Sapphire Sunset

Sapphire Cove, Book 1

By: C. Travis Rice

Narrated by: C. Travis Rice

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

Logan Murdoch is a fighter, a survivor, and a provider. When he leaves a distinguished career in the Marine Corps to work security at a luxury beachfront resort, he’s got one objective: pay his father’s mounting medical bills. That means Connor Harcourt, the irresistibly handsome scion of the wealthy family that owns Sapphire Cove, is strictly off limits, despite his sassy swagger and beautiful blue eyes. Logan’s life is all about sacrifices; Connor is privilege personified. But temptation is a beast that demands to be fed, and a furtive kiss ignites instant passion, forcing Logan to slam the brakes. Hard.

Haunted by their frustrated attraction, the two men find themselves hurled back together when a headline-making scandal threatens to ruin the resort they both love. This time, there’s no easy escape from the magnetic pull of their white hot desire. Will saving Sapphire Cove help forge the union they crave, or will it drive them apart once more?

©2022 Christopher Rice. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Spectacular! Rice has delivered a romance that manages to be both fresh and timeless, full of charismatic yet vulnerable characters, captivating heat, and a delicious, escapist setting. I never wanted to check out of Sapphire Cove!”—Christina Lauren, New York Times and internationally bestselling authors of The Unhoneymooners

“SAPPHIRE SUNSET is a total treat. Christopher Rice, writing as C. Travis Rice, creates a world of luxury, passion and wit, as his swoon-worthy heroes triumph. The book is a 5-star hotel suite stocked with champagne, a gorgeous view of the Pacific and the most beautifully crafted romance–who would ever want to leave?”—Paul Rudnick

Very satisfying book!

The conflict between the main characters was so much more realistic than most romances and the time frame for resolution so much more realistic than usual . The dialogue between the main characters read true as well. It took me a couple of chapters to get used to the narrator's voice because I have favorite narrators I'm used to, but he did a great job! I will definitely be buying the next book, and hope it will be on audio quickly!

Good story but did not love the naration.

First the good. The book was a fun listen and I enjoyed the story for the most part although some of the conflict felt contrived and not what the characters would have done at that stage of the relationship. Also the main narration and Logan’s voice were well done. Now for the bad. While I appreciate the author trying to do his own narration work, any time he did a voice that wasn’t the standard naration or Logan’s voice I found both the voice and the acting - I’m trying to put this nicely - not great. Any time Connor spoke I cringed - and not because he’s a character with a fem voice - but because it sounded like someone who has no idea what a gay fem man sounds like. All the other characters voices sounded badly or perhaps overly - acted and I would highly reccomend the author find a professional narrator to narrate his future books. I really hope this doesn’t come across as vitriolic or mean, I’m just trying to give honest feedback about the narration. I do look forward to the next book but I will be buying the kindle version if the author narrates the next one.

The narration and voices…. OMG!

I have been a huge follower of C. Travis Rice. I am so grateful for this cheesy, romantic, funny and uplifting book! (just realized its a series and am even mire excited)

I didn’t realize it was narrated by the author until I heard it again. This guy is an amazing talent! his voices, delivery, diction made this story so much more enjoyable and memorable!

EXCELLENT! 👍

The author did an excellent job narrating his story! Each character's voice was instinctive. I applaud him. And the story of Logan and Connor was good. I'm talking about really, really, good. listening to their story being read to me was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed their story totally. I highly recommend. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy! ☺️

Uneven

Rice voices his two main characters skillfully but some of the secondary characters especially women are done awkwardly. The number of steamy sex scenes is borderline excessive and it seemed to me they sometimes go on longer than they might. The overall depiction of the joys and insecurities of gay life did turn out to be satisfying.

Sweet and emotional!

4.5

I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed this. As everyone knows, I’m pretty picky on super contemporary books, but this was like stepping into the world of Sapphire Cove, and I loved the characters.

I also really loved the sense of humor. I found myself laughing and almost crying many many times.

It should also be said that Chris did an AWESOME job narrating this book!

prejudices are real

Most of the time I listened to this I was furious and saddened at the prejudices and homophobia in here. What a waste of time being vile , evil , bigoted people!! I was glad it ended positively with all the negative nancy people in it. The narrator did a great job bringing it to life .

Good story. Great narration.

Hearing an author narrator one of their own books is a treat, especially when the author has a pleasant voice and a talent for narration. This was a wonderful listen.

The story was a charming, slow burn romance with very likable characters. Logan and Connor are two very different people from very different worlds which challenges their potential relationship and leads to an interesting conflict. The resulting story is a mix of steamy scenes, angst fueled drama, and lessons in how to challenge social expectations.

This was an entertaining listen, and I hope the author continues to write romance especially if he adds in more of the mystery / thriller / horror elements he is already known for.

What a treat

I truly enjoyed this book, but what a treat to have the author narrate the story. And he did an amazing job at that. Excellent!

Richness of characters

This is a great opener for the three novel set. The narrator does a great job. Most definitely worth listening to!