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.
It is funny that when it comes to Megan Derr's stories, I don't really hate the insta-love ^^. Yep, Addison and Jewell have only been together for mere four days before Jewell professing his love and dragging Addison across the country to run away together and defy his 'bad fate' of being a Royal Prince. In Megan Derr's hand, I just find the characters too adorable to complain about insta-love. I enjoy how Jewell practically walks into Addison's life like a whirlwind, he just swept anything that stands on his way of getting Addison. It's also good to see Benedict and Rae again; they've been together for 20+ years!!
For some reason, I think I would have loved this more if it was part of the Deceived anthology. As a stand-alone short, however, it lost a bit of its impact. This story brings back the beloved characters Prince Benedict and Rae, his scandalous lover of over 20 years. I love that Benedict and Rae are as strong as ever. The new MCs are Jewell and Addison. Addison has been dragged to the city to cater to his spoiled cousins needs. His job is to ensure his cousin finds a suitable mate and maybe, per his mother, to catch an Earl of his own. All Addison wants to do is visit the park or the museum. One such escape to the park leads Addison to bump into Jewell, a young man trying to escape the attentions of Tina by pretending he and Addison are lovers. A friendship quickly blossoms between the two men, but Jewell may have some secrets.
This was a nice short story with fresh new characters in the Deceived series. I think it ended a little abruptly with more of an HFN than a HEA. But an enjoyable read overall.
A story that both had insta-love and dismissed insta-love, all while making me fall for it; yup this story was right up my alley. There is no question that Addison and Jewell fall in love extremely fast. They spend a day together and at the end, neither wants to leave, and both wish they could have more. But moving from more to running away together to build a life is a major step up. However, when you're reading this book, you can believe. You can believe the love between Addison and Jewell, how much it is there, and how strong it is in such a short time. You want Jewell to get away from his family, and you want Addison to take the chance to do something for himself and find love. Then hearing everything from Rae and Benedict, twenty-three years since they made their own fateful choices- perfect. It was a truly excellent story that is an excellent addition to the series!
Insta-love's not my thing. All the same, if the story is engaging enough, it can be forgiven. This tale is a bit too much though. While Addy is nothing but cute, the plot is both improbable and exaggerated. If only the author had given them a few more weeks to get acquainted before the grand escape... As it was, it seemed rather silly and childish. 3 stars, but barely and only because Bene and Rae appear. And maybe because of Addy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Runaways offers something I've been seeking for a long time: the fun of M/M Romance in a Regency setting without the worry of being put to death for the crime of buggery. There's no outright mention of this difference or other fantasy elements in the story; the author deftly weaves the information right in, starting with the opening pages. Megan Derr has a great handle on Regency sensibilities and voice: the responsibilities to one's family and station to marry well, the need to find one's own way, the worry that one isn't worthy of one's beloved, problems of family not approving of one's choice (but in this case, not because the chosen one in male).
True to traditional Regency romance style, there is no graphic sex; scenes fade to black with only a hint to the reader that an intimate interlude occurred. The kisses and sexual tension, however, are wonderful. Our two heroes are well drawn, and a secondary established romance adds to the story of these two young men. Overall, an enjoyable read. Apparently the author's story Seconds is of a similar nature, and I'll be reading it soon as well.
This reminded me a lot of the Regency romances I read when I was younger that I got from secondhand booksellers because I didn't have a lot of money and those were the only things I could afford. That was of course before I was lured into the world of m/m romance. Like all the previous stories set in the 'Deceived' world, this had likable characters and simple but very enjoyable plot. Addison is simply adorable and Jewell was endearingly incorrigible. I also enjoyed the fact that Benedict and Rae made non-brief appearance in this short story since they were one of my favorite couples from the Deceived anthology. Read this if you're looking for a lighthearted story with likable characters. It's set in a pseudo Regency England world which should appeal to readers,who love men in cravats. This certainly brought back good memories of those short periods of time when I would be happily immersed in a battered Harlequin romance, forgetting how miserable life was.
I'd forgotten how much I love this world. As another reviewer said, we get all the fun of the Regency setting without the fear of being discovered.
Another thing I loved was getting to see Benedict and Rae again. Theirs was one of my favorite stories from the first book, and it was so fun to get to see how they're doing years later.
Addison and Jewell were adorable together. I actually thought the insta-love totally worked for their personalities, and their relationship had me just going "aw" right from their first meeting all the way to the end. Jewell was just exactly what Addison needed, and the moments when we got to be in Jewell's head and see what drew him to Addison were lovely.
I'm glad there's another story still in this series, I'm excited to get to spend even more time in this world.
Oh, I really loved this book, same as the previous two of the series. Unlike the first it only contains two main charakters, but like all the previous stories gives (much appreciated) inside in the continuing happily-ever-after of another couple. I just love fairy tales, especially if they sweep you up and don't ever let you go until the end. I really felt for these two, and somehow mostly rather sad. Don't know why, though. Should I give four stars because it made me feel so melancholic, or five, because it affected me so strongly?
Love this series and this is another great addition. But my usual complaint when reading something I love... tooooo short. I would love to have learned more about Addison and Jewell is just such a lovable charmer. Adding this one to my-6-star-favs shelf. It's definitely a re-read.
Recommended =============================== 1st read - Mar 28, 2013 2nd read - Aug 15, 2016
I forgot this was a continuation of sorts! It was wonderful to read about Benedict and Rae again! :) I'm so glad they were there for Jewell and Addy! I'm so curious about the bodyguard though...where is his story? My only complaint was that I want to know what happens after their travels! I want more! Lol but nevertheless, this was lovely! I do enjoy this author's stories!
This whole series is a charming bit of escapism. The world and characters have a remarkable depth especially considering the short length of the stories. I appreciate Megan Derr's writing style and the fact that she see's her readers as intelligent adults, trusting our imaginations to make connections instead of belabouring every detail.
Jewell & Addy I really liked the surprising start and Addison character. I was happy to meet again with Benedict and Rae. Had some difficulty to go on towards the end... ☺️☺️☺️