Meet Scott Sapphire—lover of French champagne, Belgian chocolate and dangerous men. He is suave. He is sexy. He is a man of the world—and a man that the world desperately wants to catch.
For Scott Sapphire is the greatest jewel thief of our time. Dashing. Daring. And always neck-deep in trouble.
But when Scott’s latest heist lands him in possession of a map to a rare and precious orchid, it’ll take more than bedroom eyes and a charming smile to stay one step ahead of one of the world’s most powerful business tycoons, as well as keep the CIA off Scott’s back and a handsome special agent out of his pants—or maybe not.
From the Venice canals to the Amazon rainforest, from Rio de Janeiro to the casinos of Monte Carlo, comes a brand new gay hero as irresistible as diamonds and pearls.
Adventure has a new name! And that name is Scott Sapphire.
Geoffrey Knight is the author of more than 30 gay fiction novels, novellas and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense and gay comedies.
The heroes of Geoffrey's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, seeking lost treasures, unraveling mysteries or falling in love.
Geoffrey is the recipient of two Rainbow Awards including Best Mystery Winner and Best Overall Gay Fiction Runner-up. His work has been featured in several anthologies including Best Gay Erotica 2013, and he appeared as Guest of Honor at the inaugural Rainbow Con in Florida, 2014.
Geoffrey has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories. He lives with his partner, their young daughter and their small furry family in a rambling old house in North Queensland, Australia, where the paint is fraying and life is good.
It was my second book (but a third novel) by Geoffrey Knight, and though I can’t see myself as a Geoffrey Knight’s expert, not yet at least, I think I can already assess his writing style.
If you’re looking for deeply profound thoughts, extended powerful emotions, deeply psychological and realistic plot and painfully beautiful prose in your books, then you should probably search somewhere else. But if you want to take a pause from all these tragic events and depressing news of the last weeks, if you want to dive into a delightful and adventurous world of treasure hunting a là Geoffrey Knight, where impossible things are happening, where champagne is flowing, diamonds are sparking, where thief’s are sexy, generous, courageous and loyal, and where evil despite being mighty, powerful and smart, is always one step behind good and where good, friendship and love always win at the end.
Scott Sapphire and the Emerald Orchid is a wild andf joyful blend of Indiana Jones, James Bond and Lara Croft (with a male actor in the main role!). Fast paced, sexy, captivating and funny. Reading it was like watching an action movie with a double speed. It is a real page turner, a playful modern tale a là Robin Hood with a high fun factor, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Buckle up, the journey starts!!!
***ARC of Scott Sapphire and the Emerald Orchid provided to Gay Book Reviews by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
I figured out the best word to describe this story: caper. This is a right proper caper. The humor, the quick pace and lighthearted tone, they all tally up to a caper. Add in the tongue-in-cheek attitude and the circuit is complete.
I like that Knight takes some of the usually stereotypical (i.e., over the top) descriptions found in some stories and uses them with a wink and then a middle finger for good measure. I’ll take your “channel” and raise you a “sizzling trunk”! Don’t worry, it doesn’t happen too often. ;)
I won’t talk supporting characters by name – it would give too much away – but I liked them all. Each one added a surprising amount of complexity, a case of more than meets the eye. They made me smile, and they wormed their way into my heart despite their… complicated choices. It’s a wonderful mix of people, all unique and playing their roles well.
Knight is so very good at physical description of place. Whether within the whiplash speed of an action scene or one involving a multi-character conversation, I found it so easy to picture it all. The richly painted settings made it that much easier to connect with the characters.
This is a comedic action film, with some heart and heat, hopping from one international locale to another.
There are a few spots where it was a bit confusing as to whose point of view was running the show. I backtracked and reread, righting the ship.
Really, I was grinning and having fun with this one:
”I don’t know who you are,” she said, “but I just had to lay my lips on the most handsome man in the room. Tell me, are you here to sin – or score?”
“Judging by the naked man I just left in my hotel suite, I’d say I’ve already managed both.
Mmmm hmmm, that’s Sapphire right there. Or is it? ;)
We jet around to more locales, some fun surprises and, like any good action flick, some darker moments.
About half way through and I really wasn’t sure where everything was headed, how it all would end. What I did know? This was unrealistic escapism and I was having fun. I know, I’ve already said that, but really. A mix of modern setting and early 20th century adventurism. For me, this was an homage to one of the greatest films of all time, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. It’s corny, cheesy, murdery, sweaty and silly fun.
There’s supposedly a sequel to come at some point, Scott Sapphire and the Golden Egg. Mr. Knight, I need that. ;)
Scott Sapphire is a thief. He steals from the rich sells what he’s taken and gives the money to whomever he thinks needs it, kind of like a modern day Robin Hood. In the first book of this new series he’s after the Emerald Orchid. This story is about his journey trying to get that Emerald Orchid. Along the way he meets Tom a CIA agent who is chasing the man Scott is trying to steal from. There is an instant attraction between Scott and Tom but they don’t act on it right away which really worked for me. I got to read an exciting story that reminded me of the Indiana Jones adventures and I’m a big Indiana Jones fan so this was right up my alley. The story took me through Europe and the jungles of the Amazon where things are always treacherous, a place filled with giant tarantula, very large snakes and piranha, *shiver* it’s not a very welcoming place.
I loved the secondary characters and to my surprise even the bad guys. Scott’s sister Sophie is sweet and tough, she helps Scott in any way she can and Artie a “father” figure to the two of them. He takes them in when they’re young and living on the street. The bad guys are the kind I love to hate, a very evil Ella who will stop at nothing to get what she wants and her not quite as evil father Oscar, I’m glad these two are just characters in a story. Then there’s Tatyana, I’m not sure what I think of her. Her part in this adventure is small and isn’t complete by the end of the book, it is a great set up to the next book. I’m looking forward to her story.
This is a true adventure story with two very hot sexy men. I can’t call what Scott and Tom have at the end an HEA because their story hasn’t ended so for now it’s an HFN. Thankfully it’s the first book in a series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one to find out what happens to them and what other adventures they go on.
I don’t think this one can be put into the M/M Romance genre, I think it fits much better in the Gay Fiction genre, a very good Gay Fiction. While there is a romance the book doesn’t focus on it. I think of this as a great story first, one that happens to have two guys fall in love, perfect.
Geoffrey Knight has written an exciting story, it grabbed me from page one and didn’t disappoint me in any way. Well maybe a small disappointment I have to wait for the next book to continue the adventure, I took off a ¼ star for that reason but I’ll be looking to read more from Geoffrey Knight.
A short but enjoyable read with lots of humor and adventure and a dash of romance :) The atmosphere in the book was thick, which was great... sometimes short novels miss the mark on that.
I loved how Scott, Sophie, and Artie stole from the rich and gave to the needy like modern day Robin Hoods.. an unusual family but you could see the bond/love they had for each other.
There's a bit of back-story for Sophie/Artie/Scott, but not much really for Tom... bits thrown in here and there.. I liked Tom but I didn't love him like the others.
The attraction was there almost at the beginning for Tom and Scott. I liked how Mr. Knight didn't have them jump into bed right away but I still felt the romance was a little rushed but you could feel the chemistry between them.
The villains were perfectly hate-able, I was cursing them constantly throughout the pages. I don't know if I would have been as noble as Scott in saving Ella's life at one point... don't know what it says about me but I was perfectly happy with their fates. For Leandro's though, I was mentally cringing and climbing up the rope ladder faster than Scott and the others.
The ending I relaxed a bit, thinking it was all over, then out of nowhere, a cliffhanger! Bah! I was thinking "You little *insert whatever word here*!!! A nice little of out of nowhere slap so to speak, nicely setting up the next book *playfully glares at Mr. Knight*
I only wish the story had been a bit longer so I could've gotten to know everyone better... no one written badly or anything, I just wish the characters were more in depth.
I would recommend, a good read for a lazy day ;-)
Definitely getting the next book this paycheck *crosses fingers* UPDATE: doesn't look like its out yet *pouts*
Would I read this again? Probably :) Don't know when but Scott Sapphire is an interesting guy.
Scott Sapphire has three vices, French champagne, Belgian chocolates and hot men. He is also the greatest jewel thief of our time. Scott travels from Venice where he out smarted Jack Stone from the last adventure series Fathom's Five and captures the Devil of Kahna Toga diamond. Now Sapphire is after the priceless Emerald Orchid which is hidden deep in he amazon rainforest. Scott and his sister Sophie along with Artie are not your common crooks though. They have a Robin Hood streak running through them where all the proceeds from the jewel heists are sent to a worthwhile project to help the needy. This was a fun and sexy romp across the globe as Scott chased down the Emerald Orchid while trying to keep the bad guys at bay. A cross between James Bond and Robin Hood, Scott Diamond is an intriguing and beautifully developed character. The secondary characters are all colorful and entertaining. Mr. Knight slowly reveals to the reader how Scott and his uncommon family came to be. The well written story is fast paced and packed with life threatening danger at every turn. The bad guys in this story are billionaire pharmaceutical magnate Oscar Hudson and his daughter Ella who want the green orchid which is in the same temple as the Emerald Orchid for evil purposes. The race is on with murder, mayhem and as much sex as Scott can get to see who will make it to the temple first. This is the first book in what seems to be a great new series. I recommend this sexy light read to anyone who enjoyed the old Bond movies.
SlashReaders: To be honest with you I found this book rather ridiculous from beginning to end. The idea is okay but it's one of those stories that jumps from one action moment to the next, without any time in between. I end up feeling like the main character's could possibly still be on their feet after what they've been through and yet they keep going on without a break to recover. All in all for me this was a book where adventure meets well hung attractive men who are beat up to hell still manage to have sex with each other. That, and the fact that Knight glosses over a lot of facts and details. I found that, over the course of this book I could not suspend my disbelief. I ended up spending more time laughing at this book than anything else. I might be willing to see what else Geoffrey Knight has to offer in the future but I would be very selective about story and title.
So...I really loved this book, and I desperately want to read the sequel. However, I'm not sure when that is going to happen. :( It was sexy and adventurous, not to mention hilarious. Pretty much, that's all my review is, except for the fact that I want to mention something, and this is, pretty much, the only reason why I'm writing a review:
Forgive me if this isn't the exact quote, but it's something along the lines of "Scott pulled out a condom and tossed it to Tom. "I'm always a good Boy Scout." he said with a smirk. "I always come prepared to come." But my question is this: Scott Sapphire: 1.) Was in an explosion. 2.) Was attacked by pirahnas. 3.) Dived into a swamp and ran away from alligators. 4.) Was stuck in quick sand. 5.) Was attacked by army ants. 6.) And dived into a waterfall pool...thing...
Fun ride. Take your fairly typical pulp hero, have him be more interested in the other male characters than the femme fatale, and you've got yourself a good novel.
I would totally recommend this book. If you already love the Fathom's Five Series, then you should definitely read this one as well. Pity this is the only Scott Sapphire book though. I would have loved to read more about him.
I thought this was pretty stinking terrible. It was just a bunch of action interspersed with sex scenes. Unfortunately I need more than those two things to enjoy reading a book. I need characters with depth, and I need a plot that isn't completely riddled with holes. I'm certain the author knew what he was doing when writing this book, and there are people out there that enjoy this sort of action packed, gratuitous, and nonsensical story. I am definitely not one of them.
I could barely believe some of the perils the heroes faced in such a quick succession I kept my suspension of belief but the ending, that was the worst. A rush job, bad guys dispensed quickly. Then just enough info to get you to the sequel...and of course I am sucker and will probably read the next book.
Jake's whole world revolved around adventure he lived, breathed, and even bled for it. When opportunity knocks one should always throw caution to the wind and seize the moment. Nunc quiescere faciam... Opening his eyes Jake was dumbfounded he was on the floor naked and alone. Jake's mind was still befuddled when he caught sight of the petty marauder and the chase was on hopping onto the gondola. The fleeing marauder smiled taunting with him with glee " maybe another time" Adieu. Jake hadn't meant to go swimming but now he was up to his neck in some serious trouble he'd been had by a con. The only move he had left was to call the professor. New passport in hand Scott Sapphire was in a hurry to catch a train, he quickly produced a ticket. The brother and sister sat cheerfully toasting each other. So why this train in particular? Retribution. The stars were diamonds. Which of hand could remind someone of Lucy in the sky with diamonds The Beatles. Scott's favorite past time playing with sexy men, chocolate and disappearing into thin air. He was enjoyed his nomad lifestyle gallivanting around the world leading to Brazil. Scott had a way of attracting people to him where ever he went and he wasn't above showing off his attributes. Leandro had indeed set his sights on him each had there own snappy repertoire the thief and the other a killer and they were kung foo fighting beating on each other until the idiot who just had to have that last smoke when there's a deafening boom. Scott is in a world of hurt his in the river full of monster fish with mouthful of razor sharp teeth who can smell him. And the hoard of hungry monsters were making him there own personal chew toy and they we're ravenous. But out of nowhere he found himself being pull into a small boat. Scott looked at the man who'd saved him he was the C.I.A man. All he could fathom was Tom was stitching him up like a drowned rag doll. The temple with the orchid real or myth neither actually knew if it did but hopefully they might find out. This adventure of theirs was rapidly getting way more interesting then either one of them could have dreamed first it was monster fish and now its prehistoric monsters, maybe a baker's bunch were making a beeline right for them. Well this wasn't exciting anymore no not at all especially ending back in the river Scott was tired of the local wildlife trying to turn him into their dinner. There only hope was up as they carefully climbed higher and higher into the tree canopy. If it wasn't one thing or another they were figuring out the hard way the Amazon rain forest was bad for their constitution and she wasn't done with them not by a long shot. They were in a precarious situation and the ants were biting them Scott was able to extract himself and grabbed Tom yanking him out. All things considered they were still breathing and honestly Scott wasn't going to waste a single minute. Waterfall one check and Tom "Mr.Texan" a most definitely a big check. Sharing their very special time with the local residence a plus. Ella, definitely the last person they expect to see waltzing towards them and Leandro made his presence known. You've got to be kidding me a freaking net stretched across ravine teeming with tarantulas after all nothing ventured nothing gained but darned it all the land was throwing everything she had at them the whole kitten caboodle. Shaking his head Scott watched as the dumb broad Ella, showed no signs of listening to him she was absolutely foolish and they were all gonna pay. So this is where I stop yep I've enjoyed this sensational journey and now I'm done because I've never been one for spoilers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tom Truman and Scott Sapphire have a rather hot but questionable chemistry one man seeks justice for a dead father the other a street urchin takes from the wealthy to help out the less fortunate. Tom is ahem a CIA operative after a wealth but unscrupulous drug manufacturer and Scott is the best thief around and there both about to meet there match and have the same mark.
Scott loves the chase the adrenaline he also loves men and his latest conquest Jack will get him that much closer to his true conquest a very valuable statue there both trying to con the other but Scott is faster its a good thing because Venice, Italy has never been so active with roof to chases to crazy candela action Scott makes his getaway. But his next job a treasure map will bring him to Monaco and some very dangerous people thats were he meets Tom Truman and the sparks and bullets will definitely start to fly. But the Amazon will bring its own danger and lust with perana killers man eating bugs and a seriously scary Anaconda im talking about a snake. This action packed story brings a whole new meaning to love or lust on the run with one finaly explosive ending in Rio De Janeiro. I would love to read more stories about these two.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via booksprout and this is my honest review.
After reading the Fathom Five’s first five books, I couldn’t wait for the next book in the series, the author graciously pointed out that there was another book that had one of the Fathom Five’s character in it. Of course, I immediately bought the book and started reading it. It should definitely be in the Fathom Five series as a spin-off! This one was a very good read. I could easily visualize all the action that was going on. The author did a great job describing them which scores points for me. Love the characters in the book! The front covers in the series are pretty awesome and this one certainly did not disappoint!
The story focuses on Scott Sapphire and his adventure in trying to find the Emerald Orchid before the villains does. Interestingly enough, he had always been a thief. There was a backstory with how Scott came to be where he was at the beginning of the story. Jake, one of the Fathom Five’s stud had a romantic endeavor with Scott. The question asked is what happens to the Emerald Orchid. That’s for you to pick up the book and find out!
A little Indiana Jones, James Bond, MacGuyver rolled into one delicious package. Scott, is a little bit dare devil, and obviously part cat! Tom Truman is a CIA agent on a quest for the map and revenge. Oscar Hudson, one of richest men in the world, doesn't come by his money honestly. Ella, his daughter is his right hand. The chase goes global and we have some really nice geographical descriptions. Scott and Tom are delightful! This story would make a great film. Alliances, partnerships and betrayals make one have to be ready to react on a dime. The cunning, the quick instinctive survival, the thinking on the toes is a fun read. This is a read over and over story! Well done Mr Knight! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Nice cover art, my ARC copy didn't have one. VERY nice.
So many TV adventures and movies flash through the reader’s mind with this one! Scott Sapphire is an amazing thief with a Robin Hood type ethic of sharing some of his ill-gotten gain with those in need. He meets a CIA agent, Tom Truman. Tom has his own mission and agenda in seeking justice for the death of his father. Let the sparks fly! Through the entire story line, this is one gigantic adventure with no pause for recovery. Suspend your disbelief and prepare to laugh at situations that will make your jaw drop! Yes, it’s over the top. But go into it knowing that and you just might enjoy the ride!
Intriguing story, I like Scott and his found family. Tom was interesting and I like to learn more about his background and if he actually got fired from the C.I.A, or if it was just a ploy. I really liked the way Tom and Scott played off each other and helped each other throughout the book. Will be interesting to see how their relationship develops since they are basically on different sides of the law.
This reminded me of Indiana Jones meets James Bond, an adventurous spy! It was sooo freakin good, I couldn't out it down, it grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go until the end!! I felt like I was watching an action movie. Super fun to read! I loved the over the top action and adventure! The story is really well written, highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A story of Scott playing James Bond or Harrison Ford even Robin Hood finding things or acquiring them on an adventure. Characters play an exciting story with Artie, Sophie and Jake, Tim with others. The story starts in Italy with Scott and Jake getting hot together but i suspect much more happening between them.
A somewhat spoiled CIA boy tangled with the suave orphan Scott Sapphire
A portion of the profits from every heist Scott and his family of orphans and misfits donate to a variety of causes- turkey dinner for orphans , wells for villages in Mali.
Definitely worth the read. Lots of fun following Scott Sapphire around the world in his quests for stealing expensive treasures. Yes there are quite a few perils to wade through that are rather over the top, but it is fiction is it not? Having a handsome chaser named Tom just adds sexiness to the journey.
The book was okay, it was a kind of take on Robin Hood, but I didn't really consider it much of a romance book. Yes, I know I should have read some of the reviews beforehand & I would of be prepared for that. Be warned the end does end on a kind of a cliffhanger. I will probably read the second book in the series, as I want more.
I imagined this could have been more of an Indiana Jones adventure. Scott is a thief who goes to the Amazon to claim the emerald orchid. He is followed by bad guys and a man who is not who he says he is. This book could have done with being a little longer to get more of the adventure as everything was easily solved, quicksand, gators, anacondas but it was a good yarn for an hour or 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is one thrilling adventure after another for Scott and in the process he finds someone he can love in Tom. I do like Scott's family and how they help even if it is in unusual ways.