Using Broken Wings to Fly

by Eden Connor

Dear Author,
How did they expect him to retouch this damaged photo? George sighed and carefully rubbed at a spot. Great, this was one of Lucian LeTour's rare remaining photos. The restorer hated feeling like he failed in his task. The photo seemed damaged beyond repair.

George rubbed around the downcast eyes.

The eyes flicked upward. They stared in terror.

George lunged back in alarm.

"Help me. Please help me. They know where I hide. Help me."

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Read the story here or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 10.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, LGBT, Angels

62 pages, ebook

First published July 7, 2012

About the author

Eden Connor graduated from Converse College with a degree in Psychology so long ago, her sheepskin is chiseled in stone. She’s been a graphic artist, a bridal photographer and an antique restorer. Since the death of her true love, she raised two children to adulthood and now has the time to return to writing. She writes primarily contemporary erotic romances, the odd bit of erotica and an occasional paranormal piece. Most of her writing is set where she lives, in South Carolina, so expect the handsome stranger to come equipped with a slow drawl. Addicted to hazelnut creamer, baseball and cranberry glass, she likes the music of Motown and when not writing about adults behaving badly, she takes a stab at the occasional needlepoint canvas.

Reviews

[Pete W · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Not 4 for me since I think the first portion could be more... precise?

I must say I was confuse as to what was the focus of this one when I start reading. The story started out by throwing just about every facets of George's problem life into your face. From meeting George current employee to his boyfriend, then ex-wife and adopted son.

My confusion (regarding the story focus) remained until the last portion of the story then it all comes together in a good way. I guess it was like a microscopic look of images that when zoomed out became the mosaic pieces of a whole picture.

For me, all the main secondary characters were well-drawn, precise and quite 3-dimensional. Ms. Connor did superb job of accomplishing this despite the fact that most of them did not have much on page time. So hat off to the author for able to make the personalities shined through the minimal appearances.

It was a very good story but a bit muddle for me in the beginning.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea behind this Story was good, even great. The writing style wasn't bad either and I liked the Suspense. But the rest was just very confusing and the resolve happened way too quick for my taste. Also, I found that George and Oliver lacked of comunication.

[Tailtiu · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5*

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

So heartwrenching but happy too. We often miss the love that's right in front of us. And sometimes we are just too fearful. But true love is so worth it. We just have to let go and be free

[Sandra]

Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group, Love Is Always Write: Volume Ten.

[GlamLawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that one. It isn't an easy read. especially the beginning is somehow chaotic and overloaded. Everything's seems too much but not enough. Just like George's life seems to be. He is running in circles and away from himself. His journey to a happier life is worth to hold on. I liked the way the angel was written into it.
Yeah I liked that one. It made me feel.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure what to make of this story or how to rate it, I just know that I liked it. I wasn't sure I would when I first saw the picture and the prompt so it was certainly a pleasant surprise. It was interesting and different and a little strange in places, but I still enjoyed reading it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started out really rough. It was difficult to understand what was going on and was very frustrating almost to the point that I gave up. Glad I didn't. After I was able to get connected, it became a great story. Very deep and heartwarming. It was also really hot.

[qx · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Bookbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this story started out going in one direction but ending up in a totally different one! I thought the story was very well written, not slavishly adhering to the regular M/M formulas.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, though I a little unsure of what was going on at times. Thank you Eden Connor, for donating your story, time and talent.

[Miriki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd have liked this more without the whole angels thing.

[Blue Dragon · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

George's photo restoration job seems to lead him into a dark place. He finally feels driven to investigate further but finds that maybe he's the one being helped.