Exactly what the title says. So hot. Hottest book I read this year for sure. I was reading this in public and I just kept blushing.

A devoted couple is celebrating a milestone birthday when an unexpected guest arrives—an old flame from the past, a fellow Marine who once shared an unbreakable bond with one of them. As the night unfolds, emotions resurface, revealing a love that never truly faded. Instead of dividing them, this reunion sparks a realization: their hearts were never meant to be separate. Together, they embrace a love that transcends time, proving that sometimes, the heart knows no limits—and neither does love.

This one was fun and fast. Love a MMM romance and “Party of Three” by C. Travis Rice has all the elements, with spicy eroticism thrown in. Unfortunately, I struggled with the pacing and style of Rice’s writing. As it’s a novella, you’re bound to either connect or struggle to with these characters before the book is over less than 200 pages later. Check it out if you want a steamy LGBTQ novel. Thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the ARC.

In this story, we watch the Buckley and Mateo in a role playing scene which they play out on a regular basis.

Buckley wanted Mateo to have a special birthday so he tracked down an old friend, Jeff not knowing they had a history.

The relationship starts with a weekend after the birthday. We get to see how the three of them share their feelings for each other and develop. We also get to see how much they’re caring for each other brings them closer.

I liked be able to how this relationship started and developed between all three of them. You felt as if you were in the villa with them throughout their weekend together.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review Party of Three comes out on June 24th, 2025.

This was surprisingly a fast-paced book. I enjoyed how you just rolled with the plot, it was easy and accessible. The story also touches themes (in no particular order) like kinks/fantasies, military PTSD, a sense of found-family, age gap, and hero idolization.

The fact that the MMCs were so confident of themselves and their relationships (mostly Mateo and Buckley, but Jeff caught up after). It was honestly refreshing. This is my first poly/threesome-trope book. And the spice was just right, perfect for those time where you just truly want a quick spicy book and that’s it.

Excited to read more from C. Travis Rice.

Very spicy tale of a couple who find themselves with an unexpected and yet not unwelcome third - long lost soul mate? Just a friend? A little bit of angst throughout but definitely got that HAE we all crave for.

4.5 Stars

This is my first Christopher Rice book but I’ve had this series on my TBR list. I’m glad I had the chance to jump in with this novella.

An erotic MMM poly love story. Buckley and Mateo are in a relationship. When the story opens they are role playing a fantasy of Mateo’s and having a great time. We see that they have fun with each other and also take care of each other physically and emotionally.

Mateo’s birthday is coming up, the first since his parents disowned him. Buckley wants to make it a great one for Mateo so invites a marine buddy of Mateo’s that he has lost touch with. That evening Mateo admits that he and Jeff might have been a little more than friends, but their dynamics and preferences in bed didn’t match. Jeff has kept away from Mateo since they figured this out. Buckley isn’t upset or jealous to find out the history with Jeff, in fact, he’s super intrigued and turned on.

Jeff does turn up for the party, and after some initial awkwardness they 3 of them have a good time together that turns into an even better weekend together. There’s lots of feelings, talking through past trauma and heart break, figuring out their dynamics together. It’s really sweet, and super sexy. I think their HEA was hard won and believable the way its set up and followed through with the epilogue.

Loved this, will definitely read more by this author in this series.

Thanks to Blue Box Press for the ARC

omg. this was hot. in all the best ways. i thoroughly enjoyed this and the chemistry between these three.

i loved the emotion throughout this story as well, i didnt think it would have me questioning so many things, but i really loved that aspect of the book. i will definitely be reading more from this author b/c truly hot d*mn, this was GOOD and kinky in all the best ways.

Jeff, Mateo and Buckley were meant to be truly and i loved seeing their connection blossom into so much more, it just felt insanely right.

but what i also loved and appreciated in this story was logan and connor, i loved seeing them talk through their problem and work through the hard things even though they felt as though they avoid those topics too much, it was a sweet and emotional read, it brought out all different kinds of feelings for me and not in a bad way at all. i really cant wait to read more from this author.

I absolutely loved this book. I can't wait until I can go back and read everything by Christopher Rice writing as C. Travis Rice. Five out of five stars.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for sending me the ARC!

I enjoyed this novella more than Sapphire Cove because it started with two characters conversing. I was elated to see them again; it was a lovely surprise, but let me discuss the main couple.

In the first chapter, I adored Mateo and Buckley. They were sweet, funny, entertaining, and adventurous. What isn't there to love about them? When Jeff appeared, it was intriguing to see their dynamic. At first, it was a bit chaotic (and funny) when Jeff and Buckley met, but then it settled and became natural between the trio.

The characters were quite fleshed out despite this being a novella, e.g., Mateo's PTSD. The writing was terrific. Our surprise guests' relationship at the end was tied in, showing how they've grown as a couple, which I thought was creative and unique.

Honestly, given how much I enjoyed them, I would have loved this couple to get a book rather than a novella.

Ooooweee short and steamy but also emotional. Quick and spicy read full of second chances and fun adventures.

This novella was hot. Mateo and Buckley already have great chemistry, but adding Jeff into the mix? Fire. The smut was honestly top-tier—sexy, fun, and super well-written.

I really liked how different each of the guys were. They had such distinct personalities, but somehow it all worked together without feeling forced. Their dynamic made the whole story more engaging.

That said, the extra plotlines didn’t quite land for me. The thing with Mateo’s parents felt kind of out of nowhere and didn’t really add much. It just pulled focus from what the story did best—which was the chemistry and heat between the three guys.

Still, if you’re in the mood for something short, spicy, and a little chaotic in the best way, Party of 3 is worth the read.

A fun flirty journey of how love fits every couple differently. I love the Sapphire Cove series and have read the first three books. They are fabulous novels and I suggest you read the first one which features Connor and Logan. While this definitely can be a stand alone story, it would be nice to have a bad history. I love how the story started with the above mentioned couple. I really wondered where the author was going with this snippet, he shared starting, and ending the novella. I really like to how this added.and guided the plot. I love Connor and Logan and was not disappointed in how their relationship has headed.

. Connor gives a discount for a room at the resort he manages to his friend Buckley... Buckley wants to give a birthday party for his devoted, and caring boyfriend Mateo. He wants to make the special as Mateo is still deeply hurt over his parents abandonment of him when he told them he had a boyfriend.

. Buckley is a fierce, force of nature and nothing is too good for his man. His mission is to reunite him with Jeff who was his superior officer that saved his life when Mateo was in the Marines. Now Jeff is ghosting Mateo and it kills Buckley to see how this hurts him.

Long story short Buckley basically tricks Jeff to attend the party. The results started out hilarious and quickly morphed to heat between the three men, Jeff and Mateo had a romantic history and rather than be upset. Buckley was intrigued.

A fun, quirky, and super spicy story of how this couple navigates these new dynamics. Wonderfully written and highly recommended.. Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this story for my enjoyment.

Sometimes you just need a short, sexy, fun but a wee emotional read; this was exactly that. I thoroughly enjoyed every page. I loved the fast pace, the multiple POVs and the different kink explorations, it was nice to see kinks explored so openly and with so much trust and love. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series at some point!

Buckley and his boyfriend Mateo are together in a strong relationship and extremely happy.
Mateo an ex marine who suffers from PTSD hasn’t told Buckley much about his relationship ship with his Master Sergeant Jeff Braxton but Buckley knows there was a great friendship so invites Jeff to Mateo’s birthday party as a surprise after Mateo reveals more about their past.
When they all meet up Buckley realises their past was complicated but the three of them could have something special as Jeff and Buckley had sparks when they met.
So starts a sexual relationship between the three that becomes so much more, the three of them completing each other’s lives.
With scorching scenes that are wild and hot this book is so much more, although short it packs in a lot of emotions and depth and is well written and has satisfying ending.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

I don’t think I’ve ever read anything by C.Travis Rice and I definitely haven’t read any of the Sapphire Cove series. I must admit, when I first got into the story I thought it was just going to be a bit of a sex-fest between the three characters (which I wasn’t averse to). However, the book goes a little deeper than that. Each of the men has their own issues: fear abandonment, PTSD from a life threatening incident, a fear of being the outsider and each of these themes was addressed in the relationship that grew between them

The storytelling was easy to read, with frequent sex scenes, but I really appreciated that talking was emphasised – we got a lot of their mental thoughts but they also communicated with each other as to what was happening.

The background story about Mateo’s family was a bit irritating, especially with what felt like a lot of hypocrisy on the part of his parents, but that didn’t take away from the fact that this was an interesting, sexy read with a satisfying end. I would definitely read more of these works (depending on the size of my TBR pile) and would say that it’s well worth a shot for dipping your toe into a new series.

I received an ARC through Netgallery.

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.

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.

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!

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.

To me, this book came about because of a single paragraph back in Sapphire Sunset:

Connor had entertained the idea that monogamy wasn't the ideal for him either. But then he'd take a step back and realise that when it came to himself, this was one of a series of compromises he was making to try to jam a guy who wasn't a fit into a place he didn't belong. Namely, Connor's heart. Three-ways after years of marriage was one thing. But a guy who declared on the first date that he could never see you as number one in the bedroom, not even for a little while? Connor could never make that work.

For that reason, I thought that the use of the nested story being outlined by a chapter with Connor and Logan on either side of it might herald an announcement of a fifth book in this series, where Connor and Logan find a third.

Regardless, I can see why, despite it's marketing, this book is one that might struggle to stand up if one hadn't already read at least the first book of the series this one is part of.

I personally loved it. I loved Buckley, one of Connor's high school friends. I loved his relationship with Mateo and the obvious way they're shown to have both great chemistry in bed as well as the kind of way of making space for each other out of it that really makes or breaks a relationship.

And I loved the history Mateo is shown to have with Jeff before Jeff ever steps on the page. Don't get me wrong, this is erotica and the pages are steamy, but these three characters just work. I loved it.