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Seeing Sean
A story of love at first sight. Then everything, including reality, gets in the way.
When Wyatt meets Sean sparks fly. Their Zoom encounters, although work-related, generate the most unusual electronic reactions. But when they meet in the flesh he forgets all about contacting technical support because Sean is even more electrifying in person — an unusual experience for a Grindr-jaded Wyatt.
But the interference continues and every time they meet Sean appears to get cold feet. Wyatt’s no fool. He knows the attraction is mutual. Neither is he desperate for attention. He gets plenty of that on his own. Sean is either up to something, he figures, or he’s frightened because he keeps coming back but retreats every time.
Two worlds collide. Disillusioned at thirty-five, Wyatt leads a life that suits him. Affable to all but open to few, he's more-or-less content, a little bored, and not bad on his own. As far as he’s concerned, he’s seen and heard it all.
Sean is different. Brimming with enthusiasm, he stumbles into Wyatt’s life like an overgrown puppy. Almost unnaturally handsome, he comes with none of the personality traits of the physically endowed. Yet, beneath the spectacular appearance is a man who’s awkward with people and reluctant to talk about himself.
Each is fascinated by the other and neither wants to make the first move. Sean appears to hesitate and Wyatt, normally a hook-up pro, is lost. Despite his growing frustration — or perhaps because of it — he persists in hoping they’ll get together one day. And when that day comes the intimacy is greater than he’d ever imagined.
Even locked in Wyatt’s arms, however, Sean refuses to talk about himself. But bouts of sex and declarations of love break down his barriers, and one by one, he lets his secrets drop. At first, Wyatt doesn’t believe him. Worse, he doubts his sanity. He’d expected to hear stories of an unhappy childhood, not fantastical fabrications of a life that cannot be.
But with each secret revealed Sean demonstrates its truth until Wyatt is stuck between forsaking the world as he knows it or walking away. He hasn’t got much time, though. Sean has even more secrets and he’s not alone.
When Wyatt meets Sean sparks fly. Their Zoom encounters, although work-related, generate the most unusual electronic reactions. But when they meet in the flesh he forgets all about contacting technical support because Sean is even more electrifying in person — an unusual experience for a Grindr-jaded Wyatt.
But the interference continues and every time they meet Sean appears to get cold feet. Wyatt’s no fool. He knows the attraction is mutual. Neither is he desperate for attention. He gets plenty of that on his own. Sean is either up to something, he figures, or he’s frightened because he keeps coming back but retreats every time.
Two worlds collide. Disillusioned at thirty-five, Wyatt leads a life that suits him. Affable to all but open to few, he's more-or-less content, a little bored, and not bad on his own. As far as he’s concerned, he’s seen and heard it all.
Sean is different. Brimming with enthusiasm, he stumbles into Wyatt’s life like an overgrown puppy. Almost unnaturally handsome, he comes with none of the personality traits of the physically endowed. Yet, beneath the spectacular appearance is a man who’s awkward with people and reluctant to talk about himself.
Each is fascinated by the other and neither wants to make the first move. Sean appears to hesitate and Wyatt, normally a hook-up pro, is lost. Despite his growing frustration — or perhaps because of it — he persists in hoping they’ll get together one day. And when that day comes the intimacy is greater than he’d ever imagined.
Even locked in Wyatt’s arms, however, Sean refuses to talk about himself. But bouts of sex and declarations of love break down his barriers, and one by one, he lets his secrets drop. At first, Wyatt doesn’t believe him. Worse, he doubts his sanity. He’d expected to hear stories of an unhappy childhood, not fantastical fabrications of a life that cannot be.
But with each secret revealed Sean demonstrates its truth until Wyatt is stuck between forsaking the world as he knows it or walking away. He hasn’t got much time, though. Sean has even more secrets and he’s not alone.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2023
79 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Doyle
9 books181 followersWhen I was a kid reading opened all the doors. There was a world out there and I wanted in. When I stumbled across Jean Genet (my review of Our Lady of the Flowers pretty much sums up my childhood), it was like being beamed up to another world. I was too young to understand how 'indecent' it was. But I knew it was for me.
By the time I discovered writers like Armistead Maupin and Edmund White, I knew I'd arrived. I read and read until one day I wrote. It was like writing came to me. I feel that even now. Writing is like being possessed, happily possessed (well, most of the time).
I've written nine books: a series of loosely related mysteries (Jordi's Day, Tony's Dream, Beau's Dilemma) that follow the adventures of a stranger in a strange land, and the Pierre & Bill trilogy (Pierre & Bill: A Love Story, Pierre & Bill Now, Pierre Before Bill), that tells the story of an unusual couple along with their friends, lovers and kids. Along the way, I've written another mystery (Van Alone) and a fantasy/sc-fi (Seeing Sean). Both are stories about secrets, but not the same kind.
My latest, Catching Hanif's Eye, is a story about two very different men who find themselves trapped in a web of deceit where only trust can save them. Like all my books, it contains elements of romance, sometimes love, along with wit, sex and adventure.
My goal is to write stories about lives that, while entirely fictional, are rooted in some kind of reality. My characters are imperfect. They make mistakes. Some can be hard to like. Until we find out why. They have problems. They have pasts. Some hide it well and some don't. But they all have one thing in common. They want more out of life. Just like I did. Which brought me here.
I live in Montreal with my partner and not far away from the child we raised. I live in French, write in English, and work in both. I try to bring that experience to my novels. All my protagonists are faced with the challenge and excitement of loving someone from another world. I’ve been there. It’s worth the trip.
[Photo: me getting my just deserts]
By the time I discovered writers like Armistead Maupin and Edmund White, I knew I'd arrived. I read and read until one day I wrote. It was like writing came to me. I feel that even now. Writing is like being possessed, happily possessed (well, most of the time).
I've written nine books: a series of loosely related mysteries (Jordi's Day, Tony's Dream, Beau's Dilemma) that follow the adventures of a stranger in a strange land, and the Pierre & Bill trilogy (Pierre & Bill: A Love Story, Pierre & Bill Now, Pierre Before Bill), that tells the story of an unusual couple along with their friends, lovers and kids. Along the way, I've written another mystery (Van Alone) and a fantasy/sc-fi (Seeing Sean). Both are stories about secrets, but not the same kind.
My latest, Catching Hanif's Eye, is a story about two very different men who find themselves trapped in a web of deceit where only trust can save them. Like all my books, it contains elements of romance, sometimes love, along with wit, sex and adventure.
My goal is to write stories about lives that, while entirely fictional, are rooted in some kind of reality. My characters are imperfect. They make mistakes. Some can be hard to like. Until we find out why. They have problems. They have pasts. Some hide it well and some don't. But they all have one thing in common. They want more out of life. Just like I did. Which brought me here.
I live in Montreal with my partner and not far away from the child we raised. I live in French, write in English, and work in both. I try to bring that experience to my novels. All my protagonists are faced with the challenge and excitement of loving someone from another world. I’ve been there. It’s worth the trip.
[Photo: me getting my just deserts]
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 25, 2023
Wyatt interviews Sean for the sales job. Sean may work from home and he only has to check in every morning reporting to Wyatt. There's something Wyatt finds quite appealing from Sean, but he just doesn't really know what it is. If only he could get to know him better. There's the company party coming up soon so...maybe...
Wyatt leads a fairly ordinary life with many of the common goals most people have in life, and although fairly content with it, he wouldn't mind adding some spice to it.
Sean's appearance into Wyatt's life brings him stability and a new perspective of his world. What keeps Wyatt going is more the routine and a few professional goals, but other than that his life is rather mechanical. On the other hand, Sean's inexperienced and yet mystical, but he seems sincerely interested in Wyatt. Should Wyatt give him a chance?
A series of unusual events brings both even closer, but the moment Wyatt finds out the secret behind Sean's mystery will be really decisive on the path their lives would take.
What's the secret Sean hides? Will finding out be reason enough to keep everything going or to withdraw, perhaps? Only by getting immersed in their world, will we find out about it.
The approach from a sci-fi perspective makes this fiction novel quite creative. I wasn't quite sure what direction everything was going to take, but little by little everything falls into place making the experience a really enjoyable one. This is the second novel I read by Patrick Doyle, and I can only tell I was really pleased with this his most recent novel.
Wyatt leads a fairly ordinary life with many of the common goals most people have in life, and although fairly content with it, he wouldn't mind adding some spice to it.
Sean's appearance into Wyatt's life brings him stability and a new perspective of his world. What keeps Wyatt going is more the routine and a few professional goals, but other than that his life is rather mechanical. On the other hand, Sean's inexperienced and yet mystical, but he seems sincerely interested in Wyatt. Should Wyatt give him a chance?
A series of unusual events brings both even closer, but the moment Wyatt finds out the secret behind Sean's mystery will be really decisive on the path their lives would take.
What's the secret Sean hides? Will finding out be reason enough to keep everything going or to withdraw, perhaps? Only by getting immersed in their world, will we find out about it.
The approach from a sci-fi perspective makes this fiction novel quite creative. I wasn't quite sure what direction everything was going to take, but little by little everything falls into place making the experience a really enjoyable one. This is the second novel I read by Patrick Doyle, and I can only tell I was really pleased with this his most recent novel.
April 22, 2023
What first attracted me to Patrick Doyle’s books is his very appealing writing style. What keeps me coming back for more, is how each of his novels is completely unique. The characters, the plotlines, the tropes… Doyle finds a way to spin his stories so you never know what kind of experience you’ll get. The only thing which is guaranteed? A novel by Patrick Doyle is going to be completely entertaining!
Seeing Sean is a contemporary romance, cleverly wrapped in all sorts of creative science fiction. This is one of my favorite genres, and I was thrilled with the completely original way Patrick Doyle tells this tale. The characters are complex and original, and the connection they make is so intriguing. I marveled over every plot twist and delighted as these guys worked their way through falling in love.
Wonderful!
a copy of Seeing Sean was graciously provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Seeing Sean is a contemporary romance, cleverly wrapped in all sorts of creative science fiction. This is one of my favorite genres, and I was thrilled with the completely original way Patrick Doyle tells this tale. The characters are complex and original, and the connection they make is so intriguing. I marveled over every plot twist and delighted as these guys worked their way through falling in love.
Wonderful!
a copy of Seeing Sean was graciously provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
March 27, 2023
I want to thank Patrick for sharing this advanced copy of “Seeing Sean.” It was certainly not what I was expecting, but I got caught up in this modern day book that I found reminiscent of Jules Vern’s “The Time Machine.” Of course this book also has a gay theme.
It took me a while to warm up to Sean and Wyatt. Sean was so secretive and Wyatt had such a bad temper. Eventually I was rooting for them in their fight against the Cardinals, and in the end all secrets are revealed. If you enjoy science fiction I highly recommend this book.
It took me a while to warm up to Sean and Wyatt. Sean was so secretive and Wyatt had such a bad temper. Eventually I was rooting for them in their fight against the Cardinals, and in the end all secrets are revealed. If you enjoy science fiction I highly recommend this book.
April 20, 2023
Special thanks to the author for an advanced copy of this book!
I will start by saying I am not a science fiction person at all, but Patrick still drew me in with masterclass diction and story-telling. I did find some of it hard to follow (as do I with most SciFi), but it was still an enjoyable read and wholesome love story.
Great job Patrick, can’t wait to read the next one!
- The other Patrick
I will start by saying I am not a science fiction person at all, but Patrick still drew me in with masterclass diction and story-telling. I did find some of it hard to follow (as do I with most SciFi), but it was still an enjoyable read and wholesome love story.
Great job Patrick, can’t wait to read the next one!
- The other Patrick
September 28, 2023
The author touts he writes novels about gay men in trouble ... and after a fairly innocuous beginning, my anxiety levels started ramping up and up as I grabbed onto Wyatt's coat-tails and followed him and Sean down a rabbit hole adventure full of crazy and unpredictable twists and turns - trouble there was indeed! It's fair to say I could not fathom where and how the journey would end - the plot kept my attention throughout. I did identify with Wyatt when he had his little 'meltdown outbursts' ... the 'smoke-screens' were effective and discombobulating. 3.5 stars for a great sci-fi fantasy M-M romance.
April 21, 2023
Wyatt is in charge of employees at a call center. He checks on the employees either in the office or those that work from home. Employees have a choice to work in the office or home whenever they want. Until he has contact with Seen. Seen has been hired but it’s odd for him to only work from home. But Wyatt accepts that but it leaves many questions in his mind about Seen. They also have a long discussion about his name, Seen, and Wyatt explains that many will make jokes or call him Sean. After a couple of weeks, Seen has been doing a very good job with his phone assignments. He follows all the rules and management seems to be very happy with him.
Even though Wyatt is in contact with Seen on a daily basis, it leads to more than just that. He really want’s to meet Seen. The perfect opportunity arrives as management claims it’s the tenth anniversary of the company and it’s mandatory that all attend the party. Wyatt contacts Seen and tells him not to worry he only needs to appear and shake no more than three hands. Finally, Wyatt will get to see what Seen is all about.
Seen claims to be twenty-six and has no work experience and that he’s been overseas studying. He seems very shy, maybe an introvert, but is excited about this new job. It’s perfect for him, he can work in the privacy of his home and only have contact with Wyatt on-line. Wyatt checks on him daily with work progress and new phone assignments. He’s become a favorite of the boss with his work performance. He really doesn’t want to be around people but Wyatt has told him he really needs to make and appearance at the office party. When Wyatt and Seen meet at the party, Wyatt can’t believe his eyes. Just when he thinks he and Seen can slip out of the party, Seen disappears.
As Wyatt becomes very concerned about Sean and his quirky ways, a gradual connection starts to grow between them. It’s crazy what Sean has shared with Wyatt and then two strange men show up at the office looking for Sean. As Wyatt learns more of Sean’s strangeness, he will have to make a decision to face reality or his feelings. Will Wyatt be able to accept all that Sean is or will it all come crashing down?
Patrick Doyle takes a step in a different direction with “Seeing Sean.” An odd sci-fi tale about a dystopian world and Sean who is certainly different. Sean’s story will bring the oddness of a religious/political hierarchy and how the verbiage used is explained differently. It’s a tale of: suspense, cruelty, danger, beauty, wonder, a variety of emotions, sadness and a forever love.
The author gives an in-depth look at both Wyatt and Sean’s personalities and lives. They are men from two different worlds and they will both discover a unique place where they will face the extraordinary and have to fight together in a new world. Patrick Doyle is magnificent at the descriptions of what lies ahead in this novel. He brings Wyatt and Sean to life in this beautiful and different type of romance.
I highly recommend “Seeing Sean” it is a true page-turner, beyond entertaining and very mesmerizing. I have read all of Patrick Doyle’s books and have never been disappointed. I commend him for taking a chance and writing in a new path.
Even though Wyatt is in contact with Seen on a daily basis, it leads to more than just that. He really want’s to meet Seen. The perfect opportunity arrives as management claims it’s the tenth anniversary of the company and it’s mandatory that all attend the party. Wyatt contacts Seen and tells him not to worry he only needs to appear and shake no more than three hands. Finally, Wyatt will get to see what Seen is all about.
Seen claims to be twenty-six and has no work experience and that he’s been overseas studying. He seems very shy, maybe an introvert, but is excited about this new job. It’s perfect for him, he can work in the privacy of his home and only have contact with Wyatt on-line. Wyatt checks on him daily with work progress and new phone assignments. He’s become a favorite of the boss with his work performance. He really doesn’t want to be around people but Wyatt has told him he really needs to make and appearance at the office party. When Wyatt and Seen meet at the party, Wyatt can’t believe his eyes. Just when he thinks he and Seen can slip out of the party, Seen disappears.
As Wyatt becomes very concerned about Sean and his quirky ways, a gradual connection starts to grow between them. It’s crazy what Sean has shared with Wyatt and then two strange men show up at the office looking for Sean. As Wyatt learns more of Sean’s strangeness, he will have to make a decision to face reality or his feelings. Will Wyatt be able to accept all that Sean is or will it all come crashing down?
Patrick Doyle takes a step in a different direction with “Seeing Sean.” An odd sci-fi tale about a dystopian world and Sean who is certainly different. Sean’s story will bring the oddness of a religious/political hierarchy and how the verbiage used is explained differently. It’s a tale of: suspense, cruelty, danger, beauty, wonder, a variety of emotions, sadness and a forever love.
The author gives an in-depth look at both Wyatt and Sean’s personalities and lives. They are men from two different worlds and they will both discover a unique place where they will face the extraordinary and have to fight together in a new world. Patrick Doyle is magnificent at the descriptions of what lies ahead in this novel. He brings Wyatt and Sean to life in this beautiful and different type of romance.
I highly recommend “Seeing Sean” it is a true page-turner, beyond entertaining and very mesmerizing. I have read all of Patrick Doyle’s books and have never been disappointed. I commend him for taking a chance and writing in a new path.
April 7, 2023
The good
+ Sean's dedication to Wyatt
+ The way they started copying each other's behavior
+ The story after Wyatt was . It really started picking up the pace then
+ Sean trying to domesticate the strays because he wants a pet
+ Sean's delight at small things that bring him happiness
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o This book does not have a classic HEA. Be aware of that when you start reading this book. Spoilers regarding the way the ending differs from a typical HEA:
o The writing style didn't always work for me. Especially at the start of the book, I had some trouble adjusting
The bad
- Wyatt gave Sean an ultimatum, where Sean had to choose between telling Wyatt things he wasn't ready to tell or having Wyatt walk away from him forever. Such an ultimatum is really manipulative
- At some point, Wyatt said he was feeling 'increasingly bipolar' because of the happiness he felt when he believed what Sean told him and the desolation when the doubt set in again. I am not a fan of mental health disorders flippantly being used to describe general behavior [Edit: the author has removed this reference from the book]
- Wyatt had the same 'epiphany' about how nothing else mattered as long as he had Sean about six times. This both made me doubt Wyatt's feelings for Sean in general, and made the epiphanies lose their meaning
- A lot of questions were left unanswered, especially questions regarding Sean and the thing that set him apart from other people like him. Was this a result of a random mutation, or did others have the same trait but just didn't know it? I also had many questions about the bad guys and found the ending unsatisfying in that regard, but that's something that bothered me personally and may be perfect for others
The beginning of the book was a bit slow and frustrating, but once it started picking up the pace I couldn't put it down. The plot and world building were completely new to me, and I haven't read anything like it before. I'm not fully convinced I like Wyatt, and I wish the ending would have gone differently (prevention is better than cure, after all), but I still think they were happy together. I hope Sean got his pet in the end. Would recommend if you're looking for a unique sci-fi fantasy.
+ Sean's dedication to Wyatt
+ The way they started copying each other's behavior
+ The story after Wyatt was . It really started picking up the pace then
+ Sean trying to domesticate the strays because he wants a pet
+ Sean's delight at small things that bring him happiness
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o This book does not have a classic HEA. Be aware of that when you start reading this book. Spoilers regarding the way the ending differs from a typical HEA:
o The writing style didn't always work for me. Especially at the start of the book, I had some trouble adjusting
The bad
- Wyatt gave Sean an ultimatum, where Sean had to choose between telling Wyatt things he wasn't ready to tell or having Wyatt walk away from him forever. Such an ultimatum is really manipulative
- At some point, Wyatt said he was feeling 'increasingly bipolar' because of the happiness he felt when he believed what Sean told him and the desolation when the doubt set in again. I am not a fan of mental health disorders flippantly being used to describe general behavior [Edit: the author has removed this reference from the book]
- Wyatt had the same 'epiphany' about how nothing else mattered as long as he had Sean about six times. This both made me doubt Wyatt's feelings for Sean in general, and made the epiphanies lose their meaning
- A lot of questions were left unanswered, especially questions regarding Sean and the thing that set him apart from other people like him. Was this a result of a random mutation, or did others have the same trait but just didn't know it? I also had many questions about the bad guys and found the ending unsatisfying in that regard, but that's something that bothered me personally and may be perfect for others
The beginning of the book was a bit slow and frustrating, but once it started picking up the pace I couldn't put it down. The plot and world building were completely new to me, and I haven't read anything like it before. I'm not fully convinced I like Wyatt, and I wish the ending would have gone differently (prevention is better than cure, after all), but I still think they were happy together. I hope Sean got his pet in the end. Would recommend if you're looking for a unique sci-fi fantasy.
April 25, 2023
Seeing Sean by Patrick Doyle is a story of love at first sight. Then everything, including reality, gets in the way. When Wyatt meets Sean sparks fly. Literally. Their Zoom encounters, although work-related, generate the most unusual electronic reactions. But when they meet in the flesh he forgets all about contacting technical support because Sean is even more electrifying in person; an unusual experience for a Grindr-jaded Wyatt.
The book begins with an odd variation on the pronunciation of Sean’s name (Seen?) . . . and we are off : Into a fable? A sci-fi adventure? Perhaps a fairy tale or a f**k-tune? Pick (or create) a genre, but make it sufficient to disconnect any ties to reality if you want to fully engage and have fun. Yes, I know TV got there first with Mork, and Alf and innumerable shows the alien characters of which punily seem to come without working genitals. Here the MC’s are better equipped. ‘Seeing Sean’ seems to be from the school of Lewis Carroll (were he to have been gay, but let us table any speculation of his possible infirmities), or Rod Serling freely producing a gay environment. Dear reader, you will traverse the literary observations of fantasy and become immersed in a TRIP. (More about that, later.)
Wyatt and Sean are co-workers for an on-line business, constantly subject to Spyware employed to ensure their productivity. Sean is new, having appeared almost out of thin air, and talking himself into the employment. They become friends. Though Sean seems quite introverted, he also bears much mystery – such as gross social ineptitude, and unexpected disappearances. Is he a man of demons! Wyatt is a loner, content on his own time to engage Grandr with one hand (and himself with his other!)
So – as ingredients, we have the phantasmagorical Sean and the enigmatic Wyatt. Raise the heat and stir the pot.
Author Patrick Doyle provides a surreal but clever undercurrent throughout the writing. The main characters engage in sex, but never seem to be truly open with each other – especially as Sean’s physical presence seems so problematic. The novel is moderately short and constructed with surprising twists and turns, so I’ll eschew any tendency to quote and quote, save for Sean’s revelation: ‘I can dematerialize.’ And then they TRIP through confrontations and alien environments, growing and mystifying.
The two share adventures – which are most effective when you, dear reader, tackle them directly – i.e., ‘unnatural powers, a murky past, a secret institute and mad scientists on the hunt.’ The more surreal they get, the more Wyatt adjusts to the situation. And from the intersection of issues and dangers, love occurs, adding risks to the events around our heroes. They commit to each other, even after Sean’s revelation that ‘I’m from here, but . . . But I not from now.’
As we become more familiar with the backgrounds and essence of Wyatt and Sean, the story moves apace, saga-like, unreal. For those of sufficient years, think of the chapters as serialized short films shown at Saturday matinees, assuring your weekly return. And as with such juvenile entertainment, ‘Seeing Sean’ is fully imbued with adult thoughts – a riff on pseudo history, where the real past has lost significance. The concept of nationhood is void, as is, perhaps, the value of religion, and any effectiveness of government. This TRIP welcomes you to the anti-utopia, where even the clouds are animated, swallowing the sun.
To badly paraphrase the Wizard’s instruction to Dorothy, ‘Pay no attention to that man behind the nom de critique.’ Here is a behind-the-curtain revelation from Bob-O-Link: As the story spins in a gyre of unreality, the characters become more genuine, more familier. Dirty movies are visually effective; erotic books can be sexually inspring; even mere pictures are often the best for plumbing the mind’s greatest potential. ‘Seeing Sean’ is oddly complex and yet simplistic. Captivating! Having gone through it with enthusiasm, I believe that multiple readers could engage in challenging and compelling group discussions.
DISCLAIMER: This book was provided to Bob-O-Link at no cost by the publisher or author, for the purpose of a fair review.
The book begins with an odd variation on the pronunciation of Sean’s name (Seen?) . . . and we are off : Into a fable? A sci-fi adventure? Perhaps a fairy tale or a f**k-tune? Pick (or create) a genre, but make it sufficient to disconnect any ties to reality if you want to fully engage and have fun. Yes, I know TV got there first with Mork, and Alf and innumerable shows the alien characters of which punily seem to come without working genitals. Here the MC’s are better equipped. ‘Seeing Sean’ seems to be from the school of Lewis Carroll (were he to have been gay, but let us table any speculation of his possible infirmities), or Rod Serling freely producing a gay environment. Dear reader, you will traverse the literary observations of fantasy and become immersed in a TRIP. (More about that, later.)
Wyatt and Sean are co-workers for an on-line business, constantly subject to Spyware employed to ensure their productivity. Sean is new, having appeared almost out of thin air, and talking himself into the employment. They become friends. Though Sean seems quite introverted, he also bears much mystery – such as gross social ineptitude, and unexpected disappearances. Is he a man of demons! Wyatt is a loner, content on his own time to engage Grandr with one hand (and himself with his other!)
So – as ingredients, we have the phantasmagorical Sean and the enigmatic Wyatt. Raise the heat and stir the pot.
Author Patrick Doyle provides a surreal but clever undercurrent throughout the writing. The main characters engage in sex, but never seem to be truly open with each other – especially as Sean’s physical presence seems so problematic. The novel is moderately short and constructed with surprising twists and turns, so I’ll eschew any tendency to quote and quote, save for Sean’s revelation: ‘I can dematerialize.’ And then they TRIP through confrontations and alien environments, growing and mystifying.
The two share adventures – which are most effective when you, dear reader, tackle them directly – i.e., ‘unnatural powers, a murky past, a secret institute and mad scientists on the hunt.’ The more surreal they get, the more Wyatt adjusts to the situation. And from the intersection of issues and dangers, love occurs, adding risks to the events around our heroes. They commit to each other, even after Sean’s revelation that ‘I’m from here, but . . . But I not from now.’
As we become more familiar with the backgrounds and essence of Wyatt and Sean, the story moves apace, saga-like, unreal. For those of sufficient years, think of the chapters as serialized short films shown at Saturday matinees, assuring your weekly return. And as with such juvenile entertainment, ‘Seeing Sean’ is fully imbued with adult thoughts – a riff on pseudo history, where the real past has lost significance. The concept of nationhood is void, as is, perhaps, the value of religion, and any effectiveness of government. This TRIP welcomes you to the anti-utopia, where even the clouds are animated, swallowing the sun.
To badly paraphrase the Wizard’s instruction to Dorothy, ‘Pay no attention to that man behind the nom de critique.’ Here is a behind-the-curtain revelation from Bob-O-Link: As the story spins in a gyre of unreality, the characters become more genuine, more familier. Dirty movies are visually effective; erotic books can be sexually inspring; even mere pictures are often the best for plumbing the mind’s greatest potential. ‘Seeing Sean’ is oddly complex and yet simplistic. Captivating! Having gone through it with enthusiasm, I believe that multiple readers could engage in challenging and compelling group discussions.
DISCLAIMER: This book was provided to Bob-O-Link at no cost by the publisher or author, for the purpose of a fair review.
April 21, 2023
Patrick Doyle’s “Seeing Sean” differs from the author’s last two novels, more sci fi than mystery, and more thought-provoking. Mr. Doyle eliminates the factors of culture, era, family, profession, etc. between protagonists, allowing them to examine the nature of love itself. How does Mr. Doyle eliminate these? Now that’s the mystery!
Readers quickly learn that Wyatt, who supervises a call center, has hired a gorgeous 26-year-old-employee. Sean seems to have “appeared out of thin air, had no discernable past, and worked like there was no tomorrow.” Why does he prefers to work from home? Sean’s not phobic, as he comes to a company party, where he’s polite, pleasant, and possibly naïve, calming Waytt’s jadedness. Wyatt grows enamored, even though the younger man abruptly disappears. And wait, does Sean’s appearance keep changing? What is this employee hiding?
Thirty-year-old Wyatt has his own stress - bosses who intimidate, rather than support employees, like Wyatt prefers to do. “Until he got annoyed. Then he’d hit back. He was never violent. It was his tongue. It undid his adversaries before they knew what hit them.” And thus, Mr. Doyle quickly sets up tension, intrigue and potential interpersonal conflict between one man who strikes out, while the other retreats.
It’s difficult to review “Seeing Sean” without revealing the plot. Wyatt and Sean are thrust into experiences where every belief comes into question because situations change suddenly and repeatedly. Yet Doyle’s clear imagery, concise language and crisp dialog allowed me to follow their adventures without a hitch. And all this transpires in a quickly-moving plot. Now, that’s some good world-building!
Wyatt and Sean’s individual personalities morph over time. Like most couples, they start to share traits. This was a lovely exploration into why couples remain together. We watch their exchange build trust, the cornerstone of a mature relationship in increasing tense, yet exciting ways.
Part sci-fi, part adventure, “Seeing Sean” is an easy-read adventure romance. It’s zippy, fascinating and leaves a delicious after-taste. Like Jules Verne’s novels, it felt richer and deeper than simple entertainment.
Readers quickly learn that Wyatt, who supervises a call center, has hired a gorgeous 26-year-old-employee. Sean seems to have “appeared out of thin air, had no discernable past, and worked like there was no tomorrow.” Why does he prefers to work from home? Sean’s not phobic, as he comes to a company party, where he’s polite, pleasant, and possibly naïve, calming Waytt’s jadedness. Wyatt grows enamored, even though the younger man abruptly disappears. And wait, does Sean’s appearance keep changing? What is this employee hiding?
Thirty-year-old Wyatt has his own stress - bosses who intimidate, rather than support employees, like Wyatt prefers to do. “Until he got annoyed. Then he’d hit back. He was never violent. It was his tongue. It undid his adversaries before they knew what hit them.” And thus, Mr. Doyle quickly sets up tension, intrigue and potential interpersonal conflict between one man who strikes out, while the other retreats.
It’s difficult to review “Seeing Sean” without revealing the plot. Wyatt and Sean are thrust into experiences where every belief comes into question because situations change suddenly and repeatedly. Yet Doyle’s clear imagery, concise language and crisp dialog allowed me to follow their adventures without a hitch. And all this transpires in a quickly-moving plot. Now, that’s some good world-building!
Wyatt and Sean’s individual personalities morph over time. Like most couples, they start to share traits. This was a lovely exploration into why couples remain together. We watch their exchange build trust, the cornerstone of a mature relationship in increasing tense, yet exciting ways.
Part sci-fi, part adventure, “Seeing Sean” is an easy-read adventure romance. It’s zippy, fascinating and leaves a delicious after-taste. Like Jules Verne’s novels, it felt richer and deeper than simple entertainment.
April 1, 2023
Seeing Sean
By Patrick Doyle
Published by the author, 2023
Five stars
What a fascinating, strange, and yet intensely romantic sci-fi story.
That’s right. Science fiction. This is not an adventure, strictly speaking. It would not translate into film very well, although Patrick Doyle’s careful descriptions of everything bring the story to vivid life and leave it burned into your memory. It is, at least to me, an adventure of the heart and mind. It is a story about Who, What, and When…but not about Where. Where is never a question.
It’s about an ambitious loner named Wyatt, who manages a call center in some undisclosed location. When he thinks about it, he’s sort of angry, and maybe a little bitter. However, he has a goal, and he’s going to work toward it if it’s the last thing he does. He is self-sufficient. He needs no-one.
Then he meets Sean, whose strangeness is immediately signaled by the fact that he pronounces his own name “Seen.” Sean works entirely from home, but is instantly the best salesman on the floor. His striking beauty and oddly tentative personality catch Wyatt’s attention. Sean becomes the itch that Wyatt can’t scratch. Still, he tries, and in scratching that itch, his world explodes. But not literally.
Doyle really goes deep into Wyatt’s personality, and – insofar as he can – into Sean’s, too. Sean seems to think he’s nothing special, and yet somehow becomes more special as Wyatt studies him. Doyle crafts this rather claustrophobic obsession very neatly, building the tension slowly, as surprise after surprise is revealed, until Wyatt himself transforms into a new person. Someone who cares.
As with all sci-fi, there is some deeply unsettling commentary here about humankind and its bad choices. What’s really at the core of this lovely book, however, is an unexpected love story the likes of which I’d never read before.
By Patrick Doyle
Published by the author, 2023
Five stars
What a fascinating, strange, and yet intensely romantic sci-fi story.
That’s right. Science fiction. This is not an adventure, strictly speaking. It would not translate into film very well, although Patrick Doyle’s careful descriptions of everything bring the story to vivid life and leave it burned into your memory. It is, at least to me, an adventure of the heart and mind. It is a story about Who, What, and When…but not about Where. Where is never a question.
It’s about an ambitious loner named Wyatt, who manages a call center in some undisclosed location. When he thinks about it, he’s sort of angry, and maybe a little bitter. However, he has a goal, and he’s going to work toward it if it’s the last thing he does. He is self-sufficient. He needs no-one.
Then he meets Sean, whose strangeness is immediately signaled by the fact that he pronounces his own name “Seen.” Sean works entirely from home, but is instantly the best salesman on the floor. His striking beauty and oddly tentative personality catch Wyatt’s attention. Sean becomes the itch that Wyatt can’t scratch. Still, he tries, and in scratching that itch, his world explodes. But not literally.
Doyle really goes deep into Wyatt’s personality, and – insofar as he can – into Sean’s, too. Sean seems to think he’s nothing special, and yet somehow becomes more special as Wyatt studies him. Doyle crafts this rather claustrophobic obsession very neatly, building the tension slowly, as surprise after surprise is revealed, until Wyatt himself transforms into a new person. Someone who cares.
As with all sci-fi, there is some deeply unsettling commentary here about humankind and its bad choices. What’s really at the core of this lovely book, however, is an unexpected love story the likes of which I’d never read before.
April 20, 2023
4.25stars-- SEEING SEAN by Patrick Doyle is an adult, sci-fi, LGBTQ romance storyline focusing on call-center co-workers thirty-five year old Wyatt, and twenty-six year old Sean.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Wyatt and Sean) SEEING SEAN focuses on the building relationship between call-center co-workers thirty-five year old Wyatt, and twenty-six year old Sean. Wyatt was tasked with getting to know their new employee Sean but Sean had opted to work from home. A work-place party would be the perfect opportunity to introduce Sean to everyone else but all was not as it appeared to be. From the outset, Wyatt struggled with the perfection that was the man with whom he would quickly fall in love, a man as mysterious as the events that were about to upend their lives. On the run, Sean would discover everything about his life had been a lie, and Wyatt would be the stabilizing factor in their lives going forward.
SEEING SEAN is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and innocence all wrapped up in a science fiction narrative of what if and why. A thought provoking, haunting and imaginative tale, SEEING SEAN is both sweet and edgy, tender and tragic. The world building is told through the innocent and somewhat naïve voice of Sean, a voice that is neither naïve or weak. Patrick Doyle pulls from several familiar and popular tropes including a much touted and successful video game turned television series
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Wyatt and Sean) SEEING SEAN focuses on the building relationship between call-center co-workers thirty-five year old Wyatt, and twenty-six year old Sean. Wyatt was tasked with getting to know their new employee Sean but Sean had opted to work from home. A work-place party would be the perfect opportunity to introduce Sean to everyone else but all was not as it appeared to be. From the outset, Wyatt struggled with the perfection that was the man with whom he would quickly fall in love, a man as mysterious as the events that were about to upend their lives. On the run, Sean would discover everything about his life had been a lie, and Wyatt would be the stabilizing factor in their lives going forward.
SEEING SEAN is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and innocence all wrapped up in a science fiction narrative of what if and why. A thought provoking, haunting and imaginative tale, SEEING SEAN is both sweet and edgy, tender and tragic. The world building is told through the innocent and somewhat naïve voice of Sean, a voice that is neither naïve or weak. Patrick Doyle pulls from several familiar and popular tropes including a much touted and successful video game turned television series
www.thereadingcafe.com
April 20, 2023
3 / 5 ⭐️‘s
“Seing Sean" by Patrick Doyle
This is a story of love at first sight, where the complexities of reality and secrets threaten to tear apart the budding romance between Wyatt and Sean. From the start, Wyatt’s attraction to Sean is electric, with their Zoom encounters sparking an unusual electronic reaction that piques Wyatt's interest.
When they finally meet in person, Sean proves to be even more captivating than Wyatt had anticipated, and the attraction between them is mutual. However, Sean's reluctance to open up about himself and the strange occurrences that seem to follow him leave Wyatt questioning whether the relationship is worth pursuing.
With Wyatt's disillusionment and Sean's reluctance to share his past creating a palpable tension that builds throughout the story. As Sean's secrets are slowly revealed, the story takes on a fantastical element that adds a layer of intrigue to the already engaging plot.
The love story between Sean and Wyatt seemed to be a bit fast-paced, which might not be to everyone's liking but then again it is a story of love at first sight…
The ending left some unanswered questions, especially regarding Sean's secrets, which might leave some readers unsatisfied.
PUB Date: 4/21/23
The author provided me with an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.
“Seing Sean" by Patrick Doyle
This is a story of love at first sight, where the complexities of reality and secrets threaten to tear apart the budding romance between Wyatt and Sean. From the start, Wyatt’s attraction to Sean is electric, with their Zoom encounters sparking an unusual electronic reaction that piques Wyatt's interest.
When they finally meet in person, Sean proves to be even more captivating than Wyatt had anticipated, and the attraction between them is mutual. However, Sean's reluctance to open up about himself and the strange occurrences that seem to follow him leave Wyatt questioning whether the relationship is worth pursuing.
With Wyatt's disillusionment and Sean's reluctance to share his past creating a palpable tension that builds throughout the story. As Sean's secrets are slowly revealed, the story takes on a fantastical element that adds a layer of intrigue to the already engaging plot.
The love story between Sean and Wyatt seemed to be a bit fast-paced, which might not be to everyone's liking but then again it is a story of love at first sight…
The ending left some unanswered questions, especially regarding Sean's secrets, which might leave some readers unsatisfied.
PUB Date: 4/21/23
The author provided me with an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2023
This is a story that is written from the point of view of the lead character, Wyatt and he is one you can like or want to slap. There has to be something special about Sean that would make him want to stay with him. They form the focus of the plot and it is to the author's credit that he can hold the reader's attention. This is achieved by a plot that is interesting and with sufficient twists that the pace is relatively fast.
Character development and growth are central to the story and this adds to the richness of the story. It is unfortunate that this is so glacially slow for Wyatt. It would have been helpful to have had more backstory for him to understand his reactions. Sean is a more approachable character, but is quite vague and nondescript at times.
The antagonists to the success of the relationship are internal and external. The bad guys are sufficiently hostile and powerful that it is difficult to second-guess how their presence can be resolved, which adds to the excitement.
The ending to the story is good and provides closure, but could have been more fully developed.
This was an enjoyable read that keeps you coming back for more but could have been that little bit better.
Character development and growth are central to the story and this adds to the richness of the story. It is unfortunate that this is so glacially slow for Wyatt. It would have been helpful to have had more backstory for him to understand his reactions. Sean is a more approachable character, but is quite vague and nondescript at times.
The antagonists to the success of the relationship are internal and external. The bad guys are sufficiently hostile and powerful that it is difficult to second-guess how their presence can be resolved, which adds to the excitement.
The ending to the story is good and provides closure, but could have been more fully developed.
This was an enjoyable read that keeps you coming back for more but could have been that little bit better.
April 12, 2023
Nothing routine about where Sean leads Wyatt!👥
This story struck me as a great science fiction adventure tale, with the main protagonists scurrying to keep ahead of the danger that dogged them. Sean is a bit of an innocent and Wyatt takes his good old time learning to trust this handsome but unusual man who breaks his life apart.
I loved the action and the sci-fi world building (though it did have shades of Logan's Run in some respects). And the idea that Wyatt allows his love to lead him to a life so different from his everyday, routine life at the call center: good test of his affection. The romance had steam but it was judiciously used: the right balance for my taste. The conclusion was quite quick and unexpected, not the typical HEA for this MM romance. But moving.
I did think that Sean's snail pace at revealing his secrets got to be too much at times. And some of the scenes were a bit confusing. But I liked the fresh direction of the story and where their love and companionship eventually takes them.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book through Booksprout; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This story struck me as a great science fiction adventure tale, with the main protagonists scurrying to keep ahead of the danger that dogged them. Sean is a bit of an innocent and Wyatt takes his good old time learning to trust this handsome but unusual man who breaks his life apart.
I loved the action and the sci-fi world building (though it did have shades of Logan's Run in some respects). And the idea that Wyatt allows his love to lead him to a life so different from his everyday, routine life at the call center: good test of his affection. The romance had steam but it was judiciously used: the right balance for my taste. The conclusion was quite quick and unexpected, not the typical HEA for this MM romance. But moving.
I did think that Sean's snail pace at revealing his secrets got to be too much at times. And some of the scenes were a bit confusing. But I liked the fresh direction of the story and where their love and companionship eventually takes them.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book through Booksprout; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
May 16, 2023
Two loners meet, perhaps randomly, perhaps not. Something attracts each man to the other, and the author shows us the development of their relationship at the perfect pace.
The story is engaging, keeping the interest of this reader throughout. There was never a dull moment, as time frames shifted, leading Wyatt and Sean on an adventure of self-discovery, as they also overcame all sorts of obstacles, eventually trusting and loving each other completely.
The ending was romantic and satisfying. I enjoy sci-fi, and I particularly enjoyed this story with its focus on Queer characters that are often completely missing from mainstream sci-fi stories.
A definite recommendation from me to read and enjoy this novel.
The story is engaging, keeping the interest of this reader throughout. There was never a dull moment, as time frames shifted, leading Wyatt and Sean on an adventure of self-discovery, as they also overcame all sorts of obstacles, eventually trusting and loving each other completely.
The ending was romantic and satisfying. I enjoy sci-fi, and I particularly enjoyed this story with its focus on Queer characters that are often completely missing from mainstream sci-fi stories.
A definite recommendation from me to read and enjoy this novel.
April 10, 2023
Thanks to the author for an advance review copy.
In a market awash with by-the-numbers MM romances, this novel stands out for its originality. Wyatt and Sean's relationship develops in a compelling way that I haven't seen before, and the author breathes fresh life into even well worn tropes. Also, the author continuously gets the reader to care what happens next, through both the development of the romance and the gradual revelation of the truth about Sean.
In a market awash with by-the-numbers MM romances, this novel stands out for its originality. Wyatt and Sean's relationship develops in a compelling way that I haven't seen before, and the author breathes fresh life into even well worn tropes. Also, the author continuously gets the reader to care what happens next, through both the development of the romance and the gradual revelation of the truth about Sean.
June 18, 2023
Interesting Read
This was a unique and unusual story. I really had no idea where the life of Sean and Wyatt would take me. But it was an enjoyable ride with a melancholy ending. Definitely worth reading.
This was a unique and unusual story. I really had no idea where the life of Sean and Wyatt would take me. But it was an enjoyable ride with a melancholy ending. Definitely worth reading.
October 1, 2023
I'm not the biggest fan of science fiction, but this was FUN. Two men, committed to each other even though one had been sent from the future to harvest a human. Fascinating.
May 26, 2023
The pulpiest of pulp, this was a trip, both through time and the narrator’s conflicting emotions. A bit more explicit sex than I really want, but I can easily skip a grand total of five pages.
More twists than a twizzler!
More rocks than a pretzel!
More weirdly hot identical-looking guys than a bel ami group scene!
More twists than a twizzler!
More rocks than a pretzel!
More weirdly hot identical-looking guys than a bel ami group scene!
September 28, 2023
This was quite a journey and at no point at all could the outcome of any situation/ even that occurs in this story be predicted. Everything about this book is so different. Thank you for sharing❤
April 23, 2023
Great adventure story!
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