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Sapphire Cove #3
Sapphire Storm
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 third novel, SAPPHIRE STORM, 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.
Ethan Blake has dedicated his life to satisfying other people’s appetites. At forty-three, he’s finally landed his dream job—head pastry chef at an exclusive resort. Now he’s got a jet-setting career that’s taken him to romantic locations all over the world. But years before, after his parents threw him out for being gay, Ethan supported himself in a manner he’d rather keep under the covers today.
Roman Walker is a twenty-five-year-old fitness celebrity awash in thirsty followers. But when he walks through the doors of Sapphire Cove, it’s not just to oversee the menu for his celebrity client’s wedding. Decades ago, Roman and Ethan crossed paths on a New York street corner during a terrible, life-changing moment that scarred them both. Now Roman’s back for revenge.
But when his plan goes wildly off the rails, Roman suddenly finds himself at the center of an even stranger and darker plot concocted by his most famous client. Well-versed in the ways of the wealthy and the entitled, Roman’s former target offers to be his strongest ally during a moment that might derail the young man’s newfound career. But the experienced older man’s offer also ignites an irresistible and forbidden attraction that threatens to consume them both, even as it exposes old secrets and incurs the wrath of the powerful and the famous.
Ethan Blake has dedicated his life to satisfying other people’s appetites. At forty-three, he’s finally landed his dream job—head pastry chef at an exclusive resort. Now he’s got a jet-setting career that’s taken him to romantic locations all over the world. But years before, after his parents threw him out for being gay, Ethan supported himself in a manner he’d rather keep under the covers today.
Roman Walker is a twenty-five-year-old fitness celebrity awash in thirsty followers. But when he walks through the doors of Sapphire Cove, it’s not just to oversee the menu for his celebrity client’s wedding. Decades ago, Roman and Ethan crossed paths on a New York street corner during a terrible, life-changing moment that scarred them both. Now Roman’s back for revenge.
But when his plan goes wildly off the rails, Roman suddenly finds himself at the center of an even stranger and darker plot concocted by his most famous client. Well-versed in the ways of the wealthy and the entitled, Roman’s former target offers to be his strongest ally during a moment that might derail the young man’s newfound career. But the experienced older man’s offer also ignites an irresistible and forbidden attraction that threatens to consume them both, even as it exposes old secrets and incurs the wrath of the powerful and the famous.
286 pages, ebook
First published March 7, 2023
56 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
C. Travis Rice
5 books147 followersC. 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 31, 2025
The writing here is gorgeous and emotionally rich. I was completely invested in Ethan and Roman’s connection. Their shared history, the tension between past pain and present desire, it all felt so REAL and beautifully woven.
Tropes/themes:
Age gap (43/25)
Enemies to lovers
Revenge gone wrong
Protective hero
Redemption arc
Secret past
OTT bad guy
Forced proximity
Power dynamics
Found family
HEA
I had issues here and there, mainly with the wild twist with the unhinged mother and her ott scheme. Some of the dialogue veered into cringy territory and at times I felt like I was being lectured, especially when it came to overexplaining the landscape of sexual identity labels.
There was such a beautiful moment of vulnerability and frustration when Ethan first sees Roman naked. It gave such a great glimpse into what’s going on internally for him. I really wish the author had let the guys actually talk about it though, instead of keeping it all in Ethan’s head.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next!
I’ll add this spoiler for those safety readers.
Tropes/themes:
Age gap (43/25)
Enemies to lovers
Revenge gone wrong
Protective hero
Redemption arc
Secret past
OTT bad guy
Forced proximity
Power dynamics
Found family
HEA
I had issues here and there, mainly with the wild twist with the unhinged mother and her ott scheme. Some of the dialogue veered into cringy territory and at times I felt like I was being lectured, especially when it came to overexplaining the landscape of sexual identity labels.
There was such a beautiful moment of vulnerability and frustration when Ethan first sees Roman naked. It gave such a great glimpse into what’s going on internally for him. I really wish the author had let the guys actually talk about it though, instead of keeping it all in Ethan’s head.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next!
I’ll add this spoiler for those safety readers.
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 14, 2024
Sapphire Storm is book three in the Sapphire Cove series by C. Travis Rice (Christopher Rice.) I have to admit first thing that I am generally not an age gap romance fan and I had planned to skip this book and wait for the next one. But I was urged to give it a try and wow am I glad I did. Christopher is such a wonderful story teller. And as with the first two books, I was pulled right into the story and didn’t want to put it down. This one comes with plenty of twists and turns as well as a wonderful romance that these two men fought hard for.
Ethan Blake is forty three years old and has his dream job of head pastry chef at Sapphire Cove. Not only does he love his job but he loves his co-workers. But, this wasn’t always Ethan’s life. Ethan has secrets. At a young age, his parents threw him out of the house and cut him off for being gay. And the first few years following that he’d rather leave in the past. At the moment, everyone on his team is busy preparing for their resort’s highest profile wedding to date. The press from this wedding could really set their hotel apart as a wedding venue. But, when Ethan is asked to provide a private cake tasting, his life is turned upside down.
Roman Walker is twenty five years old and is a fitness and social media celebrity. Six months prior, Roman unexpectedly lost his mom which has thrown him into turmoil. It has propelled Roman to seek revenge for his mom for something that happened when he was just a boy, something that changed the entire direction of their lives. But things don’t go quite as planned.
As Roman and Ethan navigate being back in each other’s lives, they become closer, even though Ethan fights his feelings as hard as he can. But then a new threat is forced upon them which forces them to rely on one another and they can no longer deny their feelings. Neither of them, though, anticipated the true depths of this new threat.
I loved the first two books. Any of these can be read as stand alones by the way. Now, though, I’m just so glad I took a chance on this one as well. I really would have skipped it if I wasn’t so strongly urged to do otherwise! Now, I’m all excited for the next book, Donnie’s book (I love that guy) called Sapphire Dawn. I just know it’s going to be amazing!!!
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...
Ethan Blake is forty three years old and has his dream job of head pastry chef at Sapphire Cove. Not only does he love his job but he loves his co-workers. But, this wasn’t always Ethan’s life. Ethan has secrets. At a young age, his parents threw him out of the house and cut him off for being gay. And the first few years following that he’d rather leave in the past. At the moment, everyone on his team is busy preparing for their resort’s highest profile wedding to date. The press from this wedding could really set their hotel apart as a wedding venue. But, when Ethan is asked to provide a private cake tasting, his life is turned upside down.
Roman Walker is twenty five years old and is a fitness and social media celebrity. Six months prior, Roman unexpectedly lost his mom which has thrown him into turmoil. It has propelled Roman to seek revenge for his mom for something that happened when he was just a boy, something that changed the entire direction of their lives. But things don’t go quite as planned.
As Roman and Ethan navigate being back in each other’s lives, they become closer, even though Ethan fights his feelings as hard as he can. But then a new threat is forced upon them which forces them to rely on one another and they can no longer deny their feelings. Neither of them, though, anticipated the true depths of this new threat.
I loved the first two books. Any of these can be read as stand alones by the way. Now, though, I’m just so glad I took a chance on this one as well. I really would have skipped it if I wasn’t so strongly urged to do otherwise! Now, I’m all excited for the next book, Donnie’s book (I love that guy) called Sapphire Dawn. I just know it’s going to be amazing!!!
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...
March 16, 2023
My least favorite of the series. I really didn't connect with either MC or the relationship. The author does write some good soap-opera style villains and situations so I did enjoy that part.
March 2, 2024
3.25 stars ...
The first 75% of the book was a 2.5 ... at best. Very disappointing after enjoying the first two books of the series so much! 😩 However, the last 25% made it worth wading/skimming through that first 3/4ths. That strong ending bumps the overall rating over 3 ⭐⭐⭐s. 😊 Just lower your expectations going in. 😉
The first 75% of the book was a 2.5 ... at best. Very disappointing after enjoying the first two books of the series so much! 😩 However, the last 25% made it worth wading/skimming through that first 3/4ths. That strong ending bumps the overall rating over 3 ⭐⭐⭐s. 😊 Just lower your expectations going in. 😉
June 5, 2025
Reread 01-04.06.2025
Roman za drugim czytaniem wgrywa się jeszcze gorzej niż za pierwszym 🫤
Jest tak niestabilny i niedojrzały emocjonalnie, że aż zęby bolą 👀
Z bólem serca obniżam na 2+ - wprawdzie zaokrąglone w górę, ale jednak niżej...
I ciągle uważam, że opera mydlana do kwadratu w tej części jest idealna i tylko dlatego nie są to dwie gwiazdki 😁
* * * * * * *
ŁAŁ - to była prawdziwa opera mydlana 😁
Ale, szczerze, nie mogła być inna - w końcu gdy czarnym charakterem historii jest starzejąca się i coraz bardziej popadająca w zapomnienie gwiazda dawnej opery mydlanej, która ani nie chce się zestarzeć, ani zostać zapomniana, to takie ujęcie tej historii jest w sumie idealne. Mam zresztą wrażenie, że ten zabieg został przez autora specjalnie zastosowany właśnie ze względu na Dianę Peyton.
I wcale nie dlatego daję tej książce trzy gwiazdki, bo według mnie to akurat był strzał w dziesiątkę. Powodem jest Roman. Niestety, ten 25-latek jest po prostu niedojrzały. Zachowuje się czasami jak 15-latek, czasami jak rozwydrzony bachor. Jego emocje są niezmiernie rozchwiane, jest skory do płaczu, nastroje zmieniają mu się jak chorągiewka na wietrze. Nie lubiłam go i w sumie to położył mi książkę 😕
Na razie to koniec serii, ale z niecierpliwością będę wyglądała kolejnych tomów 😁
Roman za drugim czytaniem wgrywa się jeszcze gorzej niż za pierwszym 🫤
Jest tak niestabilny i niedojrzały emocjonalnie, że aż zęby bolą 👀
Z bólem serca obniżam na 2+ - wprawdzie zaokrąglone w górę, ale jednak niżej...
I ciągle uważam, że opera mydlana do kwadratu w tej części jest idealna i tylko dlatego nie są to dwie gwiazdki 😁
* * * * * * *
ŁAŁ - to była prawdziwa opera mydlana 😁
Ale, szczerze, nie mogła być inna - w końcu gdy czarnym charakterem historii jest starzejąca się i coraz bardziej popadająca w zapomnienie gwiazda dawnej opery mydlanej, która ani nie chce się zestarzeć, ani zostać zapomniana, to takie ujęcie tej historii jest w sumie idealne. Mam zresztą wrażenie, że ten zabieg został przez autora specjalnie zastosowany właśnie ze względu na Dianę Peyton.
I wcale nie dlatego daję tej książce trzy gwiazdki, bo według mnie to akurat był strzał w dziesiątkę. Powodem jest Roman. Niestety, ten 25-latek jest po prostu niedojrzały. Zachowuje się czasami jak 15-latek, czasami jak rozwydrzony bachor. Jego emocje są niezmiernie rozchwiane, jest skory do płaczu, nastroje zmieniają mu się jak chorągiewka na wietrze. Nie lubiłam go i w sumie to położył mi książkę 😕
Na razie to koniec serii, ale z niecierpliwością będę wyglądała kolejnych tomów 😁
March 2, 2023
Ethan, our MC, is such a brilliant character! Mature, witty, with a hint of sass, but all the charm and sweetness! The things he does for Roman is so swoon-worthy! Daddy af. And I love that we get so much insight to his past. A past he completely owns with no regrets! From escort (which is hugely influential in the plot) to Chef Boyar(big)dee, we get everything Ethan is selling and honey, I'M BUYING!
Age gap y'all! We love to see it :) We get that smutty smut good-good that you'd expect from this series. But I love that Rice switched up the bedroom roles. Oftentimes it's just assumed that the jacked, tall, extremely handsome one is the top. And that just simply isn't the case in real life. Nor in this book. Roman, the adonis, is a bottom! *GAY GASP* And I think this is important to show, as the stereotypes are getting old...and honestly made those moments behind closed doors even more excitable!
Because of the age-gap, Ethan is able to do so much for Roman's character development! While I was NOT a fan of Roman at first, he grew on me EXPONENTIALLY by the end of this book. And not just because he's a hot bottom...but because Ethan truly made Roman a better person. Roman has this petty ploy in the beginning of the book and to go from that to the end-game Roman was a journey I fully wanted to be a part of.
Rice took the thrill-levels we saw in the first two books and amped it tf up! The chill in the air never truly fades throughout the story. As the romance begins to bloom, you can just feel this heaviness, knowing Roman is still leashed by the witch that IS Diana. While she is still in the picture, you just never know where the story is going to go. The romance walks a thin line the entire time and you're left SWEATING wondering what Diana's next move is gonna be. I LIVE for this air of mystery.
Sapphire Cove, you have my whole heart. This series is everything.
Age gap y'all! We love to see it :) We get that smutty smut good-good that you'd expect from this series. But I love that Rice switched up the bedroom roles. Oftentimes it's just assumed that the jacked, tall, extremely handsome one is the top. And that just simply isn't the case in real life. Nor in this book. Roman, the adonis, is a bottom! *GAY GASP* And I think this is important to show, as the stereotypes are getting old...and honestly made those moments behind closed doors even more excitable!
Because of the age-gap, Ethan is able to do so much for Roman's character development! While I was NOT a fan of Roman at first, he grew on me EXPONENTIALLY by the end of this book. And not just because he's a hot bottom...but because Ethan truly made Roman a better person. Roman has this petty ploy in the beginning of the book and to go from that to the end-game Roman was a journey I fully wanted to be a part of.
Rice took the thrill-levels we saw in the first two books and amped it tf up! The chill in the air never truly fades throughout the story. As the romance begins to bloom, you can just feel this heaviness, knowing Roman is still leashed by the witch that IS Diana. While she is still in the picture, you just never know where the story is going to go. The romance walks a thin line the entire time and you're left SWEATING wondering what Diana's next move is gonna be. I LIVE for this air of mystery.
Sapphire Cove, you have my whole heart. This series is everything.
March 6, 2023
[I received a copy for an honest review]
Sapphire Storm is the third book in the Sapphire coves series by author c Travis Rice / Christopher Rice. While this is part of a series, it can 100% read as and enjoyed as a standalone.
Fitness influencer celebrity Roman has a revenge plot planned on the man who destroyed his parent's marriage when he was young. Said revenge plot falls through when he realizes Ethan isn't the villain he's made him out to be in his mind. Ethan turns into an unlikely friend and eventually so much more. However, Roman finds himself backed into the corner by someone who he thought he could trust. In the end, will Ethan let Roman sacrifice his happiness to protect Ethan.
He was so calm, so wise. So steady.
Like a rock Roman could hold on to inside the storm that was his life.
There is a lot of drama in this one, but it's really well done. Our two leads, Roman and Ethan have a complicated history between the two of them. Ethan was Roman's father's escort that his mother discovered and in turn destroyed a young Roman's life.Roman is now in a situation we're his best friend's mother is practically controlling his future and not for the positive Ethan was disowned by his own parents for being gay and spent many years as a sex worker / high-end escort before pursuing his dreams of being a chef. They both bring heavy pasts to the table and don't seem a compatible pair at first. However, it's quickly clear that Roman is grieving and needs a friend. No matter the sexual tension and advances from Roman, Ethan provides advice, support, and a listening ear for Roman. When Ethan finally decides to stop fighting his pull towards Roman and finally gives in, its well worth the wait . 🔥 Their relationship is filled with the perfect amount of light-hearted moments to balance out the heavy.
He felt like he was kissing all the Romans at once. The Roman who cried, the Roman who grieved , the Roman whose eyes twinkled when he was excited, and yes, also the Roman who'd bared himself in the hot lights earlier that day. They were all one man, one man with whom his breaths were now joined.
The stories in this series so far have had a dose of excitement and unexpectedness. This one's is due to a coldhearted, manipulative person who blackmails Roman every time he seems to find something good. My heart hurt for Roman wore his heart on his sleeve and had those he trusted take advantage of him. While my heart was hurting for Roman, it broke when Ethan bares his soul to him and his own past.
All in all, Sapphire Storm is in great addition to C.Travis Rice's Sapphire Cove series. An age gap romance with steam, positive sex work rep, blackmail, found family, neck kisses, Dr.Pepper, paragliding and doing anything for the one you love.
Sapphire Storm is the third book in the Sapphire coves series by author c Travis Rice / Christopher Rice. While this is part of a series, it can 100% read as and enjoyed as a standalone.
Fitness influencer celebrity Roman has a revenge plot planned on the man who destroyed his parent's marriage when he was young. Said revenge plot falls through when he realizes Ethan isn't the villain he's made him out to be in his mind. Ethan turns into an unlikely friend and eventually so much more. However, Roman finds himself backed into the corner by someone who he thought he could trust. In the end, will Ethan let Roman sacrifice his happiness to protect Ethan.
He was so calm, so wise. So steady.
Like a rock Roman could hold on to inside the storm that was his life.
There is a lot of drama in this one, but it's really well done. Our two leads, Roman and Ethan have a complicated history between the two of them. Ethan was Roman's father's escort that his mother discovered and in turn destroyed a young Roman's life.Roman is now in a situation we're his best friend's mother is practically controlling his future and not for the positive Ethan was disowned by his own parents for being gay and spent many years as a sex worker / high-end escort before pursuing his dreams of being a chef. They both bring heavy pasts to the table and don't seem a compatible pair at first. However, it's quickly clear that Roman is grieving and needs a friend. No matter the sexual tension and advances from Roman, Ethan provides advice, support, and a listening ear for Roman. When Ethan finally decides to stop fighting his pull towards Roman and finally gives in, its well worth the wait . 🔥 Their relationship is filled with the perfect amount of light-hearted moments to balance out the heavy.
He felt like he was kissing all the Romans at once. The Roman who cried, the Roman who grieved , the Roman whose eyes twinkled when he was excited, and yes, also the Roman who'd bared himself in the hot lights earlier that day. They were all one man, one man with whom his breaths were now joined.
The stories in this series so far have had a dose of excitement and unexpectedness. This one's is due to a coldhearted, manipulative person who blackmails Roman every time he seems to find something good. My heart hurt for Roman wore his heart on his sleeve and had those he trusted take advantage of him. While my heart was hurting for Roman, it broke when Ethan bares his soul to him and his own past.
All in all, Sapphire Storm is in great addition to C.Travis Rice's Sapphire Cove series. An age gap romance with steam, positive sex work rep, blackmail, found family, neck kisses, Dr.Pepper, paragliding and doing anything for the one you love.
March 7, 2023
A massive age gap isn't all that's massive in Sapphire Storm by C. Travis Rice! It's about massive friendships and how no matter what real friends stand by and up for you. Fun, flirty, and heart is the best description I can give. I was left with a smile and a happy sigh of what's to come next in this lovely series.
~Tanja
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March 11, 2023
Thank you to GetRed PR for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
Reading the blurb for this one, I was very intrigued about Sapphire Storm. I had not read any of the rest of the series, but I knew that this one could be read as a standalone, which is true. I never felt like I was missing out on anything by not having read the first two books. However, this one failed to meet my expectations. I thought the author set the story up well, but there were too many parts of this that had me going "...what?" and not in the best way. I also was not able to really connect with Ethan or Roman, and that made me struggle to truly lose myself in the story.
Reading the blurb for this one, I was very intrigued about Sapphire Storm. I had not read any of the rest of the series, but I knew that this one could be read as a standalone, which is true. I never felt like I was missing out on anything by not having read the first two books. However, this one failed to meet my expectations. I thought the author set the story up well, but there were too many parts of this that had me going "...what?" and not in the best way. I also was not able to really connect with Ethan or Roman, and that made me struggle to truly lose myself in the story.
October 13, 2023
In Ethan’s experience, when you ran from grief, you ended up running on grief.
3.5 stars. Not perfect and not my favourite in the series, but this was such a heart-warming, intense, emotional age gap romance. It does move way faster than I would usually like; the bulk of the romance takes place in about one week, and by the end of the book, only maybe a few weeks have passed. That's usually a big no-no for me, but the author managed to sell me on the chemistry, even though they are two characters who, on paper, should not work together.
So we're back at Sapphire Cove, with two completely new characters: Ethan, the new chef, and Roman, who is the best friend of the celebrity bride of an upcoming wedding at the resort. It turns out that they have a pretty fraught history, and the book follows them as they work through that and start falling for each other despite the odds. Roman finds himself in a messed up situation, and the lengths that Ethan goes to in order to protect him, and ensure that someone is looking out for him, just made my heart so full. Especially given the fact that Ethan didn't actually need to do those things for him. The instant protectiveness did really get to me. Especially when he cooked for him! And you could really sympathise with Roman's position and how he had been taken advantage of in his time of grief. Despite the complicatedness of the situation, there's also a lot of humour, a lot of lightness and this just succeeded in making me smile so many times. It's one of those romances where you really do feel the age gap, but in a light, fun way. (It did get a little bit taboo, but not in a way that I minded; mileage may vary.) They were a really sweet couple; they balanced each other well.
The book did lose me a couple of times. Some of the dialogue was just a little bit cringey, even though I realised that it was just in service of emphasising that the two men are so different and from different generations and whatnot. I found the villain very horrendous, but also that whole plot-line got a liiiiiittle bit nonsensical to me, especially down to the end. Sometimes I don't mind when things get overblown in service of a cool plot or a dramatic rescue for example, but the last quarter of this book kind of just made me lose my patience. Just a little bit. Also I don't usually mind epithets all that much, but at a certain point they were being used so much it became noticeable and annoying. Eh.
Listened to the audiobook as read by the author and, as always, it was pretty good. I really enjoyed all of the couples in this series and I'm not sure if the author plans to continue, but that would be great. I would love for Jonas and Donnie to get stories of their own.
“There’s always been a storm inside of me for as long as I can remember, but I feel like no matter how big it gets it would never blow a man like you off course.”
July 5, 2025
4.25/5 ⭐
Sapphire Storm is the third book in C. Travis Rice's (author Christopher Rice's romance pen name) Sapphire Cove series. This series can be enjoyed as interconnected standalones. Here's what you can expect from Ethan and Roman:
🔷 MM contemporary romance
🔷 Third person dual point of view
🔷 Guaranteed happily ever after
🔷 Open door spice
🔷 Age gap
🔷 Enemies to lovers
🔷 Light Daddy kink
So far, I think Sapphire Storm is tied with Sapphire Spring for my favourite book in the series (so far, because we need Jonas's story at some point)! This book was like a fever dream, but I mean that in the best possible way. It almost felt like a daytime soap opera. Christopher does a great job at writing the villains in his stories, and I think this one was his most heinous yet. Roman makes quite the first impression on readers, but I ended up loving him by the end of the book. His relationship with Ethan is just so good for both of them. It's allowing Ethan to heal in ways he didn't realize he needed to, and it's giving Roman stability and sense of purpose.
There were points in this book where it seemed like it would be impossible for Ethan and Roman to find their happily ever after, but I did like how everything turned out for them! This was also the first book that wasn't totally focused on the management of the resort (although I love the resort, wish it was real, and would pay an arm and a leg to stay there). I was a little worried with that departure, but I had a great time with Ethan and Roman and their adjacency to the resort. I think my favourite scene in the book was when Roman took Ethan paragliding. It was just such the perfect way to cement their relationship. Of course, shit absolutely hits the fan after that and there was a moment in the book that literally made my jaw drop!
I appreciate the way the author approached the sex work aspect of this story. It was treated with respect, and learning more about Ethan's past in that regard added to the story overall. This is definitely a hidden gem of a series, but the author's got such a great blend of your standard romance novel elements, combined with some over-the-top theatrics, and suspense. These books are a great escape, with a gorgeous setting!
Sapphire Storm is the third book in C. Travis Rice's (author Christopher Rice's romance pen name) Sapphire Cove series. This series can be enjoyed as interconnected standalones. Here's what you can expect from Ethan and Roman:
🔷 MM contemporary romance
🔷 Third person dual point of view
🔷 Guaranteed happily ever after
🔷 Open door spice
🔷 Age gap
🔷 Enemies to lovers
🔷 Light Daddy kink
So far, I think Sapphire Storm is tied with Sapphire Spring for my favourite book in the series (so far, because we need Jonas's story at some point)! This book was like a fever dream, but I mean that in the best possible way. It almost felt like a daytime soap opera. Christopher does a great job at writing the villains in his stories, and I think this one was his most heinous yet. Roman makes quite the first impression on readers, but I ended up loving him by the end of the book. His relationship with Ethan is just so good for both of them. It's allowing Ethan to heal in ways he didn't realize he needed to, and it's giving Roman stability and sense of purpose.
There were points in this book where it seemed like it would be impossible for Ethan and Roman to find their happily ever after, but I did like how everything turned out for them! This was also the first book that wasn't totally focused on the management of the resort (although I love the resort, wish it was real, and would pay an arm and a leg to stay there). I was a little worried with that departure, but I had a great time with Ethan and Roman and their adjacency to the resort. I think my favourite scene in the book was when Roman took Ethan paragliding. It was just such the perfect way to cement their relationship. Of course, shit absolutely hits the fan after that and there was a moment in the book that literally made my jaw drop!
I appreciate the way the author approached the sex work aspect of this story. It was treated with respect, and learning more about Ethan's past in that regard added to the story overall. This is definitely a hidden gem of a series, but the author's got such a great blend of your standard romance novel elements, combined with some over-the-top theatrics, and suspense. These books are a great escape, with a gorgeous setting!
February 26, 2023
I never know quite what to expect from a Sapphire Cove story (in a good way) and Sapphire Storm was no different - there’s twists, turns, revelations and more to keep you on your toes.
Ethan Blake is the new executive pastry chef at Sapphire Cove, something he’s been working toward for a long time. He loves to create things, whether it’s sweet or savory, and loves to spend time in the kitchen at work and at home. He’s sophisticated and worldly in a way that’s unexpected but fits with his travels for work and his past experiences. Ethan has created a life for himself that he loves after years of trying to outrun his past, intent on putting it behind him and not letting it taint his future success.
Roman Walker is a social media fitness influencer who found himself wrapped up in the politics of a family who is basically Hollywood royalty. He’s young, cocky and knows that he can use his looks to get what he wants. Roman is a trainer by trade but also has started working with the Paytons on so much more because he feels like he’s indebted to them after they took him under their wing following his mother’s death. His bratty demeanor is kind of endearing once you get to know him, something he uses to his advantage whenever he can.
These two have a complicated past and an even more complicated present, full of things that come back to haunt them over and over and make them question their connection. Despite their age difference and their complicated relationship, Ethan and Roman fit together in a way neither of them expected and are taken off guard by the depth of their feelings for each other. Unfortunately their pasts make it hard to truly be together without secrets and lies and forces them to stay in the shadows until they’re both ready to be set free. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this pairing at the beginning, but they definitely won me over with their undeniable love, care and sweetness toward each other in the end.
I love the Sapphire Cove world and cast of characters and was excited to return. But I wish we would have gotten more time with these two and the rest of the resort staff - I felt like this was missing some of the connectedness between all the characters that the first two books in the series have. Hoping for more from these characters in the future, especially Donnie and Jonas!
Ethan Blake is the new executive pastry chef at Sapphire Cove, something he’s been working toward for a long time. He loves to create things, whether it’s sweet or savory, and loves to spend time in the kitchen at work and at home. He’s sophisticated and worldly in a way that’s unexpected but fits with his travels for work and his past experiences. Ethan has created a life for himself that he loves after years of trying to outrun his past, intent on putting it behind him and not letting it taint his future success.
Roman Walker is a social media fitness influencer who found himself wrapped up in the politics of a family who is basically Hollywood royalty. He’s young, cocky and knows that he can use his looks to get what he wants. Roman is a trainer by trade but also has started working with the Paytons on so much more because he feels like he’s indebted to them after they took him under their wing following his mother’s death. His bratty demeanor is kind of endearing once you get to know him, something he uses to his advantage whenever he can.
These two have a complicated past and an even more complicated present, full of things that come back to haunt them over and over and make them question their connection. Despite their age difference and their complicated relationship, Ethan and Roman fit together in a way neither of them expected and are taken off guard by the depth of their feelings for each other. Unfortunately their pasts make it hard to truly be together without secrets and lies and forces them to stay in the shadows until they’re both ready to be set free. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this pairing at the beginning, but they definitely won me over with their undeniable love, care and sweetness toward each other in the end.
I love the Sapphire Cove world and cast of characters and was excited to return. But I wish we would have gotten more time with these two and the rest of the resort staff - I felt like this was missing some of the connectedness between all the characters that the first two books in the series have. Hoping for more from these characters in the future, especially Donnie and Jonas!
February 12, 2024
This is truly an incredible piece of work! There’s heartbreak, loss and romance! Christopher rice is a great writer who puts his heart into every book he writes! Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
March 6, 2023
Sapphire Storm is an absolute pleasure! It’s endlessly entertaining and complex with its shiny celebrities, secrets, suspense and intrigue. The drama will suck you in, strangle you with emotion, kick you while you’re down, and STILL leave you begging for more. Like the others before it, this trip to Sapphire Cove does not disappoint.
This installment introduces several new faces, and with new faces come new secrets. With new secrets, new drama. One new face is Ethan, Sapphire Cove’s executive pastry chef, who’s hitting his stride in his dream job. He’s endured a complex past, one that intersects with Roman, a personal trainer/fitness influencer. The two come off as opposites in every way; Ethan’s a mature guy with the wisdom of age and experience, while Roman’s a young, energetic, walking bundle of emotions.
Ethan & Roman’s connection is delightfully twisted and complicated in the most intriguing ways. Just when you think it can’t get any more tangled, it does; what lies between them is tricky to navigate and fraught with all kinds of heavy emotional baggage. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how to process my own feelings over their past, never mind how they’d ever work through all of the lies, deceit and misunderstandings. (Did I mention complicated?)
But as often happens, their relationship brings out the best in both of them. Roman’s a loyal, devoted, caring guy whose heart is in the right place. Ethan’s a protector, and let me just say, Ethan’s protective streak? RAWR. Sign me up for more of that. It’s the best, and I can understand Roman’s reaction to it 100%. He’s the kind of guy you want on your side. Protective Ethan is only to be outdone by take charge Ethan. HO-LY. *fans self*
Overall, it’s an incredible but unpredictable journey from start to finish, one that’s heavy on the familial trauma. Nearly everyone is struggling to cope with, process or move past some form of hurt or loss, and those feelings and experiences can make people behave in surprising, sometimes shocking, ways. My advice is to hold on tight, because it’s a wild but exhilarating ride.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
This installment introduces several new faces, and with new faces come new secrets. With new secrets, new drama. One new face is Ethan, Sapphire Cove’s executive pastry chef, who’s hitting his stride in his dream job. He’s endured a complex past, one that intersects with Roman, a personal trainer/fitness influencer. The two come off as opposites in every way; Ethan’s a mature guy with the wisdom of age and experience, while Roman’s a young, energetic, walking bundle of emotions.
Ethan & Roman’s connection is delightfully twisted and complicated in the most intriguing ways. Just when you think it can’t get any more tangled, it does; what lies between them is tricky to navigate and fraught with all kinds of heavy emotional baggage. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how to process my own feelings over their past, never mind how they’d ever work through all of the lies, deceit and misunderstandings. (Did I mention complicated?)
But as often happens, their relationship brings out the best in both of them. Roman’s a loyal, devoted, caring guy whose heart is in the right place. Ethan’s a protector, and let me just say, Ethan’s protective streak? RAWR. Sign me up for more of that. It’s the best, and I can understand Roman’s reaction to it 100%. He’s the kind of guy you want on your side. Protective Ethan is only to be outdone by take charge Ethan. HO-LY. *fans self*
Overall, it’s an incredible but unpredictable journey from start to finish, one that’s heavy on the familial trauma. Nearly everyone is struggling to cope with, process or move past some form of hurt or loss, and those feelings and experiences can make people behave in surprising, sometimes shocking, ways. My advice is to hold on tight, because it’s a wild but exhilarating ride.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
March 7, 2023
Sapphire Storm by C. Travis Rice, is an exciting and captivating romance novel that will leave readers eager for more. The plot, which follows the complicated relationship between two men, Ethan Blake, a successful pastry chef, and Roman Walker, a fitness celebrity, with a shared history, is sure to draw readers in with its themes of desire, revenge, and forbidden love. The beautiful setting of the luxury resort on the Southern California coast only adds to the book's appeal, providing a backdrop of glamour and extravagance that will make readers feel like they are right there alongside the characters.
The novel also touches on themes of the power dynamics between the wealthy and the less privileged, and the struggles faced by individuals who are marginalized due to their sexual orientation. Overall, Sapphire Storm offers a steamy and passionate story that will appeal to readers of the romance genre, as well as those interested in exploring complex relationships and themes.
C. Travis Rice's skillful writing brings the story to life, with descriptions that are rich and vivid, and characters that are complex and fully realized. It's also exciting to see Rice writing under a new pen name and exploring new territory with his writing, proving that he is a versatile author capable of tackling a range of genres and themes.
Overall, Sapphire Storm is an excellent addition to the romance genre, with all the passion and steaminess that readers have come to expect from the best romance novels. Anyone looking for a thrilling and captivating read is sure to love this book.
Disclaimer, I was given this book to read and give an honest review. This is a completely honest review and if you check my history, I rarely read romance novels, but this one kept me up reading throughout the night. I was quite disappointed when I finished it early Sunday morning.
The novel also touches on themes of the power dynamics between the wealthy and the less privileged, and the struggles faced by individuals who are marginalized due to their sexual orientation. Overall, Sapphire Storm offers a steamy and passionate story that will appeal to readers of the romance genre, as well as those interested in exploring complex relationships and themes.
C. Travis Rice's skillful writing brings the story to life, with descriptions that are rich and vivid, and characters that are complex and fully realized. It's also exciting to see Rice writing under a new pen name and exploring new territory with his writing, proving that he is a versatile author capable of tackling a range of genres and themes.
Overall, Sapphire Storm is an excellent addition to the romance genre, with all the passion and steaminess that readers have come to expect from the best romance novels. Anyone looking for a thrilling and captivating read is sure to love this book.
Disclaimer, I was given this book to read and give an honest review. This is a completely honest review and if you check my history, I rarely read romance novels, but this one kept me up reading throughout the night. I was quite disappointed when I finished it early Sunday morning.
September 7, 2024
I love this series! And I love that Christopher Rice himself narrates the audio books.
Roman and Ethan already have somewhat of a past. With that said, there is an age gap between them. Their past is really what makes the story, so I won't spoil that for you.
Despite Roman's past, he is an excellent chef and has been hired at Sapphire Cove. Roman is a fitness influencer, but there is a story behind that as well.
These books are just written so well. Not only is the romance there, which is a nice level of spice, but the story behind the romance really pulls you in.
Loved it! Highly recommend the audio.
Roman and Ethan already have somewhat of a past. With that said, there is an age gap between them. Their past is really what makes the story, so I won't spoil that for you.
Despite Roman's past, he is an excellent chef and has been hired at Sapphire Cove. Roman is a fitness influencer, but there is a story behind that as well.
These books are just written so well. Not only is the romance there, which is a nice level of spice, but the story behind the romance really pulls you in.
Loved it! Highly recommend the audio.
Read
April 19, 2023Not my favourite in the series (the second was fab). A little darker than the others, more thought-provoking, and thus in keeping with the author's prologue. The whole idea felt quite original.
I warmed to Roman immediately and his grief was done well, and by that, I mean not overdone and melodramatic. Although throughout the book he did turn on the tears a bit too easily at pretty much everything. Ethan was much cooler and came over as condescending. When we got his full backstory at around 70%, he became more likable - maybe we should have had that detail much earlier.
The romance was okay and the sex was fine. The dramatic villainess at around 70% felt very OTT but was an enjoyable read nonetheless.
Overall, I didn't think it was great yet I really enjoy the writing style and the series so I will read the next and hope it is more engaging.
I warmed to Roman immediately and his grief was done well, and by that, I mean not overdone and melodramatic. Although throughout the book he did turn on the tears a bit too easily at pretty much everything. Ethan was much cooler and came over as condescending. When we got his full backstory at around 70%, he became more likable - maybe we should have had that detail much earlier.
The romance was okay and the sex was fine. The dramatic villainess at around 70% felt very OTT but was an enjoyable read nonetheless.
Overall, I didn't think it was great yet I really enjoy the writing style and the series so I will read the next and hope it is more engaging.
April 14, 2023
I don’t think is is as strong as the first two books in the series. I didn’t have as much fun reading it. The plot is a bit heavier and the relationship between the two leads is more earnest. It’s still an entertaining read.
November 1, 2024
Sapphire Storm (book 3 of Sapphire Cove)
C. Travis (aka Christopher) Rice
Published by Blue Box Press, 2023
Five stars
First, let me make it clear that I am a huge fan of m/m romance. To have a writer of Christopher Rice’s caliber (under the pen name C. Travis Rice) tackle the tropes and challenges of this genre is a joy to behold!
The plot of this book is outrageous, both an homage and a spoof of the excesses of Hollywood and the wild creatures of both Los Angeles and Orange County, CA. The denouement of the book is even more outrageous, and I suspect that in a less skilled hand, it might not have worked. Rice believes in what he’s writing, and because of that he makes the reader care and believe.
Each of the books in this four-part series, set at an opulent beachside resort in Orange County (south of Los Angeles), has a different romantic pairing dynamic. This is the age-gap book—with forty-three-year-old Ethan Blake and twenty-five-year Roman Walker. Significantly, both of these are changed names, as both men have fled an unhappy past that has shaped (scarred) their life. The backstories are really important, and I will give no clues.
Blake is an award-winning pastry chef at Sapphire Cove. He’s finally caught his dream job, and loves working at this particular hotel. Roman is a professional gym bunny and trainer, the personal fitness guru for an old-time Hollywood goddess and her rising star daughter, who is also his best friend.
Although it is Blake’s connection to Roman that serves as catalyst for the romance, it is the larger geographically specific plot (i.e. Hollywood and its madness) that forms the warp and weft of the narrative. Or maybe it’s more like a spider’s web. The two men’s backstories get caught up in the machinations of the aging celebrity and her daughter. Rice’s skill with character and dialogue keep this whole thing from becoming a hysterical mess, and it is both emotionally powerful and absurdly soap-operatic. Like Dynasty.
Rice offers up a note that he was writing this at the time his mother died—a major celebrity who was devoted to her gay son and influenced his gifts as a writer. Nobody was better at a complicated plot than Anne Rice, and you can see that in “Sapphire Storm.”
C. Travis (aka Christopher) Rice
Published by Blue Box Press, 2023
Five stars
First, let me make it clear that I am a huge fan of m/m romance. To have a writer of Christopher Rice’s caliber (under the pen name C. Travis Rice) tackle the tropes and challenges of this genre is a joy to behold!
The plot of this book is outrageous, both an homage and a spoof of the excesses of Hollywood and the wild creatures of both Los Angeles and Orange County, CA. The denouement of the book is even more outrageous, and I suspect that in a less skilled hand, it might not have worked. Rice believes in what he’s writing, and because of that he makes the reader care and believe.
Each of the books in this four-part series, set at an opulent beachside resort in Orange County (south of Los Angeles), has a different romantic pairing dynamic. This is the age-gap book—with forty-three-year-old Ethan Blake and twenty-five-year Roman Walker. Significantly, both of these are changed names, as both men have fled an unhappy past that has shaped (scarred) their life. The backstories are really important, and I will give no clues.
Blake is an award-winning pastry chef at Sapphire Cove. He’s finally caught his dream job, and loves working at this particular hotel. Roman is a professional gym bunny and trainer, the personal fitness guru for an old-time Hollywood goddess and her rising star daughter, who is also his best friend.
Although it is Blake’s connection to Roman that serves as catalyst for the romance, it is the larger geographically specific plot (i.e. Hollywood and its madness) that forms the warp and weft of the narrative. Or maybe it’s more like a spider’s web. The two men’s backstories get caught up in the machinations of the aging celebrity and her daughter. Rice’s skill with character and dialogue keep this whole thing from becoming a hysterical mess, and it is both emotionally powerful and absurdly soap-operatic. Like Dynasty.
Rice offers up a note that he was writing this at the time his mother died—a major celebrity who was devoted to her gay son and influenced his gifts as a writer. Nobody was better at a complicated plot than Anne Rice, and you can see that in “Sapphire Storm.”
August 12, 2023
“In Ethan’s experience, when you ran from grief, you ended up running on grief.”
This was another beautifully written book in the Sapphire Cove series. Found family, age gap, trauma, grief, and acceptance played large parts this time. Darker than book one and two, once again providing a perspective missing in so many current reads. Representation varies greatly to the trending formula in this trope. Well written, including topics too often downplayed or dropped for shock value. This was beautifully balanced.
I loved Ethan. Solid, mature, and a stable influence for Roman. Both with their own tragic pasts, grief played a huge part in their story. Insights into an industry so many shun was well done, and an important inclusion.
Roman was perfect for his age, living on social media, larger than life, while hiding his true self. The facade he provided the world was far removed from the lost boy within.
Cameos from previous books created a larger found family for the characters of Sapphire Cove. Looking forward to more from this series and a wedding or two.
This was another beautifully written book in the Sapphire Cove series. Found family, age gap, trauma, grief, and acceptance played large parts this time. Darker than book one and two, once again providing a perspective missing in so many current reads. Representation varies greatly to the trending formula in this trope. Well written, including topics too often downplayed or dropped for shock value. This was beautifully balanced.
I loved Ethan. Solid, mature, and a stable influence for Roman. Both with their own tragic pasts, grief played a huge part in their story. Insights into an industry so many shun was well done, and an important inclusion.
Roman was perfect for his age, living on social media, larger than life, while hiding his true self. The facade he provided the world was far removed from the lost boy within.
Cameos from previous books created a larger found family for the characters of Sapphire Cove. Looking forward to more from this series and a wedding or two.
March 16, 2023
2.5⭐️ I’m so sad that I didn’t love this one like I did the first two. I did not like either of the main characters- Ethan came off and condescending and Roman was just plain immature. I’m still holding out hope for a Jonas story (maybe with Donnie???)
March 12, 2023
Every time I pick up a book by Christopher (C. Travis) Rice I know I’m in for a wild ride and Sapphire Storm did not disappoint. This book was filled with secrets, intrigue, blackmail, crazy Hollywood lifestyles of the rich and famous (or in this case semi-famous), and an age-gap romance with a big twist. I was blown away by the depth of this story, the characters’ backgrounds and the development of one of the MCs throughout this story. As always from this author; the storytelling was superb, the characters intriguing, and the story engrossing from start to finish.
Ethan is the new head pastry chef at the Sapphire Cove resort, his dream job after years traveling around and he’s happy to be in California and staying in one place. The resort is preparing for a huge celebrity wedding when he’s notified by his boss that the nutrition and diet expert of the soon to be wed couple needs to meet with him regarding the cake. Roman is a fitness instructor and internet influencer and apparently a nutrition and diet expert living in the home of the soon to be bride’s mother’s mansion. The meeting turns out not to be about cake at all, or maybe it is but not the kind Ethan was expecting. Finding out he has a connection to Roman not only recently but from years ago throws Ethan for a loop especially since he’s attracted to the much younger man, but he knows he must resist the temptation.
Ethan’s character was very complex and I loved the way his background was shown throughout this story. His life wasn’t easy, but he proved over and over again he was a survivor and intent on reaching his goal of becoming a pastry chef. While his biological family wasn’t supportive, throughout the years he relied on found family including his best friend Donnie, a once big time porn star and now the owner of the studio where he performed.
I’ll admit at first I wasn’t a fan of Roman, but I also realize that Mr. Rice carefully crafted his character for the reader to not like him at first, for us to be treated to watching this young man grow and change throughout this book. For him to realize his mistakes, atone for them, and want to be a better person. It was subtle, but that was the beauty of it because while Roman was working on becoming the person he wanted to be because of the kindness Ethan showed him even though Roman treated him badly at first, we see him realize that he is the one in charge of the type of person he becomes.
A bit of a slow burn with Ethan and Roman going from adversaries to friends and more with Ethan showing his maturity in the way he offered to help Roman despite everything that happened between them.
I loved the twists and turns in this story and there were many, but most of all I loved the fact that Mr. Rice shows that people make mistakes in their lives, choices they sometimes must make to survive, but those choices don’t define them for the rest of their lives. That redemption is possible, you can move past your past, forgive yourself, love yourself, and let others love you – a wonderful message to all.
Emotional, sweet, sexy, and smart; Sapphire Storm is a fantastic addition to this series and I cannot wait for the next installment. PS. I’m even more intrigued by Jonas after this book!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Ethan is the new head pastry chef at the Sapphire Cove resort, his dream job after years traveling around and he’s happy to be in California and staying in one place. The resort is preparing for a huge celebrity wedding when he’s notified by his boss that the nutrition and diet expert of the soon to be wed couple needs to meet with him regarding the cake. Roman is a fitness instructor and internet influencer and apparently a nutrition and diet expert living in the home of the soon to be bride’s mother’s mansion. The meeting turns out not to be about cake at all, or maybe it is but not the kind Ethan was expecting. Finding out he has a connection to Roman not only recently but from years ago throws Ethan for a loop especially since he’s attracted to the much younger man, but he knows he must resist the temptation.
Ethan’s character was very complex and I loved the way his background was shown throughout this story. His life wasn’t easy, but he proved over and over again he was a survivor and intent on reaching his goal of becoming a pastry chef. While his biological family wasn’t supportive, throughout the years he relied on found family including his best friend Donnie, a once big time porn star and now the owner of the studio where he performed.
I’ll admit at first I wasn’t a fan of Roman, but I also realize that Mr. Rice carefully crafted his character for the reader to not like him at first, for us to be treated to watching this young man grow and change throughout this book. For him to realize his mistakes, atone for them, and want to be a better person. It was subtle, but that was the beauty of it because while Roman was working on becoming the person he wanted to be because of the kindness Ethan showed him even though Roman treated him badly at first, we see him realize that he is the one in charge of the type of person he becomes.
A bit of a slow burn with Ethan and Roman going from adversaries to friends and more with Ethan showing his maturity in the way he offered to help Roman despite everything that happened between them.
I loved the twists and turns in this story and there were many, but most of all I loved the fact that Mr. Rice shows that people make mistakes in their lives, choices they sometimes must make to survive, but those choices don’t define them for the rest of their lives. That redemption is possible, you can move past your past, forgive yourself, love yourself, and let others love you – a wonderful message to all.
Emotional, sweet, sexy, and smart; Sapphire Storm is a fantastic addition to this series and I cannot wait for the next installment. PS. I’m even more intrigued by Jonas after this book!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
March 7, 2023
Sapphire Storm by C. Travis Rice
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 3 stars
Pub Date: 3/7
Happy pub day to Sapphire Storm, by C Travis Rice, the pen name for Christopher Rice! This is the third novel in the Sapphire Cove series, taking place in sunny California at the resort of the same name.
This is a standalone, so you can read it even if you haven’t read the first two books in the series. I really enjoyed this age-gap, M/M romance between Ethan and Roman. It’s romantic, endearing, and very steamy! The drama never stops, and that ending was perfect! I really enjoyed the underlying theme of redemption and realizing that your past does not have to define you.
Thank you so much to 1001 Dark Knights for my advanced copy! I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Sapphire Storm is out now!
Goodreads Synopsis:
Ethan Blake has dedicated his life to satisfying other people’s appetites. At forty-three, he’s finally landed his dream job—head pastry chef at an exclusive resort. Now he’s got a jet-setting career that’s taken him to romantic locations all over the world. But years before, after his parents threw him out for being gay, Ethan supported himself in a manner he’d rather keep under the covers today.
Roman Walker is a twenty-five-year-old fitness celebrity awash in thirsty followers. But when he walks through the doors of Sapphire Cove, it’s not just to oversee the menu for his celebrity client’s wedding. Decades ago, Roman and Ethan crossed paths on a New York street corner during a terrible, life-changing moment that scarred them both. Now Roman’s back for revenge.
But when his plan goes wildly off the rails, Roman suddenly finds himself at the center of an even stranger and darker plot concocted by his most famous client. Well-versed in the ways of the wealthy and the entitled, Roman’s former target offers to be his strongest ally during a moment that might derail the young man’s newfound career. But the experienced older man’s offer also ignites an irresistible and forbidden attraction that threatens to consume them both, even as it exposes old secrets and incurs the wrath of the powerful and the famous.
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 3 stars
Pub Date: 3/7
Happy pub day to Sapphire Storm, by C Travis Rice, the pen name for Christopher Rice! This is the third novel in the Sapphire Cove series, taking place in sunny California at the resort of the same name.
This is a standalone, so you can read it even if you haven’t read the first two books in the series. I really enjoyed this age-gap, M/M romance between Ethan and Roman. It’s romantic, endearing, and very steamy! The drama never stops, and that ending was perfect! I really enjoyed the underlying theme of redemption and realizing that your past does not have to define you.
Thank you so much to 1001 Dark Knights for my advanced copy! I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Sapphire Storm is out now!
Goodreads Synopsis:
Ethan Blake has dedicated his life to satisfying other people’s appetites. At forty-three, he’s finally landed his dream job—head pastry chef at an exclusive resort. Now he’s got a jet-setting career that’s taken him to romantic locations all over the world. But years before, after his parents threw him out for being gay, Ethan supported himself in a manner he’d rather keep under the covers today.
Roman Walker is a twenty-five-year-old fitness celebrity awash in thirsty followers. But when he walks through the doors of Sapphire Cove, it’s not just to oversee the menu for his celebrity client’s wedding. Decades ago, Roman and Ethan crossed paths on a New York street corner during a terrible, life-changing moment that scarred them both. Now Roman’s back for revenge.
But when his plan goes wildly off the rails, Roman suddenly finds himself at the center of an even stranger and darker plot concocted by his most famous client. Well-versed in the ways of the wealthy and the entitled, Roman’s former target offers to be his strongest ally during a moment that might derail the young man’s newfound career. But the experienced older man’s offer also ignites an irresistible and forbidden attraction that threatens to consume them both, even as it exposes old secrets and incurs the wrath of the powerful and the famous.
March 12, 2023
Sapphire Storm is the third book in the Sapphire Cove series by Christopher Rice writing as C. Travis Rice. This story took us on a ride that was full of drama and laugh out loud moments. Shout out to Donnie! There was also deep-seated pain, healing, and so much love.
From the moment Ethan met Roman, he wanted to take care of him and we loved this. He was a take charge kind of guy and didn’t hesitate with Roman. Can we also talk about how sweet and sensitive Roman is? He’s a freaking mush at heart and not afraid to cry.
SPOILER ALERT: We will never be the same again after that ice cube scene! 🥵🥵🔥🔥
⛈️ age gap
⛈️ intrigue and suspense
⛈️ secrets and scandals
Ethan is head pastry chef at the Sapphire Cove Resort. He’s worked hard in his career, leaving the pain from his past behind. He did what he had to do to survive at a time in his life when things were especially difficult. After saving up, he was finally able to go to culinary school and follow his passion.
When a meeting with a client’s trainer to discuss wedding cake options turns into a bizarre seduction scene, Ethan, shocked, thwarts the trainer’s advances. He is then accused of ruining the man’s parents' marriage by having an affair with his father. Ethan immediately remembers him and realizes his past has come back to haunt him.
Roman has been carrying his father’s betrayal with him for years. He was never able to put aside the pain and hurt that he had caused him and his mother. After finally confronting the man he thought responsible, he finds out that he never knew the entire truth.
As soon as Ethan met Roman, something pulled at his heart strings. Roman was much younger than him though, and he would be deluding himself if he thought the gorgeous personal trainer would even be interested in someone older. But Roman was attracted to Ethan and touched that he wanted to help him with the mess he was in.
Reading this story felt like we were watching a movie on the edge of our seats, mindlessly stuffing popcorn into our mouths and engrossed in all the drama.
*we received an arc, all opinions are our own*
From the moment Ethan met Roman, he wanted to take care of him and we loved this. He was a take charge kind of guy and didn’t hesitate with Roman. Can we also talk about how sweet and sensitive Roman is? He’s a freaking mush at heart and not afraid to cry.
SPOILER ALERT: We will never be the same again after that ice cube scene! 🥵🥵🔥🔥
⛈️ age gap
⛈️ intrigue and suspense
⛈️ secrets and scandals
Ethan is head pastry chef at the Sapphire Cove Resort. He’s worked hard in his career, leaving the pain from his past behind. He did what he had to do to survive at a time in his life when things were especially difficult. After saving up, he was finally able to go to culinary school and follow his passion.
When a meeting with a client’s trainer to discuss wedding cake options turns into a bizarre seduction scene, Ethan, shocked, thwarts the trainer’s advances. He is then accused of ruining the man’s parents' marriage by having an affair with his father. Ethan immediately remembers him and realizes his past has come back to haunt him.
Roman has been carrying his father’s betrayal with him for years. He was never able to put aside the pain and hurt that he had caused him and his mother. After finally confronting the man he thought responsible, he finds out that he never knew the entire truth.
As soon as Ethan met Roman, something pulled at his heart strings. Roman was much younger than him though, and he would be deluding himself if he thought the gorgeous personal trainer would even be interested in someone older. But Roman was attracted to Ethan and touched that he wanted to help him with the mess he was in.
Reading this story felt like we were watching a movie on the edge of our seats, mindlessly stuffing popcorn into our mouths and engrossed in all the drama.
*we received an arc, all opinions are our own*
March 2, 2023
We return to the coast of California once again with Christopher Rice’s Sapphire Cove series and this engrossing book had all the intrigue, drama, and warm fuzzies I have come to expect. This wonderfully complex story takes readers on an emotional journey that deals with loss and love and everything in between. It was also such a fun read that I found the hours blissfully slipping away on a Saturday afternoon. With a plot that is delightfully dramatic and at times gooey sweet – before I knew it, the story was finished. You will laugh, get deep into your feelings, and despise hand in hand with the characters right up to the slightly over the top ending, which I adored as all the pieces fell into place and things became right again. Hands down this is my favorite of the three stories in the series so far.
Ethan Blake has worked hard to achieve his lifetime goal to be the head pastry chef at an exclusive resort. When a figure from his well concealed past emerges and threatens everything, he lays it all on the line to right a past wrong. Roman Walker is a fitness blogger who’s life was changed when he met Ethan years ago. When Roman plots his revenge, he never imagined Ethan wasn’t the villain he’d thought he was for so many years. His life takes a very dramatic turn which places him at the center of a scandal, the last person he imagined would take his side would be Ethan. Surprising even himself, Ethan comes to his rescue which opens both their eyes to the attraction simmering between them. But their happiness is short lived when the rich and entitled decide to rewrite the story.
I adored the even more colorful cast of characters that helped pave the path to Ethan and Roman’s HEA. This story really pushes readers to experience their full range of emotions. I grieved right along with Roman. But then too, Donnie made me laugh so many times I lost count. Ethan and Roman had so many unique moments between them which made their love story the sweetest of the series for me. And to top it all off – everything is bigger in Hollywood right? To wrap this story up, we have a fun and dramatic ending fit for daytime TV that I just couldn’t get enough of. It was the perfect way to tie all the loose ends into a glorious bow fit for a drama queen. I have loved this series from page one and know who I can’t wait to see in the next book. I’m waiting with bated breath.
Ethan Blake has worked hard to achieve his lifetime goal to be the head pastry chef at an exclusive resort. When a figure from his well concealed past emerges and threatens everything, he lays it all on the line to right a past wrong. Roman Walker is a fitness blogger who’s life was changed when he met Ethan years ago. When Roman plots his revenge, he never imagined Ethan wasn’t the villain he’d thought he was for so many years. His life takes a very dramatic turn which places him at the center of a scandal, the last person he imagined would take his side would be Ethan. Surprising even himself, Ethan comes to his rescue which opens both their eyes to the attraction simmering between them. But their happiness is short lived when the rich and entitled decide to rewrite the story.
I adored the even more colorful cast of characters that helped pave the path to Ethan and Roman’s HEA. This story really pushes readers to experience their full range of emotions. I grieved right along with Roman. But then too, Donnie made me laugh so many times I lost count. Ethan and Roman had so many unique moments between them which made their love story the sweetest of the series for me. And to top it all off – everything is bigger in Hollywood right? To wrap this story up, we have a fun and dramatic ending fit for daytime TV that I just couldn’t get enough of. It was the perfect way to tie all the loose ends into a glorious bow fit for a drama queen. I have loved this series from page one and know who I can’t wait to see in the next book. I’m waiting with bated breath.
September 29, 2025
4⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Vibes - Gripping
When you have the same taste in men as your dad...
Age gap romances aren't my thing and this has an extra layer to it. Roman is 25 and Ethan is 42. Even after the plan fails Ethan still goes out of his way to help Roman with his work situation. The relationship developed naturally, with each man growing and trusting the other. It did make me uncomfortable anytime It didn't need to be there because this author is great a dramatic plot. The whole thing with Roman's red flag of a boss had me on the edge of my seat. I was honestly scared to pick this one up since I LOVED the last book so much, (honestly, I think Sapphire Spring is one of my favourite books ever) but I really loved this. I am so glad to be back and I can't wait for my next trip to Sapphire Cove.
Tropes
-Age Gap
-Sex Worker
-
- (sort of)
🌶️🌶️
Vibes - Gripping
When you have the same taste in men as your dad...
Age gap romances aren't my thing and this has an extra layer to it. Roman is 25 and Ethan is 42. Even after the plan fails Ethan still goes out of his way to help Roman with his work situation. The relationship developed naturally, with each man growing and trusting the other. It did make me uncomfortable anytime It didn't need to be there because this author is great a dramatic plot. The whole thing with Roman's red flag of a boss had me on the edge of my seat. I was honestly scared to pick this one up since I LOVED the last book so much, (honestly, I think Sapphire Spring is one of my favourite books ever) but I really loved this. I am so glad to be back and I can't wait for my next trip to Sapphire Cove.
Tropes
-Age Gap
-Sex Worker
-
- (sort of)
March 2, 2023
Sapphire Storm, the third book in C. Travis Rice’s Contemporary, M/M Romance Sapphire Cove series, is even more delicious than the first two! This story centers around Ethan, the pastry chef at the resort and Roman, a fitness instructor and internet influencer living with a wealthy client. There is an age gap between the men (a trope that I love) and they have a shared past which Ethan is not aware of at first. Ethan attempts to resist the attraction he has for Roman because of their history and age difference, but he seems to be compelled to help Roman once he finds out the younger man is in a precarious position with his employer.
The storyline is engaging, emotional and funny. I loved how the relationship between Ethan and Roman grew in sort of a slow burn fashion, taking them from enemies to lovers. The side characters were a treat to read and there are fun check ins with the guys from the previous books. Great friendships with people being there for one another really comes through in this series and I’m begging Mr. Rice to keep it going with stories and HEA’s for Jonas and Donnie.
The recurring theme that has resonated with me the most throughout this series is one of redemption, showing that change is possible, that people are not always who they were when they were young and trying to figure out their lives, that past trauma can teach them something about themselves and that they can forgive, be forgiven and grow. Another great read from C. Travis Rice.
The storyline is engaging, emotional and funny. I loved how the relationship between Ethan and Roman grew in sort of a slow burn fashion, taking them from enemies to lovers. The side characters were a treat to read and there are fun check ins with the guys from the previous books. Great friendships with people being there for one another really comes through in this series and I’m begging Mr. Rice to keep it going with stories and HEA’s for Jonas and Donnie.
The recurring theme that has resonated with me the most throughout this series is one of redemption, showing that change is possible, that people are not always who they were when they were young and trying to figure out their lives, that past trauma can teach them something about themselves and that they can forgive, be forgiven and grow. Another great read from C. Travis Rice.
March 2, 2023
Sapphire Storm is book three in C. Travis Rice’s MM Sapphire Cove series set at a luxury resort in Southern California. This book is best read in a bubble bath with a chilled glass of Chardonnay. I read it in one sitting and it gave me allll the soap opera vibes, I totally recommend you suspend reality and jump into this one!
Ethan Blake has his dream job as head pastry chef at Sapphire Cove but his past as an escort could jeopardize his career. Roman Walker is a fitfluencer whose best friend is getting married at Sapphire Cove but he is using the wedding as a way to get close to Ethan. These two have a complicated past but their chemistry is undeniable.
I loved the Daddy vibes, the age gap, the secrets, the big baddie, the sex worker representation, the side characters, soooo pretty much everything! Ethan is just so wonderful in wanting to help Roman flourish without pressuring him. It’s a slow burn from enemies to friends to lovers but Roman has to grow up a bit before Ethan can trust him.
Sapphire Storm is like Melrose Place and E! True Hollywood Story had a baby. It’s full of drama, romance, twists, turns, deep emotions and sex! I laughed, I gasped at some of the crazy antics and I swooned at Ethan and Roman.
Thank you 1001 Dark Nights Blue Box Press for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Sapphire Storm has a publish date of March 7, 2023.
P.S. Dear C. Travis Rice: I will just be sitting here manifesting a Donnie and Jonas book. You know in case you are wondering……….
Ethan Blake has his dream job as head pastry chef at Sapphire Cove but his past as an escort could jeopardize his career. Roman Walker is a fitfluencer whose best friend is getting married at Sapphire Cove but he is using the wedding as a way to get close to Ethan. These two have a complicated past but their chemistry is undeniable.
I loved the Daddy vibes, the age gap, the secrets, the big baddie, the sex worker representation, the side characters, soooo pretty much everything! Ethan is just so wonderful in wanting to help Roman flourish without pressuring him. It’s a slow burn from enemies to friends to lovers but Roman has to grow up a bit before Ethan can trust him.
Sapphire Storm is like Melrose Place and E! True Hollywood Story had a baby. It’s full of drama, romance, twists, turns, deep emotions and sex! I laughed, I gasped at some of the crazy antics and I swooned at Ethan and Roman.
Thank you 1001 Dark Nights Blue Box Press for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Sapphire Storm has a publish date of March 7, 2023.
P.S. Dear C. Travis Rice: I will just be sitting here manifesting a Donnie and Jonas book. You know in case you are wondering……….
April 2, 2023
**I just realized my review never went up on pub day and I thought it did!**
Thank you so much to Blue Box Press for the eARC!
Luckily, these are pretty much stand-alone stories because I’ve had the Sapphire Cove series on my TBR since book 1 but didn’t have the chance to dive in until now with book 3. After reading Ethan & Roman’s story I can’t wait to go back for books 1 & 2!!
I was a big Christopher Rice fan back in the day with his thrillers, but selfishly now that I’m more of a romance reader I love that Rice has transitioned over as well. I could still feel some of Rice’s thriller-y elements lightly seasoning this story, and with the little twists & turns throughout I almost wished it was a thriller book because I love DRAMA. But I had to remind my brain- no, we’re here for the HEA and of course, the SPICE.
Ethan & Roman’s story was so complex and heartfelt. They were both coming from COMPLETE opposite sides of a dramatic shared history and to see them reconcile this intricate and delicate past and fall for each other was so emotional and swoony.
Aside from the main story, two things that really stood out to me that I loved in this book was that it took an unapologetic stance to the fact that sex work is real work & it showed how the beautiful LGBTQ+ rainbow is indeed a wide spectrum.
Thank you again to Blue Box Press and I can’t wait to go back to Sapphire Cove in books 1 & 2!
Thank you so much to Blue Box Press for the eARC!
Luckily, these are pretty much stand-alone stories because I’ve had the Sapphire Cove series on my TBR since book 1 but didn’t have the chance to dive in until now with book 3. After reading Ethan & Roman’s story I can’t wait to go back for books 1 & 2!!
I was a big Christopher Rice fan back in the day with his thrillers, but selfishly now that I’m more of a romance reader I love that Rice has transitioned over as well. I could still feel some of Rice’s thriller-y elements lightly seasoning this story, and with the little twists & turns throughout I almost wished it was a thriller book because I love DRAMA. But I had to remind my brain- no, we’re here for the HEA and of course, the SPICE.
Ethan & Roman’s story was so complex and heartfelt. They were both coming from COMPLETE opposite sides of a dramatic shared history and to see them reconcile this intricate and delicate past and fall for each other was so emotional and swoony.
Aside from the main story, two things that really stood out to me that I loved in this book was that it took an unapologetic stance to the fact that sex work is real work & it showed how the beautiful LGBTQ+ rainbow is indeed a wide spectrum.
Thank you again to Blue Box Press and I can’t wait to go back to Sapphire Cove in books 1 & 2!
March 9, 2023
This is a review of the eBook version. Only the audiobook version is currently listed on GoodReads.
I've read the entire Sapphire Storm series and each book is consistently smart, sophisticated, and enthralling. In this book, Ethan Blake is a successful pastry chef at the pinnacle of his career, working at the resort. In his earlier years, he was a sex worker to fund his education. Now, he's enjoying each day in his dream job, supervising a staff and creating heavenly desserts while helping plan for an upcoming celebrity wedding.
Roman is a celebrity fitness coach who is watching a vacation home for the mother of his best friend. He's also seeking revenge on a man he hasn't seen since he was seven years old; a man who helped destroy his parents' marriage. When he meets Ethan, things aren't as he had always expected. Both men are drawn to each other, but each is careful. Blackmail, danger, misunderstandings, and a large age-gap make a future together seem murky. Can these two men find a future together against the odds? This book is perfectly paced, full of local color, passionate, page-turning, with a beautiful love.
I've read the entire Sapphire Storm series and each book is consistently smart, sophisticated, and enthralling. In this book, Ethan Blake is a successful pastry chef at the pinnacle of his career, working at the resort. In his earlier years, he was a sex worker to fund his education. Now, he's enjoying each day in his dream job, supervising a staff and creating heavenly desserts while helping plan for an upcoming celebrity wedding.
Roman is a celebrity fitness coach who is watching a vacation home for the mother of his best friend. He's also seeking revenge on a man he hasn't seen since he was seven years old; a man who helped destroy his parents' marriage. When he meets Ethan, things aren't as he had always expected. Both men are drawn to each other, but each is careful. Blackmail, danger, misunderstandings, and a large age-gap make a future together seem murky. Can these two men find a future together against the odds? This book is perfectly paced, full of local color, passionate, page-turning, with a beautiful love.
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