Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  The Redemption of River

SERIES:  Sex in Seattle

AUTHOR:  Eli Easton

NARRATOR:  Michael Stellman

PUBLISHER:  Pinkerton Road LLC

RELEASE DATE:  November 30, 2020

LENGTH:  7 hours and 37 minutes

BLURB:

River Larsen is a world traveler, truth-seeker, and tantric healer. He’s a master of loving all – and no one. Both his past and his spiritual path warn him against attachment. When he falls for his surrogacy client and coffee magnate, Brent McKay, River tells himself it’s a temporary idyll, a beautiful encounter they’ll both enjoy and move on from like mature adults. Only his heart misses that memo.

Brent McKay hasn’t been interested in sex since his wife died two years ago. When he goes to Expanded Horizons sex clinic in Seattle for help, he meets River Larsen, a sex surrogate specializing in reiki massage and tantric sex therapy. Brent never expected to be interested in a man, but River’s light-filled spirit, inner peace, and electric touch bring him back to life. Brent’s loyal heart is ready to commit again. But how can he convince River that love can last forever – if you just have faith?

The Redemption of River features a widower who surprises himself, a gorgeous hippy who thinks he’s a dandelion puff, an age gap, midlife discovery of bisexuality, foodie Seattle, a houseboat, dogs, a trip to Mumbai, and tantric secrets. (You know, the ones that let you have sex for hours. Those secrets.)

The Redemption of River takes place in part at the Expanded Horizons sex clinic and is thus book four of the Sex in Seattle series. It features a brand new couple and can be listened to as a stand-alone.

REVIEW:

Note:  While this is the fourth book in this series, it can be read as a standalone.  However, it has major spoilers for previous books and it really shines as a continuation of the previous books in the series, which I highly recommend.

Brent McKay has lost his wife a couple of years previously to a horrible cancer that was long and painful and the grief hasn’t really subsided.  In addition, Brent has absolutely zero interest in sex since a year before Kathy’s death.  Like none at all.  Not with another person and not alone.  In fact, he feels sick and nauseous even thinking about it.  His friend Sean suggests he visit a clinic specializing in sexual healing, Expanded Horizons.  After meeting with the medical director, he agrees to try a session with a surrogate tantric healer.  He’s a bit skeptical at first, but when he sees River Larsen’s picture, something about the man intrigues him.  At their first session, Brent is amazed by what he feels with the massage work.  He’s not sure what is happening, but he does think it’s helping.  River is able to help him release a lot of the grief and pain he’s been holding since Kathy’s death.  Brent is anxious to get his life back finally so he continues his treatment.  He’s finally able to feel and functional sexually for the first time in three years.  He’s grateful to River and he’s also very attracted to him.  But River keeps their relationship completely professional and Brent finishes his therapy sessions.

River is impressed with Brent McKay.  He’s never had such a quick connection with a client before and he’s amazed at how open Brent has been to their sessions.  He’s impressed that Brent has been able to achieve so much in their few sessions.  He’s house sitting on a house boat, but he’s not built a clientele yet, so he gets a part time job at a coffee place to make some more money.  That coffee place happens to be owned by Brent.  Brent is surprised to see him there and it’s a little awkward at first.  But River has suggested some different drinks and food to the manager and when Brent discovers that River has an interest in food and chai and kombucha, he sparks a new creative urge in Brent.  Brent then wrangles him into helping him with his new idea – a kombucha cafe with vegan and vegetarian and world foods.  They decide to go to India to check out a place that River knows about and that Brent researches for his new venture.  In addition, they have time for sightseeing and exploring new ideas.

While in India, River and Brent become even more comfortable with each other.  Brent has never been so attracted to anyone in his life – even his late wife. He feels a connection with River on all levels.  They talk for hours and they have a great time exploring all that Mumbai has to offer.  Finally Brent can’t keep quiet any more and he has to tell River how he feels.  River, for his part has also never felt so connected to anyone before.  He knows that this is a risk because he plans to be moving on in September after his house sitting gig is done.  He’s had an offer from another client to go to Rome for a year.  But his philosophy is to live in the moment, and so he moves their relationship to another level.  Brent obviously has strong feelings for him and he does reciprocate these feelings.  Their sexual coming together is not only physical, but emotional and intellectual as well.  It doesn’t matter that Brent has never been with a man before – this just feels 100% right.

Upon their return from India, things are a whirlwind as the get ready for the new cafe to open.  As the time winds down on summer though, River has to make a decision about Rome.  Although he knows that there will be pain – not just for Brent for also for himself – he feels like he needs to keep moving.  Of course Brent is unhappy, but he doesn’t want to change River – that’s the last thing he’s ever wanted to do.  But the longer they are together, the more they both realize that there will indeed by a lot of pain when River leaves.  The conversations and sharing of their desires are so palpable.  I was sad for both of them.  Beautifully written and so heartfelt.

This book is a perfect example of why Eli Easton is an autobuy for me.  Her ability to write a compelling and engaging story – whether it’s a contemporary, historical, fantasy or paranormal – is rarely surpassed.  This particular story is a beautiful and worthy addition to one of my favorite series.  I absolutely adored River and Brent.  River’s compassion and connection with Brent was key to helping Brent heal from his grief and pain of losing his wife – just so beautifully written.  Brent really impressed me being so open to River and his healing energy.  I found their discussion and exploration of non-Western philosophy and beliefs – particularly during their trip to India – so compelling.  Because the story is told from both Brent’s and River’s POV, the reader is never in doubt as to the true motivations or feelings of either main character.  Their coming together – in life, in business, in physical and emotion love made this a story to savor.  It’s a delicious slow burn attraction on all levels.  Although there are obstacles and some painful and difficult decisions along the way, I cannot imagine a better ending for River and Brent.  I also loved getting to revisit the couples from two of the previous books in the series as well, as they have moved forward with their lives and are still involved with Expanded Horizons.  The healing work they do is the impetus of this story and remains true to their calling.  The secondary characters in this book also complement our understanding of both main characters.  Their families and friends (or lack thereof) definitely solidify their motivations and fears and doubts.

What was already an absolutely gorgeous book was raised to the next level with the superb narration of Michael Stellman.  Stellman is a favorite narrator – since I first listened to him on the 2015 release The Last Thing He Needs.  I knew right then that he was a wonderful find.  His nuanced performance of this beautifully written story of loss and grief and rediscovery of love is completely perfect.  The pain and longing for love and connection are brilliantly conveyed in the choices he made.  I really didn’t think I could love this story more, but I was wrong.  This lovely audio version has added another level of joy and reverence for this story.  River and Brent’s connection is so authentically portrayed through this story and this particular rendering.  I completely loved this book.  It may just edge out the previous book in the series for my favorite   Highly recommended.  One of my favorite books and audios ever.

RATING: 

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