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Legends of the Masked #1
Behind the Mask
Kasumi is an elite warrior, trained in skills that very little of the world even knows exists. The price for his skills is high, and they are not sold lightly. Given into the service of a famous scholar, Kasumi travels the world at his side, a secretive, deadly shadow, his only defining trait a mask that no one can remember in detail the very moment they have looked away...
When Kasumi and his Master board a ship, Kasumi is certain he will be facing nothing more than a very long, very boring trip. But the companion his Master is travelling with proves to be the most idiotic, most infuriating man that Kasumi has ever met, and the trip proves to be frustrating rather than boring.
Then everything goes wrong...
When Kasumi and his Master board a ship, Kasumi is certain he will be facing nothing more than a very long, very boring trip. But the companion his Master is travelling with proves to be the most idiotic, most infuriating man that Kasumi has ever met, and the trip proves to be frustrating rather than boring.
Then everything goes wrong...
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2010
31 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
283 books2,937 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
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meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 22, 2025
Short and entertainingly adventurous. A pirate, a few kidnappings, and real enemies to lovers. Even if the lovers aspect is far too brief, with just a tiny kiss in the last sentence of the story and virtually no sizzling moments before that.
So, in terms of the romantic part, it's rather sloppy, but in terms of plot and interesting story, the author has once again not disappointed. That was interesting, I wonder where the author always gets these wonderful ideas from.
Grabbing him, Kasumi yanked him close. "When this is over, I am going to kill you."
"You're welcome to try, pretty," Luther said.
Kasumi punched him.
Luther laughed as he picked himself up. "Feisty. Stubborn. Beautiful. It's a shame you hate me." 🖤☺️🖤
So, in terms of the romantic part, it's rather sloppy, but in terms of plot and interesting story, the author has once again not disappointed. That was interesting, I wonder where the author always gets these wonderful ideas from.
Grabbing him, Kasumi yanked him close. "When this is over, I am going to kill you."
"You're welcome to try, pretty," Luther said.
Kasumi punched him.
Luther laughed as he picked himself up. "Feisty. Stubborn. Beautiful. It's a shame you hate me." 🖤☺️🖤
November 18, 2010
I must say, the only thing I didn’t like about this story was the fact it was too short and we didn’t learn of what happened to the masks after Kasumi got them. Also, I would have liked to read more about how Kasumi and Isaac settle in together. As usual, there’s no smexing, just some kisses, which I liked because this story could have easily been ruined if there was too much sex, imo.
I love when authors create circumstances where the main characters hate each other in the beginning but slowly grow to love one another. I think it creates a situation that increases the appeal of the story, especially if it’s done right. Plus, this had a stockholmy type feel to it, which I strongly enjoyed. :D
This is a great book and I recommend it to everyone. It has great action scenes but is still a sweet story.
For spoilers go here.
I love when authors create circumstances where the main characters hate each other in the beginning but slowly grow to love one another. I think it creates a situation that increases the appeal of the story, especially if it’s done right. Plus, this had a stockholmy type feel to it, which I strongly enjoyed. :D
This is a great book and I recommend it to everyone. It has great action scenes but is still a sweet story.
For spoilers go here.
February 3, 2025
3.5
I always like an e2l and Behind The Mask is like a small but tasty morsel of that kind.
Here a hunky pirate captain and a Japanese warrior clash during a kidnapping but have to work together afterwards for their revenge. Because it is a short story there's not much time for the turn from enemy to lover but showing their opposed characters and the captain's constant teasing made it quite believable for me and it didn't matter that I had my doubt about Kasumi being a highly praised bodyguard. It probably would have been difficult to make this e2l believable if he was the cool, effective guy with great restraint; so a grumpy, irritable Kasumi was much more fun.
As this is a new edition of an older Megan Derr story you shouldn't expect sex scenes but I believe such isn't necessary in this story anyway. Pity that we don't get to know more about the masks, though.
I always like an e2l and Behind The Mask is like a small but tasty morsel of that kind.
Here a hunky pirate captain and a Japanese warrior clash during a kidnapping but have to work together afterwards for their revenge. Because it is a short story there's not much time for the turn from enemy to lover but showing their opposed characters and the captain's constant teasing made it quite believable for me and it didn't matter that I had my doubt about Kasumi being a highly praised bodyguard. It probably would have been difficult to make this e2l believable if he was the cool, effective guy with great restraint; so a grumpy, irritable Kasumi was much more fun.
As this is a new edition of an older Megan Derr story you shouldn't expect sex scenes but I believe such isn't necessary in this story anyway. Pity that we don't get to know more about the masks, though.
January 17, 2024
January 2024
Kindle edition
Amazon purchase
I like the cover, has phantom vibes. The story itself hinged on a magic mask that can only be removed under conditions and a pirate. The story was short but predictable. I liked that Kasumi got a happy ending, I'm curious if Minoru did as well.
Kindle edition
Amazon purchase
I like the cover, has phantom vibes. The story itself hinged on a magic mask that can only be removed under conditions and a pirate. The story was short but predictable. I liked that Kasumi got a happy ending, I'm curious if Minoru did as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
4⭐
This world of masked guardians is once again intriguing, just like so many others from Derr. This is a real enemies-to-lovers romance with the guys almost killing each other. Kasumi is one hell of a tsundere character. Prickly as can be, always trying to kick Luther's teeth in. I quite enjoyed it, while I admit that maybe I shouldn't.
There's an adventure in these pages too and the only thing I am missing is a bit more of the romance. I think the build up is nice, it takes very long for Kasumi to thaw even a bit. I just wish there was more to the conclusion. All that fighting and hatred needs a bit more sweetness in the end to balance it out.
This world of masked guardians is once again intriguing, just like so many others from Derr. This is a real enemies-to-lovers romance with the guys almost killing each other. Kasumi is one hell of a tsundere character. Prickly as can be, always trying to kick Luther's teeth in. I quite enjoyed it, while I admit that maybe I shouldn't.
There's an adventure in these pages too and the only thing I am missing is a bit more of the romance. I think the build up is nice, it takes very long for Kasumi to thaw even a bit. I just wish there was more to the conclusion. All that fighting and hatred needs a bit more sweetness in the end to balance it out.
March 30, 2025
good
3.5 stars
Not a bad short story. This one’s been sitting on my TBR pile for a while so I decided to clear it off
I liked Kasumi in all his feisty glory and Isaac knew how to push all his buttons.
The friendship between Kasumi and his master Minoru was great, Minoru wanted what was best for him and had no hesitation in helping him get it.
I always liked a story where enemies have to work together and this was well done. I did want it longer as I still have some questions
3.5 stars
Not a bad short story. This one’s been sitting on my TBR pile for a while so I decided to clear it off
I liked Kasumi in all his feisty glory and Isaac knew how to push all his buttons.
The friendship between Kasumi and his master Minoru was great, Minoru wanted what was best for him and had no hesitation in helping him get it.
I always liked a story where enemies have to work together and this was well done. I did want it longer as I still have some questions
January 13, 2024
3.5 stars
Now, this IS one of Derr's republished old stories (due to the defunct publisher) - but I haven't read that original version so this is new for me. Kasumi was captured by a pirate Captain, Luther, but then had to work together when the man hired Luther to capture Kasumi ended up betraying him.
I thought the hate vibe from Kasumi was grounded; but I wish more were given to the state of Kasumi switching from hating Luther to feeling for him. Because it felt like a little one-sided, as Luther was the one thinking of Kasumi as amusing.
Now, this IS one of Derr's republished old stories (due to the defunct publisher) - but I haven't read that original version so this is new for me. Kasumi was captured by a pirate Captain, Luther, but then had to work together when the man hired Luther to capture Kasumi ended up betraying him.
I thought the hate vibe from Kasumi was grounded; but I wish more were given to the state of Kasumi switching from hating Luther to feeling for him. Because it felt like a little one-sided, as Luther was the one thinking of Kasumi as amusing.
January 11, 2016
I failed to see where and when main characters (Kasumi and Luther) clicked. Otherwise quite enjoyable and entertaining story. 3.5 stars.
February 17, 2016
3.75 Stars rounded up
August 20, 2018
I have enjoyed so many of Megan Derr’s stories over the years. Unfortunately this was not one of them. Behind the Mask and Always Masked were much ado about nothing. Story ideas at best.
June 12, 2012
Kasumi is one of the Clan, skilled fighters and bodyguards that are contracted out to protect people. Kasumi and his Master, Minoru, are traveling to meet a renowned scholar, Luther Hatcher-Rosque, but nothing is as it seems and Kasumi must fall back on his years of expertise as a fighter to set things to rights.
I thought the world that Megan Derr built in this story was very interesting. The concept of Clan members who are trained to protect and are contracted out is a new one. The fact that only they, their trainers, or their masters can take off the masks that they wear was interesting as well.
I found this story very entertaining and was excited to hear that she wrote a short sequel.
I thought the world that Megan Derr built in this story was very interesting. The concept of Clan members who are trained to protect and are contracted out is a new one. The fact that only they, their trainers, or their masters can take off the masks that they wear was interesting as well.
I found this story very entertaining and was excited to hear that she wrote a short sequel.
December 9, 2014
3.5
Megan Derr rarely disappoints me, this was no exception.
A gripping swashbuckling read for pirate lovers with an element of magic thrown in.
The ending was swoon worthy and my favorite part. Kasumi and the pirate were a perfect match.
My only complaint is the length, to short lol.
Megan Derr rarely disappoints me, this was no exception.
A gripping swashbuckling read for pirate lovers with an element of magic thrown in.
The ending was swoon worthy and my favorite part. Kasumi and the pirate were a perfect match.
My only complaint is the length, to short lol.
July 30, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
Really enjoyed this short story. I thought the world the author created was fascinating and would enjoy reading more stories set in this universe. At the end I was left with a couple of things that I wish had been clarified, but still despite the short length, I thought the author told a complete story. Overall, very enjoyable.
Really enjoyed this short story. I thought the world the author created was fascinating and would enjoy reading more stories set in this universe. At the end I was left with a couple of things that I wish had been clarified, but still despite the short length, I thought the author told a complete story. Overall, very enjoyable.
July 21, 2015
Loved it!
June 29, 2016
Great short story, filled with interesting things and an enjoyable development, no sex but incredibly sexy! I'll look forward to read more by the author!
July 18, 2024
A cross between a novella and three short stories, this was a bit rough but was still a good read. Some solid characterization and world building and reads quickly.
26 year old Kasumi is a protector, from a clan of protectors, a very well kept secret in the world. He has magic, and that affords him some unusual skills that allow him to keep his charges safe. The last 10 years he's been wandering the lands, protecting his scholarly Master. Rendezvousing with another scholar, Luther, that his Master has agreed to meet, the three men board a ship, only to be taken hostage by Luther. Kasumi swears he will kill Luther, but some how he's stymied at every opportunity. Turns out that someone has hired this fake Luther to kidnap them.. but why?
The world building here was interesting, but I wish that both Kasumi and Luther had been a bit better developed.
3 stars
26 year old Kasumi is a protector, from a clan of protectors, a very well kept secret in the world. He has magic, and that affords him some unusual skills that allow him to keep his charges safe. The last 10 years he's been wandering the lands, protecting his scholarly Master. Rendezvousing with another scholar, Luther, that his Master has agreed to meet, the three men board a ship, only to be taken hostage by Luther. Kasumi swears he will kill Luther, but some how he's stymied at every opportunity. Turns out that someone has hired this fake Luther to kidnap them.. but why?
The world building here was interesting, but I wish that both Kasumi and Luther had been a bit better developed.
3 stars
February 3, 2024
Can You Really See Me?
LegendsMasked1; 4.5 stars
Kasumi is a bodyguard for a nomadic scholar, and has been for years. His life is in the shadows, and the mask he wears makes it even more so. Because there is magic in the mask, that only allows the wearer to remove it, or the one he is protecting.
But things go awry when meeting a visiting scholar, on board ship. When the visitor turns out to be a pirate, sent to kidnap the bodyguard, madness ensues. For a princely sum, the pirate is tasked with delivering Kasumi to someone who wants to own the mask and the bodyguard.
Then, all are betrayed. New alliances must be formed, if Kasumi is to retrieve his mask, and his master.
LegendsMasked1; 4.5 stars
Kasumi is a bodyguard for a nomadic scholar, and has been for years. His life is in the shadows, and the mask he wears makes it even more so. Because there is magic in the mask, that only allows the wearer to remove it, or the one he is protecting.
But things go awry when meeting a visiting scholar, on board ship. When the visitor turns out to be a pirate, sent to kidnap the bodyguard, madness ensues. For a princely sum, the pirate is tasked with delivering Kasumi to someone who wants to own the mask and the bodyguard.
Then, all are betrayed. New alliances must be formed, if Kasumi is to retrieve his mask, and his master.
April 18, 2018
Sweet and clean. It may be because it was an interracial love story (blondie and a Japanese one) but it felt like a BL short story, but the good kind, where there is a development of the characters, chemistry, an actual story and only a few kisses. I like Kasumi and his heritage (the mask and the magic and the ninja thing) and I also liked that he was so stubborn. He is so incredibly pretty everyone is in awe (very BL-ish). This is more or less a enemy-to-lover story, although is is only Kasumi who does all the hating (and punching).
I wish this was a proper novel, like I usually do with all Megan Derr's short stories.
I wish this was a proper novel, like I usually do with all Megan Derr's short stories.
June 2, 2017
An intriguing story that puts a kidnapper and his victim through a lot and leaves the whole spectrum of business and personal to the test. I enjoyed it as I do all of Derr's books and was curious about what the kidnapping was about and how it would change things for Kasumi moving forward. The sexual tension comes out entirely in a physical sense, with the two leads beating each other up far more often than they kiss, but it was all quite worth it!
January 29, 2024
3.4 stars! I did like Kasumi a lot (even though mostly I failed to see the formidable bodyguard he was supposed to be) and I enjoyed the world building - as I always do with this author, who creates a whole new universe for each new series. However, Luther/Isaac was not my cup of tea and I did not appreciate how strongly he came onto Kasumi (who could not get away, after all)! And when on earth did they click??? I must have missed that scene, even though I did not skip - I swear!
January 25, 2024
Enemies to lovers short story –not my favorite trope– that manages to get past that. It has some intriguing world building, and I look forward to learning more about the masks and the world in future books.
Edit: just saw the publication date, and it seems unlikely that I'll get to learn more about the world. Still glad I read it
Edit: just saw the publication date, and it seems unlikely that I'll get to learn more about the world. Still glad I read it
March 14, 2024
DNF 40%
jEASUS WAPT!!! Could you for once in your life run your work through a dogged damned grammar checK??? Seriously? WTF? It's unreadable because of the errors.
Don't get me wrong, I love your stories, but you gotta edit your work. I don't know if you just don't have access to one, but there are free options out there. Hell, get a beta reader. Just do something!
jEASUS WAPT!!! Could you for once in your life run your work through a dogged damned grammar checK??? Seriously? WTF? It's unreadable because of the errors.
Don't get me wrong, I love your stories, but you gotta edit your work. I don't know if you just don't have access to one, but there are free options out there. Hell, get a beta reader. Just do something!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2024
action packed and romantic
It’s a sweet but action packed story. If I could complain about anything it would be that it’s too short. I would have loved more background history and maybe a bit more character building. But that’s because I really liked the main characters and the overall storytelling in this book.
It’s a sweet but action packed story. If I could complain about anything it would be that it’s too short. I would have loved more background history and maybe a bit more character building. But that’s because I really liked the main characters and the overall storytelling in this book.
November 18, 2024
I've read this a couple of times- for free back in the day, at the relatively short lived less than three press and now on kindle. I love it every time and I'm happy to support the author in her endeavors.
September 13, 2021
A 4.5 for the concept & narrative universe.
October 31, 2022
3,5 stars
interesting world-building
interesting world-building
January 7, 2024
Enjoyed reading. I liked the storyline and the characters. "Luther/Isaac" was a perfect match for Kasumi. Wish there was a second book with these characters. Recommend reading.
January 14, 2024
So good!
This story is awesome! I couldn't put it down, and I wasn't ready for it to end. Kasumi is a total badass. I love him and his pirate.
This story is awesome! I couldn't put it down, and I wasn't ready for it to end. Kasumi is a total badass. I love him and his pirate.
January 17, 2024
Enjoyable read :)
This was a fun ride 😁 Not amazing but not boring either, a very adequate entertainment to spend an hour with !)
This was a fun ride 😁 Not amazing but not boring either, a very adequate entertainment to spend an hour with !)
January 24, 2024
Wow
I have to say this was sweet and short - a very different book 2 what I'm used - wonderful characters and no graphic sex scenes well done bravo 👏
I have to say this was sweet and short - a very different book 2 what I'm used - wonderful characters and no graphic sex scenes well done bravo 👏
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews