The Sapphire Sea

Outer Banks #3

by Davis Bunn

For readers of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury, the third in a feel-good series of romantic standalone stories with a dash of adventure set against the dramatic landscape of North Carolina’s Outer Banks – the perfect place for second chances, bittersweet love, and a thrilling quest – from internationally bestselling author Davis Bunn.

To keep her safe . . .

Her once-promising future in flux, Arizona reporter Reece Bowen returns home to the magnificent stretch of white-sand beaches and pristine sapphire waters along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast for one last shot at getting her career back on an investigation into a high-profile corporate negotiation with unconventional, highly suspect strategies.

Aware of potential threats, Reece’s sister, attorney Dana Bowen, insists on a bodyguard-for-hire. As resistant as Reece is at first, if anyone is going to watch over her, she couldn’t want for a more charismatic protector than Holden Geller. But falling for him and risking her heart could pose a threat all its own.

He must keep her close . . .

Holden is a pragmatic, no-nonsense, former military man. In his experience, his line of work simply doesn’t mix with romance. But his attraction to Reece is immediate, rendering his defenses suddenly useless. For all his experience with risk and danger, this is one occupational hazard he never expected.

When Reece’s investigation uncovers secrets that a team of power players will go to any lengths to keep hidden, Holden is more dedicated than ever to protecting her. But can he balance duty and desire, or will one destroy the other, and take Reece with it? The connection between them is becoming stronger with every beat of their hearts . . . but their greatest test is yet to come.

Genres: Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published April 28, 2026

About the author

Davis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than eight million books in twenty languages.

Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.

His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.

Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).

Reviews

[Feli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to an ARC of The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn and found it to be a thoughtful, emotional story about belonging and self discovery.

Colin’s journey was easy to connect with, and the narration added a lot of depth. While I did enjoy the overall story, parts felt a bit slow, and the political direction toward the end wasn’t quite what I was expecting and shifted the tone a bit for me.

Overall, a reflective, character driven listen.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced audio copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

A 3.5⭐ read for me, rounded up.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine you are a 6 year old boy. Your Mom passed when you were just 4 years old. Your Dad is the county sheriff, and finds his way of grieving through a bottle and anger... directed at? Guess who?

So, when he is 6, child welfare becomes involved and tests the child, Colin. And what do they find? That he is undoubtedly, miraculously very gifted! I mean, as I'm listening to the questions he is asked... well, my mouth is just hanging WIDE open! =0 And so they want to enroll him in this 'gifted school' that will cost an arm and a leg. The father outright says NO! We can't afford that! And then they tell him he will be totally covered... school, books, housing, clothing.. everything! The father basically says... bye... have a nice life! Remember, Colin is SIX!!!!!

The father also has high aspirations for political gain. He wants to run for mayor... and then move on from there. So basically, Colin is just a noose around his neck.
We hear that he does visit him... occasionally... but that's it. He has moved on. So much so that he's remarried and adopted the woman's children as his own... (WHAT???)

So, Colin moves on as well... in his new surroundings with people who actually CARE for him and surround him with praise, gratitude and love.

And what does he do? Well, he is designing things that his teachers don't even understand!

He is attending college at the age of 12 and shortly after begins his masters programs!

All the while doing things on the side, learning, growing and trying to improve himself!

But the most amazing thing happens when he decides to get in shape by starting swimming lessons. He meets a girl who actually understands him... and can talk to him. And they become the best of friends. As do her parents with him.

And they go on to make a LOT of money together!!
And guess who wants to then come back.... ???

I loved the whole story. I loved how he learned to trust people and himself. As well as all the self-discovery and growth along the way... and the well earned confidence!

What I did not care for AT ALL was the way it went towards the end. I understand the father's position with politics... But, the way the book SWERVED, well, it was like a COLLISION was happening! And really, there was NO NEED for it in the book. We could've very well done without all of that. And all the points could still have been made...

So, 4 stars for me, as it was a mostly wonderful read!

#TheSapphireSea (book #3 in the series, but they can be read as standalones) by @DavisBunn and narrated stunningly by @SusanBennett.

*** This one has not been released yet, but please keep your eyes 👀 open for it on 4/28/26! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @RBMedia and @RecordedBooks for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:
The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn

Thank you, #NetGalley , #DavisBunn author, and #RBmedia publisher, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

The Story: Plot & Characters

The book follows Colin Eames, a super-smart kid who has had a rough life at home. He moves to a special school in the Outer Banks of North Carolina to get away from his father's temper and try to make a future for himself. Along the way, he makes real friends, falls in love for the first time, and tries to figure out what his mother meant by the "Sapphire Sea."

The Characters:

​Colin: The main character, Colin, is a genius, but he’s also just a kid trying to find where he belongs. You really feel for him as he grows up.

​Mira: A girl who has been through some hard times herself. She becomes a great friend to Colin when he needs it most.

​Tiana: A student from Hawaii who shows Colin what it’s like to really fall in love and feel like you belong

The friendships and the romance aren't too much; they feel like relationships that help Colin heal. Even though it’s a deep story about feelings and growing up, the story keeps you wanting to know what happens next.

The Author: #DavisBunn ★★★★★

Davis Bunn is a great writer who has sold millions of books. He is really good at making you feel like you are actually at the beach in North Carolina. He writes about hope and second chances in a way that is easy to understand.

The Narrator: #SusanBennett ★★★★★

The audiobook version is read by Susan Bennett, and she is awesome. She makes every character sound different, so you always know who is talking. Her voice is very smooth and makes the 9-hour audio book fly by.

If you want a great story that makes you feel something without being too overwhelmed, this is it. It’s a beautiful book about leaving a bad past behind and finding a place to call home. Whether you're at the beach or just on your couch, it’s a total 5-star read.

#NetGalley
#TheSapphireSea
#Davis Bunn
#RBmedia

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goodreads.com/patriciasreadingroom

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Sapphire Sea” is a tale of two books wrapped around the life of Colin Eames. Colin is an extraordinary young man. We meet him at the age of 6 and his level of intelligence and understanding are well beyond his years. That doesn’t mean he has an easy life. His mother passed away when he was young, and his dad is a complicated man. Early on, a relative says to Colin’s father that he is too busy grieving that he missed the point that his young son was also grieving. And how does the father deal with his grieving…by drinking and anger. Not to mention his political aspirations. It’s not a good environment for a young child to find themselves in. And that is where this coming of age tale begins.

Seventy-five percent of this book reads like a sprawling tale of the likes of Mark Twain, Grisham’s “A Painted House”, or “To Kill a Mockingbird”. It’s just life with an easy cadence and beautifully written. There is the underlying tension of Colin and his father. And that is where I believe the author has great intentions, but instead, it feels like it becomes a different book.

Bunn seems to be preaching about the divisiveness of extremes in politics. He even writes about it being on both sides. But then, in the next keystroke, he is writing how one side is really, really bad. To make sure he hammers the point home, the father is heavily involved in the bad side. So there seems to be a message that extremes and political sides causing division in personal lives is wrong, only to choose a side. His seemingly intended message is spot on. The seeming hypocrisy of the follow through is glaring. The author may have been better suited to have found another way to get this valuable point across.

I loved the audiobook of this novel. Susan Bennett, the narrator, does an incredible job of bring these well written characters to life.

If you can get past the missed opportunity, this is a beautifully written novel by one of the best.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I’ve never read a book quite like this one. The main character, Colin, was a complex person whose mom had died when he was very young and he had been raised by a father who was a respected, by-the-book police chief with political aspirations by day but who privately expressed his grief by drunken violence. Colin grew up afraid of him and when Child’s Services became aware of the situation and removed him from the home, he was sent to a school for gifted children in the Outer Banks, NC. Colin was lonely, shy, socially awkward, and a true genius. Thankfully he had some adults in his life who truly cared and helped him find his way. It took me a little bit of time to get into the story but once I did, I could not put it down. It was painful in some ways to watch Colin in his coming of age journey but also encouraging to see him finally make a friend his own age and to watch him grow into his giftedness so that he knew what he wanted to do with his life. I must mention that if you are politically conservative, you may take offense at some parts of this story. I think that in real life both parties have members who are abrasive and offensive as well as some members who are kind and well-spoken. In this book, Colin’s father is a staunch Republican and the conservatives are not written very sympathetically—so beware of this if it is a trigger for you. This was my first Davis Bunn book and I would like to read more. This book ended rather abruptly so I hope that perhaps we might learn more about Colin and Tiana in future books in the series. Rating 4.5. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jumped into this story with both feet and wasn’t disappointed! A relatable castor characters and a storyline that just keeps drawing you in. I didn’t realize it was a series but can’t wait to check out more.

To keep her safe . . .

Her once-promising future in flux, Arizona reporter Reece Bowen returns home to the magnificent stretch of white-sand beaches and pristine sapphire waters along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast for one last shot at getting her career back on an investigation into a high-profile corporate negotiation with unconventional, highly suspect strategies.

Aware of potential threats, Reece’s sister, attorney Dana Bowen, insists on a bodyguard-for-hire. As resistant as Reece is at first, if anyone is going to watch over her, she couldn’t want for a more charismatic protector than Holden Geller. But falling for him and risking her heart could pose a threat all its own.

He must keep her close . . .

Holden is a pragmatic, no-nonsense, former military man. In his experience, his line of work simply doesn’t mix with romance. But his attraction to Reece is immediate, rendering his defenses suddenly useless. For all his experience with risk and danger, this is one occupational hazard he never expected.

When Reece’s investigation uncovers secrets that a team of power players will go to any lengths to keep hidden, Holden is more dedicated than ever to protecting her. But can he balance duty and desire, or will one destroy the other, and take Reece with it? The connection between them is becoming stronger with every beat of their hearts . . . but their greatest test is yet to come.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn
This story starts with Colin who is being raised by a housekeeper. His father is the sheriff of the small southern town. One day when he first goes to school he is brought into an office and he has to talk to a woman. End result is he leaves home to live at the school for geniuses where room and board and classes are all paid for. He had feared his fathers moods especially when he had been drinking. His mother had passed away but he never went to the funeral. He finds out later why that was. Love how he excels at what they can teach him. By the age of 12 he's ready for some college classes. Love his math professor because he will be teaching him new things. He is just so much more advanced than anybody thought.
Colin still sees his father at meals with his new wife and her two boys. He fears he will have to go live with them soon as he's heading up the political ladder.
Colin is quite outspoken and he wants to learn how to swim and the school allows that to happen. Dr. Arnold he treats with respect and he can tell him everything. Colin knows what he really wants to study he just has to hide it from everybody, for now... Hate that he's really a loner, wish he had a family.
Love the thing that interests him so much and he does his research. He's able to help others financially. Amazing where he goes to from there, he's just so determined.
Love how sea draws him closer to his mother...
Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion

[Karen Axnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed many of this author’s books and this latest is among my favorites.

Colin Eames is a genius. His exceptional gift in mathematics is his ticket out of an abusive home environment and into the Outer Banks Academy for the Gifted at the tender age of six. Here he begins to flourish and over time he devises a plan to permanently terminate his relationship with his father. To do so he enlists the support of a cadre of adults to implement his investment strategies based on mathematical algorithms, which prove wildly accurate. Part of Colin’s journey is his deepening friendship with a young woman named Mira and a fellow student who is facing a life-threatening illness.

The author chronicles Colin’s story as he navigates his journey into his teens with sensitivity and a deft understanding of one who does not feel like he belongs. It is easy to relate to his interpersonal challenges and to appreciate his brilliance in applying mathematics to monetary investments and music.

Overall, this novel is a touching and inspiring story that is well worth reading.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Colin, a gifted but lonely boy trying to find his place after being sent to a school for the gifted, and I found myself getting invested in his journey pretty quickly. Unfortunately his father does not appreciate his son and is raised by the housekeeper in light of the father's ambition. Colin Eames is a genius. His exceptional gift in mathematics is his ticket out of an abusive home environment and into the Outer Banks Academy for the Gifted at the tender age of six. Here he begins to flourish and over time he devises a plan to permanently terminate his relationship with his father. To do so he enlists the support of a cadre of adults to implement his investment strategies based on mathematical algorithms, which prove wildly accurate. Part of Colin’s journey is his deepening friendship with a young woman named Mira and a fellow student who is facing a life-threatening illness. There are interesting themes such as dealing with understanding gifted children, identity, grief and loss, and friendship. Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn is a novel that takes the genre of coming of age and turns it upside down and inside out. The main character is a young man, Colin Eames and the book covers his teenage years. Colin is gifted and struggles interacting with other teens. He is deeply introspective and as such questions many things.

The novel follows Colin as he struggles to find his place in his school with others. He wants to find the place his mother called The Sapphire Sea and the happiness found there. He finds acceptance and understanding with another person who feels only part of herself. Slowly, he learns to make connections with others, still searching for the Sapphire Sea.

Davis Bunn is a writer who really delves into understanding what makes people grow and search for love and understanding. His portrayal of Colin is amazing and full of determination and hope. The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn is a great read.

PS - The description offer under Goodreads of this book is inaccurate.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you loved Bunn’s Miramar Bay books and expect this to be like those books, I will be surprised if you like this book. It’s part of his Outer Bank series, and they are a lot grittier than Miramar Bay. It’s been awhile since I read the first two Outer Banks books, but I don’t think there’s any overlap in characters with this book.

The story sucked me in, but it was a very challenging, mind-stretching read, even though I’ve got graduate degrees. If you’re a math whiz and love higher math and logic and algorithms, you’ll likely love this book.

There are interesting themes such as dealing with understanding gifted children, identity, grief and loss, and friendship. I was disappointed by some of Bunn’s biases. It’s not among my favorite Bunn books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #TheSapphireSea #NetGalley

[Emma-Louise Wykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC for review.

I absolutely adored this book. Third in a series, however it is completely standalone and can be read separately.

This was brilliantly written, and the protagonist was so likeable. I really felt for Colin, and I loved following his life from childhood through to late teens, although in many ways he reached adulthood before this point. He is a sensitive soul who suffered emotional abuse from his father following his mother's death, but he is also a very gifted child which enabled other adults to step in and protect him, by enrolling him into a residential school for children like him.

He is a remarkable young lad, and achieves things in his childhood that most of us would be unable to in a whole lifetime.

Probably my favourite read so far this year.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin Eames is a genius. He is removed from his father's custody at age 6 and begins his education at an expensive academy for the gifted, on a full scholarship. He is smarter than his peers and many of the adults he interacts with. Colin can work with facts, and mathematics is his forte. It's the nuances of growing up that have him puzzled.

What a fabulous story. Taking a child with so much potential and watching him thrive was awesome. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Drugs, kidnapping, or getting in trouble with the law as he works his magic on numbers and trends. None of that happened. It was refreshing. This was a wonderfully woven tale of a young boy and how he made it to early adulthood, ultimately being able to use his love of math and music to begin a career.

[BHK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sapphire Sea turned out to be a quietly emotional read that really stuck with me. It follows Colin, a gifted but lonely boy trying to find his place after being sent to a school for the gifted, and I found myself getting invested in his journey pretty quickly. Davis Bunn’s writing is really engaging, with a strong focus on character growth and emotional depth rather than fast action. There were a lot of moments that felt heartfelt and a little bittersweet, especially around Colin’s search for connection and belonging. The pacing felt steady and easy to follow, and I kept wanting to read just one more chapter! The feeling of hope mixed with struggle made the story feel very human. If you like coming of age stories with emotional depth this is definitely worth picking up!

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn is the third book in the Outer Banks series and by far my favorite. Perhaps that is because I taught gifted students the last fifteen years or so before my retirement. Only one could fit in the realm of Colin Eames’ intelligence but several in the harsh and abusive home life. I found this fictional story to be gripping as well as uplifting. Solutions did not come easy for Colin but with support they came. More than anything, the need for support is emphasized in this story. Yes, there are other themes on politics, grief, death, identity and the need for love but Colin found his way because adults stood beside him. A thoughtful, moving story for us all.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book challenging. Wondering how it relates to to the first two books
in this series , which I enjoyed., This story is Colin, whose Mother told him of tales
of a place called Sapphire Sea where happiness lis a way
He is a boy, different, doesn't fit in.. and seeking exception and love.
Given arc by Net Galley and Kensington.

[Jennifer Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book by the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
I haven't read many books by Davis Bunn, but I found this book most challenging. I think someone who loves math, and maybe deals with a gifted child would love this book. I found it hard to keep up with. However, the story of a boy who is gifted, doesn't fit in, and has lived a hard life was good!!

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story as a generational student leaves his abusive dad and enters an academy for the gifted. His growth and identity over the years of his adolescence are marked with amazing achievements and special relationships. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Laura Prindable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this author and in fact a collector of his books so of course I requested this on Net Galley as an audiobook! It did not disappoint. Great complex characters and storyline.

5 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and RBmedia for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Raquel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this arc of this book from netgalley as an audiobook. I’ve never read anything by this author. I enjoyed it mostly. I felt it kinda dragged a lot. The main character is a young boy who is extremely smart and really knows numbers. Maybe someone who really likes that would have enjoyed it better.

Also the description of this book on Goodreads is not what the book is about.

[Beverlee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Kensington for a giveaway for this book. The description in Goodreads is not at all what this book is about.

I feel like the book started out interesting about a genius boy with an alcoholic dad and mom who passed away, but then toward the middle it sort of lost me. it kind of felt all over the place. i wish there was more story of the relationship/friendship with celeste.

[Christine Rubel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about found family and a gifted boy who did not get lost in the shuffle. So often gifted children are not given the opportunity to be challenged. For Colin, it just took one person to notice how special he was and that person opened up a world of possibilities for him. The book got a little too technical at times, but Colin's story was heart warming all the same.

[Renee Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming of age story. Colin goes away from home for school to get away from strife with his father.
Davis Bunn does a nice job of telling a story and being very descriptive with story and characters. He can tell a great story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington and leaving a review by my own choice.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book! I love the concept as it’s not been done.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant young man who longs to belong makes lots of friends and creates a great life for himself despite his horrible childhood

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although part of Davis Bunn's Outer Banks series, it stands alone and has no crossover with the first 2 books. This is a story about a boy math genius who is emotionally abused by his father. When given the chance, Colin is able to leave his home situation and attend a school for gifted children. While there, he forages his own way to greater heights. It's a story about finding one's own way, sometimes by one's self and sometimes with the help of others. Definitely has some darker sides to the story.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colin is a neglected boy with an off-the-charts IQ. His father is a cop who turned into an alcoholic with a dark temper after Colin’s mom died. At age six, Colin is removed from his home and sent to an academy that has a section for genius kids like him.

Most of the story revolves around his delight in learning. It is a very different story, focusing on the mental and emotional growth of a child. But what started out as a deep character study evolves into a political commentary at the end. It is tied to some of Colin’s observations on loneliness and lack of connection, but tying his dad, who has no redeeming qualities, directly to real life political figures was a bad move, and one that will make me think twice about reading further works from this author.

Family friendly though some of the circumstances of Colin’s life might be traumatic for younger readers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Rodeo · Rating 1 out of 5]

And the point of the story is .............!? You know when you finish a book and the euphoria of the story carries you to the last moments and you are almost heartbroken that it's over? This ain't that.