureux de Jordan est très posé, ils ont tous les deux une relation qui évolue dans le bon sens... mais... et oui il y a souvent un « mais », ça permet de mieux apprécier le livre... d'ailleurs je vous laisse le découvrir se sera mieux.
Megan Derr a le talent de nous prendre dans son récit en peu de pages, on est content avec Jordan, on est malheureux ou on sourit avec lui, bravo à l'auteur !
Mais on lui en voudrait presque d'en avoir pas écrit plus sur Jordan, Jayden et Shayne, on voudrait dire : encore, encore !!!
Alors surtout n'hésitez pas, arrêtez vous et lisez cette nouvelle.
February 2, 2015
Mignon et bien écrit.
Une histoire très courte que les éditions Less Than Three Press semblent adorer.
Nous avons ici une romance tout en guimauve qui raviront les plus romantiques d'entre vous.
C'est tout mignon, avec des personnages qui ont une histoire malgré leur temps imparti pour la raconter.
Je trouve que l'auteur nous donne une nouvelle simple, sans prise de tête qu'on lit avec un vrai plaisir et la longueur n'est pas du tout mauvaise, elle aurait pu en faire un livre plus long mais non, elle a préféré s'en tenir à quelque chose de court qui dans son ensemble suffit.
Il y a une petite péripétie à la fin pour que l'on est notre happy end comme on les aime !
En tout cas avis à celles et ceux qui ont besoin de douceur, il seront servit !
3,8/5
Une histoire très courte que les éditions Less Than Three Press semblent adorer.
Nous avons ici une romance tout en guimauve qui raviront les plus romantiques d'entre vous.
C'est tout mignon, avec des personnages qui ont une histoire malgré leur temps imparti pour la raconter.
Je trouve que l'auteur nous donne une nouvelle simple, sans prise de tête qu'on lit avec un vrai plaisir et la longueur n'est pas du tout mauvaise, elle aurait pu en faire un livre plus long mais non, elle a préféré s'en tenir à quelque chose de court qui dans son ensemble suffit.
Il y a une petite péripétie à la fin pour que l'on est notre happy end comme on les aime !
En tout cas avis à celles et ceux qui ont besoin de douceur, il seront servit !
3,8/5
June 12, 2013
Although I haven't read the story that inspired this 'verse, Ms. Derr managed to make it sound intriguing and well... magical.
I loved how flowers and herbs were used in this book and wondered whether this was explored more in the origin story. I liked how the story progress with hints dropped here and there foreshadowing what was to come.
Too bad the story was kinda short that we did not see
I am now wondered if the lazy brother had any income at all and how that contributed to Jordan willing stayed in the job he hated for large paycheck...
I loved how flowers and herbs were used in this book and wondered whether this was explored more in the origin story. I liked how the story progress with hints dropped here and there foreshadowing what was to come.
Too bad the story was kinda short that we did not see
I am now wondered if the lazy brother had any income at all and how that contributed to Jordan willing stayed in the job he hated for large paycheck...
March 21, 2014
This was a surprise! I bought it without reading a sample or any reviews - I've read enough of Derr's stuff to trust that I'll like it, whatever it is - but it wasn't the least bit fairytalesque.
It was, however, one of the most unique contemporary short fantasies I've read in a long time. With a main character that somehow has my love of herbs and my over-the-top threats (one line is actually one I've used, word for word) and my exhaustion with corporate life. I wanted to hug him. And smoke one of his funny cigarettes.
This was a good short read. I'm pleased.
It was, however, one of the most unique contemporary short fantasies I've read in a long time. With a main character that somehow has my love of herbs and my over-the-top threats (one line is actually one I've used, word for word) and my exhaustion with corporate life. I wanted to hug him. And smoke one of his funny cigarettes.
This was a good short read. I'm pleased.
June 20, 2013
3.5 stars
Jordon was quite admirable trying to make a name for himself and trying so hard to prove he's not just a stereotypical hedge witch. I love these types of themed stories, I never get tired of reading/seeing these cliched endings.
Jordon was quite admirable trying to make a name for himself and trying so hard to prove he's not just a stereotypical hedge witch. I love these types of themed stories, I never get tired of reading/seeing these cliched endings.
April 14, 2017
Cute story; not what I was expecting but still a nice quick read.
October 9, 2014
Sweet, sweet read. I actually like Jordan more than Jayden. Didn't see that coming. ;) Loved it.
July 27, 2017
2.4 stars.
December 31, 2019
Another short one. It was okay but one I probably won't read again. M/M romance with a magic background.
October 25, 2015
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews