As the Crows Fly

by A.L. Lester

Paul Webster has come out the army after a twenty-two year stretch with a trick hip and no idea what to do with his life. He takes a few weeks walking along the Welsh coast to get his head on straight.
Kevin Davies is a veterinary nurse and an artist. He's getting lonelier and lonelier in his cottage on the edge of the sea, kept company by his cats and a friendly flock of crows.
What happens when the two men hunker down together to wait out a wild March gale?

A 11,500-word short story in the Reworked Celtic Myths series. This time, there are crows.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Mythology, Short Stories, Queer, Gay

49 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2021

About the author

Hi! I write queer, paranormal, historical, romantic suspense, mostly, with some contemporary short stories and novellas thrown in. I live in the middle of nowhere in the south west of England with Mr AL, my family, various animals, a rewilding native woodland and a regenerating orchard. I like permaculture gardening but I don't really have time or energy these days. I'm not musical, I don’t much like telly, I like to read. I'm non-binary. I'm chronically disabled and have fibromyalgia and seizures. My pronouns are she/they.

Subscribe to my newsletter for monthly-ish updates and an exclusive story. Find my self-published stories on itch.io and my publisher-work at JMS Books. Find me on social media at BlueSky.

I also write higher-heat contemporary gay romance as Frances Fox.

Reviews

[Bizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not long enough to make me feel much for the characters or their relationship, given the premise. When the story is two people carefully getting to know each other, it’s hard to make much progress in just 50 pages, and here I didn’t get enough information to figure out what I thought of either character, much less whether they might work as partners. The best part was Kevin’s murder of crows and his best crow-friend Grackle, and I think maybe this story might’ve been better if it focused more on the mythological retelling aspect rather than the romance aspect.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written love story with strong characters and an emotional story line. The author packs a ton in this short story and moves it quickly and smoothly. Her scenes are painted perfectly and she delivers a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, gentle story about a man who is trying to find himself while he walks along the coastline, and a man who has discovered that he loves animals better than humans and lives in an isolated cottage with a murder of crows. And then they find each other.

Lovely :)

[Sreberko · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's month that I look at A.L. Lester works and think 'maybe I should read it'. I feel the pull to their stories, as they are somehow different. It's not a conscious thought, just... a feeling. 

Finally, I've finally took the chance and read one of her stories. It's about crows and two ordinary men, whos paths cross in one point in their lives. "As the Crows Fly" is a slow read, almost without any erotic tension. The reader end wrapped up in a nice, soft and warm blanket, while meeting two mine characters - and the crows.
Grackle is the most charming, classy and cute pet e.v.e.r. Change my mind, I dare you. He is the crow, yes, one of the Murder, yes, but now I want to adopt him and make him mine. 

Of the two MC's Web seemed more interesting, maybe because of his past? But both of them were easy to like. The story is angst-free, not too slow, but not too fast either. It feels completed - we get only about three days with our protagonists, a small pieces of their lives, thoughts and emotions, but still it seems enough.
Summarizing: I'm happy with this read, I liked the book, the writing, and the characters. For sure I'm going to check more of Lester's books.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reading to Stay Awake · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read one of AL Lester's books I can't help but believe they must have the most gentle spirit within them. As the Crows Fly, and Playing Chicken before it in this series of Celtic Myths retold, are such beautiful, gentle tales of love between people. In these books they are written about men but actually you could swap the genders out for whatever you wanted and the books would still work.

Crows are front and center in this story, along side just two human characters, Mother Nature, a broken down car, charcoal drawings, a dodgy hip, cups of tea by the fire and just one night.

A great novella to read wrapped in a blanket, with your own cup of tea. It carries you through the pages, never rushing the reader faster than their own pace. I found myself smiling all the way through it. I just made my heart happy as I read it.

I totally loved this book and recommend you add it to your Kindle library today xx

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex-soldier Web meets veterinarian Kevin on the beach after his car dies, and ends up sheltering with him in his isolated little cottage to escape a storm. Their initial time together is brief, but powerful. Kevin and Web have something deeper than chemistry-- a connection that links them emotionally almost from first sight. I loved the ambiance of this story: the cozy homeliness of the cottage vs. the powerful nature outside (a more than apt metaphor, really for Web's search for purpose and place). I also love how Kevin prizes his solitude but makes his own community out of cats and a murder of crows. The ringleader, Grackle, is my favorite character and his interactions with Kevin absolutely stole the show. Seeing Web’s easy acceptance of and immersion within the world Kevin has built is rewarding, as is the HEA hinted at in the final chapter.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ru · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, the second story in the unconnected Celtic myths series, is another beautifully hopeful and low angst story. A chance meeting that leads to a gentle flirtation between the two characters, and provides a heartwarming sense of hope.

Despite the shortness of the story, the characters are well created, given a depth and background that is intriguing and attractive, and the story builds gently on their attraction to each other to deepen their feelings and call to the possibilities of the future.

This story left me very content, I loved the feelings of hope that it finished with, and the strong sense of place that ran throughout. A thoroughly feelgood tale.

*I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest review*

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle atmospheric interpretation of a Celtic myth by A.L. Lester. The wild setting and all-important crows were so well depicted as were the main characters, making the central romance very convincing. Full of warmth and observation, this is a gorgeous romantic story.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting short story involving crows, one friendly one in particular, strangers meeting on a dark and stormy evening, an old car giving up the ghost, and a gorgeous old stone cottage perched just above the shore. This author always knows how to give us a lovely, warm read.

[A. L. Lester]

As the Crows Fly is out today! If you want a short, low-heat, contemporary gay romance set in Wales, based on the myth of St Kevin the patron saint of crows, may I bring it to your attention?

[Lillian Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous short story.

Less than an hour's read but so satisfying. The coastline and weather lent an atmospheric quality that was only enhanced by the murder of crows.

[Maryann Kafka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin Davies is a young man, that seems to have his life together. He has his own cottage on a beautiful strip of beach. He loves to draw and made the right decision for a career as a veterinary nurse. He also has a way with Grackle and the Murder. But his life is a lonely one.

Paul Webster served twenty-two years in the military, an accident left him with a bad hip and retirement. Not being able to settle, he’s made a plan to try and find himself even at the age of thirty-nine.

When Kevin’s old, temperamental car breaks down, he meets a stranger on the roadside. As it’s getting later and they start to walk, Kevin finds that Web is planning to wild-camp on his property. Not a problem for Kevin, he just hopes Web cleans up after himself.

The next morning, Web sees Kevin and watches him with Grackle and the Murder. It’s quite amazing what he sees. Kevin invites Web in for breakfast and they begin to share information. Kevin can’t let Web leave as there’s a storm coming and invites Web to stay with him. Again, Web is taken with Kevin when he sees his artistic talent.

When the storm has passed, Web has to make a decision, will he take the easy out or continue on his journey?

A.L. Lester brings another Celtic Myth to life with her own special twist.
This is a short, feel good tale. Lester writes her characters in such a way that they are interesting and likable enough to keep me curious. Her description of the cottage, storm and beautiful landscape is very vivid and colorful. The writing is perfect, using the language, words and phrases of Welsh.

The first short story in the “Celtic Myth” tales is “Playing Chicken”, at the time of publication it was not part of this series. I really like these short stories, they provide a relaxing break from reading many longer novels. At the end of the story A.L. Lester provides both Celtic Myths that gave her the idea for these wonderful, easy read tales. I’m curious to see what the next “Celtic Myth” will be!

[Anabela.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never thought about looking into lore associated with crows before reading this story, and it wasn't even the first time A.L. Lester opened my eyes to something new and fascinating. I found it funny that in this story crows were like pets to Kevin, and, in a certain way, his guardians. Grackle, in particular, was a riot, something close to a third main characters and Kevin's best friend.

The friendly murder of crows is one of the reasons this story is amazing. The author's storytelling was so rich that I could almost smell the salty sea air and feel the rumbling of the storm surrounding Kevin's small house. As for the protagonists, Paul and Kevin, they were so well written that I feel like really knowing them. They've spent just a few days together, but their connection was strong and sweet. It seemed like they met at the right place but the wrong time, at least for Paul, and I found brilliant how I was kept guessing about their future together until the last pages.

Short, yes, but not simple, this story was moving, surprising and captivated me with its characters. Delightful and absolutely recommended.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Kevin has car trouble after stopping at the beach after a tough day he meets Web, who is on a walk about after the end of his military career. Kevin has to leave the car and Web invites him to walk with him as Web is looking for a place on the beach to camp for a few days before continuing his walk about. Kevin invites him to pitch his tent on his property. Both men notice one another. There is definitely attraction and while Web is there a storm whips up and he stays a few days with Kevin. They know that there is something there but Web needs some space which Kevin is willing to give him so he waits while Web continues his walk about. He does return. Kevin was such a good guy and the story is so positive in so many ways it was a pleasure to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiago Kietzmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

"As the Crows Fly" is a beautifully written book with a heartwarming storyline that left me feeling deeply moved. The characters are so well-crafted that they feel like real people, and I was quickly drawn into their world. The author does a wonderful job of describing the environment, making it easy to visualize each scene.

What I loved most about this book was the touching gay romance between the two main characters. It was refreshing to read a love story that didn't rely on violence, homophobia, or pornographic scenes to make it interesting. Instead, the author focuses on the genuine emotions and experiences of two people falling in love.

Overall, "As the Crows Fly" is a beautiful and touching gay romance that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a well-written love story.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Crows Fly by A.L. Lester was an enjoyable read. As someone unfamiliar with Celtic myths, I’ve found the author’s reworked myths very entertaining. It helps that in this story there are lots of animals and in particular one very intelligent crow with the name of an American bird. I especially liked that Kevin, who I did not know was named for a saint, went his own way, leaving behind human nursing to follow veterinary nursing and was an artist as well. While he has an ordered life, he makes room for the stranger he meets at the shore. As a disabled veteran myself, I found Web a sympathetic character and knew he would make his way back to Kevin.

[Danial · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable short story. A great read.

This is a short story told from two points of views. A large portion of the story happens over 1 day & night at Kevin's home. What I enjoyed was that the story was not rushed. The pair realised their attraction to each other but they did not magically fall in love on the same day. The story flow was interesting. I loved the head crow!!!

In short, this was an enjoyable short story and I would certainly recommend it to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jupiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was sweet :D. A pretty relaxing read following Kevin, a veterinary nurse, and Webster, a former Army mechanic who's spending a month hiking and ends up spending a weekend at Kevin's cottage during a bad storm. It's closed door, but the interactions between the two are very soft and sweet, without being sappy, and Lester's prose draws you in so you feel like you're seeing the cozy cottage and the storm lashing the windows. It's not too fast-paced despite the length, but doesn't feel slow; it's a very cozy, comforting read, perfect for reading with a cup of tea.

[Emma Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely, gentle, story, full of crows, including one, Grackle, who is the companion of Kevin, one of the 2 main characters. Kevin is an artist, trained as a nurse, but more interested in animals, and the crows that live round his cottage. A stranger passing through, an ex-soldier recovering from a hip injury, takes shelter from a storm, and their growing friendship develops quietly as the storm becomes heavier. The result is touching and promising for both of them.

[Justine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Crows Fly is a sweet short story about Kevin and Web, two strangers passing in the night. I love Kevin's interactions with Grackle, a crow who's more of a pet than wild animal. Though Kevin would rather be alone in his cottage with the animals, he invites Web in to find shelter from the storm. This is such an enjoyable lovely story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful and emotional story. The author packed quite a punch within a short story! Kevin is a young veterinarian nurse living on the coast, in an isolated little cabin. He's lonely but has the crows to keep him company. Web is a veteran ex-soldier who he meets when his automobile breaks down. He ends up sheltering with Kevin when a storm rolls in. Excellent short story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short and sweet, no extraneous prose and clear cut imagery. Very simply, Kevin has had a rough day at work, so he goes to the beach near his home... then his car dies just as the dusk is setting. There, he meets Webster who's hiking and camping off the land. Kevin offers him some camping space near his cottage, which turns to shelter inside the cottage as the storm worsens, and then a spark of romance blooms.

[Audrey Pott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful short read, words flowed, fell in love with Grackle, you could feel the chemistry between Paul and Kevin not that anything happened and loved the ending. Heartwarmingly sweet.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.

[deborah lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was charming and romantic, just the way real life should be. Who doesn’t want a mysterious stranger showing up and knocking their socks off? And a familiar that understands everything? And a flock of crow protectors? A perfect fairy tale for a long, cold night.

[Arllau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful sweet story of finding love. The story was perfect on its own. I love the authors style of writing. Her descriptive way of using words brings you right into the story.

I received this as an Advanced Readers Copy.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet lovestory between Web, an ex-military trying to find where he belongs and a veterinary nurse, Kevin, who gives Web a chance to make a home. I enjoyed the short story and would like to see how their story turns out.

[Bendigeidfran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle love story between a lonely veterinary nurse and a vet(soldier) who is taking stock of his life after leaving the army. Very atmospheric set on the West Wales coast and including a murder of crows. very enjoyable.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, satisfying, a lot packed in there but well.

[Walford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely. Feels complete in spite of the length. Not much happens; it's really about the atmosphere.
Definitely want more by this author.

[RjS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect short story. Loved it. No angst but so much feeling packed in. The human characters were interesting and portrayed well - and so was Grackle! ❤️