not tantra , maybe tantra inspired mediocre smut ?!

There are some tantric concepts in this book but I got my hopes up that a novel in Audible format would go into the depths of tantric experience...and was disappointed by a superficial story, basic lingo (with lots of "yeah Bebe, fuck me hard"), little character development , unenlightened approach to tantric sex and poor content of tantric techniques (ie. in the most advanced descriptions of tantric massage the most he knows to do for breasts is to massage the areolas in circular motions and squeeze, pull and suck them / not actual tantric breast massage, which tells me the author has an oral fixation not an understanding of the energetics of breasts - speak of anticlimactic; really basic breathwork techniques for the task he was attempting) - even under a Neo-tantra label.

The writing drastically lacks psychological depth. The main character, Jean-Claude (as don't be fooled by the title, this book is not really about Her or her blooming, it's about how he saves her 🙄) has a strong saviour complex, and needs some empowerment himself (and some shadow work/ inner reflection) before he goes around playing the expert in Tantra, and in typical fashion of someone wounded in this way , scatters disempowering attitudes towards the genuine power of sexual energy for both men and women, and towards healing processes, in an unconsciously shady attempt to empower himself. At least this fictional character doesn't charge for his services, probably could not say the same about the book's author. But nor does this character develop. The heroine does go through a substantial change that is typical of sexual empowerment, but the means by which she gets there are somewhat unrealistic considering he keeps taking undue credit for her empowerment, doesn't recognise her efforts, has somewhat problematic attitudes / understanding/ approach towards dealight with sexual abuse, trauma and lifelong blockage caused by these, and doesn't actually check in with her unfolding (sexual) experience other than occasionally asking "you like that" ("in a raspy voice"), asking for permission to penetrate her a couple of times and by assuming what she's experiencing based on what he thinks he hears her sounds are expressing (which isn't actually empowering of a woman's developing experience) - he just keeps playing the expert and subjecting her to his limited expertise - typical of men who don't understand nor are open to developing understanding of women's (sexual) experience, but take power from believing to be and playing the expert to disempowered women who look for a saviour. Her development, is not surprisingly , also quite disappointing in extent, which is of course overemphasized.
I also found the story glorifies typical (LA) beauty standards, while speaking of inner and outer beauty and radiance, the story is particularly fixated on clothes, make up and a neatly trimmed bush being the stuff that will make a woman feel fundamentally confident, rather than the emphasis on and realisation of the existing perfection and beauty in the intelligence and sophistication of her natural body - another element to this book that I found unhealthy and strays fundamentally from a tantric approach.

I was tempted to say it's an alright start for mainstream fictional literature, compared to most erotic material ... but I can't bring myself to make this statement, as it is misleading in an area where misinformation can be discouraging and damaging.
I don't really want to follow through on the curiosity to imagine what kind of work mr. Carvill is doing as a real life practitioner, it makes me cringe... as this book has done on many levels, particularly in using spiritual references when clearly the author has barely grasped these concepts on the level of reasoning, and shows no signs of having integrated in his consciousness a deeper spiritual awareness and elevation, but more having grazed the surface enough to declare himself an "expert" in a society that rewards and pays well for a much hungered for upgrade in sexual education, views and attitudes. But there are more genuine approaches and practitioners out there, so don't be discouraged.
I'm not one to leave negative reviews but it seems relevant that I share my view on this, in case others find themselves relating and finding it useful as confirmation, and to emphasize there is more to Tantra and tantric healing and sexuality than what is portraied in this novel.
For some entertainment it might be a pass for some. I would certainly not recommend it to anyone , but particularly anyone looking for some quality erotic fiction or genuine tantric tales.

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