BARSTOWE: A Life with Aaron:
This is the second book I have read by M H Sebastian. Once again, we follow the lives of two central protagonists through the twists and turns of their lives. Once again, these characters are believable. I admit to being slightly confused by some of the technical references within the story but that aside, once again, the story itself is a thoroughly enjoyable one with some unexpected twists which kept me turning the pages. Characters are fully developed (in more ways than one!) and once again the sex is there in spades without overpowering the story. M H Sebastian certainly knows how to tell a good yarn and I look forward to the next story from his pen! - Alan H., Liverpool, England
“What a great love story! I couldn’t put it down. Usually read through (a book) in about 3-5 days. And just so you know, parts of it made me cry.” - JoAnn S., Ardmore, OK
“This is a raw and edgy novel, yet still remains tender and loving. This author evokes a diverse amount of emotion within the reader. I'm so excited to read the next story and anxiously awaiting its release. Until then, I'm going to get a copy of the author’s second book titled Damaged Goods. Pick this up, and you'll love it!” - Amazon Customer, Oklahoma City, OK
“The authors manages to tell a great story about life, love and tragedy all at the same time. There's never a dull moment in the lives of the two main characters in the book. In reading it, you can feel their hurt, their pain and their passion. And the end provides a nice surprise, well actually two surprises, as the last line preps you to watch for the sequel and provides the title so you can watch out for its release - genius!!!” - Bryce M., London, England
Oh my gosh! What an amazing story! I laughed, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed the plot twists and turns! You are a phenomenal storyteller and author. - Johnny A., McDonough, GA
Aaron and Doug are two Princes Charming who were destined to be with each other. After a chance meeting and whirlwind romance, Aaron and Doug are married. They have so much in common, and yet are very different. The question is this. Once their differences come to light, can their love survive? As the author expertly leads his readers through the development of Aaron and Doug's relationship, he brings them through a series of unexpected events that could potentially change their lives forever. BARSTOWE: A Life with Aaron is a sweet story of love shared by two young men who become totally devoted to each other. As would be expected, Aaron and Doug share frequent, intimate expressions of their love. The author skillfully and tastefully describes these tender moments without relying on graphic erotica to hold the reader's interest. The story ends leaving the reader wanting to know what happens to Aaron and Doug as they continue their lives together. - Amazon review Ron H., Jacksonville, FL
If anyone believes in fairy tales, this book is one. Doug n Aaron's love withstood every bad thing that life threw at them. They never falter. They were proud of who they were and showed it. I truly enjoyed this book. - Amazon review, Allen F., Sissonville, WV
I'm a big reader though I really hadn't owned many gay romance stories until I came across M. H. Sebastian's work. I started with this one, “Barstowe” and I'm already on the next one. I chose this one because I REALLY needed a good love story, mainly because there's none in MY life, LOL. Although this one comes with a few twists involving Aaron's life. Romantic but a bit edgy as well. I won't reveal any more than the description does on the product page. I rarely put books down for any length of time and try to read them straight through and this was no exception. The author has several books in print, I'm almost done with “Damaged Goods” now, will review that later on, but I feel that “Barstowe” is an excellent starting point for his works! Especially if you lean towards the romantic side of romance novels. An easy 5 stars from me! - Amazon Review, David Harris
DAMAGED GOODS:
Fantastic Book. Set in the 80's, Damaged Goods, involves a timeless love story between two men set against the backdrop of the HIV/AIDS crisis. The book takes the reader on a roller coaster ride through sweet and tender love through some really disturbing rough times and back again. For this authors second novel (after BARSTOWE) Michael Sebastian seems talented and diverse in his ability to tell a great story. I can't wait for the follow-up to BARSTOWE to be release. After a little research, I found the author’s website at www.mhsebastian.com. Check it out! - Bryce M., London, England
Great Book… - Ken S., Emailed Comment
I’m loving “Damaged Goods.” You definitely have a way with storytelling and I like the fact that your characters are not one dimensional. Well done (not finished yet). (2nd email): Finished the book. A great story. Having lost several friends to AIDS myself, I like the sympathetic way in which the characters were treated and loved the plotline twists which gave the denouement (the final part of the book in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved) even more poignancy. The flow of the story and the sex was brilliantly described although more detail of the character’s bodies would have been good but hey, that’s what imagination is all about I guess. All in all a very enjoyable read. - Alan H., Liverpool, England
My God, thank you, thank you, thank you, and by the way did I get to thank you for sharing this book. I cried and cried all through the book at the love and tragedies that happened. I could see my own struggles and life in many aspects of this book. I did not want what was to happen in the last chapter. I absolutely wanted to see them raise Jace. I am so heartbroken. I am sure this story is as true as it can be. I loved each character in different ways and loved the love throughout this book. Was it rough around the edges and raunchy at times, yes, but it was real. This book took you places inside your soul that you keep precious care of. I already have shared this book with my man. The title is something I have always called myself to my straight allies. Again, thank you for sharing. Truly, I am not a book reader but when I do get a book that keeps me inside of the story line, it speaks to me the whole way through. Damn it, I absolutely hated this story to end this way. I came to love the characters as much as I love being who I am today. I cannot tell you how much this book impacted me. I could not get those characters out of my mind for many days beyond. - Gregg R., Butler, PA
This was a tremendously delightful and (emotionally) hard to read book. The story plot is well developed and often edge-of-the-seat intense. Loved it. Laughed, cried a lot and just thoroughly immersed myself into the story. GREAT JOB! Thanks for letting me read as a Beta-Reader. - Johnny A., McDonough, GA
Damaged Goods is about Jason and Toby’s coming of age. The story begins with Jason transitioning from the world of a typical high school boy to the world of a college man living away from home for the first time. Toby is a sophomore who has settled into college life and is concentrating on achieving his goals. Both are attending college on full football scholarships. Like many coming of age stories, Damaged Goods has a plethora of raging hormones, promiscuity, and frequent sexual situations. As time goes by, Jason and Toby become introspective and must come to terms with and accept each other’s sexual identity. However, Damaged Goods is more than a typical coming of age story. Damaged Goods is a story of unpredictable love and hate, acceptance and rejection, violence and tenderness, promises made and promises questioned, hopes fulfilled and hopes dashed. Jason and Toby experience the highs and lows of college life in totally unexpected ways as the author skillfully leads them to adulthood. The reader is guaranteed to ride an emotional rollercoaster and question his or her own ideas about love conquering all. - Amazon review, Ron H., Jacksonville, FL
This book is so true to life. It's so emotional from beginning to end. A true love story filled with love, compassion and acceptance along with some hatred. It will tear at your heart string for sure. I truly loved it. - Amazon review, Allen F., Sissonville, WV
Well written. It took me to places of my past. At times I couldn't put the book down and others times I had to put it down because it made me cry tears of sorrow or tears of joy. The ending hurt, but it was because of all the memories it brought back. This is the second book I have read of his and I can't wait to read the next. He takes you to places that relate to you personally. - Amazon Review, James D. Hawkins-Durgin
An enjoyable read. It had enough plot to keep me interested and turning the page. It was very realistic for a certain period in time and a lot is still relevant today. - Amazon review, Marty S., Tulsa, OK
SERVICE – Open in the Navy:
I ran across this book after a friend recommended it and so glad I did. The two main characters have what feels like a naturally traditional relationship even though they are gay. Dylan takes care of Tanner and makes you want to fall in love with him from afar; though falling for Tanner is equally enticing. The two guys have the kind of chemistry that draws you right in to the story which takes you on a journey of discovery, self-truth, genuine love and, in the face of all that, some potentially career busting homophobia for one of them. The story shows you two things - what is has been like in the military for gay men and, at the same time, what it could be. It's slowly getting there in the real world. Well done!!! I'll definitely continue reading more of Sebastian's work. This author is going places! - Amazon review, Bryce M., London, England
Not a big reader, but really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended well worth reading. - Amazon Customer
SERVICE is the compelling story about Dylan Jensen and Tanner Eriksson, two men who couldn't be more different and yet so much alike. Dylan is a highly regarded naval officer who has dedicated his life to serving and protecting the nation through his role as a top ranking intelligence officer. After the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, Dylan was free to openly share his relationship with another man, but the relationship came to an end when Dylan was transferred to an out of state naval station. Tanner is a pharmacy technician with no responsibilities to anyone but himself. He loves his job, the people he works with, and his free and easy lifestyle. Dylan and Tanner meet one Friday evening at a gay bar. When Dylan walked through the door and spotted Tanner, it was love at first sight, and their new relationship quickly matured. Dylan's career as a naval intelligence officer was tested when he was put under the command of a homophobic superior officer. Would Dylan have to choose between his career and the man he loves? To the hopeless romantic the answer is clear, but reality dictates that life isn't always that simple. The hopeless romantic would say love conquers all, and Dylan and Tanner lived happily ever after. However, reality dictates that love doesn't always conquer all. - Amazon review, Ron H., Jacksonville, FL
Very interesting lovely story. I enjoy gay novels and this was one of the nicer ones. I crave a Dylan for myself now! - Amazon review, Philly fan
I loved this book. Compelling storyline with fun characters. I heard about this book from a friend and figured why not. I'll be reading more of this author's work. - Amazon review, Sanzo
I read it and it gave me quite a thrill. I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to another read by this author. - Amazon review, Matt W.
Great read! - Amazon review, Christina
I really enjoyed this book. It captured my attention from the beginning to the end, Dylan and Tanner’s love was so inspiring. I got drawn into their life. I felt like I was right there with them along beside them. I usually read horror books but after reading this book I found a new interests Gay Romance novels. - amazon review, Allen F., Sissonville, WV
What a great read. I look forward to reading many more of his books. The book took me in making me feel like I was right there in the story. - amazon review, James H., Yarmouth MN
I read this entire book in one sitting. Enjoyed every page and brought back many memories I’ve been lucky to have had. Can’t wait for more! Keep them coming!! Ten stars. - Wayne Porter, Portland, MN