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Sebastian's Journal
A wealthy playboy living a hedonistic lifestyle, Sebastian Canning never wanted to settle down with one man.The moment he lays eyes on Nathan, a homeless young man with a secret past he has hidden from for years, Sebastian is captivated by the beautiful teenager.Having escaped his abusive home, Nathan has made his life on the streets, selling himself to live. When he hits rock bottom, he turns to the only person who might be able to help Sebastian.As Sebastian devotes himself to Nathan’s recovery, he falls deeper and deeper in love with the young man. But Sebastian’s father is determined to separate his son from the man he loves at all costs.
206 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2014
58 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Eden Elsworth
27 books26 followersBorn and bred in Dorset, England, Eden Elsworth lives and works with her fiancé and fellow author, Jack Silince, their teenage son, and two mad cats.
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November 14, 2018I am halfway through and I find it hard to continue. I don't want to DNF this book. The writing is really nice, I love secondary characters, I like the British slang very much. I have hard time believing in Sebastian and Nathan's relationship and keep wondering what if Sebastian was just a regular guy without all the resources available to him? Would Nathan even look at him? It all started with money and a cute face. I can't stop but think that Nathan's quick love is a little far-fetched (dependency level and his apathy) and Sebastian's complete turn around in attitude is a little incredible. I will put this on hold. I will get back to it later and hope I will be able to get into the feelings that author is trying to project through her characters. We'll see.
July 14, 2014
Sebastian and Nathan's story is an interesting and heartwarming story of a rich arrogant man that learns there's more to life than money and fine clothes.
Sebastian is rich and helps Nathan, not expecting to fall for him. You could say it's a Cinderella story, but this book deals with lots of dark issues including child abuse, rape, homelessness and prostituion. Don't let that put you off though, it is a wonderful story of two people turning their life around.
Sebastian, did I like him to begin with - no, but when he found Nathan something came alive in him and yes having disposable money made it easy for him to do what was necessary.
Nathan, poor bloke broken, mistreated, abused.....well messed up. What I liked is his problems weren't papered over, they were met head on. I loved watching him blossom.
I have to mention Fen, Sebs sister, she was great a real trouper/mother hen not the spoilt brat I thought she'd be when she first showed up.
The sexual situations are detailed enough to make it a sexy read but due to the other issues dealt by the book they are done in a sensitive way.
This is the first time I've read this authors work and would recommend others give this gay romance a try. I will definitely be reading more.
4.5 star read
Sebastian is rich and helps Nathan, not expecting to fall for him. You could say it's a Cinderella story, but this book deals with lots of dark issues including child abuse, rape, homelessness and prostituion. Don't let that put you off though, it is a wonderful story of two people turning their life around.
Sebastian, did I like him to begin with - no, but when he found Nathan something came alive in him and yes having disposable money made it easy for him to do what was necessary.
Nathan, poor bloke broken, mistreated, abused.....well messed up. What I liked is his problems weren't papered over, they were met head on. I loved watching him blossom.
I have to mention Fen, Sebs sister, she was great a real trouper/mother hen not the spoilt brat I thought she'd be when she first showed up.
The sexual situations are detailed enough to make it a sexy read but due to the other issues dealt by the book they are done in a sensitive way.
This is the first time I've read this authors work and would recommend others give this gay romance a try. I will definitely be reading more.
4.5 star read
August 5, 2017
I'm giving up at 70%.
The writing is beautiful and the MCs are my favorite kind (loving and affectionate), but the story...ridiculous.
I cannot enjoy a hurt comfort story where sex is the constant comfort solution for a recently gang raped victim.
The writing is beautiful and the MCs are my favorite kind (loving and affectionate), but the story...ridiculous.
I cannot enjoy a hurt comfort story where sex is the constant comfort solution for a recently gang raped victim.
October 10, 2016
I was thinking between one and two stars - because I did finish this book, I don't even know why, I guess I was in a self-punishing mode. But then two stars might make someone think this book is worth trying, and it really isn't.
It is not a book. It is a gratuitous comfort fantasy. Like, you know, there is porn porn. Or torture porn. Or whatever. This is - comfort porn. No plot to speak of, no characterization, no conflict - just endless scenes of comfort showered by the main character (first person p.o.v.) onto the living doll - a beautiful, abused, malnourished, traumatized, scarred, frightened - and did I mention beautiful - street kid. The MC sees him and falls in love immediately. Takes him in. Feeds him. Dresses him up. Gives him medical treatment. Reads to him. Cuddles with him. Educates him. Surrounds him with TLC. Gets into charity for him. There is sex there but it is also about comfort.
The main character doesn't make any sense at all. He introduces himself as a cynical, cold-blooded bastard, but all we can see is him being the most giving, kind and... smarmy man in the world. The street kid behaves... yeah, like a perfect puppet that won't ruin the fantasy with any outbreaks of characters.
I love comfort. I really do. I can even see the appeal of the fantasy like that. I just don't think it should be called a book.
It is not a book. It is a gratuitous comfort fantasy. Like, you know, there is porn porn. Or torture porn. Or whatever. This is - comfort porn. No plot to speak of, no characterization, no conflict - just endless scenes of comfort showered by the main character (first person p.o.v.) onto the living doll - a beautiful, abused, malnourished, traumatized, scarred, frightened - and did I mention beautiful - street kid. The MC sees him and falls in love immediately. Takes him in. Feeds him. Dresses him up. Gives him medical treatment. Reads to him. Cuddles with him. Educates him. Surrounds him with TLC. Gets into charity for him. There is sex there but it is also about comfort.
The main character doesn't make any sense at all. He introduces himself as a cynical, cold-blooded bastard, but all we can see is him being the most giving, kind and... smarmy man in the world. The street kid behaves... yeah, like a perfect puppet that won't ruin the fantasy with any outbreaks of characters.
I love comfort. I really do. I can even see the appeal of the fantasy like that. I just don't think it should be called a book.
November 7, 2014
1.5* rounded up because it's well-edited mostly. Else a Cinderfella-story with little realism.
June 22, 2016
A good friend got me onto this and i'm so glad she did....This is the first book by this author and I really loved it...Sebastian isn't shy in saying what kind of man he is but as soon as he sets his eyes on Nathan he's a changed man......Nathan has been on the streets since he was 12 and he's now 19....He's had a very rough time and when we find out why he left home I just wanted to cry....He's been abused and even after meeting Sebastian the first time he goes through even worse.....When Sebastian rescues him a second time their relationship starts but Nathan needs to heel.....from the abuse from his step-father and from 7 men who thought they could take what they wanted...They nearly destroyed him but Seb brought him back and gave him his life back......I think Seb needs Nathan though as much as Nathan needs Seb....Their relationship was amazingly written.....the friends they made were loving and the way Seb looked after Nathan was amazing......Seb's father was a monster in how he treated and spoke to Seb and Nathan although Seb quickly sorted him out.....and Nathan's step-father......let's just say he got what he deserved......At the end we get a chapter written from Nathan's point of view...filling in a few details...That was ahard to read....It really will break your heart but it's needed to let us know that Nathan did and does truly love Seb...An amazing book and well worthy of 5 stars x
April 18, 2016
It started with an asshole dominant who bottoms for nobody. No strings no emotions Ha!!
Great... it only can get worse you should think. But o noooo.
It turns out the opposite.
When Sebastian meets Nathan a boy with an angelic face and beautiful eyes, his world turns around. I mean 'completely.turns.around'
What he does and how he act to Nathan from deep in his heart is magic.
He is mesmerized by Nathan.
The boy lives on the street from his 12th year, his past shows in his body language and hunted eyes.
"I would crawl naked over a mile of broken glass to see again the smile he gave me then. It was blindingly beautiful, utterly stunning. All the air left my lungs in a rush, until I felt a little dizzy. A smile like that could light an entire city"
Sebastian falls deeply deeply in love.
A love so unconditional it is almost to much. But for me it is not.
He really helps in a considerable way, very very focused, and alway thoughtful and with the best for Nathan in his mind.
He gives Nathan exactly what he needs, love and devotion. And in return he gets heaven.
Great... it only can get worse you should think. But o noooo.
It turns out the opposite.
When Sebastian meets Nathan a boy with an angelic face and beautiful eyes, his world turns around. I mean 'completely.turns.around'
What he does and how he act to Nathan from deep in his heart is magic.
He is mesmerized by Nathan.
The boy lives on the street from his 12th year, his past shows in his body language and hunted eyes.
"I would crawl naked over a mile of broken glass to see again the smile he gave me then. It was blindingly beautiful, utterly stunning. All the air left my lungs in a rush, until I felt a little dizzy. A smile like that could light an entire city"
Sebastian falls deeply deeply in love.
A love so unconditional it is almost to much. But for me it is not.
He really helps in a considerable way, very very focused, and alway thoughtful and with the best for Nathan in his mind.
He gives Nathan exactly what he needs, love and devotion. And in return he gets heaven.
July 19, 2014
very British. Sebastion is the spoiled son of an English Lord who encounters Nathan, a young homeless man. It's infatuation at first glance for Sebastion but Nathan leaves and Sebastion doesn't see him again for a couple months, during which time Nathan has been terribly abused and his spirit is nearly broken. When they meet again, Sebastion devotes himself completely to Nathan's recovery and finds a purpose for his life. This is set in modern times and touches on several dark subjects with some surprise twists along the way. I did believe in Sebastion's growth. Though he was still spoiled, manipulative and vengeful when he felt wronged or someone wronged Nathan, he was devoted to Nathan and I believed in their love for each other.
November 7, 2014
Overly sweet, sickly and totally improbable. Once I started skimming through the sex scenes there was very little else left. The reality of abuse (at the level described in the story) is such that I simply couldn't take this seriously.
This could have been a dark, gritty and potentially wonderful story, showing the real consequences of abuse and the struggle to recover. As it was, it was m/m candyfloss with little substance and a rather unsatisfying aftertaste.
This could have been a dark, gritty and potentially wonderful story, showing the real consequences of abuse and the struggle to recover. As it was, it was m/m candyfloss with little substance and a rather unsatisfying aftertaste.
June 29, 2015
Nope. The writing was technically not bad (meaning grammar, punctuation, vocabulary etc.).
I didn't like the story itself.
It was a bit of a very dramatic cinder-fella, where the fella turns out to be a rich under-cover prince as well.
Why I found it mostly disgusting was the way the relationship was construed.
Nathan was a beautiful and vulnerable victim - no strength, no personality, no resistance. He was simply a victim. Having been abused since he was five.
And Sebastian, the rich and confident asshole, who falls for the damsel in distress immediately.
They have sexual relations pretty much right from the start. Which I find hard to swallow.
And here the perfect quote to illustrate how Sebastian sees his "partner":
"He was a stray, a traumatised puppy, in need of a caring hand".
I didn't like the story itself.
It was a bit of a very dramatic cinder-fella, where the fella turns out to be a rich under-cover prince as well.
Why I found it mostly disgusting was the way the relationship was construed.
Nathan was a beautiful and vulnerable victim - no strength, no personality, no resistance. He was simply a victim. Having been abused since he was five.
And Sebastian, the rich and confident asshole, who falls for the damsel in distress immediately.
They have sexual relations pretty much right from the start. Which I find hard to swallow.
And here the perfect quote to illustrate how Sebastian sees his "partner":
"He was a stray, a traumatised puppy, in need of a caring hand".
October 30, 2014
Free books are sometimes hit or miss for me...and this book fell pretty much in the hit category with just a few small flaws.
It was a pretty horrendous and depressing story of Nathan, an abused little boy who runs away from his miserable circumstances when he is a teenager, lives by his wits (and body) on the streets until he meets the wealthy Sebastian, and has a life changing experience. It is really life altering for both of them...the selfish and rich Seb who has everything from the nice clothes, good food and beautiful apartment to the street kid Nathan who is starving, cold and lonely.
I loved the messages in this book as well as the beautiful and tender love story presented with these two young men...it was not your typical M/F or even your usual M/M smutfest but rather a sensual and very loving romance and went way deeper emotionally than just sex. Healing and forgiveness as well as strength to survive with what harshness life may throw at us was presented tastefully and realistically.
A few over-the-top moments and slight lack of believability in parts lost a half star but for the most part I would recommend this one to all romance readers and especially those who love a good M/M love story.
***** 4.5 ***** "love of a good man will conquer all obstacles" stars
It was a pretty horrendous and depressing story of Nathan, an abused little boy who runs away from his miserable circumstances when he is a teenager, lives by his wits (and body) on the streets until he meets the wealthy Sebastian, and has a life changing experience. It is really life altering for both of them...the selfish and rich Seb who has everything from the nice clothes, good food and beautiful apartment to the street kid Nathan who is starving, cold and lonely.
I loved the messages in this book as well as the beautiful and tender love story presented with these two young men...it was not your typical M/F or even your usual M/M smutfest but rather a sensual and very loving romance and went way deeper emotionally than just sex. Healing and forgiveness as well as strength to survive with what harshness life may throw at us was presented tastefully and realistically.
A few over-the-top moments and slight lack of believability in parts lost a half star but for the most part I would recommend this one to all romance readers and especially those who love a good M/M love story.
***** 4.5 ***** "love of a good man will conquer all obstacles" stars
May 27, 2016
Where's the 10+++ star rating ??
Seriously this book is THAT AMAZING !!
This is the first book i've read by this author and i can't remember if this was recommended to me or if i bought just because it sounded like my kind of read, but whatever, i'm so glad i did !!
This story tackles a VERY serious issue; Homelessness, and tells you what lengths some have to go to in the fight for survival as well as telling 1 of the many reasons homelessness occurs.
Yes, this is told from Sebastian's pov, it is after all his journal, and the way in which it's written it is like he's sat in the room talking to you, telling you how he met Nathan and the things which haunt Nathan too. It shows you how Sebastian turns his life around, going from a self confessed asshole who think the world owes him everything, to a caring person wanting to give everything to the world.
This really was such an amazing yet heartbreaking story which had me crying so many times and the things Nathan went through. I'm so glad that this author wrote this book, and the message at the end of the book was a perfect way to end the book but also raise awareness of the homelessness issue.
Absolutely loved it !!!
Seriously this book is THAT AMAZING !!
This is the first book i've read by this author and i can't remember if this was recommended to me or if i bought just because it sounded like my kind of read, but whatever, i'm so glad i did !!
This story tackles a VERY serious issue; Homelessness, and tells you what lengths some have to go to in the fight for survival as well as telling 1 of the many reasons homelessness occurs.
Yes, this is told from Sebastian's pov, it is after all his journal, and the way in which it's written it is like he's sat in the room talking to you, telling you how he met Nathan and the things which haunt Nathan too. It shows you how Sebastian turns his life around, going from a self confessed asshole who think the world owes him everything, to a caring person wanting to give everything to the world.
This really was such an amazing yet heartbreaking story which had me crying so many times and the things Nathan went through. I'm so glad that this author wrote this book, and the message at the end of the book was a perfect way to end the book but also raise awareness of the homelessness issue.
Absolutely loved it !!!
Want to read
October 30, 2014FREE ON AMAZON right now
http://www.amazon.com/Sebastians-Jour...
August 20, 2020
I can't say that the background to the story of a enormously wealthy and privileged yuppie suddenly having a conversion to caring and decency was entirely convincing, but I still found the events to be moving and unexpectedly thought provoking. In reading this, I found myself questionning my own attitudes to issues like homelessness and how some people may end up in appalling circumstances through no fault of their own. Maybe my own conscience is not as liberal as I like to think. This apart, the story is one of redemption through love and openness. Quite impressive for what I had expected to be a run of the mill M/M romance.
January 14, 2018
Erotically-charged but has a great story. I loved how the characters overcame their personal challenges and weaknesses. For Sebastian, his transformation from being arrogant and self-centered and for Nathan, his healing from years of abuse and trauma.
March 6, 2015
First a couple of warnings I think may be needed. This book may have trigger issues for some. There is rape, child abuse and sexual molestation with some not enjoyable details given. I also believe this is a story that people will either hate or love. I personally enjoyed the book when I first read it last year. But I have heard and read from others who hated it.
I think an important thing to remember is this is an M/M erotic romance, so leave some of the expectations for realism at the door when starting this.
This book is the journal of Sebastian Canning. He is wealthy, spoiled, self-centered, and pretty much a bastard. This is something he freely admits about himself from the start. When he wants sex he picks up someone from a club. It’s all about his satisfaction and he could care less about the men he picks up. He has never looked for someone to settle down with. But something happens that changes his whole life and outlook. He meets Nathan.
Nathan at their first meeting is unwashed and dirty, but still his beauty shines through. Nathan is spirited and feisty, with a will to live and survive. This draws Sebastian in even though he knows how Nathan makes a living selling his body and stealing when he must. Sebastian wants to keep him and take care of him. He convinces Nathan to come back to his place for food, shower, clothing, and promises him more money. Sebastian gives all he promised to Nathan, and as he walks out the door Sebastian also give him his business card and tells him to call him if he ever needs anything.
Sebastian does need see or hear from Nathan for three months. But he never forgot him. When Nathan finally contacts Sebastian it’s by way of the police after he has been picked up for theft. Sebastian covers for him and gives him an alibi and takes him home. That is when Sebastian starts to learn the true horrors Nathan has suffered through.
Nathan has finally been broken by a gang rape and left injured, leaving him stealing as the only option. Nathan has been on the streets since he was twelve years old and his story is heartbreaking. There are scars all over his body from the abuse he has been put through. Nathan is a very damaged young man and it started when he was only five years old.
What follows is a long road to recovery for Nathan and the complete devotion Sebastian has to Nathan. The two find a love together that is tender and sweet. Sebastian will do anything for Nathan and slay any dragon that gets in Nathan’s way. Along the way they collect a group of close-knit friends and professionals that help Nathan build himself back up and become a man who can return Sebastian’s love on equal footing.
The sex scenes between them are loving and gentle, with some downright steamy added in. Sebastian is determined to give and not take from Nathan. He wants nothing that reminds Nathan of his prior experiences. And I think he does that. Nathan becomes more confident as things go with Sebastian’s loving care. He also helps Nathan get his vindication from a few that hurt him.
So overall this story is at times heart wrenching and heartwarming, it can go the whole line of emotions. But overall it a story of how love can help heal even the most damaged individuals. So maybe not the most realistic of stories, but absolutely enjoyable in my opinion.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through https://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
I think an important thing to remember is this is an M/M erotic romance, so leave some of the expectations for realism at the door when starting this.
This book is the journal of Sebastian Canning. He is wealthy, spoiled, self-centered, and pretty much a bastard. This is something he freely admits about himself from the start. When he wants sex he picks up someone from a club. It’s all about his satisfaction and he could care less about the men he picks up. He has never looked for someone to settle down with. But something happens that changes his whole life and outlook. He meets Nathan.
Nathan at their first meeting is unwashed and dirty, but still his beauty shines through. Nathan is spirited and feisty, with a will to live and survive. This draws Sebastian in even though he knows how Nathan makes a living selling his body and stealing when he must. Sebastian wants to keep him and take care of him. He convinces Nathan to come back to his place for food, shower, clothing, and promises him more money. Sebastian gives all he promised to Nathan, and as he walks out the door Sebastian also give him his business card and tells him to call him if he ever needs anything.
Sebastian does need see or hear from Nathan for three months. But he never forgot him. When Nathan finally contacts Sebastian it’s by way of the police after he has been picked up for theft. Sebastian covers for him and gives him an alibi and takes him home. That is when Sebastian starts to learn the true horrors Nathan has suffered through.
Nathan has finally been broken by a gang rape and left injured, leaving him stealing as the only option. Nathan has been on the streets since he was twelve years old and his story is heartbreaking. There are scars all over his body from the abuse he has been put through. Nathan is a very damaged young man and it started when he was only five years old.
What follows is a long road to recovery for Nathan and the complete devotion Sebastian has to Nathan. The two find a love together that is tender and sweet. Sebastian will do anything for Nathan and slay any dragon that gets in Nathan’s way. Along the way they collect a group of close-knit friends and professionals that help Nathan build himself back up and become a man who can return Sebastian’s love on equal footing.
The sex scenes between them are loving and gentle, with some downright steamy added in. Sebastian is determined to give and not take from Nathan. He wants nothing that reminds Nathan of his prior experiences. And I think he does that. Nathan becomes more confident as things go with Sebastian’s loving care. He also helps Nathan get his vindication from a few that hurt him.
So overall this story is at times heart wrenching and heartwarming, it can go the whole line of emotions. But overall it a story of how love can help heal even the most damaged individuals. So maybe not the most realistic of stories, but absolutely enjoyable in my opinion.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through https://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
February 27, 2015
The book is a storied version of Sebastian Canning's Journal. Sebastian begins to keep track in a notebook about his initial encounter with Nathan, an obviously homeless boy and possible prostitute. He keeps a detailed accounting of each day and events of their encounters after he takes him into his home.
Nathan's story is heartbreaking. Abused as a child, ignored when he tried to report it, then homeless when he runs away, he sees his friend murdered, and then is forced to sell his body to survive. Sebastian, on the other hand, is a wealthy socialite who ruled all his life and the men in it (never more than a one-night stand). Nathan, without meaning to, flips a switch in Sebastian and he realizes that he wants to help Nathan in any way, shape or form.
WARNING: This book contains explicit talk on non-consensual sex acts and rape.
Their journey together is at times sad, loving, heart warming and heart wrenching. Along the way they take into their "family: Sebastian's sister, Fen, Nathan's therapist, his doctor, and Jeff, Sebastian's new lawyer.
Although I don't usually give books a 5 star rating when I will probably not read them again, I am for this one. It's an emotional read and worth the journey it takes you on.
Free from Amazon.
Nathan's story is heartbreaking. Abused as a child, ignored when he tried to report it, then homeless when he runs away, he sees his friend murdered, and then is forced to sell his body to survive. Sebastian, on the other hand, is a wealthy socialite who ruled all his life and the men in it (never more than a one-night stand). Nathan, without meaning to, flips a switch in Sebastian and he realizes that he wants to help Nathan in any way, shape or form.
WARNING: This book contains explicit talk on non-consensual sex acts and rape.
Their journey together is at times sad, loving, heart warming and heart wrenching. Along the way they take into their "family: Sebastian's sister, Fen, Nathan's therapist, his doctor, and Jeff, Sebastian's new lawyer.
Although I don't usually give books a 5 star rating when I will probably not read them again, I am for this one. It's an emotional read and worth the journey it takes you on.
Free from Amazon.
February 16, 2015
This is a story about redemption and healing. Overcoming horrendous experiences, having your vision of the world you live in altered, and finding the one person who you will love above all others.
It is about Seb, an arrogant and self involved rich guy, finding Nathan, a horribly abused young man, and their journey of saving each other, and falling in love. Seb's eyes are opened and he is forced to knowledge the shallow life he's lived. Nathan is removed from living on the streets, given the opportunity to heal and be loved...a second chance at life.
This is an intense and heart breaking story. Be aware that it involves descriptions of child molestation, gang rape, and prostitution...extremely hard living and abuse while living on the streets. It was descriptive, hard to read, and my heart ached for Nathan.
The only issues I might have were that, at times Seb seemed too good to be true, having almost a complete personality change upon meeting Nathan. As well the resolution of some situations seemed idealized, with things being resolved perhaps too easily and tidily.
Overall though, I enjoyed the story. It is captivating and I could barely put it down until finished.
It is about Seb, an arrogant and self involved rich guy, finding Nathan, a horribly abused young man, and their journey of saving each other, and falling in love. Seb's eyes are opened and he is forced to knowledge the shallow life he's lived. Nathan is removed from living on the streets, given the opportunity to heal and be loved...a second chance at life.
This is an intense and heart breaking story. Be aware that it involves descriptions of child molestation, gang rape, and prostitution...extremely hard living and abuse while living on the streets. It was descriptive, hard to read, and my heart ached for Nathan.
The only issues I might have were that, at times Seb seemed too good to be true, having almost a complete personality change upon meeting Nathan. As well the resolution of some situations seemed idealized, with things being resolved perhaps too easily and tidily.
Overall though, I enjoyed the story. It is captivating and I could barely put it down until finished.
February 19, 2016
Same sex love stories don't appeal to everyone and like with most genres, some are good and some are not so great, this one is exceptional.
Sebastian and Nathan's story is a deeply emotional tale of finding love in the most surprising of circumstances. One of them is arrogant, wealthy surrounded by luxury, the other is homeless and has been living on the streets since he was 12, at first glance it's obvious who saves who ...... But you'd be wrong, life isn't that straightforward!
As this story unfolds the revelations will pull you deeper into their lives leaving you experiencing every emotion as intensely as the characters themselves.
Ms Elsworth has taken a delicate and sensitive subject and delivered a well written story opening your eyes to what is going on around us. This really is the ultimate tale of unconditional love showing us all that you should never judge another person for how they look or how they live because what you think you see is often very different from the reality !
A well deserved 5 Stars.
Sebastian and Nathan's story is a deeply emotional tale of finding love in the most surprising of circumstances. One of them is arrogant, wealthy surrounded by luxury, the other is homeless and has been living on the streets since he was 12, at first glance it's obvious who saves who ...... But you'd be wrong, life isn't that straightforward!
As this story unfolds the revelations will pull you deeper into their lives leaving you experiencing every emotion as intensely as the characters themselves.
Ms Elsworth has taken a delicate and sensitive subject and delivered a well written story opening your eyes to what is going on around us. This really is the ultimate tale of unconditional love showing us all that you should never judge another person for how they look or how they live because what you think you see is often very different from the reality !
A well deserved 5 Stars.
October 14, 2014
I won this in a giveaway and it's my first in this genre m/m and I have to say it wasn't what I expected at all. The author, Eden Elsworth, makes this a heartwarming story of romance and love between the arrogant (to start) Sebastian and the broken street kid, Nathan. There are parts that are hard to read, what Nathan went through nobody should have to endure, but, unfortunately, in our society too many do. The fact that the chance meeting with Sebastian literally saved this young man's life is glorious to read. To me, Nathan also 'saved' Sebastian and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and although the last entry, by Nathan, was heartrending it also showed his immense love for his saviour, Sebastian. A very well written story and hats off to Ms Elsworth for portraying it the way she has. Wonderful!
October 21, 2014
Do yourself a favor and ignore the blurb. It made me hesitant to read the book.
The book itself is very well written and I devoured it in one sitting.
If you're looking for something sweet and easy, this won't be the book for you, but THERE is a light at the end of the tunnel and I feel like it delivered at the end. It's good to see Sebastian's struggle and development, and who wouldn't love Nathan?
It's important to note this one had a few triggers for me, but ... I made it.
My only problem is that the HEA is slightly glossed over, and I think more detail could have been made to that.
Great book.
The book itself is very well written and I devoured it in one sitting.
If you're looking for something sweet and easy, this won't be the book for you, but THERE is a light at the end of the tunnel and I feel like it delivered at the end. It's good to see Sebastian's struggle and development, and who wouldn't love Nathan?
It's important to note this one had a few triggers for me, but ... I made it.
My only problem is that the HEA is slightly glossed over, and I think more detail could have been made to that.
Great book.
October 31, 2014
A fantastic book. A hard book to read as many emotional situations were dealt with. The blurb actually let's this book down.
An arrogant spoilt rich man encounters a homeless man. But both characters have so much more going for them than just that. Nathan damaged seemingly beyond repair and Sebastian an arrogant uncaring rich man meet and form a bond in a brief encounter. Then Nathan calls for help and a wonderful story of romance, care, healing, friendship, family and hope starts.
Dark in places but there is light throughout a fantastic read!
An arrogant spoilt rich man encounters a homeless man. But both characters have so much more going for them than just that. Nathan damaged seemingly beyond repair and Sebastian an arrogant uncaring rich man meet and form a bond in a brief encounter. Then Nathan calls for help and a wonderful story of romance, care, healing, friendship, family and hope starts.
Dark in places but there is light throughout a fantastic read!
November 2, 2014
The characterizations felt a little off, things didn't always make a lot of sense, and there was a smidge too much telling, but if you like hurt/comfort stories, and you can ignore an unlikely plot, this could be a hit for you.
I liked it :)
I liked it :)
July 22, 2015
I loved this book.... 4.5 stars
May 24, 2015
A beautiful love story with an inspiring message.
Want to read
August 2, 2016This book is free! Not sure for how long though.
August 31, 2020
I was in the mood for a hurt/comfort-read and was recommended this one. It wasn’t what I had hoped for though. Not even close.
First I'll just give you my version of the blurb. It goes something like this: Sebastian, a rich and selfish prick, crashes into a homeless man one day. The homeless man is a beautiful 19-year old who looks 16. His name is Nathan and Sebastian becomes obsessed. After Nathan is attacked and utterly broken, Sebastian brings him home to his appartment and “takes care” of him. Sex, sex, sex. Sugardaddy. Sex. Some commotion to get revenge on Nathan’s childhood molester. The end.
But, to be fair I’ll start off by saying what I liked about this story.
Let me just think for a bit.
Wow, nothing comes to mind. At all.
Okay, so I’ll start with everything that made me cringe instead.
So there’s this abused, shell of a young man (or boy as Sebastian keeps referring to him as) who’s been deeply traumatized. First by sexual abuse as a child, then by all the stuff he had to resort to just to survive on the streets. Including prostituting himself. And apparently the cure for all that ails him is some good old nooky with his savior Sebastian.
It doesn’t matter how loving and über-consensual Elsworth tries to portray it, it’s still creepy as hell. No matter how it’s described, it’s practically impossible to view Nathan’s and Sebastian’s relationship than anything other than another kind of abuse where Sebastian takes advantage of Nathan who's in no position to say no. That it happens in a luxury appartment doesn't make it less disturbing.
It’s especially disconcerting when considering Nathan’s propensity to act younger than his age. He’s a 19-year old who’s reverting back to a more child-like state when overwhelmed or triggered. But hey, why not solve the problems of the rape victim with lots and lots of sex!?
Sounds like a good idea?
No?
Well, I didn’t think so either which is why I had a huge lump in my throat and a sick feeling in my chest the entire story. I don’t know why I even finished it.
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blo...
First I'll just give you my version of the blurb. It goes something like this: Sebastian, a rich and selfish prick, crashes into a homeless man one day. The homeless man is a beautiful 19-year old who looks 16. His name is Nathan and Sebastian becomes obsessed. After Nathan is attacked and utterly broken, Sebastian brings him home to his appartment and “takes care” of him. Sex, sex, sex. Sugardaddy. Sex. Some commotion to get revenge on Nathan’s childhood molester. The end.
But, to be fair I’ll start off by saying what I liked about this story.
Let me just think for a bit.
Wow, nothing comes to mind. At all.
Okay, so I’ll start with everything that made me cringe instead.
So there’s this abused, shell of a young man (or boy as Sebastian keeps referring to him as) who’s been deeply traumatized. First by sexual abuse as a child, then by all the stuff he had to resort to just to survive on the streets. Including prostituting himself. And apparently the cure for all that ails him is some good old nooky with his savior Sebastian.
It doesn’t matter how loving and über-consensual Elsworth tries to portray it, it’s still creepy as hell. No matter how it’s described, it’s practically impossible to view Nathan’s and Sebastian’s relationship than anything other than another kind of abuse where Sebastian takes advantage of Nathan who's in no position to say no. That it happens in a luxury appartment doesn't make it less disturbing.
It’s especially disconcerting when considering Nathan’s propensity to act younger than his age. He’s a 19-year old who’s reverting back to a more child-like state when overwhelmed or triggered. But hey, why not solve the problems of the rape victim with lots and lots of sex!?
Sounds like a good idea?
No?
Well, I didn’t think so either which is why I had a huge lump in my throat and a sick feeling in my chest the entire story. I don’t know why I even finished it.
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blo...
May 15, 2017
3.5 stars rounding up.
If you can suspend belief this is a very good read!
I had two issues with this book. One, I think the sex scenes were a bit excessive. Due to the subject matter, I would've preferred it if this was more of a slow burn with fewer sex scenes. Thankfully there was a lot of hugs and cuddles as well. I love MMr stories where the MCs show each other lots of affection outside of the bedroom! My other issue was the last chapter of the book. Throughout the book the author only gave you Sebastian's POV (which I was fine with), but the last chapter was Nathan's POV, which pretty much was a summary of the stories events from his POV. I think she did an awesome job with it, but having to reread (in detail) the hardships he had to go through, totally took away the warm fuzzy feeling I was developing throughout the book as he things started getting better for him.
So minus 1 star for the excessive sex scenes and minus .5 stars for the placement of the last chapter. I think it would've been better is she either included Nathan's POV throughout the book or just left that last chapter out.
If you can suspend belief this is a very good read!
I had two issues with this book. One, I think the sex scenes were a bit excessive. Due to the subject matter, I would've preferred it if this was more of a slow burn with fewer sex scenes. Thankfully there was a lot of hugs and cuddles as well. I love MMr stories where the MCs show each other lots of affection outside of the bedroom! My other issue was the last chapter of the book. Throughout the book the author only gave you Sebastian's POV (which I was fine with), but the last chapter was Nathan's POV, which pretty much was a summary of the stories events from his POV. I think she did an awesome job with it, but having to reread (in detail) the hardships he had to go through, totally took away the warm fuzzy feeling I was developing throughout the book as he things started getting better for him.
So minus 1 star for the excessive sex scenes and minus .5 stars for the placement of the last chapter. I think it would've been better is she either included Nathan's POV throughout the book or just left that last chapter out.
January 19, 2019
I haven't read a lot of MM books and the ones that I have read, I really enjoyed and I'm going to be reading a lot more of.
From the beginning of this story I have to say that I didn't like Seb, He was a selfish A- hole and he was just full of himself but all that changed when he met Nathan.
My heart went out to Nathan, it just made me feel so sad for him and I had a heavy heart reading about what happened to him and what he went through and I'm glad he met Sebastian and he helped him in every way possible. I loved the change in Seb too. Nathan made him a better man and brought out a side in him I didn't think was possible . It just goes to show all you need is love.
This was a really well written story that wasn't an easy read with what Nathan went through but I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. It's 5 Big stars from me.
From the beginning of this story I have to say that I didn't like Seb, He was a selfish A- hole and he was just full of himself but all that changed when he met Nathan.
My heart went out to Nathan, it just made me feel so sad for him and I had a heavy heart reading about what happened to him and what he went through and I'm glad he met Sebastian and he helped him in every way possible. I loved the change in Seb too. Nathan made him a better man and brought out a side in him I didn't think was possible . It just goes to show all you need is love.
This was a really well written story that wasn't an easy read with what Nathan went through but I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. It's 5 Big stars from me.
February 4, 2021
Couldn’t put it down
I am so happy I stumbled upon this book because it was written many years ago and so harder to come across. It’s about Sebastian who comes from money and spends his time being a a selfish prick. One day he literally bumps into Nathan who lives on the streets and both their lives are forever changed. I thought it was an incredible story, loved all of the characters in the book (except for Sebastians dad and Nathan’s stepdad). It can be intense at times due to the nature of Nathan having lived in the streets and suffered so much as a result, but it is so worth watching these two men become inseparable. 5*+
I am so happy I stumbled upon this book because it was written many years ago and so harder to come across. It’s about Sebastian who comes from money and spends his time being a a selfish prick. One day he literally bumps into Nathan who lives on the streets and both their lives are forever changed. I thought it was an incredible story, loved all of the characters in the book (except for Sebastians dad and Nathan’s stepdad). It can be intense at times due to the nature of Nathan having lived in the streets and suffered so much as a result, but it is so worth watching these two men become inseparable. 5*+
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