Lilacs

by Megan Derr

Gene has been dragged by his mother to an historical tourist spot to finally meet his new stepbrother. But his stepbrother proves to be the very last person he expected to encounter. On top of that, the long-ago residents of the tourist hot spot, a tower dating back to the revolution, are not quite as dead as Gene would have liked..

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Contemporary, Fantasy, Ghosts, Short Stories

35 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

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

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay I read this book for a challenge on goodreads but I just wasn't feeling it. Even for a short story, it wasn't for me.

Gene is taken to meet his new step father and brother but it turns out Gene hates his step-brother for things he's done in the past.

There are some ghosts in the book but it wasn't enough to keep me interested.

Some would love this though :-)

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You've always said you prefer honesty, no matter how painful the truth is, so I'm going to be honest. Mother, I hate you."

"Yes, dear, that's nice," his mother said absently.

She looked up from the glossy guide book that had become her bible from the moment she'd decided upon Operation Get to Know Each Other.

Personally, he wanted to know why he couldn't have gotten to know his new stepfather and stepbrother at the beach. At least there, if he wound up hating the stepbrother, he could have consoled himself by molesting a well-tanned surfer boy.

Not bad, would have liked more about the ghosts and their romance though.. plus the possible connection to the boys.. would have been amazing to read about.

Not the best I've read but still a good read.

[L-D · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been reading a lot of Megan Derr shorts and I like her writing. This short story wasn't too bad. I liked the characters and knew that somehow there would be a heart-to-heart about their misunderstanding years past and I wasn't quite sure how that was going to work out. I personally didn't like the ending and didn't buy into the reason for Teddy's betrayal. Teddy said that he ended up sleeping with Gene's boyfriend, Robert, because Robert told Teddy that they had broken up. Teddy was hurt that Gene didn't pick Teddy so they ended up mutually comforting each other. I'm sorry - I still don't think that's a good enough reason. Teddy and Gene were friends. I think you would owe it to your friend to talk to him and give it more than 1 day before you sleep with boyfriend or even ex-boyfriend. And if Teddy liked Gene as other than a friend, I think he would harbor some hope that Gene had dumped Robert for Teddy and at least attempt to talk to him instead of sleeping with Robert. No, sorry - not good enough. And Gene was really too quick to forgive in my opinion. I also am not sure exactly why the ghosts were interfering. Ms. Derr implies that there is a physical resemblance between the boys and the ghosts. So are they all related? Too many unanswered questions. But I like Megan Derr's writing and will continue to read her works. I just wasn't a fan of this particular story.

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve picked up quite a few Megan Derr books – she seems to be quite popular in the genre, and having recently dived into it most of my reads come from her – and I have come to notice a certain formula.

What is this formula?

Well, it is the formula for cuteness. It is twisted and turned for each particular story, yet it always results in something short and sweet. In a way, it is as though she is twisting the same characters (renaming them for each story) and shoving them into a new setting.

In no way am I saying this is a bad thing. It works to make great short stories, and this one is no different. As with her other work, we get down to the details quickly and the story progresses at a great speed.

Overall, an enjoyable quick read.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story. And it just proves that people should talk to each other instead of jumping to conclusions because it leads to misunderstandings and a lot of hurt. I felt really sorry for the ghosts but their interference was really sweet - and funny. Also, Gene's mom was awesome and his relationship with her even more so!

[llv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5 stars
I didn’t really like this very short story. No chemistry between the two MCs. We’re given a vague explanation as to why the ghosts target Gene and Teddie, but nothing concrete. Overall, it wasn’t worth the short time it took me to read it.

[Nikyta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilacs is short and sweet. The animosity between Gene and Teddy starts out strong, on account of Teddy sleeping with Gene’s (ex) boyfriend. In an effort to appease their parents, however, they’re civilized to each other. It takes a pair of ghosts, who are ironically their ancestors, to bring the two of them back together, sorting out all the issues regarding why Teddy slept with the ex in the first place.

This is definitely an easy read and I loved the writing style. I zipped through this one fast and I loved it. I liked how the ghosts did everything in their power to get Gene to hear Teddy out because they knew Gene and Teddy belonged together. The back information about what lilacs stood for was a big part of the story and it made the story the reason I consider it sweet.

If you’re just looking for something cute and quick, you’ll definitely like this. Best part, though? It's free. ;-)

[Yvonne · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing style needed to be improved on this book. It was hard to tell who was talking between the ghosts & the two MC. It was very choppy with frequent pov changes that was hard to keep up with. The story may have had a point but it was hard to discern it because I was frequently distracted by how this was written. It felt not ready for publication.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok free short paranormal m/m romance about two guys who hate each other due to a big misunderstanding... and then discover they're about to become stepbrothers.

[Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The ghost story is a nice addition to the plot.

[Lizard And Wombat Romance Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lizard: 3⋆.
Wombat: 3⋆.
Overall: 3⋆.

[Maura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting set up, poor execution. Set aside the historical town setting and the ghost story thing...it's kind of irrelevant except it sets a spooky atmosphere and forces the two MCs to have to talk it out. So Gene goes on a family trip to meet his new stepbrother but finds out that he already knows him...it's Teddy. And Gene and Teddy hate each other...except really, not sure why Teddy hates Gene with except maybe that Gene won't let him explain. But Gene hates Teddy for good reason, because a year ago they'd been best friends and one night Gene walks into a room at a party and finds Teddy getting fucked by Gene's boyfriend. Yup. Good reason not to like him anymore. It's also a really good set up for a story, but also how do you make Teddy redeemable in light of this? I had hopes that maybe Teddy didn't know it was Gene's boyfriend? No, they were best friends and hung out together. So for about 3/4ths of the book the two endure forced company before Gene finally gets an explanation. Which is underwhelming to say the least: apparently Gene's boyfriend told Teddy that he and Gene had broken up because Gene was in love with someone else. Teddy felt despondent that Gene didn't love him instead, so he decided to have drunken sex with the boyfriend. Nope. Not good enough. You still slept with your best friend's ex...That's a big no-no. Especially if you hope to have a chance with said best friend. But Gene is all...oh yeah, that makes sense. No I forgive you. Whatevs. Not believable. I would not be forgiving any best friend who slept with someone I'd just broken up with. At least not without checking with them first.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems pretty basic at first; what is supposed to be a 'meet the family' thing turns out that the two soon to be stepbrothers know each other after all. They have a bad history and a fair amount of anger that they are willing to pretend isn't there for their respective parents. But then a ghost comes into the mix and it gets a little weird, but the truth actually comes out. What's not to love?

[MaelleMaud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gene & Teddy
This was short but intense, fun and original. I deeply felt this story and was really caught by the characters. It was a successful change of my usual fantasy shot of Megan Derr!
😁💐💓💐😁

[Driima · Rating 2 out of 5]

In itself as a story a likable little narrative, the paranormal part is nicely integrated.


The reason I rated it with only two stars is - I can't relate to the main character(s). Not so much Gene, but TEDDY is my main problem.
Even if you are totally intoxicated, how can you let the one person you should hate most, touch you? He is the one who was touching the person YOU like, even if they might be broken up by now.
Even if bombarded with those lies about breakup and there being another one - that's not what one would do! - Is it? He did not even like him before, no real indication for it...For me not comprehensible.

[Alaska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although sad in some ways I really liked this short story. Megan Derr just knows how to fill pages with live, no matter how few pages ;) I always like it a lot when the MCs hate each other in the beginning and turn slowy to each other even if they needed the help of ghosts. Their story was so sad but that they are together even after death makes it better for me . And I am a big sucker for secret or symbolic messages, like the meaning of a flower. Now I always have to think of this story when I see lilacs.

[Ayanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it developed rather quickly. I mean, it was a short, so there's that, but still. It all seemed rather rushed.

The story itself isn't anything special. In fact, I read one soon after reading this one that was exactly the same plot basis. Still, it's a nice, sweet story, and the characters do rather come to life, even for how briefly they're shown, but Derr's good at that.

[Sarina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the ghost aspect and I guess it all counts as a HEA but I think it all wrapped up too easily. Gene had every right to be pissed and hurt and I find myself still upset on his behalf even after the ending. The story was cute and I like the historical tie in but it wasn't my favorite by this author. I'm not sure if I'll read it again.

[GossamerMyst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gene was happy to meet his skin to be step brother until he realized it was Theodore the guy who he found with his boyfriend, since that night Gene has avoided Theodore but how can he avoid the attraction he felt still feels? A very short but pleasant read about truth and forgiveness that will have you wanting more.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really get into the ghost thing although I did like the story mostly. I liked Gene and Teddy and it was good that Gene finally found out the real story about what really happened with Robert (Gene's Ex) and Teddy. Not a bad read.

[Tamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story and everything about it. The only thing I regretted was how the ghost lovers had met their end. So glad that Teddy and Gene took the ghosts "advice" and talked. Good story, I recommend.

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to laugh so much. These boys were quite charming and I could very well understand their reasoning and frustration. I really liked this real world setting. It could have happened right next to me.

[Roger - president of NBR United - · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I was surprised by how much I liked this book, because ghost story normally aren't up my alley. The enemies to lovers angle is understandable and the meddling gay ghosts getting Teddy and Gene to talk about the issue that caused them to become enemies and clear up the misunderstanding.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little short story. Sweet. I enjoyed it. Not sure I completely approve of the characters' actions, but they look good together... perhaps they deserve each other, even if they aren't perfect people.

[Rissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this story for a while! I adore this author! The story or what we found out about the ghosts was heartbreaking and bittersweet but I'm so glad that it looks like Teddy and Gene have a different course in their ending and hopefully a happy one! :) Enjoyable read!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way the mystery (historical) is embedded in the contemporary romance. It's nice to think of two who died for love were able to bring two current day star-crossed lovers together.

PS. Gene's mom is hilarious!

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story. But could have been a lot more. Became more interested in the ghosts story really, which wasn't explained all that much and just... feel like it could have been a lot more. Still a pleasant read though.

[Ro · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh I kept thinking there would be a good reason for teddy sleeping with gene boyfriend but the excuse was insulting.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st. read: 1/22/11

[Ralph Gallagher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't fond with the characters and the conflict was resolved a little too quickly for my tastes. But the story was well written it was free so I can't really complain.