I have some really exciting news! You remember that story I said I was going to submit to Less Than Three Press' Missed Connections anthology? Well, submit I did. My country music singers stopped talking to me so it ended up being a different story - but it's still awesome. Anyway, it didn't get accepted for the anthology but it did get accepted as individual story! This is very exciting news for me and this story is going to be my first professionally published story.
So, in celebration of my excitement, I'm going to have a giveaway!!! Less Than Three Press has a serial subscription that runs 5-6 stories at a time. It is pretty awesome. I have my subscription paid up for the next two years and Tuesday night is my favorite cause I get to sit down and read new chapters. The stories that are currently running are as follows:
A Suitable Replacement by Megan Derr
The Heart of the Kingdom by Sasha L. Miller
Rocking Hard Vol. 3 by LOTS OF PEOPLE
Fairy Tales by LOTS OF PEOPLE
Paint, Guns, Money and Love by Mell Eight
Click here to read blurbs for all of them. They are all pretty great and when each story is completed you can download it in an eBook format of your choice.
So, to the giveaway - I am giving away SIX MONTHS of serial subscription time. If you don't have a subscription, it can start at any time. If you already have a subscription, it can be tacked on the time you have already paid for.
The winner will be picked via random.org on April 27, 2014 at 8:00pm CST. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my notification before I pick a different winner.
How to Enter
On Blogger:
Comment on this post. Make sure to include your email address.
On Tumblr:
Reblog for one entry. Only one reblog counts. I'm feeling generous so a like will get you a second entry. MAKE SURE YOUR ASK BOX IS OPEN. If it isn't I am not going to try to track you down. I am just going to pick a new winner.
On Goodreads:
Comment on this thread. Make sure you are set so you can receive a PM or leave your email address.
I think that pretty much covers all my social media (I don't do twitter and I don't think I have logged onto my facebook in like six months...). You are welcome to enter in all three places. This means you can have as many as FOUR entries.
I've a got few more posts queued up for this week with some updates, a little short and some pretty so be on the look out!
Showing posts with label Megan Derr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Megan Derr. Show all posts
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Books This Week (or recently)
Hi All!
I am back with a review and few ratings. WARNING: Despite being an M/M blog, I am reviewing an f/f book this week so if girly parts make you want to run and ride, then grab your blankets and a flashlight and head for the closet. But if you are brave, then gird your loins, gather your weapons and scroll down a bit. It's not scary, I promise. =)
First off, I decided to take a risk on this book because I got it for free. I won the drawing for a $20 gift certificate after entering one of Samantha's Challenges over at the LT3 goodreads group (click here for my entry) and I used it to buy a book I wouldn't normally buy (yay for broadening horizons!!). I am definitely glad that I did.
Queen, Princess, Lady, peasant, mercenary, whore, pirate, knight, cop, clerk, soldier, and everything in between - and always a mother, daughter, sister, lover, and friend. The power and appeal of women is great, and there's nothing better than watching a woman do what she loves best.
But what happens when what loves best is another woman? Come read these tales of women who will never be satisfied by a man, and will not not settle for less than what their heart most desires.
Review
This is my first foray into the world of f/f. Previously, I only ever came across titles such as Sorority Sister Sexcapades and I have little interest in PWP, no matter the genders involved. Then LT3 came out with Vixen. LT3 is an autobuy publisher for me and I can generally rely on them to give me good, plotty, non-porn-y stories. While I don't think I will ever be attracted to f/f stories as much as I am to m/m stories (I love me some manlove), this was a good introduction to stories about love between women. Some I loved, some I liked, one I was disappointed in. If you are curious and looking for somewhere to get your toes wet, this is a great anthology to start with. If you already know you love f/f stories then this will certainly offer you a variety of interesting stories. My one overall complaint is that all the stories are either historical or fantasy stories. I would have liked to have at least one of the stories be in a contemporary setting (I was intrigued by the suggestion of a cop story in the blurb). Having read this anthology, I will definitely be a little more open to f/f stories in the future. OVERALL RATING: 3 Quills. Individual stories rated below.
You can buy Vixen here at Less Than Three Press for $7.99.
PS even for someone totally into dudes, that cover is HOT!
Individual Story Reviews
Cavatina, Cabaletta by Rachel White
Two opera stars vie for the spotlight and each others' throats, until one learns of a secret that could bring down a royal house. They must work together to prevent the tragedy and perhaps find comfort where before there was only hatred. The characters in this story just felt flat and did not draw me in, despite an interesting plot premise. 2.5 Quills
The Huntress by T.T. Kove
Liv has a secret that she doesn't want anyone at the common inn she has found herself in to know, especially the beautiful huntress, Amala. However, as secrets always do, hers came out at the worst time. Can these two overcome secrets and family pressure to find happiness? I enjoyed this story but the romance between the two seemed out of nowhere and the end seemed too pat. Nevertheless, it did leave me with smile that they were able to find their HEA. 3 Quills
Slaying Dragons by Sasha L. Miller
Devi is...difficult to work with. As a combatant, she has had 4 complaints in the past 2 years. She expects her assignment to pair with Mage Lavoie to defeat a dragon in the borderlands will be her last. Except, Mage Lavoie is nothing like the mages she has paired with before. Perhaps they are just what the other needs. I enjoyed this story very much. The characters had depth and the plot remained interesting. While I expected the very end, the twist it took before the story got there was completely unexpected (to me at least) which is always refreshing. 4 Quills
The Thicket by Liz Lambdin
What if the princess trapped in the tower were not trapped but were there voluntarily, as the lover of the witch? What happens when she decides to go off with the prince who came along to rescue her? Hilde has been locked her tower alone for far too long after her lover left her. Evelyn has never felt like she fit as a proper princess. These two clash and come together and perhaps become something more together than they ever were apart. This was a fun remake on a classic tale and while predictable it was also entertaining and left me with a smile on my face. 3.5 Quills
Weathering the Storm by Julia March
Emily runs away from home expecting to sail with James to Jamaica as his wife but after the first true kiss she realizes that would be a huge mistake. James helps to get her a spot on a ship as cabin boy using the disguise she created to escape her family. She is shocked to learn the Quartermaster she has been drawn to since they met is also hiding a secret. This was shorter than the other stories so far but still entertaining. I would have liked to have a more fleshed out ending to answer some of the hanging questions. However, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. 3.5 Quills
The Mermaid by Megan Derr
Sophia fears her life is over when she is caught in a rather compromising position...with another woman. Until a proposal comes from an unexpected corner. All is not what it seems and Sophia is dropped into a world of magic and mermaids. I really enjoyed this different take on the mermaid mythology. I was a bit skeptical through the beginning of the story as to how it would work out convincingly but, as always, Megan Derr brought it home admirably. 4 Quills
The Masquerade by Ashley Shaw
Lilith has been a part of Isaac's clan for 12 years and she has never doubted his leadership. Until now. He asks her to kill for him but when she inserts herself undercover to complete here mission, she discovers his reasons are flawed and he lacks all the information. The King who is supposedly a murderer lacks the expected cruelty and the Queen who supposedly stole him away from his one true love is anything but interested in the King. In fact, she seems interested only in Lilith. I enjoyed the plotting and machinations of this story but the romance seemed rushed and stilted. Lilith and Vanessa barely ever talk, they never really get to know each other and after barely a few kisses Lilith is ready to declare love. And the Queen who argued so fiercely for her people, just up and leaves at the end. It doesn't seem logical. However, it was a well written espionage short. 3 Quills
Other Books Read Recently:
Nobody's Hero by Katey Hawthorne - 4 Quills
With a Kiss by Kim Dare - 3 Quills
Nothing Ever Happens by Sue Brown - 3 Quills
Devotion by Lissa Kasey - 4 Quills
Jamie by Lissa Kasey - 4 Quills
Pole Star by Josephine Myles - 3 Quills
Alec's Reward by Kim Dare - 2.5 Quills
The Way to Will by Drew Hunt - 2 Quills
The Rebuilding Year by Kaje Harper - 4.5 Quills
Crunch Time by Andrew Grey - 2.5 Quills
Unacceptable Risk by Kaje Harper - 4.5 Quills
Unexpected Demands by Kaje Harper - 3.5 Quills
Sword of the King by Megan Derr - 3.5 Quills
Saving Liam by Sasha L. Miller - 4.5 stars
I am back with a review and few ratings. WARNING: Despite being an M/M blog, I am reviewing an f/f book this week so if girly parts make you want to run and ride, then grab your blankets and a flashlight and head for the closet. But if you are brave, then gird your loins, gather your weapons and scroll down a bit. It's not scary, I promise. =)
First off, I decided to take a risk on this book because I got it for free. I won the drawing for a $20 gift certificate after entering one of Samantha's Challenges over at the LT3 goodreads group (click here for my entry) and I used it to buy a book I wouldn't normally buy (yay for broadening horizons!!). I am definitely glad that I did.
Title: Vixen
Authors: Ashley Shaw, Julie March, Liz Lambdin, Megan Derr, Rachel White, Sasha L. Miller, and T.T. Kove
Editor: Samantha M. Derr
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Length: 140,000 words
Rating: Overall - 3 stars; individual story ratings below
Tags: f/f, anthology, dragons, enemies to lovers, fantasy, historical, in the closet, military, royalty/nobility, magic
Blurb
But what happens when what loves best is another woman? Come read these tales of women who will never be satisfied by a man, and will not not settle for less than what their heart most desires.
Review
This is my first foray into the world of f/f. Previously, I only ever came across titles such as Sorority Sister Sexcapades and I have little interest in PWP, no matter the genders involved. Then LT3 came out with Vixen. LT3 is an autobuy publisher for me and I can generally rely on them to give me good, plotty, non-porn-y stories. While I don't think I will ever be attracted to f/f stories as much as I am to m/m stories (I love me some manlove), this was a good introduction to stories about love between women. Some I loved, some I liked, one I was disappointed in. If you are curious and looking for somewhere to get your toes wet, this is a great anthology to start with. If you already know you love f/f stories then this will certainly offer you a variety of interesting stories. My one overall complaint is that all the stories are either historical or fantasy stories. I would have liked to have at least one of the stories be in a contemporary setting (I was intrigued by the suggestion of a cop story in the blurb). Having read this anthology, I will definitely be a little more open to f/f stories in the future. OVERALL RATING: 3 Quills. Individual stories rated below.
You can buy Vixen here at Less Than Three Press for $7.99.
PS even for someone totally into dudes, that cover is HOT!
Individual Story Reviews
Cavatina, Cabaletta by Rachel White
Two opera stars vie for the spotlight and each others' throats, until one learns of a secret that could bring down a royal house. They must work together to prevent the tragedy and perhaps find comfort where before there was only hatred. The characters in this story just felt flat and did not draw me in, despite an interesting plot premise. 2.5 Quills
The Huntress by T.T. Kove
Liv has a secret that she doesn't want anyone at the common inn she has found herself in to know, especially the beautiful huntress, Amala. However, as secrets always do, hers came out at the worst time. Can these two overcome secrets and family pressure to find happiness? I enjoyed this story but the romance between the two seemed out of nowhere and the end seemed too pat. Nevertheless, it did leave me with smile that they were able to find their HEA. 3 Quills
Slaying Dragons by Sasha L. Miller
Devi is...difficult to work with. As a combatant, she has had 4 complaints in the past 2 years. She expects her assignment to pair with Mage Lavoie to defeat a dragon in the borderlands will be her last. Except, Mage Lavoie is nothing like the mages she has paired with before. Perhaps they are just what the other needs. I enjoyed this story very much. The characters had depth and the plot remained interesting. While I expected the very end, the twist it took before the story got there was completely unexpected (to me at least) which is always refreshing. 4 Quills
The Thicket by Liz Lambdin
What if the princess trapped in the tower were not trapped but were there voluntarily, as the lover of the witch? What happens when she decides to go off with the prince who came along to rescue her? Hilde has been locked her tower alone for far too long after her lover left her. Evelyn has never felt like she fit as a proper princess. These two clash and come together and perhaps become something more together than they ever were apart. This was a fun remake on a classic tale and while predictable it was also entertaining and left me with a smile on my face. 3.5 Quills
Weathering the Storm by Julia March
Emily runs away from home expecting to sail with James to Jamaica as his wife but after the first true kiss she realizes that would be a huge mistake. James helps to get her a spot on a ship as cabin boy using the disguise she created to escape her family. She is shocked to learn the Quartermaster she has been drawn to since they met is also hiding a secret. This was shorter than the other stories so far but still entertaining. I would have liked to have a more fleshed out ending to answer some of the hanging questions. However, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. 3.5 Quills
The Mermaid by Megan Derr
Sophia fears her life is over when she is caught in a rather compromising position...with another woman. Until a proposal comes from an unexpected corner. All is not what it seems and Sophia is dropped into a world of magic and mermaids. I really enjoyed this different take on the mermaid mythology. I was a bit skeptical through the beginning of the story as to how it would work out convincingly but, as always, Megan Derr brought it home admirably. 4 Quills
The Masquerade by Ashley Shaw
Lilith has been a part of Isaac's clan for 12 years and she has never doubted his leadership. Until now. He asks her to kill for him but when she inserts herself undercover to complete here mission, she discovers his reasons are flawed and he lacks all the information. The King who is supposedly a murderer lacks the expected cruelty and the Queen who supposedly stole him away from his one true love is anything but interested in the King. In fact, she seems interested only in Lilith. I enjoyed the plotting and machinations of this story but the romance seemed rushed and stilted. Lilith and Vanessa barely ever talk, they never really get to know each other and after barely a few kisses Lilith is ready to declare love. And the Queen who argued so fiercely for her people, just up and leaves at the end. It doesn't seem logical. However, it was a well written espionage short. 3 Quills
***
Other Books Read Recently:
Nobody's Hero by Katey Hawthorne - 4 Quills
With a Kiss by Kim Dare - 3 Quills
Nothing Ever Happens by Sue Brown - 3 Quills
Devotion by Lissa Kasey - 4 Quills
Jamie by Lissa Kasey - 4 Quills
Pole Star by Josephine Myles - 3 Quills
Alec's Reward by Kim Dare - 2.5 Quills
The Way to Will by Drew Hunt - 2 Quills
The Rebuilding Year by Kaje Harper - 4.5 Quills
Crunch Time by Andrew Grey - 2.5 Quills
Unacceptable Risk by Kaje Harper - 4.5 Quills
Unexpected Demands by Kaje Harper - 3.5 Quills
Sword of the King by Megan Derr - 3.5 Quills
Saving Liam by Sasha L. Miller - 4.5 stars
Monday, December 26, 2011
12 Days of Christmas Extravaganza Final Post!
I just want to say thank you to all the wonderful authors who participated and gave their time and their eBooks to make this event AWESOME!!!
Also, thanks to all of you who checked back regularly, commented, answered trivia, and generally had a good time. That's what this was all about. :D
Finally, I did not reach 50 followers so I won't be holding a drawing today. But y'all are so great that whenever I do reach 50 followers, I will hold a drawing for a $10 giftcard then.
Just to recap:
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Piper Vaughn to kick off all the fun!
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Lily Sawyer guest blogging on my blog!
Also, thanks to all of you who checked back regularly, commented, answered trivia, and generally had a good time. That's what this was all about. :D
Finally, I did not reach 50 followers so I won't be holding a drawing today. But y'all are so great that whenever I do reach 50 followers, I will hold a drawing for a $10 giftcard then.
Just to recap:
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Piper Vaughn to kick off all the fun!
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Lily Sawyer guest blogging on my blog!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Winner - The Christmas Package - Judi and Aniamloverhissy
Judi and Animaloverhissy1 you are the winners of today's drawing for copies of Megan Derr's The Christmas Package. Email me at kchayes54@gmail.com to claim your prize!!
And for the rest of you, here is some more pretty!!
And for the rest of you, here is some more pretty!!
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Megan Derr with stories of hitmen at the holidays!
Megan has been telling herself stories from the moment she knew how, and liked to pretend to read books before someone finally taught her how to read for real :3 These days, she writes the stories down in the hopes of amusing others as much as she amuses herself.
And now, Megan tells us a little about how she celebrates the holidays. =)
Me: What, if any, winter holiday day do you celebrate?
Megan: Christmas ^__^ My family has been big on Christmas for as long as I can remember. We're more casual now than we used to be, but it still means a lot to us.
Me: What is your favorite family holiday story/tradition/recipe/etc?
Megan has been telling herself stories from the moment she knew how, and liked to pretend to read books before someone finally taught her how to read for real :3 These days, she writes the stories down in the hopes of amusing others as much as she amuses herself.
And now, Megan tells us a little about how she celebrates the holidays. =)
Me: What, if any, winter holiday day do you celebrate?
Megan: Christmas ^__^ My family has been big on Christmas for as long as I can remember. We're more casual now than we used to be, but it still means a lot to us.
Me: What is your favorite family holiday story/tradition/recipe/etc?
Megan: My favorite tradition is one we don't actually do any more. Growing up it was a tradition amongst my three siblings and I to wake our parents up Christmas morning—as creatively (and horrifically) as possible. We were horrible children, thinking about some of those mornings. One of the last years we followed the tradition, we put radios everywhere and set them to play at the same time—in the doorway to their bathroom, in the main doorway, we even went outside and put one in the window. Then the music came on at full volume and two unamused parents were suddenly awake. The one in the window took them a few minutes to find :3
Me: What is your favorite holiday story and why? You can choose one m/m and one not if necessary. =)
Megan: M/M, The Spirit of Giving by Cat Kane. I reread it all the time, the cute and the angst and the cheesy, I love it. Everyone deserves a happy Christmas, whatever their faults and mistakes.
Non-m/m, the Gift of the Magi. However silly and impractical that couple might have been, each gave up the proudest thing they possessed to make the other happy.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Book of the Week - Deceived
Title: Deceived
Author: Megan Derr
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Length: 88,000 words
Rating: 5 Quills
Tags: historical(ish), alternate world, anthology, royalty/nobility, family drama
Blurb
Five stories of men and the secrets and lies that shape their lives...
Review
First off, let me say that Megan Derr is a master of the short story. She always leaves me wanting more but feeling satisfied (Is that possible?). Deceived is no exception. Originally I waffled on whether to buy this book because I had read the first story, Deceived, while it was free on her website. However, the allure of four new stories in the same universe won out. Since last Wednesday when it was released I have re-read the whole thing once and parts of it three to four times.
I am not going to rehash the plot of each story here as that will force you to go forth and read in order to discover what happens in each of these stories about truths finally being revealed. While some of the situations the characters of these stories find themselves are improbable, that is what makes them all the more fun. Megan draws you into the world she has created and forces you to enjoy yourself there. Her main characters are stubborn and blind and sweet and loyal. They do the exact wrong thing for all the right reasons. They find themselves in situations beyond their ken and react badly but do so endearingly. Through the throwing of small objects, much yelling, misunderstandings, bad weather, lying relatives, smugglers and secret loves these ten men find the happily ever after they deserve. This collection of stories gets a solid 5 Quill rating. So go out and read it!!!!
Deceived can be found at Less Than Three Press for $6.99 in multiple formats.
Blurb of the Week - Deceieved
In an effort to continue posting regularly to this here lovely livejournal, I have decided to institute another weekly post: BLURB OF THE WEEK! This will be the blurb of the book I most want to read this week (I always read 3-5 books every week so there is always something). Then, starting next week, I will post a review of the previous week's blurb along with the new one. It should be fun!!!
I will start off my Blurb of the Week fun with a fun short story anthology of five stories by Megan Derr. I LOVE Megan Derr and cannot recommend her enough.
Deceived By Megan Derr
Five stories of men and the secrets and lies that shape their lives...
Deceived —The hatred between Prince Benedict and his secretary Rae is well-known, and the source of much gossip at court. Each one too stubborn to walk away, determined to make the other one the first to break, they spend their days fighting or ruthlessly ignoring one another. Determined to put an end to the matter once and for all, and to give the notoriously rakish Benedict a taste of his own medicine, Rae sets upon a deception only to realize that there is more than one deception afoot...
Scandalous —Gideon has led a very strict life since the death of his parents, determined not to live the scandalous life that led to their untimely demise and to bring up his little brother in a more stable home.
I will start off my Blurb of the Week fun with a fun short story anthology of five stories by Megan Derr. I LOVE Megan Derr and cannot recommend her enough.
Deceived By Megan Derr
Five stories of men and the secrets and lies that shape their lives...
Deceived —The hatred between Prince Benedict and his secretary Rae is well-known, and the source of much gossip at court. Each one too stubborn to walk away, determined to make the other one the first to break, they spend their days fighting or ruthlessly ignoring one another. Determined to put an end to the matter once and for all, and to give the notoriously rakish Benedict a taste of his own medicine, Rae sets upon a deception only to realize that there is more than one deception afoot...
Scandalous —Gideon has led a very strict life since the death of his parents, determined not to live the scandalous life that led to their untimely demise and to bring up his little brother in a more stable home.
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