Fallen by Pia Veleno is a homoerotic paranormal story.

Angels are beautiful, graceful creatures made to fulfill God's plan without question. On occasion, angels fall from grace and are cast out of heaven to hell. Angels are also sent to Earth to guard and protect individual humans. One angel, Mal, is sent on a mission and to his luck the first person he sees is his charge, Bran Weller. Mal is struck by Bran's beauty, inside and out, but also by the sadness in his eyes. Bran is concerned that he hurt Mal when he appeared in front of his car. Mal refuses to go to the hospital and they end up going to get something to eat. Mal sees the world with childlike wonder bringing laughter and light into Bran's eyes. Bran sees Mal looking at two men kissing and he talks to Mal about his belief that God loves everyone without regard to their sexuality. Mal has always followed heaven and the Church's beliefs, but he begins to question them and wonder about his growing feelings for Brain. Will Mal's inner conflicts be resolved in time to save Brian? Will Brian and Mal's love be strong enough to overcome to difficulties ahead?

Fallen is an interesting story about one angel's struggle to understand the truth that is very different than what he has always taught. Mal never questioned authority just like most people, but sometimes the only way to find happiness is to look beyond your normal existence and be strong enough to fight for what you desire. It was beautiful to read how Mal grew from blind acceptance in the search for his own truth. Bran's heartfelt belief that God is perfect, but the church leaders are imperfect humans strikes a cord with this reader. If people would seek the truth for themselves just like Mal did the world would be a better place.

Reviewed by: Teresa