3.5⭐️

I feel like the fact that this was a story within a story limited the amount we could get to know the characters and their relationships I felt due to the narrative choice we weren’t able to fully explore all the plot could have been

I liked the relationship between the three of the mcs I felt the individual relationships between the 3 of them worked well with each other, tho overall I wasn’t a big fan of Buckley as he seemed kinda like a stereotype of a bottom instead of a fully formed character.

I liked how the ptsd in this book was treated tho I do wish we had been able to go into more detail with it.

Some of the dialogue particularly within the sex scenes but also some outside of them were very cringe and made the overall story feel quite satirical

This book also had some very narrow views on roles within a relationship which kinda really annoyed me because it felt like it was saying that anything outside of that narrow view wouldn’t work. It also made sexual positions a kind of a personality trait which it just isn’t.

Overall it was an interesting story with interesting character dynamics however it felt very underdeveloped

Thank you Netgalley and blue box press for the digital arc

Sometimes you just need a quick easy and steamy book and this was definitely that from the synopsis I really thought id vibe with this but I didn't really vibe with the style of writing it's purely a me issue and should not discourage anyone else from enjoying and reading this

During a joyous celebration of a milestone birthday, a devoted couple receives a surprise visitor—an old flame and former Marine who once shared a deep, unforgettable connection with one of them. As memories stir and old emotions rise to the surface, the evening takes an unexpected turn. What could have caused distance instead becomes a revelation: the bond they once had never truly broke. In that moment, past and present converge, and the three are faced with a truth that’s been quietly waiting—love, when real, defies time and convention. And some hearts were never meant to let go.

Thank you Netgalley and Blue Box Press for access to this title.


"Party of Three" by C. Travis Rice is all about a couple whose old friend comes to visit them which causes many feelings and things to unfold.

My review of "Party of Three" by C. Travis Rice a 2 star review because, I didn't quite enjoy the story this seems to be more of a one shot/small story.

This was a worried book to get into it’s about 2 men and another man trying to have a relationship but other man didn’t like it I was so confused on it 4 stars

I love the Sapphire Cove series, but this book blew me away. Rice has the incredible ability to make snappy writing and deep character development seem easy, particularly when faced with the challenge of show how three distinct people fell in love over a limited number of pages. Something so steamy should not have left me in tears this often, and I’m here for it. One of my favorite reads of the year.

A spicy, exploratory, sexy love story. Who doesn’t love a novella that gets right into the good stuff. A fast and scrumptious bite sized peek into a bigger universe of novels so once you get a taste there’s way more where that came from.

"Party of Three" by C. Travis Rice is a steamy novella that will leave you smiling. Buckley Mitchell, a charming EMT, brings Mateo out of his shell, but their relationship takes an unexpected turn when Mateo's Marine friend, Jeff Braxton, reenters the picture. What unfolds is a complex, passionate love story between the three men, set against the stunning backdrop of Sapphire Cove.

With a rating of 3 stars, I enjoyed the emotional moments, humor, and sizzling chemistry between the trio. Buckley's wit had me laughing out loud, and the story's heartfelt moments will tug at your heartstrings. The novella's conclusion is sweet, and the found family dynamic between the three men is genuinely touching.

If you're a fan of steamy, emotional reads with a dash of humor, "Party of Three" is worth checking out. I'm looking forward to reading more in the Sapphire Cove series.

Thank you to C. Travis Rice, #NetGalley and #BlueBoxPress for giving me the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

#SapphireCoveSeries

I will read anything Christopher Rice writes. I've been a fan since day one. His writing is full of wit and his details are amazing. Party of Three is a novella, set in the world of Sapphire Cove the fictional seaside resort. Yes there is alot of spice, but that is the trademark of C. Travis Rice. One thing is that his characters finally learn to stop hiding who they are, or what they want. Something everyone can understand.

Party of Three was a fun quick read perfect for those who love the Sapphire Cove series.

I received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.

I laughed out loud, I blushed with intoxicating curiosity, and my heart melted over the found family these men created. So many people are raised to see men as unflinchingly calloused and rugged, and our Master Sergeant certainly fights against the stereotype of being that plus a military man, but these men defy expectations and learn to open up and display vulnerability that is refreshing and delightful to read.

The relationship between these fiery men is years in the making. The traumatic circumstances around which Mateo and Jeff built their trust and early relationship is the foundation that held its breath until the time was just right to blossom into something much more than any of them imagined as Buckley works to bring the trio together. And you can't help but to agree that it was well worth the wait! Putting aside the fantastic spice and steamy banter, these characters had depth and humanity that is missed by so many authors. They were deep, well-developed (in allll the best ways) men with relatable stories and the reader's heart will break a bit for each of them.

Novellas sometimes feel rushed and underdeveloped, and Party of Three didn't feel like either of those things. I was taken by surprise when I met three magnificent men who allowed the others to discover the beauty of love and intimacy when it's allowed to be expressed purely and honestly within a trusting relationship. Looking for a spicy, fun, and flirty read about some hunky dudes but also love to see a bit of internal struggle to be seen and accepted paired with some emotional angst? Stop your search - this is the book!

A big thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the chance to read and give an honest review of this book.

This is the first time I read anything by Christopher Rice but I loved it. The spice to storyline ratio is perfect in my opinion. We got to see the relationship between the 3 grow and the progression did not feel forced at all, pacing was believable. The spicy scenes were hot and not cheesy or over the top. I may have to go back and read the rest of the books in the Sapphire Cove series.

This was a sweet and super steamy surprise of a novella. I really enjoyed this quick read. I will say that I’ve read the entire Sapphire Cove series and think that though this has only a little crossover to the series, I would still recommend it be read after Sapphire Sunset. I really enjoyed this story. I liked the opening to the story which begins with Connor and Logan in bed together. As Connor begins to tell Logan about his call with his old friend Buckley, the POV changes to Buckley, Mateo, and sometimes Jeff. We first get to see how sweet and spicy boyfriends Buckley and Mateo’s relationship is, but things change once they arrive at the resort for Mateo’s birthday party where Matteo reunites with his long lost lover Jeff. This second chance, hurt comfort romance features three men who help each other embrace who they are, explore their deepest fantasies, and really were meant for one another.

This was quite a steamy read, but the relationship between the men was the real gem of this story. While it is a shorter read, it is not short on heart and good feels. I absolutely loved how outspoken and confident Buckley was. He had trouble written all over him, but was as sweet as can be as well. Mateo and Jeff were somewhat harder to get a feel for, and even though Matteo’s back story is the most detailed, I personally think this let Buckley’s character have the spotlight. I do think this story could have been full length, but its length allowed it to be a sweet and steamy treat, one I really enjoyed.

This was okay. I don't know if it's because I haven't read more in this world or I'm just in a weird reading mood. But it was a fast read.

I wasn't sure what I was going to get with this one. Didn't realized it's a short novella of a series. This side story is kinda cute though. Buckley and Mateo were happy, and they like to spice it up here and there. One mini misunderstanding led to the three of them having a wild weekend. I love it for them, lots of spicy hotness.

But one cannot just do that all alone, the emotional parts of the story all sipped in and each of them have fear, insecurities, about being a part of something, their own challenge. And how they are there for each other for those hard times.

Listen, is it a bunch of erotica? Yes. Is there any meaningful interaction beyond there? Also yes. Both things can be true at the same time. This is a fast read, but the pacing is good, the banter is good, and Buckley's sassiness, Mateo's loving/doting husband, and Jeff's masculinity all flows out nicely and gave the characters more than just them locked up in the hotel room all weekend. Each of them are lovely and the book can stand to be a bit longer for development but I don't hate this either.

Thank you NetGalley &N Blue Box Press for the ARC.

Party of Three
By C. Travis Rice

I've never read anything by this author, so I'm going in blind.

This is a MMM storyline of finding who you are and taking second chances. Being honest about what you want and being willing to openly be vulnerable. There's a lot of steamy and very explicit encounters. But there's also silliness and fun.

This was a solid exploration of how sexuality can be not possessive, but it felt more like something that if into the larger Sapphire Cove series than a true standalone, mostly because of the frame narrative.

Super hot, very sexy read with all the smushy melodrama you get with throuple dynamics! This was my first Christopher Rice/C. Travis Rice and i really enjoyed the sizzling narrative that showcased more depth and feeling than i'd anticipated! Sure i was blushing A LOT, and wow yes these gorgeous men do get down in the hottest ways possible, but i also liked that there was tons of love and loyalty in this, and that this novella wasn't just about exploring the sexy stuff.

So yes this was pretty awesome, and i'm really excited to dive into the Sapphire Cove series as soon as i can, because i thought Party of Three was one of the more well-written mega hot romances i've read to date, and i wouldn't mind spending more time at this resort falling in love alongside the MCs who find their HEAs here!

A super steamy MMM novella set in the posh world of Sapphire Cove!! Buckley and Mateo are happily living out their fantasies but Mateo's first love, Jeff, is always in the back of Mateo's mind. When Buckley invites Jeff to Mateo's fancy birthday party at Sapphire Cove sparks fly between the three of them.
If you are looking for short, super spicy MMM novella with heart and heat pick this one up.

If your boyfriend is in love with his mentor from his time in the Marines… you invite him to the birthday party, of course.

Party Of Three was a sexy steamy novella, with a sweet HEA for three lovely men.
Loved the characters, loved the spice, the dirty talk, the fantasies. There were also unexpected emotional moments, which added some depth to a mostly smutty plot.

One of the steamiest, spiciest fast-paced romance reads of 2025! The story unfolds with a weekend after a milestone birthday and an old flame returns. I loved how confident all the characters were in not only themselves, but their love for one another. A great read for anyone in search of a deliciously steamy love story.