Joshua's Rainbow
Reviewed for Sinfully.Running a run-down hotel on the private island of Rainbow Key, something left to him by his savior Clive, should be everything Joshua could want, but without the proper funds to renovate the hotel and with time ticking down to meet the terms of the trust and the will, Joshua fears he and his friends will be forced to find a new home very soon. Just as Clive helped Joshua, Joshua is now stepping up to do the same with Ben, Charlie, Matt and the others who work and live on Rainbow Key, whether they can stay on the island or not.
When Daniel’s best friend sends him to Rainbow Key, Daniel can’t help but start thinking about the place with the eye of the resort developer he is, especially since he knows his company has tried to buy the island in the past. That mindset is soon put to the test by Joshua and his staff and Daniel tries to be a guest there for relaxation as opposed to a man on a business mission, although he also starts to think that maybe he could be just the person to help Joshua and the resort succeed in its goal. Daniel is quite taken with the shy young Joshua and as the two spend time together, both their secrets start gnawing at them.
The alternating points of view give a good look into the mindset of both men, who are so different on the outside. Josh has self-esteem issues going back to his awful childhood and teenage years and can’t believe that the rich, handsome Daniel would take an interest. Daniel is feeling old and washed up and is just as boggled that the young Joshua wants him. A bit of fun is all well and good, but soon both men know there’s more to it than that.
I really enjoyed the relationship between the men. Daniel sees so much in Joshua, the things Joshua never sees in himself, and brings a whole lot of light to his life. Joshua tries to be strong for and take care of everyone and he jumps right in to make sure Daniel is cared for seeing that Daniel has done little to care for himself. They are a perfect balance for each other and I loved the protective side of Daniel, which quickly extended past just Joshua. When secrets and misunderstandings combine at the worst possible time Joshua fears he was right about his first impression of Daniel and that it will be the end of Rainbow Key and his island family.
Everybody at Rainbow Key is there for sanctuary, to recover or to hide, to find a sense of safety and acceptance for who they are. They have made a family on that island and I loved that part of the book. Without taking anything away from the main storyline and making it seem like a setup vehicle for a series, Victoria Sue introduces the other residents (and I assume future MCs of their own stories) as a natural part of the story and already has me caring and invested in their HEA as well. Charlie, Ben and Matt are all integral to Joshua and Rainbow Key and their presence enhanced what the island and the resort mean. They are a family. Even with all the difficulties the men have faced and the threat to their future, the story is full of hope and love, but I bet you’ll shed a tear or two while reading.
This book hit the right tone for a first in a series and I’ll be looking forward to reading the next book. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy stories about finding unexpected love.
