Review: Saving Sean by Con Riley

Reviewed by Hannah
Saving Sean (Seattle Stories #2) by Con Riley
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 280pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
Nearly a year after being rejected for another man, Seattle paramedic Peter Morse is still pining, so when the one that got away asks him for a favor, he agrees. His mission: track down Sean Reid, the runaway brother of a mutual friend. Peter isn’t thrilled about it—until he finds Sean injured by the side of the road.

Everything about Sean stirs Peter’s protective instincts—saving people is what he lives for—but he never anticipated falling for someone so hell-bent on running away. On top of his physical wounds, Sean struggles with grief and guilt, and the mess his estranged father left when he died threatens to overwhelm him.

Saving Sean means Peter must let go of his pride and turn to friends and family. Asking for help is a bitter pill for Peter to swallow, but if he can’t, how can he expect Sean to accept his help—and his love—in turn?

Review:
*sighs* I emerged out of this book so content, it’s taking quite a lot of willpower to construct this review, and that should tell you just how much I loved this book.

Riley’s creation of the two main characters in this story, Peter and Sean, is pulled together in a way that allows their complexities to tie you in, and keep you hooked on this story, rather than growing frustrated with the back and forth of the relationship that develops between the pair.

Peter is a character that the reader can see is desperate for the companionship and contentment that love can offer, even if he isn’t willing to admit it to himself…to start with at least. As you begin this story, you are introduced to Peter’s way of life, busy on the road with his work, teaching EMT’s how to care for their patients ensuring they don’t lose their empathy, you can see the kind of soul that this character has, and will bring to any relationship he encounters in this book, whether it be with friends or a lover. Peter is a character built on love; a need to have it, and a need to give it to those around him.

It is this love, the love for his friends that leads Peter to Sean. When these two meet on the page, it is in confusing and worrying circumstances, as you try to piece together, with Peter, why it is he has come across Sean in such a bruised and battered state. It is this puzzle that starts the readers journey to understanding Sean, and getting hooked on how the chemistry and lust between these two could possibly heal them both, and give them both what they need from life, if they could just let go of their issues long enough to let the other in.

This book never stops you questioning, you spend chapter after chapter trying to figure out what it is about Sean and his past that is creating so many obstacles between him and Peter when they seem to have such burning passion together. A passion that comes easily, and leads to kisses so hot they could melt glass.

However as you move through the long journey this couple takes to understanding each other, you realise that passion isn’t enough to lead to love, for that both men have to see where the other is coming from. Riley manages to keep the story moving at a pace, that somehow, even when you are frustrated at each step back Sean and Peter take in their relationship, you are never kept in the dark as to the reason behind why their path isn’t a simple one, therefore the reader never grows frustrated with the developments.

You come to understand the pain Sean is dealing with, and in doing so you are given a character that has enough depth and warmth that this book will keep you hooked even when you grow tired as to how a week can allow so many changes to take place in one relationship.

This book is set over one week, and yet somehow Riley creates a journey that could be months long. This book never gets boring, or tedious with detail, as both characters are given enough depth behind their passion, beyond their passion even, that you are happy to keep reading, to keep trying to hope that they can both find their way to a happy ending.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Peter and Sean in this book. The burning hot sex scenes didn't hurt either, the chemistry in this book is enough to singe the pages, but more than that, the understanding that quickly develops between this pair is so endearing, you can’t help but take them into your heart, as with the help of their friends they reach a conclusion in this book that will have you smiling wide and leave you content with happiness that Sean and Peter found their way ‘home’.

Review: Book #1 After Ben

4 Pants Off