An Admirer

Jewel Bonds #1

by Megan Derr

Kaeck is a poor, shy, mage, barely able to keep attending University. His life is work and school, leaving him too busy to make friends. Then one day, fetching his mail from his school post box, Kaeck finds a letter from a secret admirer. The letters and subsequent gifts do much to brighten Kaeck’s lonely days, but even as he longs to know the identity of his admirer, he finds his own admiration growing for fellow student Bellamy... who in turn is enamored of someone else entirely.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Magic, Short Stories, M M Fantasy, Paranormal

36 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 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

[~Nicole~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, cute and sweet .

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 stars

I discovered Megan Derr only recently, and OMG her books make me deliriously HAPPY. Her stories are always wonderful, without so much as too many gimmicks (e.g. overwhelming angst, painful past or present life, abudant sex scenes, etc). The world where her characters areliving in is place where love is love, without having to worry about bigotry or religious preaches. No such thing as "being in the closet or the struggle to come out of it".

*sigh*

In this short story (only around 16,000 words) -- Kaeck is poor mage student, who is used to being invisible to others, and struggle to keep his scholarship and pay the rent. A letter from a secret admirer makes him happy. But his newfound friendship with Combat student, Bellamy Fortestre, is even more so.

I love Kaeck so much -- I want to hug him tight, to assure him that he's so smart, and have beautiful heart that worth so much more than money. I know that Bellamy sent the letters to the wrong person, it is so clear that Bellamy meant that letters for Cathalta and I so want to knock Bellamy in the head for being an idiot and hurts Kaeck's gentle heart in process. But as always, in Megan Derr's stories, everything comes through just right. And the part where Bellamy says he's so sorry is so sweet, my heart just aches for it.

Yes, the story stops where it's getting good but the world of Megan Derr is the world with HEA. And even if it's short, I know that Kaeck has his happiness with Bellamy. Which of course, makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this sweet fairy tale. There's a lot packed into this short story and the author balanced the world building and the relationship evolution perfectly.

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short story

4 Stars ⭐️

Ms Derr is very good at the short story and this is no exception. I really liked Kaeck and felt for him in his isolation from everyone, which is why the miscommunication with Bellamy was hard to read. While I liked Bellamy too, I wasn’t sure if his explanation was enough but I was still happy with the end result.

[Wax · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you do it Megan Derr? For a short story, this packed quite a wallop of information and feels. I have a special spot in my heart for the underdog, and this story has the underdoggiest of underdogs. Kaeck is studying magic without any family support, so he works for his professors and landlady in order to survive. He's surrounded by others who look down on him for his shabby clothes and choice or study (the history and research of magic rather than the more popular field magic). One day he finds a letter from "An Admirer" in his mailbox. The letter and the small gifts that follow brighten his dreary existence. And then he meets another student, Bellamy, who is studying combat and is the protégé of the head of the Combat half of the University. Though he quickly comes to admire and like Bellamy, Bellamy is quite upfront about his admiration for Cathalta, the handsome, spoiled son of a merchant. The same Cathalta has the mailbox directly under Kaeck's. The set up for the story isn't that surprising, and there's no great twist. However, the writing is such that I truly cared and felt for Kaeck and wanted him to get what he wanted.

Re-read 6/13/17: Still love this story. Kaeck is just such a sympathetic character.

[Sala Bim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the premise and the main character. However, I was disappointed that the twist wasn't more creative. I figured from the beginning that what was going to happen would happen, so I was hoping/expecting that the author had some complicated climax in store. But alas, there was not one and so it was kind of hard to really buy into it. But the story was nicely written. I was probably just expecting too much. I would actually like to read about this main character in a full length novel though, as I liked him a lot, but I'm just not a fan of "I'm in love with someone else, but now I kinda like you". It just felt too "second best/consolation prize-like" and the author didn't write enough for me to really believe in their connection (at least not more than the one he was originally seeking). I know the other character was supposedly just looking for a friend, but it was evident who he really wanted whenever he got all googley eyed mid conversation. And it's hard to believe that he was going to tell the truth on the EXACT day that the mix-up occurred and....oh hell I just didn't really care for the story. No other way to say it....Still like her writing though....And the main character.

[Nikyta · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I was reading, I had a feeling Bellamy was sending his letters and gifts to the wrong person. I still loved the book, though. I was angry at Bellamy for breaking Kaeck’s heart but hearing how Bellamy’s Master punished him for doing that to Kaeck made me feel better. :D Especially since Bellamy’s Master is friends with Master Selsor, Kaeck’s new Master, and told Bellamy to make things right or else. Of course, this being Megan Derr, there’s no smexing, just some steamy kisses. :D However, I wished it was longer so we could see a little bit of Kaeck after he starts his new apprenticeship. Here’s hoping for a sequel!

This was a quick, cute read. You’ll fly through the pages and it’ll end with a smile on your face. Definitely recommended.

For spoilers go here.

[Milica · Rating 4 out of 5]

What endearing story this was! Sad, because your heart will surely broke a little for how tough Kaeck has had it in his life, and yet filled with sweet anticipation, because, even though he doesn't know it yet, you know everything will turn out just fine at the end, and the only question is how...Even though the story is short, I didn't find it lacking or anything, so if you're in a mood for a charming story about a mage getting his well-deserved happy ending and more, I wholeheartedly recommend this one!

[DaisyGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 Stars

This was a wonderful short about Kaeck and Bellamy. From different sides of the proverbial track, Kaeck and Bellamy are a testament to the theory that opposites attract. However, Bellamy's pursuit of another and Kaeck's secret admirer relegate the two just being friends. And then everything goes tits up and ... and ... well, you've got to read it. But suffice it to say, it was wonderful ... in the end.

Bottom line: I <3 Megan Derr.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gay fantasy story. Kaeck has a secret admirer - and you know, you just know it can't end well, not with Kaeck's crappy luck, so it's like watching a train-wreck in progress and your heart's hurting for him the whole story long because he's just so happy that something's going right for once in his life. Ouch. Well, at least Kaeck gets his happy ending and that's the important thing.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Brief review for the trilogy. Lovely high fantasy stories set in or around a college of magic, relatable likeable main characters, and a unique system of bejeweled bonding magic. The world building was a bit skimpy but expected for three such brief tales. Even reading around the standard early-Derr poor editing, I recommend this charming trio of short stories.

[Deeze · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful tale that had me choking up towards the end. My heart broke for poor Kaeck, but luckily not for long.

Only disappointment was not enough pay back for me lol.

[L-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this story even though it was extremely short. I had no idea who Kaeck's secret admirer was and the twist at the end was interesting. I will say that at some point I was about as upset as Kaeck was, and the fact that Megan Derr was able to draw that kind of emotion in a short story is commendable. I wanted to immediately buy the next story but was extremely disappointed to find that it is $3.99 for a 47 page eBook. I understand that a writer needs to make money and I support all writers by buying TONS of books, but I thought this was too pricey for a story of that length. I enjoyed Admirer though and was happy to be able to read it via the Nook lending program and I do recommend this to other readers.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these short stories that remind me of a fairy tale. In this story, Kaeck, a student mage, is struggling to manage financially while attending school. Overworked, underpaid, with low self-esteem, he starts to receive letters and small gifts from a secret admirer. When he finally meets the man of his dreams, he finds out there's been a misunderstanding and the admirer accidentally mixed up the post office box numbers so the gifts were intended for someone else. There's some angst, some sweet makeup moments and we're left with a true fairy tale ending, a HEA. This story left me feeling so good. Highly recommend.

[Libra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO SWEET?? The only thing that bothered me is that it was way too short? But then, at the same time it felt like it had the perfect length? I just felt like this was such an interesting take on the secret admirer premise and even though the story was so short, I feel like I got a good grasp on the fantasy world this was set in.

[Fehu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely and well written!
Ok, so you could have hit one character because he was such an idiot...but what makes it a good read is the emotional rolacouster! I loved the world she created and only wish the story were longer.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really just adore this writer! Short story that I simply loved.

[Amy Chichi Hsiao · Rating 5 out of 5]

A typical heart wrenching but sweet ending Derr narrative. I love it despite everything is just too predictable. I guess Derr just could make me cry if she rephrases a phone book.


The only thing I don't really get is why Bellamy still asks to meet Calanthe after he was aware he fell for Kaeck. I talked about this with a few friends who I'm sure have different mindset when if comes to romantic feelings, and hmm, interesting, they seem to understand Bellamy perfectly.

My idea is that if your identity is not disclosed, it's ok to just stop writing love letters because no one knows about it, but my friends said it's nothing to do with anyone knowing it but all about what the person thinks about it. That is to say, it is possible for Bellamy to feel the need to put an end to this love letter thing, even he was almost sure the attempt would not be appreciated at all.

OK...kinda makes sense to me.

[llv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

I enjoyed this short story. I just wished it was a bit longer. I wanted the relationship between Bellamy and Kaeck to be a lit bit more developed. It felt very rushed and honestly, if I was Kaeck I'm not sure I would have gotten over being embarrassed from the misunderstanding.

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good little short. I was swooning my way through this, along with Kaeck, until the dreaded end when I cried with Kaeck... what I have been an emotional girl this past week...

Anywho, while I loved the story I feel like the ending needed more of an apology for the HEA to be complete. Kaeck deserved better.

[Shelba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and charming... but honestly, maybe instead of updating the cover, Megan Derr should have just given this another round of editing.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I liked the MC, and what worldbuilding there was, and where it ends. The me with anxiety did not like the lead-up to the resolution, but I only say that in case you'd like to be aware. On to #2.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Admirer
3 stars

Short, very sweet. Oh gawd, I so feel for Kaeck! Poor baby. I just wanna hug him and wrap him up to keep him safe. I love his spirit! Bucking adversity and moving
forward. Gotta love it. This reads like a fairy tale to me.

Kaeck –Mage. Third Year at Royal University of Magic and Combat. His field, research and the history of magic. Pauper. Geek (smooches).

A country lad from Winley. Grew up in a small village and comes to the big city to study magic. A struggling mage. Keeps to himself. Trying to get through school with little to no money. Geez, trying to buy candles for his room is even tough. He buys clothes and shoes from the second hand store. Rents a room (the attic) at the Merry Hearth. Myla, the inn keeper, lets him stay there paying half rent and working off the rest. He works for a few of the professors to make ends meet too.

Fucktard parents and sister. Too busy to come and see Kaeck demonstrate his new accomplishments as a mage.

“As usual, they did not fail to weight the words with implied displeasure at his 'gallivanting off to learn magic.” –An Admirer

Kaeck finds a letter sealed with black wax in his bundle of mail thinking that it belongs to someone else. The letter is made of heavy paper, not the thin, cheap kind.

“Paper like this would cost him more than a year's rent, and possibly even two.” –An Admirer

OUCH!

Must be a joke, right? Can’t be for him. His box was often mistaken for…

Cathalta Reznor –son of a wealthy merchant, from an affluent family, handsome, arrogant, obnoxious, pain-in-the-ass.

…Kaeck’s box was right above his. Must be for Cathalta.

But he continues to receive sweet letters and gifts in his box. Aww… my heart goes out to him. And who wouldn’t start to think that an admirer is attracted to them? But Kaeck knows and sees something different. No one pays him any mind anyways.

So as not to give any of this story away…

Bellamy Fortestre –protégé of Lord Jenohn, from the city of Towsa, comes from a big family, family owns a bookshop there. He studies combat at Royal U.

He starts up a conversation with Kaeck one day. He’s a talker and likes talking to Kaeck, a lot. Kaeck’s no fool though.

And from there feelings are transformed, shifted, stepped on and smoothed out. A short read, yes, but it held up really good to the end. Liked the way the story turned out. Definitely a HEA story.

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, anything by this author I adore. Her writing style is quaint and pleasing, her characters are sweet and well rounded whether the book is 30 pages or 300. An Admirer centers on a young mage named Kaeck (love the names she comes up with too) who has begun to receive gifts from a secret admirer. Kaeck is filled with confusion, doubt and finally hope that someone actually likes him while struggling with his feelings for another student who is right in front of his eyes. Although this book is short, it brings us a sweet fun plot that makes me come back and read it again whenever I am in between my longer stories and need a bit of a pick me up.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and want to read more of this world. I felt for poor Kaeck but was glad for how it all worked out. This is really just a beginning of a relationship but I felt the attraction and connection.

ETA: I just checked out the other books in the series and am disappointed to find out we don't see any more of Kaeck and Bellamy. I would love to see how this pair fairs in their future of soldier and research mage.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. I should re-read this!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

It's a very good short stories. I enjoyed the story and characters. I will recommend this to anyone. It's an enjoyable read

[Indira Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this so much.
Gotta say I am at a loss for words, 'cause I love this.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of the really short ones. Misunderstandings and romance. Felt sorry for Kaeck, although I did like Bellamy. I prefer the second story with Selsor, just can’t find it anymore.

[Susan Robey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Admirer is the first of (for now) three books set in the same universe (the other two are #2 - Kiss the Rain and #3 An Exception). These do not have to be read in any order; chronologically #2 is first. While there are some shared characters, the books do not depend on those for understanding the plot. Now Megan Derr is one of my top three writers (TJ Klune and Mary Calmes are the other two) and I haven't read anything of hers that I don't like. But this series is special. This is a fantasy set in fantasy kingdoms, times unknown. The main protagonists are mages and knights. This is a MM romance (between a mage and knight) but I love the way the women who are side characters in this world are portrayed. The books are not that long and are easy reads. Right now in my world they are comforting. The main romance trope ever is HEA. Of course, these have those. But the books also portray being true to oneself and working hard. And that reading and study and friendship are as important as romance. And that self-sacrifice is sometimes called forth for the better good of others.

Now for this book. Kaeck is a poor student at the mage university. He is working his way through with no help from friends or family. But he is near the end of his studies and is trying for a special position. While waiting, he receives a letter from a secret admirer - hopefully someone who has noticed him. But as he is befriended by one of the student-knights he worries that his admirer is really not meant for him but for another student-mage and the mail was just mixed up.

Our student-knight is also having a hard time with making friends and finding his mage (in this universe the knights and mages bond to give each other strength). Whom he thinks he wants is not what he thinks. Or some sentence like that.

But all is resolved in the end.

I think this is a great book. It amuses me and comforts me when I read it. It has all the things I love about romance.