| Title | : | A Brush of Wings |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1615813454 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781615813452 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 344 |
| Publication | : | First published March 22, 2010 |
Morning Glow by Taylor Lochland
Benjamin and Alan have been friends since high school. Though they often drift apart, Alan always seems to come back when Benjamin needs him the most—like when Ben is grieving over a bad breakup. As always, Ben feels better just from spending time with Alan, but then he realizes he’s in love with Alan. This time when Alan takes off again, Ben isn’t going to let him go without a fight.
A Trail of Feathers by Sarah Ann Watts
Alone on New Year’s Day, Daniel is more aware than ever of the self-destructive despair consuming him since his lover’s death. Then he meets a stranger shedding feathers in the street, and despite the risk, he takes Leo home with him. But Leo is not the hustler or drug addict Daniel suspected him to be. He’s there to give Daniel a gift—a gift Daniel might not know how to accept.
Heart's Salvation by Réve Garrison
After losing his wife and daughter in a car accident, a distraught Nathaniel approaches the church for comfort, seeking the statue that is said to heal emotional distress. When the angel embodied in statue feels the depth of Nathaniel's pain, he makes the unusual decision to assume human form and comfort the grieving widower. But soon the angel must decide between returning to the statue to comfort others and retaining his humanity for the hope of love.
In the Hands of the Gods by Jana Denardo
The only business that concerns Tiberius Aelius Rufus is how to extend his olive oil trade from Pompeii to Rome and how to sort out a family when his tastes do not run to taking a wife. Expanding his oil trade is easy enough, but a man of his station can’t exactly dally with another man. But when he meets Marcus Lartius Priscus at a party, Tiberius is enchanted and falls hard, hard enough to consider risking his business and his reputation to follow Priscus to Rome.
A Voice in the Darkness by Patric Michael
Landon Hargrove wakes in darkness and pain to find he and his unconscious husband Bryce are trapped in their car after a landslide. With no help but the moral support of a man named Dan who can speak to him but not reach him, Landon must find a way to rescue them both before the rest of the mountainside breaks free and crushes them… along with their dream of adopting a son.
Some Comfort by S. Blaise
Dale is having a hard time adjusting to everyday reality after returning from combat when he runs into Mal, a fellow soldier who’d saved his life during a missile attack. Mal seems determined to continue to watch over him even though Dale knows very little about the other man. Why does Mal have such faith in him? And will it be enough to drive the darkness inside Dale away?
Ascension by RJ Scott
When Sabrael visits Adam Riley, the last remaining descendant of the family under his protection, the angel finds a man consumed with grief after the death of his father and the decision to sell the family bookstore. Sabrael is surprised by a connection to Adam strong enough to redefine his entire purpose, something Sabrael has never felt for any mortal in his charge. Now he wonders if it is part of the Divine plan—if his time to live a mortal life has come. A mortal life with Adam.
Sariel by Mary Calmes
Jacob Gray is on the trip of a lifetime with his employer only to have it turn into a nightmare. Drugged and taken to an underground catacomb, Jake is forced to make a life or death decision: face torture by the men who kidnapped him or confront a ferocious beast. Much to his captors’ surprise, Jacob casts his fate into the hands of an unknown creature instead of surrendering himself to sure death, with only hope as his salvation.
The Platypus Learns Astrophysics by Matthew Vandrew
Hardworking businessman Jonas Mason is the last person expecting a visit from an angel. Yet Micah, angel of the Divine Plan, shows up in his office, absolutely certain of his mission: to enlighten Jonas’s days and fill his heart with love… all by simply touching him. And when nothing happens? Micah will have to wing it: act human, rein in the grumpy and generally unpleasant Jonas, and figure out how to bring Jonas—and himself—lives full of joy.
The Angel Blues by Cornelia Grey
It’s a nondescript, depressing night when Morgan, a seasoned cop, finds a witty stranger perched on his windowsill who shares his appreciation for the blues. Worried for his own sanity, Morgan mostly ignores the man who insists on materializing at the most inappropriate of times… until a life-threatening experience forces Morgan to see just how much the stranger who claims to be an angel means to him.
Redemption by Clare London
Ziba is a fallen angel, working as a sponsor of lost men, helping them find genuine repentance after a life of sin. Banished to the Arrivals Hall between worlds, he offers them work during their journey to a better afterlife. But for him, personally, that option is closed. His position was so exalted, and his sin so great, that he is imprisoned in Arrivals forever. Until he meets Abdiel, an angel who also fell from grace - but whose love and self-sacrifice offers both of them a new hope of redemption.
Herbal Tea by H.J. Brues
Douglas, a world-weary, cynical agent of a very special kind of law enforcement, is sent to recruit Justin, a young herbalist, for a unique assignment. Considering the lies and betrayal in his past, Douglas can’t help but look for hidden intentions behind every selfless act, and he doesn’t trust easily. But Justin will show him that a simple man can have the courage to offer his protection, his love and even his life for those he cares about, because it’s not the wings that make the angel, but the readiness to reach out to others with your whole heart in the tips of your fingers.
The Tenth Avatar by Roland Graeme
When a relative dies and bequeaths to Arun a family heirloom—an old bronze statue of Kalki, the tenth avatar, or incarnation, of the Hindu god Vishnu—the delivery of the statue coincides with the arrival of a new man in Arun’s life. Jack is everything Arun has ever desired in a lover, and Arun will have to face his parents’ pressure for marriage and Jack’s unknown opinion on commitment to move forward to a loving future.
Santangelo by Zahra Owens
Michael isn’t the type of man who needs rescuing, but after he’s attacked by a group of skinheads, he’s glad Gabriel Santangelo is there to help. Four stitches in his forehead later, Michael is introduced to Gabriel’s severely disabled baby daughter and jumps at the chance to get to know Gabriel better. But Gabe has more issues than he's willing to share and when he keeps Michael at a distance, Michael starts wondering who is rescuing who.
The Archangel of Castro by Diana Copland
What do you get when you mix a former real-estate agent turned diner owner; a sweet, unassuming, movie-star handsome runaway; selfless generosity; and unrequited love? You get Nick at Nick’s on Ninth; his live-in friend Brian; a treasured friendship; and two very nearly broken hearts… until the unlikeliest Archangel ever notices the need for a bit of divine intervention.
A Brush of Wings Reviews
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Leaderboard:
"Sariel" by Mary Calmes: 5 of 5 stars
"The Angel Blues" by Cornelia Grey 4 of 5 stars
"Redemption" by Clare London 4 of 5 stars
All others: not so much. -
AND THE OSCAR GO TO....
THE PLATYPUS LEARNS ASTROPHYSICS by Matthew Vandrew
This story was perfect! Hilarious, romantic and so well written that I search for more, and read also a free story of this writer!
And now, for each story, the vote and some times a quick comment (that's the order on this anthology)
*MORNING GLOW by Taylor Lochland 5 stars
*A TRAIL OF FEATHERS by Sarah Ann Watts 2 stars
*HEART'S SALVATION by Reve Garrison 5 stars HOTTTTTTTT! This story is veeeeeery HOT!
*IN THE HANDS OF THE GODS by Jana Denardo 3 stars. Hot scenes but annoying Latin terms (and I speak Italian, some Latin I understand... just to tell that if annoyed me maybe you will be bored to death)
*A VOICE IN THE DARKNESS by Patric Michael 5 stars. OMG Looooove this story! Made my cry so much!
*SOME COMFORT by S. Blaise 3 stars. Too much hush... too quick... but is not bad.
*ACENSION by RJ Scott (should be ascension, no? Writer or editor distraction?) 2 stars
*SARIEL by Mary Calmes 0 star. Sorry, but I hate it. Was creepy, and I don't like it. I like horror books (I looooove Stephen King, for example), but this story was gross, not scary!
*THE PLATYPUS LEARNS ASTROPHYSICS by Matthew Vandrew 5 stars (if this story was a movie would win my Oscar!)
*THE ANGEL BLUES by Cornelia Grey 3 stars.
*REDEMPTION by Clare London 4 stars. Marvelous writing!
*HERBAL TEA by H.J. Blues 4 stars. Great story, lovely end, huge flaw...if Justin has his cloths ripped (nieeeeeece that part) how could he get dressed again? But is a great story, almost got 5 stars!
*THE TENTH AVATAR by Roland Graeme 5 stars and made me cry! So beautiful story!
*SANTANGELO by Zahra Owens 5 stars. This writer touch deep in my heart. My applause!
*THE ARCHANGEL OF CASTRO by Diana Copland 5 stars. Wonderful story to end this amazing anthology.
As you notice, the most of the stories got my 4 or 5 stars, but I'll not give a general vote (would not the fair give less, to the ones that deserve more, and vice versa).
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I really wanted to read "Sariel" by Mary Calmes and I did.
Fucking.
Loved.
It.
4.5 Stars
It was Mary Calmes goodness wrapped together with history - I love history. Yep, there's an alpha angel who possessed the hell out of Jacob, a regular grad student who almost raped by bad guys. We don't know a lot of Jacob's back story. I didn't think it was needed so I am happy. It's instalove but it surpasses it because for angels in this story, there is no in between. They can see your inner most desires and wants . it's either black or white. No gray. So I won't gripe with the binding declarations made because it was inevitable. But also made from free will.
Hot stuff.
Angels are not my fave paranormal read. I lump them together with psychics. (Bottom of the totem pole for me) I might read more stories from the anthology, I might not. *shrugs* -
Diana Copland - The Archangel of Castro... this is my definite favourite in the anthology... a romance so perfect it made me smile the whole way through. Brilliant, can not recommend it enough... 6/5 (snigger)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Patric Michael - A Voice in the Darkness... one single line in this book will probably stay with me forever, but I can't write down what it is because it will give everything away! Lovely story, strong committed partners and an angel who I adored... 5/5
Mary Calmes - Sariel - brilliant, the imagery is so intense... Jacob Gray is a strong man and Mary's angel is a monster with a grace that has eroded over time... love it... 5/5
Matthew Vandrew - The Platypus Learns Astrophysics... how can something that had such a thread of humour in it turn my emotions inside out? The goodbye... *sniff*... I didn't want this story to end.... 5/5
cornelia Gray - The Angel Blues... This angel was so sweet, loved the descriptions of him, and Morgan as the man on the edge...Would love to see what the punishment was, would it mean Spencer had to leave?? Really good story 4/5
Clare London - Redemption... I read this one with a lot of hope for Ziba... i wasnt disappointed... lovely 4/5 -
I didn't really care for this anthology. After reading, I realized that angels just aren't my thing. However, there were a few stories that stood out for me and were enjoyable. I liked the following three:
Patric Michael - A Voice in the Darkness
Mary Calmes - Sariel
Matthew Vandrew - The Platypus Learns Astrophysics -
I found this anthology to be pleasant enough but I cant say that it was exciting for me. All the stories were ok and I really enjoyed 'The Tenth Avatar'. I particularly liked this story because of the way it handled culture and religion and showed how the two main chracters found love despite their differences. It would be really good to read a full story about Jack and Arun.
I didnt enjoy Santangelo because of the way it depicted HIV. I find it dissappointing when authors depict positive people as living with a death sentence. People living with HIV who have access to treatment are living full and flourishing lives. I find it strange and some what unrealistic to find a character in the book who had been positive since 1991 and was living as if he could die at any time even though the story was published in 2010. That's nearly 20 years of living as a positive person. Why then would this character still be living as if he was about to face death? Those pieces in the story just didnt make sense for me and felt quite unreal given the huge advances made in treatment. Had the story been set in a country where treatment is not readily available then it would have made sense.
All in all it is a nice volume of stories but not a great favoutrite for me. -
Average rating a little below 3,5 stars.
Morning Glow by Taylor Lochland - 2 stars
A Trail of Feathers by Sarah Ann Watts - DNF
Heart's Salvation by Réve Garrison - 2 stars
In the Hands of the Gods by Jana Denardo - 3,5 stars
A Voice in the Darkness by Patric Michael - 4 stars
Some Comfort by S. Blaise - 4,5 stars
Ascension by RJ Scott - 2 stars
Sariel by Mary Calmes - 2 stars
The Platypus Learns Astrophysics by Matthew Vandrew - 5 stars
The Angel Blues by Cornelia Grey - 3 stars
Redemption by Clare London - 2,5 stars
Herbal Tea by H.J. Brues - 3 stars
The Tenth Avatar by Roland Graeme - 3.5 stars
Santangelo by Zahra Owens - 4 stars
The Archangel of Castro by Diana Copland - 4 stars -
A pretty darn good anthology with an angel theme. Full review on Boy Meets Boy Reviews will be posted on Christmas Day! :)
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Specifically for Mary Calmes. I wasn't going to leave a review since that was the only one I read, but ...
**General Spoiler Warning**
Look, it was dumb. It was so very dumb. The worst kind of insta-love, the majority of it was one character's sad sack monologue, and for the love of-- ok, well the end had me cackling.
Also: MC (can't remember his name already~) with his bland-ass first person perspective is not afraid of bugs. That's the grand act of bravery or whatever to earn Sariel's trust. And then Sariel turns into the most beautiful non-human (MC is the most beautiful human, btw) and they have sex-monologue-sex-monologue.
I think, out of the constant eye rolls, the largest eye roll had to go to the part where MC thinks "dying like this would be alright," when Sarial is choking the air out of him. Lol, No Sariel decides, no, because MC is willing to die for whatever (non-apparent) reason, then he has passed the test and has earned the One Gay Angel'sTM love.
Also, MC starts speaking like a child, which creeped me out. This conversation, where Sariel basically says he'll commit spousal murder if MC tries to leave him, MC is like "tee-hee!":“It is the only kind to be made. A covenant with an angel must be one of life and death; all else binds not. Just as I took your oath from your lips, your life freely given to me, there can be no rescinding of your promise. I will take your life should you try and take flight from my
side.”
I smiled at him. “It’s scary when you say it like that.”
In the end, MC welcomes Sariel (into his) home (ass).
Spare me. Just. Spare me. -
I don't consider myself one who holds to conventions of how those associated with religious doctrine should behave (be they priest or angel), yet when I'm faced with fiction in which they don't behave in a pattern I've unknowingly assigned to them, it makes me uncomfortable. Hence, quite a few of the stories here made me a bit uneasy at their end for the sole reason that I consider angels to be beings who wouldn't fall in love with humans. I like to think of angels as bringing two humans together, instead of the oft-repeated theme of falling for the sake of love. In a way, this fits in with my cheating/betrayal squick. What's a bigger betrayal than choosing human love over God's love for his angels? Having said all that, none of it affected my reading of the anthology, nor did it stop some of those stories from being among my favorites. Yes, that theme is repeated several times, but I can easily see why. Overall, the stories hold variety, gave me exposure to some big names in m/m that I'd never read as well as some I'd never heard of. As with any good anthology, there's something here for everyone. Recommended as my two favorites: The Platypus Learns Astrophysics by Matthew Vandrew, a clever short that bucks the traditional plot of romance with a twist and humor and In the Hands of the Gods by Jana Denardo, a wonderful historical set in ancient Greece--all the better if you know your history. And, with honorable mention for its understatedness and the revelation at the end: A Voice in the Darkness by Patric Michael.
-
This anthology from Dreamspinner Press is male/male erotic romance (naturally as that’s what DSP does) with an angelic theme. Most of the stories revolve around a Judeo-Christian angel archetype unsurprisingly. There are also stories of fallen angels. Some of the sweetest ones would be with people acting like angels themselves. Some of my favorites though would have to be the couple that used guardian spirits from other cultures, like Hindu in The Tenth Avatar and ancient Roman in In the Hands of the Gods.
Some of my own favorite short stories, besides the ones I mentioned, actually aren’t the ones other reviewers have named (not that they’re bad stories by any means). I really liked A Trail of Feathers, which has a visceral feel of loneliness and desperation to it. Counterbalance that with the sheer good heart in the main character of The Archangel of Castro. Herbal Tea and The Angel Blues were a couple others I especially enjoyed.
All in all, while I’m not really much of a short story reader, I really liked this anthology. If you like m/m erotica, you’ll enjoy this. -
Some of the stories were excellent, but as an anthology, I had a really hard time getting through this one. I appreciate the attempt to include other cultures and belief systems into the guardian spirits and heavenly beings pantheon, but those stories seemed the most forced and contrived to me, like they were trying so hard to twist the story so it would fit into this anthology that they sacrificed the integrity of what could otherwise have been a good story. I felt like I was slogging through, trying to force myself to finish some of these. Because of that, this anthology felt less successful as a whole than some others I've read.
As is usual with me when I read anthologies, I have a few stories that I loved and that I'll read again, and some I'll be glad to not have to look at again.
I loved:
Ascension
Sariel
The Archangel of Castro
I liked:
Santangelo
Heart's Salvation -
It's hard to be completely objective about any anthology that one of your stories are in but I'm sure that if you enjoy male/male romance, you'll like this collection of short stories. They're all top notch and the angels within range from the Judeo-Christian angels that most of us think of when we hear the word, to fallen angels, to humans good enough to be called angels to other religions' guardian spirits such as in The Tenth Avatar or my own In the hands of the Gods (which is also different from most of the others in its historical setting as well). I can't pick a favorite. Give it a try and find one for yourself.
-
I have to admit to approaching this book with a deep fondness and love of angel myth. I just had to read this anthology of m/m romance mixed with angel themes. As with any anthology, some of the stories are better than others but I have to say all of them were worth while and I thoroughly enjoyed every one. Highly recommend.
-
All the stories of this anthologies were very good. As always, Dreamspinner Press made a good work choosing the authors and shorts.
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3* for The Platypus Learns Astrophysics by Matthew Vandrew and The Angel Blues by Cornelia Grey.
2* for The Tenth Avatar by Roland Graeme and The Archangel of Castro by Diana Copland.
1* for the rest, which were mostly PWP. -
My favorites:
In The Hands of The Gods by Jana Denardo
A Voice in the Darkness by Patric Michael
Sariel by Mary Calmes
The Platpus Learns Astrophysics by Matthew Vandrew
The Angel Blues by Cornelia Grey
Redemption by Clare London
Santangelo by Zahra Owens
The Archangel of Castro by Diana Copland -
I always have liked anthologies. It gives me a chance to try out a new author. Found some really good authors in this anthology with interesting stories. I mean what more can you ask for in a m/m story but to add an angel to the mix.
-
I've already read
Diana Copland's The Archangel of Castro and loved it, but haven't gotten to the rest yet. -
ok read
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3.5 stars.
-
I really enjoyed this one.
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It turns out sweet is not my thing at all but I could see where others would enjoy.
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4.5stars
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Sariel by Mary Calmes - 5 stars
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5/5 for Sariel by Mary Calmes
....going to read the others at a later time. -
This review is just for Mary Calmes "Sariel". Quite lovely little story!
