Matt's Rainbow

Rainbow Key #4

by Victoria Sue

Ex-con, alcoholics weren't exactly top tier dating prospects, right?

Matt knew that. He also knew Ryder had lied, cheated and stole.

He'd also fought with every breath he had to make sure his little sister with special needs had a home when both their parents bailed on them.

Maybe they both deserved a second chance.

Maybe.

Welcome to Rainbow Key – held together by love, family, and sticky tape.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, M M Contemporary

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2020

About the author

Bullets and Babies!

Victoria writes about guys loving other guys in between dodging bullets, kidnappers, and serial killers. She enjoys putting them through hell to get their happy ever after—it’s a character flaw she embraces.

She also believes that family is who you choose, that dogs are often much wiser than human beings, and that we’re steadily destroying the world we live in.

And if people read more books, they'd be much happier.

Reviews

[AshPenny37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this installment of Victoria Sue's Rainbow Key series it's Matt's turn to find his soulmate. It's lovely to see the characters from the first three books making an appearance and (for me) that means that, while Matt's Rainbow can be read as a standalone, it's best enjoyed if read in series order.

The MCs didn't have the best introduction to each other to say the least. There are plenty of bumps in the road on the way to their HEA, too, whilst Matt and Ryder both deal with the loss of their blood family (both some time in the past and both in very different ways) and ride the waves of trust/betrayal and new-found happiness/despair; especially when threats appear from both Ryder's past and Mother Nature, dead set on destroying everything.

We already know a bit about Matt from previous books in the series as he has been an employee at Josh and Daniel's hotel for a while. We get much more context into why he has always come across in the way he does, however. Matt, in his own head, is still paying for a tragic event that happened decades ago which led to a downward spiral in his life; and although he acknowledges the second chance nature of being able to live and work on the island he doesn't believe himself worthy of much more. When we first meet Ryder he is down on his luck and doing whatever he can to survive. When we see him again on the island he's been able to get it together enough to be able to look after the vulnerable sister he has reconnected with (Lizzie, by the way, is pure sunshine...a fantastic character) and figure out how to do various jobs around the hotel whilst dealing with his own vulnerabilities and feelings of worthlessness. Both men are looking for something they think that they'll never have, or even deserve: Matt's need is to be able to look after people whilst Ryder's is to be able to relinquish a bit of control and let someone look after him for a change.

Matt's Rainbow is a great tale of redemption, letting go of the past and accepting that second chance for help and hope with age gap, hurt/comfort and found family themes...another example of how the men of Rainbow Key are imperfectly perfect for each other. 4*

An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.

[JD Crittendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting For a Better Life!

Two broken men, Matt & Ryder fight to make a safe home, build a family, and maybe find love on Rainbow Key. Good storytelling, interesting enough MCs, no surprises, known tropes. A little too predictable but overall enjoyable.
My only critique is the epilogue is strange. I think it was meant to be sweet but it comes across a little peculiar.
Read and see if you agree! Rating: 3 1/2⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible second-chance love story that will touch you heart!  Just all the feels for me.  These MC's have so much to give and together they experience how honesty, loyalty and learning someones heart will reshape your life.  I loved the story-line and how these guys learn to trust each other and themselves.  The supporting characters are awesome and it felt like checking in with friends to see everyone back on Rainbow Key.  

Matt and Ryder will break your heart with their pain and then allow you to celebrate with them as they discover love and family.  Their connection is steamy, sweet and heartfelt.   

This is book four of the Rainbow Key series and could be read as a stand-alone story.  However to get maximum enjoyment, i would recommend reading the previous books because the characters are a part of this story and ...  they are super good stories.  

Highly recommend!!   

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a feeling Matt's story was going to be my favorite of the series. For the most part it didn't disappoint but I got this through the newsletter so I missed out on the epilogue and that makes me very sad.

QUICK THOUGHTS
-- Quick easy read -- age difference (20-ish years) -- some really sweet moments -- more angst to this one -- lots of drama -- an island of hope and second chances -- chosen family -- LOVED the MCs... Matt & Ryder -- with the exception of a few places these guys actually talked to each other -- great secondary characters -- characters from previous books appear -- wish the newsletter version had the epilogue -- not a stand-alone

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So super sweet! Matt and Ryder certainly were in need of a bit of joy, and I'm glad they got it. Unlike Ben and Zack, most of the conflict was between them and their environment and not them as a couple, and for one I'm relieved about it. It was a really good book!

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryder was thrown out of by an alcoholic dad but had to leave his sister Lizzie behind who has down syndrome. Ryder fell into a bad group, doing everything he could to survive and watch out for Lizzie. Both get the chance to go to Paradise Island where they find a found family and Ryder run's into a Matt, a man he tried to steal from. Unfortunately the bad group shows up and causes more problems. Matt, older, ex-con, doesn't think he is good enough for Ryder but Ryder feels that he is not good enough. When the bad group shows up and a hurricane, well it was a disaster in the making. It had the sweetest ending.

[Suzanne Bourgeois]

ok Matt, my guy, you did more than you had to! you sweet cinnamon bun. This just might be my favorite book. Just the way Matt treats Ryder's sister is adorable, calling her Miss Elizabeth, like she is a grand southern lady. Just gets me every time he did t. And what Elizabeth does in the end. Ma'am, that took balls and i am so glad you did it. Those 2 needed that push, lol. they would have spent so much time being careful around echother they never would have gotten around to proposing. becuase only 2 sweethearts who only every look outside themselves would fail to look inward and think they are enough. this is my cinnamon bun couple.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in this series is all about second chances. To be thrown away by one family only to be embrace in another one that helps you heal…I LOVE IT!! This series really pulled at my heartstrings. I recommend everyone read it.

[Deeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little worried at the start of this one. I totally jumped to conclusions about what was going to happen, and while I was mostly right it happened in a different way to what I expected and so I enjoyed this one more than I expected to.

Matt has long been a favourite and Ryder soon stole my heart.

This one had my heart twisting and my stomach knotting waiting for them to get their HEA.

I did have a few niggles though. Reading these back to back made me aware that there was a name change for the person Matt went to prison for. There was also a mix up with May Belles childrens ages, how could her daughter only be ten when her son left when was the youngest? It caused me to stop reading and ponder and thats not good for keeping me in the moment.

But niggles aside I'm still giving this the full 5 stars as I got exactly what I expected from this one.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matt should have been my favorite character but unfortunately there was just way, way too much drama, mellow drama, angst, soap opera style writing whatever you wanna call it for me.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edited December 2, 2020 to add my comments on the audiobook:
Audio Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5

This is such a good book and I love Jonathan David's performance!

Jonathan David is new to audiobook narration and that is so hard to believe. He did a really wonderful job with this book in what is one of my favorite series by Victoria Sue. It's not easy to take on the task of performing a book in a series that was previously performed by someone else. I can honestly say that I loved what he did with this book at least as much as I did the other books in this series that were performed by another excellent narrator. I hope that he continues to get the opportunity to perform MM audiobooks and I will be looking for his work.

Below is a copy of my review from when I read the book when it was first released. Other than my comments on Jonathan David's performance there really isn't anything else that I can add to my original review.
*****
This is such a good book!

Victoria Sue's books always tug at my heartstrings and Matt's Rainbow was no exception. I'd been waiting for Matt's book and Victoria Sue didn't disappoint me; it was worth the wait. While you can easily read this book as a standalone, you will miss three other fantastic books if you don't read them.

Matt's been working at Rainbow Key for a few years. He has a past that he's ashamed of and it haunts him and makes him feel like he isn't deserving of love. Ryder also has a past he's not proud of but his parents kicked him out at age 14 when they found out he liked boys so he didn't have a lot of options available to him.

Matt and Ryder are two men who are hurting but Rainbow Key has a way of bringing found family together in very special ways. There is 20-year age difference between Matt and Ryder and it bothers Matt a bit. He feels like Ryder could do so much better than to be stuck with someone like him.

I really could not put this book down once I started reading it. It has so many good elements going on: brother caring for his younger sister, forgiving past mistakes, evacuating for a hurricane, a baby and kittens!

Rainbow Key is a series that I really love and I hope that Victoria Sue writes more books about this amazing place.

A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Matt, but Ryder took me a minute to warm to him but once I did, I loved him and he was the perfect mate to Matt. I wished he would have come clean way sooner before Matt called him out on what he did. Poor Matt is a recovering alcoholic who served time for a crime that was not his fault but he blamed himself anyway. He lost everything. Ryder did not have an easy time of it either. He was kicked out and then he ended up having to take care of his special needs sister. He will do anything to keep her and give her a good life. Ryder and his sister end up on the Island, which everyone is given a second chance, and he is no different. Even when he is called out on a theft, he is given the benefit of the doubt and he goes to work with Matt. I loved watching these two slowly grow into friends, to lovers, to more. I was really worried when a couple shows up from Ryder's past and really think that more should have been done with them. I love this series and hope it's around for a good long time.

ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews for exchange for an honest review.

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth and Final Visit (an audio review)

One night Ryder and Matt meet and it doesn’t end well. When they meet up again, Matt doesn’t trust Ryder, let alone want him in Rainbow Key. The island off the coast of Florida has been Matt’s home – his sanctuary – for years now. He’s protective of the other residents as well as the owners. I’ve watched him closely through the first three books of the series, waiting for him to get his happy ending. I didn’t foresee it happening with Ryder, a new character.

Ryder sees Rainbow Key as his second chance. He’s gained custody of his sister Lizzie who has Down’s Syndrome. Ryder wants to be the best guardian and big brother he can be, but it’s tough because he himself is uneducated with few marketable skills. Still, the courts have grated him the chance and finding the island is a godsend. Until he meets the man running the boat. Like I said, he and Matt didn’t get off to a great start, and now Ryder fears everything will be taken away before it even starts.

When Matt sees Ryder’s obvious love for Lizzie, he’s willing to give the young man another chance. Matt’s an ex-con, after all, and Rainbow Key was his second chance. But he plans to keep a close eye on the younger man and it’s clear Ryder is nervous. Slowly, though, step-by-step, Matt’s vigilance wanes and Ryder’s confidence grows. Until his past comes crashing into him at top speed. Suddenly everything he’s built is in jeopardy, and with a hurricane bearing down on the island, things become even more dire.

A great set-up if ever there was one. This book had a bit more action and angst than the previous ones and I loved it just as much. I might have turned to mush during the epilogue. If I did, though, I’ll never own up to it. Again, a lovely ending to a wonderful series.

There was a new narrator for this book and I understand why sometimes authors can’t keep the person who had previously helmed the series. I will say Jonathan David did a decent job but I have to say his Daniel was discordant for me. A minor thing to be sure, and only because I loved the precious three books so much. But never fear, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this book. I have plans to return to listen to the series again and am so glad I got the chance to enjoy the stories.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of two men who didn't know they were in need of a HEA!

Matt's Rainbow by Victoria Sue is the 4th installment in her Rainbow Key series and although it can be read as a standalone in my opinion, I am most certainly going to read books 1-3 this weekend because, wow!  Maybe I'm a sucker for the whole damaged goods thing, but Victoria Sue introduces us to Matt, former ex-con and Ryder, a young man with a whole lot of baggage, and she delivers a lot of feels that makes me want to read the series from the beginning. 

Matt's Rainbow is the story of Matt, who we meet fresh out of prison and on his way to Rainbow Key in hopes of starting with a clean slate.  In his quest, he's pursued by "Ray" better known as Ryder, a mysterious stranger at the bar.  A supposed hookup ends with Ryder stealing from Matt then bailing and Matt having to make an embarrassing phone call to his very good friend over at Rainbow Key for money to make it over there.  Fast forward a couple of months later, Matt and Ryder's paths cross once again when Ryder is in need of a clean slate too, starting with staying at  Rainbow Key with his little sister, who has special needs.    

It's not obvious at first to either of them but Matt and Ryder both deserve a second chance and while their past threatens their slowly developing romance, they'll have to learn to trust one another to fight their own personal demons.  With the help of lovely characters Victoria has given us at Rainbow Key, maybe the love and support from their newly formed family, they can get their HEA after all!

This is my first read from Victoria Sue and it won't be my last. I can already tell that the characters were developed at a believable pace and the situations presented are real life issues.  I enjoyed reading Matt's Rainbow and am giving this story five stars!  Happy Reading!

I received an ARC copy, in exchanged for my honest review, of this title to read and review for Gay Romance Reviews.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5**
Matt's Rainbow has two men so in need of love and a HEA.
Matt and Ryder both think the worst of themselves over past actions/events and have had their share of hurt but from, let's say the second time they meet, there's a connection and spark that just builds between them as they grow to learn more of each other. Of course, understandably, Matt is angry at first but as with the whole book, communication is key and once things come out in the open, he comes to understand Ryder's actions. Talking is especially needed when two people from Ryder's past unexpectedly show up and threaten the new life that Ryder is trying to build for him and his sister, Lizzie. Hard pasts, harsh weather and unscrupulous people put everything into jeopardy for Matt and Ryder.
I love a good story with people trying to live better lives and no one else tries harder than Matt and Ryder. They have different histories but each is trying to make up for something and get by in life. Ryder's sister, Lizzie, is just a darling and everyone on the island falls in love with her. Josh and Declan, owner's of Rainbow Key, have really built up and brought together a family that love and care for each other and I love getting each of their stories. We get to hear from couples from the previous books and keep up with how everyone is doing. It's wonderfully inclusive and I'm hoping for more to come.
Fans of the series will love finally getting Matt's story though it can be read as a standalone. A recommended read for those who love a redemption story and those who have overcome hard times to reach their HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Lex Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sitting at home during this Crisis means lots of time to enjoy reading. And enjoy this piece I did.

The author took a wonderful story and ran with it, giving two men who deserved second chances at life and a first chance at true love just that. The age difference, the sordid past and the obvious life challenges are nothing when two feel for each other the way these two do.

As with all the Rainbow Key men, the author created two wonderful main characters who have depth and layers to them that make them raw, deep and beautiful. Much like the thing that is building between them.

Ryder is a truly amazing individual with the biggest heart. His unconditional love for his sister and desire for honesty with the people he knows makes him so endearing and true.

Matt is that bad boy gone good that be all love. He had a really tough life and he’s super self deprecating. He feels his worth is determined by his mistakes, but his tender touch and eye for beauty shows ya that even a tough exterior can have a mushy cuddle bug inside.

With a crisis, family feels and steamy moments, this story is not to be missed!

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this to read late at night. I immediately started it and literally stayed up all night reading it! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. It was so full of emotions, friendship, lies, betrayal, and angst. I was so wrapped up in it. Matt is an alcoholic and went to jail for something he believed he was guilty of. He lost his whole family. Ryder had a lot of turmoil in his past, kicked out of his home at a young age. He was homeless, lived on the streets doing unimaginable things to survive. When his father dies, he takes on responsibility for his younger sister who has downs syndrome. He is given a second chance, but someone from his past shows up and tries to take everything away from him. I literally cannot say enough good about this story. It was phenomenally stunning read!!
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received from Gay Romance Reviews. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved this Rainbow Key family since the beginning, and I am so glad to see there was finally a book 4 with Matt. I liked him a lot in the last books, so he deserved some happiness. Ryder comes to Rainbow Key with his sister. He was being given a second chance and he didn't want to do anything to ruin that chance. His past catches up with him, though, and Ryder struggles with believing he is worth anything. A bit older than Ryder, Matt was a perfect match for him. I was glad how they worked together and didn't really let anything come between them. The only thing I wish I had was a little more knowledge of what happened at the end what happened with TJ and Maggie? Did they get arrested? Did they just let them off scot-free?. Other than that, though, this was super lovely and I adored it.

[Nicole]

I can't believe it. I love rainbow key and am so glad to have Matt's story. As the groundskeeper and boat driver he was always an important part of the rest of the series but to finally have his fill story is perfect. The angst in the book is heart wrenching. I am do happy that Matt got his hea. I couldn't put the book down wanting to know what was going to happen. The past comes back to haunt us all and I am glad that Matt and Ryder eree able to see past the past and towards the future. Victoria Sue also does an amazing job writing about Lizzie, a young lady with down syndrome. Lizzie is not defined by her disability and this book shows how capable people with down syndrome can be when supported in the right environment. Overall an amazing book.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest book in Victoria Sue’s Rainbow series was a wonderful addition.
Matt and Ryder’s story was filled with hope and redemption as the men found it in their hearts to forgive themselves as well as the other person.
Ryder was a a kindhearted person who had been dealt a terrible hand and he overcomes it the best he can and Matt is right there showing him the way.
Victoria’s writing is lyrical and beautiful, lighting up the story with her turn of phrase. I love the island and characters.
Everyone has made a cameo from the other three books and I do hope she writes more in this wonderful world.

[Elayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed every one of the Rainbow Key books. The island where every perceived individuality is welcomed and throughout them all has been Matt, the stalwart loner, the guy who is there for everyone and I’ve looked forward to Matt getting his own HEA. He gets Ryder and his sister Lizzie. Despite a little conflict and angst, an intrusion from the past and the English person’s favourite, bad weather, it’s everything I wanted it to be.
Having read the weekly instalments, the epilogue was a lovely addition.
Recommended.


I accepted this ARC from GRR reviews in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this series, and every book on it, is better than the previous one. Now this story about second chances in life, about confronting our past mistakes and accept that we need to forgive ourselves first to be able to love and be loved and how at the end, that always is the answer for everything. This book is romantic and easy to read in spite some angst that made the story more interesting, and as the cherry on top, it has one of the sweetest epilogue I'd ever read. Simply wonderful!!
I received this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect addition to the series. Love on a island off the coast of Florida is a perfect setting for this steamy, second chances romance.

Throw in an adorable younger sister, some kittens, a grandmother, a couple with nefarious intentions and a tropical storm, and you have all the elements for a wonderful story.

Just remember, all of us deserve do-overs in life. Especially Matt. He's about to have love barrel into him full force! He won't know what hits him and he won't stand a chance.

Josh and Daniel have built an idyllic situation. We need more places like theirs.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know when I started this bc I read it week by week through the news letter.

Two very broken men who never shown they mattered. One has rebuilt his life but is barely surviving. The other is trying to build a life for his sister but is too shattered to consider making one for himself. Throw in people from the past who are up to no good. This is a hurt/comfort love story with a smidge of mystery/suspense to keep you on your toes.

[Heather Rawlins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Matt’s Rainbow. There’s something about slightly broken men and how they find their way to love. I love Matt and Ryder, they were both so sweet with strengths and weaknesses they brought to the relationship. I liked that although there were secrets, they didn’t become an opportunity for something worse. Their story was sweet, fast and sexy. I loved all of it. Plus their meet-cute and re-meet were great. I definitely recommend this book.

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

love wins

Wow a great story for a ex- con getting his second chance because even if he was innocent and and another young man being throwing out at 14 teen trying to survive when everything was against him with hanging out with the wrong people ,,to doing some bad things to take care of his disabled sister wow and still there so much more in this book,,,you have to read it there is a lot going on in this book. The author did a wonderful job on this book

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't tell you how absolutely amazing this story is. I absolutely love Matt and Ryder!! They might have had a rough start but I love seeing how they overcome that. It definitely wasn't easy but I love going on their journey to a happy ending. Victoria Sue just makes characters that I can't help but to love. I can't wait for more in this world but I just visiting Rainbow Key.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get this book. I love this series. It just keeps getting better and better. These two guys had such a rough start. It Broke your heart to watch them go through it. Luckily they were able to work through there differences there past and all the baggage, so they could finally have there happily ever after.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, bittersweet, amazing, poignant, tug-at-your-heartstrings, lovely, emotionally charged, sexy, tender, and totally awesome tale. It had me hooked from beginning to end, and I would definitely recommend getting this entire marvelous series for yourself.

[Lyndsay TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt and Ryder had a very rough start, a rough middle but finally smoothed out at the end. Both men came from not so honest backgrounds and had a lot of insecurities and fears to overcome before they got their very sweet happily ever after.