Sapphire Dawn by C. Travis Rice _ Book Review

By Onceupon_a_bookdream on June 25, 2024

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

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

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

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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