It’s release day! I’m so happy to share this book with you.
A funny thing happened on the way to publishing this book….
This book is in the Sex in Seattle universe because it takes place, in part, at the Expanded Horizons sex clinic in Seattle. (However, it features a new couple and can be read as a stand-alone). Now, there is quite a gap between book #3 in this series, The Mating of Michael, which was published in 2014, and this new book, The Redemption of River. Six years in fact!
After I wrote The Mating of Michael, I had a little niggle of an idea in my head that I wanted to do another book and it would feature a new sex surrogate to the clinic, a wanderer who is only there temporarily and who specializes in tantric sex therapy.
Where did that idea come from? I have always been interested in Eastern philosophy and took several college sources in the subject. I’ve also listened to a fair number of audiobooks over the years. (One of my favorite authors is Thich Nhat Hanh.) When I heard of tantra, a sexual practice which evolved from Hinduism, I was naturally very curious and did some investigation. That’s not to say I am an expert in any of this, only that I’ve always been interested in the subject.
So yes, I had a niggle in my mind that it might be a fun and interesting challenge to write a character like River, a sex surrogate coming from a place of sexual spirituality and tantra. But the book was a little daunting and I ended up putting it on the back burner.
Unfortunately, when it comes to my series, it may be years between books. I’m a “follow the inspiration” writer, and inspiration often strikes someplace new.
But in February of 2020, having just come up a four-month sabbatical to work on a political campaign, and needing to get back in the writing saddle, this book idea came up again and this time, I was ready to write it.
A mellower love story that focuses on connection
I knew if I were going to write about a tantra practitioner, the book would be very steamy. And it is! But what came up unexpectedly as I wrote was the deep soul connection between Brent and River. I guess it shouldn’t have been a surprise, since tantra is about connecting in a deeper way, but it still took me back how deep and natural their connection was, how strongly I felt it, and how well it came across on the page. I hope you feel that connection too!
This story begins with Brent as a surrogacy client of River’s. They have tantric sessions right away, which are very sensual, but also not reciprocal (at least, not as reciprocal as Brent wants). Then they part ways, only to meet again later when River starts working at Brent’s coffee shop. From there it’s a slow burn romance as the two of them struggle to place their chemistry and connection into a boss-and-employee relationship, then a friendship, and finally give in to what they both truly crave.
Mature characters
I read a lot of romances with young characters and/or emotionally immature ones. While that can be fun, in this story, I felt that both Brent (being older and having gone through the death of his wife) and River (who, although only 26, is an old soul who follows a spiritual path) would act maturely. There’s no miscommunication, yelling, or hurtful attacks. They both sincerely want the best for each other, which makes their parting even more difficult. (Don’t worry— there is a happily ever after!).
The 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 two ships passing in the stream of life. Except 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 the hell out of 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.)
Check out the first chapter
READ IT HERE
LINKS
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Goodreads
I hope you enjoy the book! Please check out my Facebook group for discussion and giveaways.
Eli
