The man of her dreams might be the cause of her nightmares.
Six months ago, Abby Sinclair was struggling to pick up the pieces of her shattered ... read full description
reviews
Feb 20, 2011
oliviasbooks
rated it: 
The first three quarters were 2.5 stars, the ending was definitely 3 fully-colored ones.
+ The story was not boring. I had no urge to stop. At no point. (But I wouldn't have searched for the book either, should I have mislaid it somehow.)
+ The heroine is likable, a bit clueless, yes, but intelligent enough and likable.
+ And the hero is hot and a bit self-loathing.
+ There were some very funny scenes woven in. Two or three times I even contemplated the possibility of More...
+ The story was not boring. I had no urge to stop. At no point. (But I wouldn't have searched for the book either, should I have mislaid it somehow.)
+ The heroine is likable, a bit clueless, yes, but intelligent enough and likable.
+ And the hero is hot and a bit self-loathing.
+ There were some very funny scenes woven in. Two or three times I even contemplated the possibility of More...
20 comments
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(10 people liked it)
Apr 04, 2011
Monica
rated it: 
I loved this book. So much so that I am going to ramble about it because you know that is what I do when I heart books. I am so happy to see this book take an urban fantasy and give it a real sex scene. I am so tired of other UFs teasing you with tiny bits of sensuality. It's like reading a YA book, no wait, most YAs have MORE SEX than most UFs. Anyway, I ramble, I appreciate the full sexy sex scenes.
I had to push myself through the beginning. I am still unsure if that is due to the b More...
I had to push myself through the beginning. I am still unsure if that is due to the b More...
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(7 people liked it)
Dec 09, 2010
Stacey
rated it: 
I discovered Allison when I was reading the tweets of one of my favorite literary agents (Sara Megibow of the Nelson Literary Agency). She was talking to Allison so I decided to check her out. I'm always looking for up-and-coming fantasy authors for my website, the YA Fantasy Guide. After reading the summary of the book, I decided to contact Allison. I was lucky enough to get the ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) for her first release.
Let me just say: WOW. I loved this novel. What an impr More...
Let me just say: WOW. I loved this novel. What an impr More...
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Feb 16, 2012
Jamie
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2 comments
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(2 people liked it)
Jan 25, 2011
Kelly
rated it:
It’s easiest to cross between worlds at liminal times of the day. Angels travel most easily at dawn, faeries at twilight, and demons at midnight. As for noon… well, you’ll just have to read and find out!
When supernatural beings (“OtherFolk”) want to pass between worlds without these limitations, they can bond with humans, called TouchStones, who help anchor them to the mortal world. Abby Sinclair is contracted as the TouchStone to Moira, a powerful faerie, but she’s keeping a secret: More...
When supernatural beings (“OtherFolk”) want to pass between worlds without these limitations, they can bond with humans, called TouchStones, who help anchor them to the mortal world. Abby Sinclair is contracted as the TouchStone to Moira, a powerful faerie, but she’s keeping a secret: More...
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(16 people liked it)
Sep 22, 2011
Book Chick City
rated it:
'A Brush of Darkness' is the debut novel by Allison Pang. I was lucky enough to receive a review copy (after adding it to my wishlist - mostly because of the awesome cover) and I'm happy to report it was a fun read. However, I did have a few issues...
Although this is marketed as an urban fantasy, it's a bit misleading in my opinion. This book is much more paranormal romance. Most of the book is taken up with the relationship between Abby and Brystion. Lots of sensual, heat filled pag More...
Although this is marketed as an urban fantasy, it's a bit misleading in my opinion. This book is much more paranormal romance. Most of the book is taken up with the relationship between Abby and Brystion. Lots of sensual, heat filled pag More...
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Feb 01, 2011
Donna
rated it:
Quickie: This was a fast and very enjoyable read with a few laughs thrown in at the expense of the World of Warcraft game. The world building around fae myths was quite interesting, curious to see what will come of it.
The characters make this story, hands down. Abby, the lead character, has a quick and snarky personalty. Loved the dialog between her and the other characters. Oh and there is a a pervy miniature unicorn, who almost stole the book for me. I'll definitely pick up the ne More...
The characters make this story, hands down. Abby, the lead character, has a quick and snarky personalty. Loved the dialog between her and the other characters. Oh and there is a a pervy miniature unicorn, who almost stole the book for me. I'll definitely pick up the ne More...
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(4 people liked it)
Jan 20, 2011
Crystal
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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8 comments
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(2 people liked it)
Feb 03, 2011
Tori Benson
rated it:
Originally reviewed at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/02/review...
Favorite Quote: ”If an incubus masturbates, does that make him an incu-bator?”
After spending the last six months trying to accept the fact her mother is dead and her dancing career is shattered, Abby finds herself locked in a contract as a Touchstone. When her Fae employer goes missing, Abby must rely on a mysterious and sexy incubus and a mini unicorn with an underwear fetish to guide her through the OtherW More...
Favorite Quote: ”If an incubus masturbates, does that make him an incu-bator?”
After spending the last six months trying to accept the fact her mother is dead and her dancing career is shattered, Abby finds herself locked in a contract as a Touchstone. When her Fae employer goes missing, Abby must rely on a mysterious and sexy incubus and a mini unicorn with an underwear fetish to guide her through the OtherW More...
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(3 people liked it)
Jan 30, 2011
Lady
rated it:
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Jan 28, 2011
Ailsa
rated it:
I hadn't heard of A Brush of Darkness before I got the e-galley (from S&S galley grab), but a quick search of the internet showed me the cover, which sold me almost at once. When I found the description, I knew I had to read it. Luckily, it didn't disappoint.
Abby works in a bookshop during the day (I'm so jealous!) but at night she runs the Midnight Marketplace, where all kind of supernatural creatures come to buy weird & wonderful things. Only she's not supposed to be running it by More...
Abby works in a bookshop during the day (I'm so jealous!) but at night she runs the Midnight Marketplace, where all kind of supernatural creatures come to buy weird & wonderful things. Only she's not supposed to be running it by More...
Jan 28, 2012
MandyM
rated it:
Abby works in a bookstore. She's also the TouchStone (someone who can link immortal beings to the human world) to the Protectorate (a fey leader called Moira). But Moira has been missing for months and Abby is struggling to fulfill her responsibilities.
One day a mysterious incubus, Brystion, approaches her asking for the Protectorate's help to find his missing sister. Abby reluctantly agrees and this leads her down a path of danger, self-discovery and an irresistible attraction.
More...
One day a mysterious incubus, Brystion, approaches her asking for the Protectorate's help to find his missing sister. Abby reluctantly agrees and this leads her down a path of danger, self-discovery and an irresistible attraction.
More...
2 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Dec 10, 2011
Yvette
rated it:
Alright so I don't know how exactly to write this review.
On one hand I really enjoyed the book. It kept me reading until the very last page. It didn't get boring. And it had some funny moments.
On the other, sometimes it felt like I was reading only half of a conversation. Or maybe the author was having the conversations in her head and forgot to put it all down on paper. At first I didn't know what exactly was going on, I honestly thought that I had missed the whole beg More...
On one hand I really enjoyed the book. It kept me reading until the very last page. It didn't get boring. And it had some funny moments.
On the other, sometimes it felt like I was reading only half of a conversation. Or maybe the author was having the conversations in her head and forgot to put it all down on paper. At first I didn't know what exactly was going on, I honestly thought that I had missed the whole beg More...
Nov 03, 2011
Mlle.
rated it:
This is a tough one to rate. I liked it, but the alternate reality is sort of slippery and hard to get a handle on. Take our protagonist Abby's special supernatural gifts - she's a TouchStone and a Dreamer. Without a TouchStone, supernatural creatures can only enter the mortal world for short, one-hour stints. So the they contract with humans, who serve as anchors for them to come and go as they please. But since being a TouchStone is a state rather than an ability, there's no THERE there. Abby
More...
Jul 08, 2011
Tara
rated it:
This book caused PABD!
* * * *
In Six Words :
wonderfully snarky characters with real weaknesses
Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?
I first came across this via All Things Urban Fantasy and then saw a few more reviews that convinced me that I had to give this new author a chance. I’m insanely glad I did. With the opening line “Cat piss and cabbages.”, I knew that I was going to love the voice of the narrator. The characters were fantastically funny in More...
* * * *
In Six Words :
wonderfully snarky characters with real weaknesses
Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?
I first came across this via All Things Urban Fantasy and then saw a few more reviews that convinced me that I had to give this new author a chance. I’m insanely glad I did. With the opening line “Cat piss and cabbages.”, I knew that I was going to love the voice of the narrator. The characters were fantastically funny in More...
May 21, 2011
Jess
rated it:
How much did I love this book? Let me count the ways…
This story has it all. A snarky heroine, a hot incubus, and a pervy, bacon-loving unicorn the size of a housecat, plus insider references to World of Warcraft and fabulous world building to top it off. The jabs at vampires made me snicker, and the “kitchen sink” inclusion of every kind of imaginable supernatural (elves, angels, daemons, unicorns, fae, werewolves, etc) was amusing in how they were all taken for granted—relatively spea More...
This story has it all. A snarky heroine, a hot incubus, and a pervy, bacon-loving unicorn the size of a housecat, plus insider references to World of Warcraft and fabulous world building to top it off. The jabs at vampires made me snicker, and the “kitchen sink” inclusion of every kind of imaginable supernatural (elves, angels, daemons, unicorns, fae, werewolves, etc) was amusing in how they were all taken for granted—relatively spea More...
Mar 25, 2011
Carissa
rated it: 
This book is labeled under "urban fantasy" but I think it should be more of a paranormal romance than anything else. I began reading this book as a part of 2011 Urban Fantasy challenge, but to me this book really made promises it didn't quite deliver, both structurally and creatively.
Structurally, this honestly seems like the first draft of a novel, and as I was reading I couldn't believe that whoever approved this for publication overlooked the structural problems of the plot. O More...
Structurally, this honestly seems like the first draft of a novel, and as I was reading I couldn't believe that whoever approved this for publication overlooked the structural problems of the plot. O More...
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(2 people liked it)
Feb 18, 2011
Charisse
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Feb 15, 2011
Sara
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book.
Now, normally, I don't like books that deal with the Fae. They ruined The Sookie Stackhouse novels for me, I've never been able to "get into" Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series and with the notable exception of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series they generally give me the heebie jeebies and I avoid books with them at all costs.
However, I've ready so many excellent reviews of Brush of Darkness that I put my fae prejudice aside and bought th More...
Now, normally, I don't like books that deal with the Fae. They ruined The Sookie Stackhouse novels for me, I've never been able to "get into" Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series and with the notable exception of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series they generally give me the heebie jeebies and I avoid books with them at all costs.
However, I've ready so many excellent reviews of Brush of Darkness that I put my fae prejudice aside and bought th More...
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(1 person liked it)
Feb 14, 2011
Sharon
rated it:
Wonderful debut first book in a new series.
I always troll through Amazon.com for up & coming new fantasy paranormal fiction & chanced upon this little gem, with remarkably good reviews on 'Goodreads' & Amazon I took the plunge.
Abby is a 'touchstone' for a powerful fae, which means it allows her boss to cross to her world & stay, without any stipulations on time, & her faery boss can come & go as she pleases. It's not all it's cracked up to be, but she will grin & bear it. Her boss More...
I always troll through Amazon.com for up & coming new fantasy paranormal fiction & chanced upon this little gem, with remarkably good reviews on 'Goodreads' & Amazon I took the plunge.
Abby is a 'touchstone' for a powerful fae, which means it allows her boss to cross to her world & stay, without any stipulations on time, & her faery boss can come & go as she pleases. It's not all it's cracked up to be, but she will grin & bear it. Her boss More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jan 17, 2011
Natasha
rated it:
What a refreshing read!
"A Brush of Darkness" is now on my top list.
When I received this in the mail, I was stoked. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Although I wasn't sure what the expect from it, I knew it sounded interesting. Soon in, I realized I would be hooked, and now I'm left begging for more!
It took me a few chapters to get relaxed and clued in to the history with the world Pang has written. Once I got use to it, everything started to unravel I coul More...
"A Brush of Darkness" is now on my top list.
When I received this in the mail, I was stoked. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Although I wasn't sure what the expect from it, I knew it sounded interesting. Soon in, I realized I would be hooked, and now I'm left begging for more!
It took me a few chapters to get relaxed and clued in to the history with the world Pang has written. Once I got use to it, everything started to unravel I coul More...
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(4 people liked it)
Jan 03, 2011
Bookaholics
rated it:
A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang
Paranormal Romance – Jan. 25th, 2011
4 stars
In this story Abbie Sinclair has recently made a deal with one of the OtherFolk. Beings with magical powers but who are unable to stay in the human world without a human TouchStone. Abbie is the TouchStone or anchor for the powerful Faery Moira. Moira happens to be the Protectorate for the area. Abbie made this poor deal to be Moira’s TouchStone when she was very vulnerable. Her mother was k More...
Paranormal Romance – Jan. 25th, 2011
4 stars
In this story Abbie Sinclair has recently made a deal with one of the OtherFolk. Beings with magical powers but who are unable to stay in the human world without a human TouchStone. Abbie is the TouchStone or anchor for the powerful Faery Moira. Moira happens to be the Protectorate for the area. Abbie made this poor deal to be Moira’s TouchStone when she was very vulnerable. Her mother was k More...
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Aug 05, 2011
Estara
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Feb 08, 2011
slayra
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Nov 11, 2011
Marie
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Feb 20, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
I had heard many positive things about Allison Pang's debut A Brush of Darkness, so I decided to give it a try and it was as expected. Which was quite good!
There's definitely quite a bit of snark in here, which is probably due to Allison being a member of the League for Reluctant Adults! Her sidekick, a horny unicorn named Phineas has a tendency to lounge around in her underwear drawer. He's definitely not what Abby expected from a unicorn!
But Abby's got quite a conundrum More...
There's definitely quite a bit of snark in here, which is probably due to Allison being a member of the League for Reluctant Adults! Her sidekick, a horny unicorn named Phineas has a tendency to lounge around in her underwear drawer. He's definitely not what Abby expected from a unicorn!
But Abby's got quite a conundrum More...
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Feb 03, 2011
Nikki
rated it:
This book was made of all kinds of awesomeness! The world building was phenomenal and completely drew me in from the first sentence to the last. I am a new reader of urban fantasy type books and Allison has sold me. The only thing I am bummed about is that fact that I have to wait a year or so until the release of the next one.
A Brush Of Darkness takes a mere mortal, Abby, and throws her headfirst into a situation that she didn’t quite understand when she agreed to it. She is a touc More...
A Brush Of Darkness takes a mere mortal, Abby, and throws her headfirst into a situation that she didn’t quite understand when she agreed to it. She is a touc More...
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Aug 05, 2011
Dija
rated it:
I had a naked incubus in my bedroom. With a frying pan of half-cooked bacon, and a hard-on. And a unicorn bite on his ass. Christ, this was turning out to be a weird morning.
As far as first books in a series go, this one was fantastic. Most of the less-than-popular UF series I've read that don't classify as erotica tend to be a bit on the emotionless side. The plot is usually great, but the heroine is always too stoic and serious to be likable and there's very little of the hero in the fir More...
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Jun 16, 2011
Kagama
rated it:
I finished this book barely,holding out to the end that it would get better...It didnt. To sum up the premise for the
Abby is a touchstone for this OtherFolk (Moira) who has disappeared without a trace. She gets a mysterious costumer who is searching for his missing sister.Could there be a connection?
This book was so bad in soo many ways,where to start? Oh yes the dialogue maybe?
The dialogue was at best silly let me give you an example.
"Whats u More...
Abby is a touchstone for this OtherFolk (Moira) who has disappeared without a trace. She gets a mysterious costumer who is searching for his missing sister.Could there be a connection?
This book was so bad in soo many ways,where to start? Oh yes the dialogue maybe?
The dialogue was at best silly let me give you an example.
"Whats u More...
Sep 05, 2011
Yolanda
rated it:
Last week, I picked a group of UF books from my bookshelf... and this is one of them!
Abby works in a bookstore. She's also the TouchStone to the Protectorate.
The day a mysterious incubus--Brystion--drops in asking to see the Protectorate--Moira--because he needs her help, Abby's world gets turned upside down. Not only does she agree to help Brystion find his missing sister, but soon realises that something really horrible is going on, and it also explains why Moira's bee More...
Abby works in a bookstore. She's also the TouchStone to the Protectorate.
The day a mysterious incubus--Brystion--drops in asking to see the Protectorate--Moira--because he needs her help, Abby's world gets turned upside down. Not only does she agree to help Brystion find his missing sister, but soon realises that something really horrible is going on, and it also explains why Moira's bee More...
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