Sapphire Dawn

Sapphire Cove #4

by C. Travis Rice, Christopher Rice

Under his pen name, C. Travis Rice, New York Times bestselling author Christopher Rice offers tales of passion, intrigue, and steamy romance between men. The fourth novel, SAPPHIRE DAWN, once again transports you to a beautiful luxury resort on the sparkling Southern California coast where strong-willed heroes release the shame that blocks their hearts’ desires.

Donnie Bascombe has made a lot of people’s fantasies come true in his life, first in the bedroom, then on the set of his adult entertainment studio. But his best friend Logan Murdoch has just presented him with his tallest order yet—help plan the wedding of his dreams. Desire has always been Donnie’s forte. But lavish nuptials at one of Southern California’s premier oceanfront resorts? For that job, he’ll need a partner. And a mentor.

Richard Merriweather has devoted his life to planning fairy tale weddings for celebrities and royalty—only to have his own husband shatter his heart into a million pieces. Remaking the special events office at Sapphire Cove is just the distraction he needs to get his fancy and luxurious life back on track. But the groom’s brash and undeniably sexy best friend has a powerful attraction to Richard Merriweather he can’t keep secret. Problem is, Richard doesn’t do hookups, and Donnie doesn’t do relationships. The closer Donnie gets to Richard, the more he wants something different, something he’s never had before. Something that will force both men to confront the heartbreak in their pasts as they plan Sapphire Cove’s wedding of the decade and find an unexpected future for themselves.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, LGBT, Queer, Fiction, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2024

About the author

C. Travis Rice is the pseudonym New York Times bestselling novelist Christopher Rice devotes to steamy tales of romance between men. Christopher has published multiple bestselling books in multiple genres and been the recipient of a Lambda Literary Award. With his mother, Anne Rice, he is an executive producer on the AMC Studios adaptations of her novels The Vampire Chronicles and The Lives of the Mayfair Witches. Together with his best friend and producing partner, New York Times bestselling novelist, Eric Shaw Quinn, he runs the production company Dinner Partners. Among other projects, they produce the podcast and video network, TDPS, which you can find at TheDinnerPartyShow.com.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphire Dawn is book four in the Sapphire Cove series by Christopher Rice, writing as C. Travis Rice. First, I have to say WOW! Christopher Rice, you have outdone yourself on this one. I’ve loved this series from the start but THIS BOOK!!! It’s my favorite of them all! I have been so excited for Donnie’s book and it was well worth the wait. He was so funny. I laughed out loud so many times. I also swooned and even gasped. Towards the end, I was literally sitting on the couch, leaning over my e-reader, trying to absorb the words as fast as I could. I loved this book!!!

It is six months before the wedding of Connor and Logan from book one. They have decided to have their wedding at Sapphire Cove but they can’t decide on anything else. Sapphire Cove has recently joined forces with a famed event planner, Richard Merriweather. And he is the perfect person to plan their fairy tale wedding. But Richard’s life has been anything but a fairy tale itself. He is in the middle of a divorce from a man who decided that being married meant sleeping with half of Los Angeles. Richard’s best friend, Jonas Jacobs who is the assistant general manager at Sapphire Cove, convinced him that opening a new office at their resort is just the distraction he needs. And his first big client will be the manager of the hotel himself.

Donnie Bascombe is Logan’s best friend. Logan is one of the grooms and also the head of security at Sapphire Cove. Logan wants someone to represent him in all of the wedding planning and who better than his closest friend! Donnie has had a very hard life. He is an ex-porn star who eventually took over the studio he worked for and now owns it. He has built the business up into a thriving and very reputable success. Donnie was deeply hurt once when he was very young and thought himself to be in love. In the fifteen years since, he has never allowed himself to become emotionally attached again. Hook ups only.



The first time Donnie and Richard meet, it was pretty entertaining. We’ll just say first impressions weren’t good. But there was a connection there, an attraction. Something Donnie’s not sure what to do with. He’s supposed to be helping to plan his best friend’s wedding, not sleeping with the wedding planner. So it’s going to be hands off. Now if only he could stick to that plan.

“I promise not to do anything about it. Believe it or not, I do know how to control myself. Even though most guys prefer it when I lose control completely.”

These two together were perfection. Prim and proper Richard and the wild and sexy and mostly inappropriate Donnie. Only there was so much more to them than meets the eye. Both just wanted to be accepted for who they were, not who they were expected to be. They wanted honesty, trust and affection. They found all of these things in each other.

This book was full of surprises and as I mentioned, the ending was crazy awesome! I knew SOMETHING was probably going to happen but wow! And I also admit that I thought this was going to be the final book in the series. But I was wrong. And the teaser Christopher left us with was just mean! I hope his fingers are busy typing typing typing because I’m going to need that book soon!

You don’t have to read these in order but it would at lease help if you’ve read Connor and Logan’s story in book one. The whole series is amazing though. I will be anxiously waiting for more!

“Sometimes the best things in life are a surprise.”

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is out now and if you’re looking for a bit of a slow burn and an opposites atract story, with lots of great characters and humor and love, then you should check out this book and the whole series!
‌
I absolutely love the banter between Donnie and Richard, and there is so much humor in this one! These two are just so rapid back and forth with the wit and snark, I love it. I love the positivity towards sex work.

And despite their shaky first meeting, I love this slow progression to friends - to make this wedding work- while that attraction just build and builds. There is sweetness, some angst, and two men who have both been badly hurt in the past, finding the right person for them in the present.

I received a copy of the book for an instagram book tour. My thoughts are my own.

[Marthea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4+
Ta seria to dla mnie strzał w dziesiątkę - no dobra, nie licząc tomu 3 😜
Ten tom nie odbiega jakością od pierwszych dwóch, przeczytałam jednym tchem (znaczy oczywiście na tyle, ile mogłam sobie pozwolić w pracujących dniach...)
Tylko autor musi mi wybaczyć, że komentarz nie będzie rozwinięty, bo nie mam siły na pisanie - to był tydzień z piekła rodem 👀
I czekam na historię Jonasa !!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Sapphire Dawn is the book 4 in the Sapphire Cove series by C. Travis Rice. While this can be read as a stand alone, I think it would be best enjoyed with having at least read book 1 because the MCs in this one are playing the wedding of the first couple.

Donnie is a former porn star and owner of a porn studio. He had his heart broken 15 years ago and since then hasn't though himself good for more than one-night stands. Richard is a successful event planner whose currently in the middle of a divorce from his husband who spend the entirety of their marriage being unfaithful. He believes in relationships and monogamy still, so when he crosses paths with Donnie he automatically assumes the worst of him when Donnie propositions him in the bathroom. However , Donnie and Richard are forced to work together on the wedding of Donnie's best friend. Donnie is committed to getting things right so he puts his attraction to Richard on the back burner and a friendship actually begins to form and a friend is exactly what Richard needs. But the more Richard sees of the man behind the smiles and sexual innuendos the harder he falls for him.

"Because I don't live in a world where a man as amazing as you could be invisible."

Donnie Donnie Donnie is the BEST. I liked him before but this book made me fall head over heels in love with him. He isn't ashamed of his sex work but underneath his confidence is a load of insecurities and doubts of his self-worth. Richard is trying to regain is confidence after his divorce that left him not only without a husband but betrayed by all his friends except one. Both of them bring a heavy dose of emotion to the story, with both being incredibly hard on themselves with everything they have gone through.

Richard Merriweather had offered up his pain and his inviting lips in almost the same instant, making Donnie feel desired and needed in ways he never had before.

I loved the progression of their relationship. While they both have sexual attraction to each other, they put it aside for the wedding. Donnie makes it a priority, especially when he realizes that Richard requires a friend more than a roll in the sheets. By building a friendship, they get to see beneath the surface of each other, which turns their original feels much deeper. When the two finally give in to their desires the steam is delicious. Filled with passion, role playing, and dirty talk. 🔥

"Stay here. With me." Donnie brought their mouths together. "Kissing me. It's what I want. It's what I need."

Overall, Sapphire Dawn is a fantastic addition to the Sapphire Cove series. An opposites attract romance with wonderful main characters, great supporting cast, sex work positivity, slow burn, steam, friendships, wedding planning, a bit of drama, funnel cakes, and a happy ending.

[Colleen (colleenreads40) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sapphire Dawn is the fourth book in C. Travis Rice's (author Christopher Rice's romance pen name) Sapphire Cove series. This series can be read as interconnected standalones. Here's what you can expect from Donnie and Richard:

🔷 MM contemporary romance
🔷 Third person dual point of view
🔷 Guaranteed happily ever after
🔷 Open door spice
🔷 Rivals to lovers
🔷 Forced proximity

I have been looking forward to Donnie's book ever since we met him in Sapphire Sunset. And let me tell you, I would die for Donnie. Although he's brash and outspoken, he's got a heart of gold. Due to his illustrious porn career and lack of relationships, he's earned the nickname "Sex Monster." Unfortunately, I fear that's all the other characters see when they look at him. Him proving that there's more to the man than just sex is a very important theme in this story and I really love how it played out. I was definitely frustrated with the other characters for treating him this way.

This book comes full circle, as we get to celebrate Sapphire Sunset's Logan and Connor getting the wedding of their dreams at the resort (I have never heard of Enter Sandman as a first wedding dance song, but I was totally here for it and wish someone would recreate the "aggressive cheerleading" of it). This puts Donnie, Logan's best friend, in close proximity with exclusive event planner Richard. Richard is coming off a bitter divorce with an ex-husband that abused his trust and love. There's a lot of push and pull between Donnie and Richard, but I really loved them together. My one issue with this book is that I did feel like there were times when the first 80 percent dragged, but all of the sudden everything sped up for the last 15-20 percent and was all resolved overly quickly. I would've preferred less in the middle with more focus on the end. At the end of the day, this was another great installment to a hidden gem of a series. We get lots of cameos from Ethan and Roman in Sapphire Storm, as Ethan is another great friend of Donnie's. There were moments of laughter, particularly with the antics of some of Donnie's exclusive models. And of course, Donnie is still as brash and loudmouthed as ever, and I loved that we got to see both sides of him in this story.

I can't wait to see what Jonas has going on! The more we learn about him, the more I can't wait for his eventual story. I'll be patient though, as I'm sure Christopher will make it work the wait.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure if this book as actually better than the previous three or if I just allowed myself to enjoy the absurdity of the storyline and take it as a light “beach read”. Regardless, I had fun with this one.

[lauraღ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When you looked me in the eye the first time, the world started moving in a new direction, and it’s never gone back to its original course.”

Like, 4.25 stars? I think this is definitely my favourite book in the series so far, which makes me really happy and really surprised. I wasn't expecting anyone to top Mason and Naser in this series, but I really, really loved Richard and Donnie. I always love opposites attract as a trope, and this hit a lot of those buttons for me, while also being really heartfelt, really sexy, really swoony.

Like all of the other books in this series, this takes place at the Sapphire Cove Resort. Logan and Connor, the characters from the first book, are getting married at the resort. Richard is the wedding planner that they've hired; classy, buttoned-up, recently divorced. Donnie is Logan's best friend and best man: former porn star, current porn studio manager, heartthrob and a bit of a fuckboy. They have to work together to plan the wedding, and immediately get off on the wrong foot when Donnie propositions Richard in the bathroom. This romance was just... soooooo good. They were truly the sweetest together. Very different men, in terms of class, personality, and outlook, but they have a TONNE of immediate chemistry. It's not exactly enemies to lovers, but Richard doesn't like Donnie at first, is prepared to write him off, and doesn't particularly want to work with him. Donnie, on the other hand, is instantly attracted to Richard (at first became he reminds him of Donnie's first love), and while at first he just wants to get in his pants, he starts really wanting to impress him. And it's SO cute. Their verbal sparring at the beginning is so charged, so entertaining. Their banter genuinely had me grinning from ear to ear, and even more so when they finally start giving in, admitting that they actually like each other. I loved the scenes of Donnie shadowing Richard to learn from him, and Richard visiting the studio. This moves relatively fast, but I didn't mind at all, because the author did such a great job of developing their romance and making it feel realistic. It was SO swoony.

Richard sorta compares their dynamic to My Fair Lady, and it's something that they both come to enjoy. Donnie likes classing himself up, dressing up for Richard. But at the same time, Richard isn't mean or belittling about it, and while they come from very different class brackets, he never purposefully makes Donnie feel bad about it. I loved when they opened up to each other about their lives and pasts. Eventually, there's so much tenderness between them, and it makes my heart ache. Truly one of those romances where you feel like these two people are just what they each need. Lots of great communication, lots of heartfelt moments. There's a moment where Donnie is about to go of and feel bad about himself, and Richard cuts right across that, gives him a bunch of loving assurance. The humour also was perfectly suited to the characters, and I loved every bit of growth. There's a roleplay sex scene that packs in so much character exploration, so much connection (while also being sexy) that it made my heart flutter. And I felt silly, because it was just a roleplay sex scene??? But ugh, it was SO good.

Except the ending! LOL. The ending was kinda lacklustre and bad. In fact, it was so meh, it's honestly impressive that I'm still giving this book 4 stars, because it means the rest of the book was SO good. I'm tagging this as romantic suspense, but the suspense part was so meagre, it's barely there. It all goes down in the last 15% or so, and a lot of it involves a third character doing all the problem solving. I was really surprised that... idk, something more didn't happen? I expected a certain character from Donnie's past to show up, and they did, but in a far less interesting way than I expected. Yeah, it was dramatic, but it all happened rally fast, and I felt like we didn't get enough action and drama. I mean, it wasn't BAD, I guess? I liked that we got more insight into Jonas, and it laid some of the groundwork for his romance, which I'm super excited for. But in general, the end of the book was the weakest.

Listened to the audiobook as read by the author, and once again, really enjoyed it. I feel like his narration just keeps getting better and better with each book. This was just really lovely, and a great entry in the series. I'm really looking forward to the next book, and getting to know a bit more about Jonas's past. I can't wait to see who his love interest will be! And I hope the suspense will be a bit better.

“With you, it’s different. It’s an ache. And I feel it everywhere.”

[Frank Socha (franksforeword) · Rating 5 out of 5]

SMASH after SMASH after SMASH after SMASH, the fourth book in the Sapphire Cove series, like its predecessors, was a….SMASH! But yes there is also lot’s of smashing in this series. Smashes across the board!

In true Rice fashion, we are given a story of romance (and smashing) and pining with a dash of THRILL! One of my favorite parts about this book was the little twist at the end! It’s written like a full ass meal, you get the appetizers (the character building) and the entree (the budding romance), but then Rice gives that complimentary dessert (the thriller twist) that you weren’t expecting but delivers the full course! You’re kicking your feet and squealing over the romance and then all of a sudden there is a full security team involved and a secret agency and mother’s trying to throw people off balconies and it’s…addictive.

I think of the four books THIS one has my favorite banter! It’s honestly hilarious and entirely witty and fun, especially all the shit talking :) Especially because it brings back allllllll the characters from the rest of the series so it’s just a big ol banter kiki that I’m fully subscribed to. But especially between our two MCs! Which made their love story even more believable. (more on that in the next paragraph) But it’s the type of banter that gives so much dimension to these characters and one that provides such personality to them! It’s the best kind of people watching tbh.

Ok so the love story: LOVE! Our MC Donnie going from porn-star (his nickname is “Sex Monster”), hookups only, never letting anyone stay the night to this cute little golden retriever who just saw a ball for the first time and is the most in-love little nugget for it! I LOVE stories like this. The fuck-boy having an epiphany and changing his entire romantic outlook? That’s one of my all-time fave micro tropes. But, again, makes his character so deep (while also GETTING deep ;)) and I just felt like a proud little mom watching her son grow up :) Richard, bravo, your ass has completely changed this man.

So yeah, I can’t recommend this series enough! ESPECIALLY with that cliff-hanger!!! Are we getting a Jonas book???

[Sophie (lambsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m protective of my friends. Especially the ones who’ve been hurt…I wasn’t prepared for how badly you’d been hurt.”

4.25 stars

Friends, Donnie realized. That’s what Richard Merriweather needed. That’s why he’d come to Sapphire Cove. Because one of his oldest friends had promised him new ones to replace the ones who’d betrayed him.

I thought this was going to be a light romance, like, the cover is a dude on a beach, but there were lots of emotions and pain, hurt and mystery and it was really great! Not the pain and hurt 😂 but the growth and development of the characters that came out it.

"I mean, for Christ’s sake, he was slipping out of bed with me on vacation and going into the bedrooms of our friends and we were all having breakfast together the next morning and I had no clue. Like all around me there’d been this secret."

Past relationships absolutely broke both Richard and Donnie, Richard and his cheating douche husband and Donnie and his past boyfriend/man who groomed him and attempted to pimp him out. And they were pretty sad characters because of it, which showed in their inability to trust people and relationships. But because of this, I really enjoyed them together!

“Do you usually stroll the hotel in your underwear?”
Donnie shrugged. “Everyone’s out cold. Besides, the security guy on tonight used to work for me. Naked.” Donnie smiled.

Okay, but this was spicy and I didn’t expect it lmao The role-play scene ohmagawd

“Come here and kiss me, jackass, before you say something crude that ruins it.”
“You brought up my dick.”
“How could I not? It’s everywhere all the time all at once.”

If you like:
- Former porn star now Porn Daddy
- Role Playing
- Insecurities and Healing
- Beach/Resort Vibe
- Wedding Planning
- Angst
- Protectiveness/Possessiveness

“I would never lie about how sexy you are. Sex is my business. It would be a violation of the Smutocratic Oath.”

Thank you to Pride Tours, 1001 Dark Nights & Blue Box Press, and the author for providing me with a physical ARC!

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved being back in Sapphire Cove for Logan and Connor’s wedding.

Donnie’s such a bigger than life type of character. The bluster hides a heart of gold, he’d do anything for those he loves. He deserved a happily ever after.

Enter Richard, who stirs familiar memories, and finds Donnie in his life, much to his surprise.

Themes of found family and intrigue flow through the series, with well fleshed, lovable characters. Slow burn, easy read.

Fingers crossed we see Jonas’ story in the next installment.

[Fearne Hill]

This series scratches an itch I didn't know needed scratching. But I've loved every single one. If you want to read about about a super-luxurious Californian hotel where the sun always shines, and a group of bitchy, mostly very rich, hot blokes argue, bitch some more, fall in love, and have a lot of hot sex, then it's probably the series for you, too.
And apparently there will be another. Yay!

[Anthea P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a review but a plea: give Jonas his own HEA. It would be reprehensible to deny him (and readers) this! Sadly there is as yet no mention of a fifth Sapphire Cove / Jonas installment.

The whole series has been excellent - and Sapphire Dawn the best yet.

[Aimee Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Sapphire Cove series and it contains a very small spoiler from book 1. So if you have not read this series, you may want to hold off on reading this review. Or if you're not concerned about it, continue!

Connor and Logan, from book 1, are finally getting married! But they can not agree on anything. So they hire the famous event planner, Richard Merriweather. Richard's personal life, however, is not going as well as his career.
Donnie Bascombe is Logan's best friend. Logan wants Donnie to help with the event planning on his behalf. Donnie is a former porn star and now owns the studio and continues to make top notch porn. He's just behind the camera now. So when he realizes he'll be working with the handsome event planner, Donnie does his best to not try to seduce Richard. Richard doesn't make it easy for Donnie which adds to their chemistry.
But as they work together, Donnie comes to really respect Richard and sees the man behind the event planner.
In true Christopher Rice fashion, not only do we have the budding romance of Richard and Donnie, we get some family drama and a little suspense mixed in.

As always with these books, I loved it. Not my favorite, but still a great read. Or listen. I highly recommend the audio. Mr. Rice himself narrates and does a fantastic job.

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

You guys!!! The most perfect summer read is here! Grab your thongs and beach bags. We've got a scorching hot book from C. Travis Rice. Book four in the Saphire Cove series that can totally be a standalone is a fun, flirty, and sexy read. Perfect for the beach, back deck, and even a hammock in the mountains. What more can I say? Get it, read it, and thank me later.
~Tanja

*Thank you to the publisher for sharing this title with me.

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[Slick · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first romance book I read by C. Travis Rice (Christopher Rice), his words held me mesmerized and from the book on, it’s always been that way. Even when a book or a character doesn’t resonate with me, I am always enthralled by his words. Then there are books like Sapphire Dawn where everything comes together perfectly and I simply cannot put the book down. From the first chapter to the last word, I was immersed in this story and fell in love with these characters and their wild and crazy journey. Smart dialog, full of emotion, some drama thrown in to keep things interesting, but most of all two men opposite in almost every way find away to push past each other’s barriers and find a love neither one expected or thought they wanted.

I don’t think there are a lot of people who would ask an ex-porn star and current porn studio owner to plan their wedding, but Logan feels that his best friend Donnie has what it takes to make sure what he wants in a wedding isn’t overshadowed by what the love of his life Connor wants for them. Enter Richard, the event planner to the stars, and his newly opened office in the Sapphire Cove resort. He has been tasked by Connor and a reluctant Logan to plan their big event along with Donnie’s help unbeknownst to the happy couple they met in an “interesting” way before they are introduced making thing a bit awkward for them.

Richard is fresh out of a painful divorce and a sabbatical trying to regain his confidence in his business and in his life after finding out his husband was not only unfaithful for quite some time in their marriage, but unfaithful with most of their mutual friends. He’s a bit shell shocked from what happened and despite the fact Donnie made him feel desirable, he assumes Donnie is acting and makes everyone he comes into contact with feel that way. Both men made assumptions about one another that weren’t all together true and one of my favorite things about this book was them both figuring out there was so much more to the other man than they realized. I especially enjoyed watching Donnie realize that feelings made everything better including s*x.

This was a slow burn romance with both men being skittish about getting involved and for them the slow burn was not only needed but worked well. It gave them both time to heal, make peace with the past, and discover the hidden layers of each other. They truly had a special relationship and I loved watching them support one another all while falling in love.

Everything about this story was pure perfection and while I have loved other books in this series, Sapphire Dawn is my favorite to date.

[WycEd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out our full post for SAPPHIRE DAWN on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in this series, and I have to say that I think you will gain more from the story if you have some of the background storylines.

Logan has enlisted his best friend, Donnie, to help plan his wedding to Connor. He knows that Donnie gets his issues and feelings about the expected wedding excesses. He wants to please his fiancé but is mindful of his past and insecure of his expectations. Donnie is otherwise a slightly unexpected choice, given his past and his ownership of an adult film company. I love how he has learned to deal with the recognition and the expectations.

Connor has engaged his own close friend Richard, wedding organiser extraordinaire, to plan it with Donnie. Richard has just suffered a horrible and embarrassing break from his husband and is very much anti-romance or even flirtation. This is a bit of an issue for Donnie as his public face is always about flirtation and hookups.

Their first meeting may be one they want to forget, but it is really cute watching them peel back their shields and give each other some honesty that has been severely lacking in their recent past. I did feel it was a little long and slow in coming, but the outcome was just what one would wish. Even the wedding is a huge success given their efforts.

There is an interesting side plot – although I did feel that it was signposted very loudly at times – but it did give a bit of non-wedding drama to the story and forced the guys to wake up to the importance of living in the now.

Will be fun catching up with the guys and seeing the next Sapphire Cove employee find their happily ever after.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Dorch · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

mixing up the formula starting 6 months in the future with an interrogation on jonas by his former employers
finally found out how logan and donnie met
richard is jonas’ friend from college
more ethan and their past with zach
fun reading about places in SD like UTC and miramar and lulu california bistro in palm springs
all his books are very deep into gay culture. enjoying how gay it is
love the rich eccentric people
late 30s donnie vs early 40s richard
one of his porn stars has a wife
get to see the ins and outs of a porn studio and considers his exclusives family
“i have an interest in seeing the bottom be the object of desire. not just an endless parade of guys trying to hide the fact they’re gay while they worship tall-straight-acting white tops who won’t kiss them on the mouth” lol logan and maybe his ex husband
i love when guys internal monologue says it would be dangerous to fall for them
loved the build up to them eventually being together as they were scared to get involved due to jonas and working together
donnie loves bitchy men and richard is bitchy
find out more about donnie’s past and why he quit being a porn star
doctor patient role play with prostate messager
no butt stuff after eating
love the red white and royal blue movie shoutout
love that they had a joint bachelor party
the Sex Monster fell in love for really the first time, they both are
love the grandiose wedding theme: royal wedding under the sea
disappointed that ethan didn’t bake their wedding cake. was he even there. i doubt it since his presence might interfere with the ending
back with the crazy endings. this book had a kidnapping and a mafia plotline! as zach was the kept boy of one of the leading organized crime figures in eastern europe and got into trouble when he sold a fake statue to a mafioso
i wonder if zach actually meant it when he said he loved him and named him danger boy because what he felt for him was dangerous, i liked donnie's thoughts where he didn't care and just wanted to be dancing with richard
what kind of phone unlocks with a regular password
glad they don’t want kids
love how it wrapped up with zach
oh shittt i can’t wait to find out more about jonas and the man he loved in the next book who he “lost forever”

[Meredith (SweetReadsandTreats) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I finished Sapphire Storm last year, I immediately wanted Donnie’s story and was excited to learn that his story was planned next. Sapphire Dawn exceeded all my hopes for his story and I don’t think I was fully prepared to be quite so deep into my feels. I loved every moment of it. From start to finish, Sapphire Dawn was a delightful mix of humorous dialogue, angsty feels, and of course some drama as Donnie and Richard step closer to their HEA. These two men could not have been more different, which made their romance all the sweeter to me. I adored this angsty, opposites attract, forced proximity romance and it is my favorite of the series. Sorry, not sorry to all the men that came before.

Donnie has be tasked by his best friend Logan with his most challenging job yet – help plan his wedding to the love of his life Connor. Having done what needed to be done since he left home at 16, he is determined to be the best man Logan could have ever chosen but worries he will fall short. When the couple ask him to meet with them one night, he suspects the worst. He never could have predicted the man he bumped into in the lobby was the new wedding planner brought in by Connor to help oversee the wedding. Richard, fresh from a divorce, is ready to make a fresh start. Their chemistry burns hot, but neither man was ready for the other in more ways than one.

I can not say enough how much I absolutely adored this story. I knew there were hidden layers to Donnie, and Richard was a fantastically intriguing character. They both have backstories that pulled at my heartstrings and I adore when past characters have cameos, of which there are plenty in this book. Donnie was hilarious and Richard was such a fun new character and perfect for Donnie. The slow burn romance ends in steam that will set the pages on fire, but the sweetness of their story steals the show. I adored how both men supported each other and helped each reframe their pasts. Perspective is everything. I adored this story and it was worth the wait between books. I can’t wait to see who Christopher plans to tackle next.

[Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars Love coming back to Sapphire Cove and couldn’t get enough of Donnie + Richard’s unconventional love story!

Donnie Bascombe is a porn studio owner and former performer who’s created quite the reputation for himself but is so much more underneath that facade. He’s thoughtful and caring in ways many people overlook and he has a heart of gold when it comes to the people he cares about most. So, when his best friend Logan asks him to be his best man and to help plan the wedding, he’s intimidated and overwhelmed but also determined to do the best job he possibly can.

Richard Merriweather is recovering from a divorce…not really a broken heart but a damaged ego from everything that transpired. He’s one of the top event planners in the country and has made a name for himself working with celebrities and A-listers on everything from weddings to birthday parties and everything in between. He knows what he likes, has standards and wants to be cherished, something he’s been missing for all the years he was married. When the opportunity to open a new event planning office at Sapphire Cove comes up, along with the opportunity to plan the wedding of the year for Logan and Connor, he can’t pass it up.

While their first meeting was less than stellar for both of them, their unexpected pairing to work together on the wedding really ends up working out in their favor. They don’t really work on paper - Donnie is brash and unrefined and Richard is proper and put-together - but they complement each other so well, something that only increases as the story goes on. They have some preconceived notions to work through, but watching them stand up for each other time and time again and fighting for one another was heartwarming. Planning the wedding together sounded like their worst nightmare, but it turned into their own happily ever after along the way.

I didn’t love the addition of the Zack storyline - I had to take away half a star for how much it was drawn out but also how much it felt unnecessary by the end, just a way to add some extra drama. I love the Sapphire Cove crew and getting to see all of them happy along the way was everything. Logan and Connor’s wedding made my heart happy and I’m really crossing my fingers that Jonas finally get a book of his own after everything we learn about him here!

[Larry H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Thanks so much to Get Red PR Books and 1001 Dark Nights/Blue Box Press for including me on the tour for this book!

While I’ve not read many books by Christopher Rice, I’ve really enjoyed this series, which he’s written under the name C. Travis Rice. These books are steamy, romantic, and emotional, and Rice does an exceptional job making you long to be where the books are set.

“Because I don’t live in a world where a man as amazing as you could be invisible.”

Donnie is a take-charge kind of guy. He’s not ashamed to have been a porn star, or owner of a porn studio, but he has never believed himself worthy of true love. When he agrees to help his best friend Logan plan his wedding, he wants to do the best job he can. What he’s not counting on is falling for the wedding planner.

Richard has created the perfect wedding for so many people, yet his own life is in shambles. His husband has been unfaithful and they’re in the midst of a divorce. When he meets Donnie, he can’t deny their attraction to one another. But Richard believes in monogamy and Donnie doesn’t do relationships. So they have to put their desire aside in order to create Logan’s perfect wedding. But of course, desire won’t be denied…

While this is the fourth book in the series, this can be read as a standalone. But you’ll want to read the rest of the series!!

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.

Check out my best reads of 2023 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2023.html.

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. Travis Rice has completely outdone himself and raised the bar on an already fantastic series. Sapphire Dawn is a banger of a story that has it all - mystery, intrigue, passion, and romance. Not to mention heartbreak, healing, and enough drama to rival the BEST classic 80’s primetime soaps. I came for the Sapphire Cove wedding of the century and was blown away by how deftly Rice weaves a fish out of water, opposites attract romance with so much depth, nuance, and complexity.

If you’re new to this series, I suggest reading them in order. You can read this story as a standalone, but with the backstory and set up, it has more impact.

I’ve been anticipating this book for a few reasons, but mainly the culmination of Connor & Logan’s epic romance and finally learning Donnie’s story. If you’ve been with Sapphire Cove from the beginning, you know how hard Connor and Logan have fought for their HEA. Their path to saying “I do” is no less rocky, but ultimately it’s perfect, beautiful, and everything they deserve.

As for Donnie, he just might be my favorite. (Sorry, Roman!) He and Logan are the very best of friends and have been through so much; it’s no surprise Logan wants Donnie by his side on one of the most important days of his life. When Donnie’s asked to help with the wedding plans, for a former porn star turned studio owner, that might be a bridge too far. Especially if it means working with Sapphire Cove’s new, globally-acclaimed event planner, Richard Merriweather.

Because of its sophistication and elegance, Sapphire Cove is the perfect backdrop for classist themes. Rice explores these in several ways, including the connection between Donnie and Richard, where he plays up the differences between them beginning with their awkward bathroom meet cute and continuing into their professional and romantic relationships. Their dynamic is a lot of fun, and I love all the ways they come together. Their evolution from unwilling co-planners to unlikely bedfellows to unquestionable soulmates is really well done.

This story is entertaining and engaging, and I can’t recommend it enough, but it did leave me with one lingering question: Jonas Jacobs, who even ARE you?!?

*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the fourth book in this series - and I have to say that I think you will gain more from the story if you have some of the background storylines.

Logan has enlisted his best friend, Donnie to help plan his wedding to Connor. He knows that Donnie gets his issues and feelings about the expected wedding excesses. He wants to please his fiancé but is mindful of his past and insecure of his expectations. Donnie is otherwise a slightly unexpected choice, given his past and his ownership of an adult film company. I love how he has learned to deal with the recognition and the expectations.

Connor has engaged his own close friend Richard, wedding organiser extraordinaire to plan it with Donnie. Richard has just suffered a horrible and embarrassing break from his husband, and is very much anti romance or even flirtation. This is a bit of an issue for Donnie as his public face is always about flirtation and hook ups.

Their first meeting may be one they want to forget, but it is really cute watching them peel back their shields and give each other some honesty that has been severely lacking in their recent past. I did feel it was a little long and slow in coming, but the outcome was just what one would wish. Even the wedding is a huge success given their efforts.

There is an interesting side plot - although I did feel that it was signposted very loudly at times - but it did give a bit of non-wedding drama to the story and forced the guys to wake up to the importance of living in the now.

Will be fun catching up with the guys and seeing the next Sapphire Cove employee find their HEA.

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphire Dawn (Sapphire Cove 4)
C. Travis (Christopher) Rice
Published by Blue Box Press, 2024
Five stars

C. Travis Rice knows the ropes of the tropes and manages them exceedingly well. If adopting a very translucent pen name is what it took for him to embrace the formulae of the gay romance novel, then I’m all for it. Even if it embarrasses him, he’s really good at this.

Richard Merriweather is the new character in this serial saga: a Martha-Stewart-level party planner who has decided to tie his California office to Sapphire Cove. Recovering from the ugly end of his marriage (which becomes an important plotline in the book), Richard is good friends with Jonas Jacobs, number two at the resort. The character we’ve met before is Donnie Bascomb, old friend of Logan Murdoch (head of security, whose story was in book 1). Donnie is a porn star turned film impresario, and will be acting as Logan’s best man for the wedding we’ve all been waiting for.

The catch, or trigger, here is that Donnie is supposed to work closely with Richard Merriweather to plan the wedding of the century, but being who he is, he hits on Richard in the men’s room before realizing who he is. Donnie and Richard seem to be totally oil and water, but Mr. Rice carefully lays out the truths of these two men until we can all see that they are the unlikely perfect pair. His skill with character development sets the emotional tone of the book; while his ability to weave crazy plots into something plausible and important is on full speed.

Like all the books in this series, Sapphire Dawn reads like the script of a really juicy limited television series, with strong visuals and a cinematic sense of action. I loved every minute of it, especially Donnie Bascomb. To my delight, the very final paragraph of the book seems to make it clear that there will be another installment. Huzzah.

[José Orlando · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a disappointing read, I was in desperate need of a palate cleanser, and "Sapphire Dawn" by C. Travis Rice delivered beyond my wildest expectations. This fourth novel in the Sapphire Cove series is a captivating blend of passion, intrigue, and steamy romance that transported me to the beautiful luxury resort on the sparkling Southern California coast. From the first page to the last, I was hooked, kicking my feet and giggling like a schoolgirl while laughing my ass off.

The story revolves around Donnie Bascombe, a man who's made fantasies come true both in the bedroom and on the set of his adult entertainment studio. Tasked with planning his best friend Logan Murdoch's dream wedding at Sapphire Cove, Donnie needs the expertise of Richard Merriweather, a heartbroken wedding planner who's devoted his life to creating fairy tale weddings. As the two men work together, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Donnie and Richard's magnetic connection and the build-up of tension are everything I love about romance stories. Their journey from reluctant partners to something much more is as sweet as it is hot and hilarious.

What stood out most was the character development of Donnie and Richard. Their personal growth and the evolution of their relationship were a joy to read. These characters are fully fleshed out, feeling like real people with all their pain, insecurities, hopes, and dreams. Despite the sometimes cheesy storyline, the depth and authenticity of Donnie and Richard's experiences made me fall in love with them as they fell for each other. It's always refreshing to read about older queer men (late 30s, early 40s) finding love, and Rice has done a fantastic job of portraying their journey in a heartwarming and relatable way.

"Sapphire Dawn" is a perfect blend of romance, drama, and humor. The spice is sizzling, the drama is at soap opera levels, and the humor provides the perfect balance to wrap it all up into a wonderful novel. Donnie and Richard's story is one I won't soon forget. It was an absolute joy to read, leaving me with a warm heart and a smile on my face. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and believe in the power of love again, "Sapphire Dawn" is the one for you.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in this series has been better than the last and since I loved everything about the first one, that's saying something! C. Travis Rice has this great talent for writing smart stories full of snarky - yet intelligent - humor, romance, spice and friendship. I have purchased both the e-book and audio version (narrated by the author) of each book. I originally bought just the e-book of Sapphire Sunset (book 1) but bought the audio version because I didn't want to stop reading when I had to drive to work. I haven't taken any chances since and buy both at once.

Sapphire Dawn is the story of Donnie, known as "Sex Monster" a retired porn star, who now owns a porn film company, and Richard, the master of event planning, who is chic, formal, and GQ handsome. Both have sad histories and both are survivors of bad relationships, among other things. When they are thrown together, I never thought they would work. However, as the story unfolds, mysteries are revealed and character depths are unveiled.

I learned a lot about the porn industry and about event planning for the very rich. I also cried for the 16 year old boy who was tossed out of his home for being gay and the man who found out his husband had been cheating on him for years with their friends. I laughed - a lot - at the funny, cutting remarks and the goofy situations. Most of all, I cheered these men on as they fell in love and put their lives on the line for the other.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed another trip to Sapphire Cove and to revisiting the men who live and work there. These stories are smart and sophisticated with an authentic feel, superb character development, and exciting storylines. In this book, Donnie Bascombe is the owner of a successful gay porn studio. After coming up from a difficult childhood and early adult life, he remade his life to be respected and well-known. Now, his best friend, Logan (from Bk 1), has asked him to serve as best man and help plan Logan's wedding to Connor, one of the family member who own Sapphire Cove.

Connor (Bk 1) has hired his own friend and renowned wedding planner, Richard Merriweather, to organize the wedding. The grooms have asked Donnie and Richard to work together. Donnie and Richard are attracted to each other from the beginning, but Richard is going through a painful divorce and Donnie doubts he would ever be good enough for Richard. Still, they give each other a chance and enjoy getting to know each other.

Danger lurks at times, a few mysteries emerge, and family brings some difficulties. This story has a great relationship arc. The passion is intense and emotions are raw as they each learn some vital things about themselves. There is a very satisfying HEA and hints of another book related to Sapphire Cove. I've greatly enjoyed this series and highly recommend it!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

James' rating: 5 out of 5 stars of wild ride! ✨

I had previously read Sapphire Storm before and loved it so I jumped at the opportunity to review ARC copy of the next in this series!

Our MCs really intrigued me since they were so different from each other! I LOVED Donnie. He was so funny, sweet and sexy. Well, that sounds like the whole package. 😉 I just wanted to hug him. Richard was caring, witty and also a little reserved after what we went through. These two had excellent chemistry!

We had a slow burn with so much sexual tension and it was also balanced by a perfect of sweetness and humor. The plot development was really smooth and we had sprinkles of drama and angst moving through. Both of them had been through a LOT . While I am not a fan of angst or drama, everything blended perfectly into a heartwarmingly beautiful story.

I loved the relationship development between Donnie and Richard. It was sooo good! Their attraction was magnetic and the way their relationship developed from people who were unwilling partners to people who truly supported and loved each other no matter what. Their journey to a HEA was so amazing and I ended this book with a smile on my face.

Thank you Christopher Rice and Get Red PR for a wild and heartwarming read!

Happy Reading!

[Jane | Shelf in Bloom♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sapphire Dawn is a wonderful and beautiful story of finding love in unexpected ways. This is the fourth book of the Sapphire Cove series but can be read as a standalone. I love a good MM Romance and this one is so emotional and charming. Donnie and Richard are forced to work together for a mutual friend. Richard is the hired wedding planner, and Donnie is the best friend with a hidden past.

I immediately fell in love with their chemistry, especially the enemies-to-lovers trope and their banter. Donnie doesn't do relationships—his experience as an adult film star and owner of an X-rated studio is the complete opposite of what Richard is looking for. However, as time passes, the two opposites break down their walls, realizing that what they want and need is right in front of them.

I was rooting for them from the beginning - their connection is beautifully written. I loved Richard's charm and Donnie's emotional turmoil pulled at my heartstrings. I found myself tearing up, and my heart soared. What a breathtaking story.

[Edith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Pride Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of the Sapphire Dawn Book Tour. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Desire at Sapphire Cove introduces Donnie Bascombe, a man known for making fantasies come true, now tasked with planning his best friend Logan Murdoch's dream wedding. For this, he turns to Richard Merriweather, a top-tier wedding planner with a broken heart.

As they work together at the luxurious Sapphire Cove, an undeniable attraction forms between the brash, commitment-averse Donnie and the meticulous, emotionally scarred Richard. Their professional collaboration forces them to confront past heartbreaks and consider a future neither expected.

The story flows smoothly, blending personal growth, romance, and the intricacies of planning an extravagant wedding. The alternating perspectives provide depth, making their relationship feel authentic and engaging. Desire at Sapphire Cove is a captivating read that balances romance, personal evolution, and just the right amount of spice.

[The Geeky Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series, and Sapphire Dawn is the best yet, at least in my humble opinion. Donnie Bascomb, the porn-director, self-professed 'sex-monster', and my personal favourite character of the entire series, is featured here. As the best man for his best friend, Logan, he's forced into working with uptight event planner, Richard Meriweather. Unfortunately for Donnie, Meriweather is a dead ringer for the only man to ever break his heart fifteen years earlier, so you can see where this is going. C. Travis Rice, pen-name for bestselling author Christopher Rice, knows what the fans want and he gives it to them, delivering suspsense, lots of laugh out loud moments, and some steamy sex scenes that will have you shifting uncomfortably while listening to them. It's a fast-paced, fun read and perfect for fans of the series. You don't have to have read the others, but it will make the experience so much better if you have. I'm also happy to report that, based on the cliff-hanger ending, it looks like there will be another volume coming soon.