Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Seaspray
AUTHOR: Rick R Reed
PUBLISHER: Ninestar Press
LENGTH: 52k Pages N/A
RELEASE DATE: July 8, 2022
BLURB:
Winslow Birkel is a sweet young man in his first relationship. But his boyfriend, the charming and fiery Chad Loveless, has become increasingly abusive to the point where Winslow fears for his life.
Everything changes in a single night when Winslow, fleeing yet another epic fight, goes out to a local bar and finds a sympathetic ear in a new friend, Darryn Maxwell. But when he comes home, Chad’s waiting. He’s got it in for Winslow, whom he wrongly accuses of being unfaithful.
The stormy night sends Winslow off on a journey to escape. The last thing he recalls is skidding off the road and into the river. When he awakens, he’s mysteriously in the charming seaside town of Seaspray, where people are warm and welcoming, yet their appearances and disappearances are all too inexplicable.
Back home, Darryn wonders what’s happened to the new guy he met during his first outing to the local gay bar, the Q. Darryn knows Winslow’s been abused, but he also feels he’s quickly fallen in love with Winslow.
Can Winslow and Darryn decipher their respective mysteries? Is it possible for them to reunite? Is Chad still lurking and plotting to make sure Winslow never loves anyone else? The answers to these questions await you in Seaspray, where you may, or may not, ever leave.
REVIEW:
Running from abuse, Winslow finds himself in the sea, then in the town of Seaspray. However, as he’d never visited the coast, he didn’t know how he got there. All he knew was that the people were friendly, and he was free of pain. Was Seaspray real or imagined?
Oh my. Seaspray is a beautiful yet heartbreaking story that was different, superbly written, and left me willing to believe that something else was out there.
The story is told in the first person, past tense, from multiple viewpoints. The manuscript is also split into two books – why? I’m not sure, but what they hey. Some readers balk at more than a couple of perspectives. However, in this book, they are right to be there as it gives credence that Seaspray is a magical place instead of a figment of the imagination.
Abuse is a huge factor in this story, although other tragedies form part of the tale. Instances of abuse are swift yet no less impactful as they are skillfully written, as are the main characters’ backgrounds. Two come from abusive households, and one is highly religious. However, all three adopt different adult perspectives. To say more, will give spoilers, which I won’t do. Given the subject, I was thankful for the non-explicit sexual content – it was unnecessary or needed.
Winslow and Darryn are lovely people. As Winslow is in an abusive relationship, he backs off from the lovely Darryn. Darryn isn’t out to his parents but knows a good person when he meets one – hence, there is a touch of instalove when he meets Winslow. Sometimes people just click. The wider cast gives a lovely depth to this story, proving that among tragedy, learning, acceptance, and beautiful things can happen.
Regarding Seaspray, Frankie is that all-knowing guide with a smidge of whacky. She’s a pure delight, although some may see her as a mass of frustration. She doesn’t preach. She points you in the direction of the answers.
This novel isn’t full of traditional over-dramatic gestures. Yes, there is heartbreak, violence, and tragedy, but while reading, there is also a great serenity. There were many areas where I shed tears – the good kind. So as part of my recommendation for reading Seaspray, I would suggest a box of tissues and a packet of cookies, or for those British readers – it’s Jaffa cake time.
RATING: 
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