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A Boy Called Rainbow
Love comes in all colors…
Art evaluator Miles Tate is finally about to start living his dream… that is if he can get the funding in place to open his own art gallery in New York. It’s something that he and his partner Damon have been planning for years, so when an unexpected turn of events finds every one of Miles’ perfectly-planned dreams turned upside-down, it’s time to escape Manhattan and reluctantly take up a well-paid job in the tiny seaside town of Hope’s Bluff, Georgia. For Miles, it’s his only chance to make some money, claw back what little dignity he has left, and figure out what the hell to do with his life.
But evaluating the art collection of a deceased estate isn’t made easy by the grandson of the dearly departed artist in question… a hot-tempered, hotter-than-hell young man whose secrets run deep and passions run raw.
Can Miles finish the job he’s been paid to do… or will two opposites find that they have more in common than they first imagined? Can the pair of them find the strength in each other to rebuild their lives… or will the traumas of their pasts drive them both away? Will Miles turn his back on the handsome, hurt, artistic genius he’s stumbled upon… or will he finally find true love in the arms of a Boy Called Rainbow?
Art evaluator Miles Tate is finally about to start living his dream… that is if he can get the funding in place to open his own art gallery in New York. It’s something that he and his partner Damon have been planning for years, so when an unexpected turn of events finds every one of Miles’ perfectly-planned dreams turned upside-down, it’s time to escape Manhattan and reluctantly take up a well-paid job in the tiny seaside town of Hope’s Bluff, Georgia. For Miles, it’s his only chance to make some money, claw back what little dignity he has left, and figure out what the hell to do with his life.
But evaluating the art collection of a deceased estate isn’t made easy by the grandson of the dearly departed artist in question… a hot-tempered, hotter-than-hell young man whose secrets run deep and passions run raw.
Can Miles finish the job he’s been paid to do… or will two opposites find that they have more in common than they first imagined? Can the pair of them find the strength in each other to rebuild their lives… or will the traumas of their pasts drive them both away? Will Miles turn his back on the handsome, hurt, artistic genius he’s stumbled upon… or will he finally find true love in the arms of a Boy Called Rainbow?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2023
172 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Robin Knight
70 books89 followersaka Geoffrey Knight
Robin Knight is the author of gay fiction novels, novellas and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense and gay comedies.
The heroes of Robin's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, stumbling through misadventures and falling in love.
Robin has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories.
Robin Knight is the author of gay fiction novels, novellas and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense and gay comedies.
The heroes of Robin's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, stumbling through misadventures and falling in love.
Robin has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
September 20, 2023
I kept having the weird feeling that I was reading a children’s book because if you take out the 2 meh sex scenes then this book is perfectly suited and recommended for kids aged 7-12 .
The villains are …I don’t know , I’ve only seen one dimensional, parodic , meany villains like that on Cartoon Network.
The MC were….You know what? Everything was ludicrous, let’s leave it at that.
It’s time to finally give up trying with this author, their books are so childish it hurts. And I’m also annoyed by how they manage to insert a lecture in every book, like “What do you mean you don’t know sign language?? Well, I don’t know anybody deaf and I didn’t have the chance to learn. Well, I never!! Deaf ppl are ppl too you know? Here’s this book and by tomorrow I want you fluent. Yes, mam. “ And he was. Fluent that is. Overnight. 🤦🏻♀️ Preachy books are a pet peeve of mine. Sorry but I do not recommend.
The villains are …I don’t know , I’ve only seen one dimensional, parodic , meany villains like that on Cartoon Network.
The MC were….You know what? Everything was ludicrous, let’s leave it at that.
It’s time to finally give up trying with this author, their books are so childish it hurts. And I’m also annoyed by how they manage to insert a lecture in every book, like “What do you mean you don’t know sign language?? Well, I don’t know anybody deaf and I didn’t have the chance to learn. Well, I never!! Deaf ppl are ppl too you know? Here’s this book and by tomorrow I want you fluent. Yes, mam. “ And he was. Fluent that is. Overnight. 🤦🏻♀️ Preachy books are a pet peeve of mine. Sorry but I do not recommend.
February 28, 2024
2 Stars
I wanted to love this story so badly, but it turns out I’ve been caught in a “gorgeous cover” snare, yet again. And who could blame me? I mean, LOOK at that thing. So pretty.
Honestly, I didn’t take much wooing. I saw the cover, swooned, read the appealing synopsis, and I was off like a shot, excited to devour this book that promised a hurt-comfort romance between down-on-his-luck, forty-something art evaluator Miles, and twenty-four-year-old deaf artist and small-town hermit, Rainbow.
The ingredients for a winning M/M contemporary romance were all there for me—deaf MC, age-gap, hurt-comfort, opposites-attract, small-town setting and found family vibes—but something went awry in the making of the final product.
It should have been a major winner for me, but alas…
Instead, I felt like I’d been transported back to 2014. Back during my early years of reading M/M romance, trying a bit of anything I could get my hands on within the genre. Mostly, things written by prominent genre authors of the time, like Mercy Celeste, Andrew Grey, Wade Kelly, Jeff Erno, B.A. Tortuga, Sean Michael and Julia Talbot.
If these names make you go “oooh, I love those authors” then read no further, because this book might actually be for you! Yay, you!!
… but for others, like me, you may have an instant and visceral memory when you hear some of these names. Memories of reading melodramatic plots, with underdeveloped romances, uncomfortable sex scenes, OTT antagonists (everyone beyond the MCs were such assholes), drama for dramas sake.
That’s what I experienced here, and honestly, I haven’t read a book in the genre that was this melodramatic in a really long time, to the point that I wasn’t sure they were still a thing.
At the core of the story, Miles and Rainbow were nicely drawn characters and I cared enough about each of them to want them to get their HEA after the shit-storm of bullshit other people had put them through in their lives.
But even liking Miles and Rainbow, I didn’t feel much of a connection between the two. It happened very quickly, too quickly. So quickly that it left me slightly jarred by how fast these two strangers came together without any tangible means of a deeper connection.
Miles was in town for work, hired by Rainbow’s big bad, corrupt as heck, lawyer brother, who was trying to swindle the estate and all the artwork Rainbow’s dearly departed gran left him. It wasn’t a half bad set-up and I was keen to see how it would play out.
But—there’s that word again—but things didn’t feel natural in the way the romance then progressed. The first big issue that hit me was when Miles practically learned ASL overnight, after one meeting with Rainbow, and with only the help of a hand written “how to” from the local inn keeper. The author made note of this issue (the speed with which Miles learned ASL) at the beginning of the story, and I appreciated the heads up and the reasoning for such, but it still just felt ridiculously timed for a reality based contemporary story.
Things started to snowball from there and suddenly I was overwhelmed by the countless WTF moments and character behaviours that frankly left me frustrated and, eventually, skim reading to get it done quicker.
I could have handled the lack of relationship development/the insta-love and the learning of an entire language in about a week thing, but the secondary characters absolutely killed it for me.
On one hand, there were the over-the-top, caricature-like “bad guys” of the story. The scum of the earth, may as well have been petting a cat and twirling a moustache brother, who hated Rainbow with a passion that was so intense and unfounded, that it was, quite frankly, laughable. And let’s not forget all his lackeys, which included the corrupt town judge he naturally had in his pocket (among other people of power), because, of course. And Miles’ ex boyfriend Marcus (inexplicably named Damon in the synopsis)?? Yeah, this guy was the definition of a sociopathic narcissist and his presence beyond the opening scenes was just a major waste of time and an easy grab for more unnecessary drama.
To be fair, we were meant to hate these characters and boy did I hate them. But it was too much villainy for everyday romance and I just COULD NOT with these people and their absurd level of crazy.
On the other hand, there were the “good” secondary characters; the characters that were on Miles and Rainbow’s side of humanity, supporting and helping them against the scumbags trying to get them down. As a reader, I was meant to like these eccentric small-town folk, but they irritated me almost as much as the outrageous villains of the piece, if truth be told. It was idiocy veiled as quirkiness, and I just couldn’t with the whole thing.
So, yeah, this story didn’t go well for me, as made clear by all of the above ranting. But I still stand by the belief that many readers will enjoy this story, especially if a bit of (a lot of) melodrama is your desired sweet spot (or if ANY of those old school author names from earlier make you giddy instead of ragey).
This was my first book by this author and I’m now pretty confident we don’t mesh well, but still, points for the stunning cover, the appealing title, and the amalgamation of some very desirable tropes.
This will definitely work for some readers, I’m just not one of them.
I wanted to love this story so badly, but it turns out I’ve been caught in a “gorgeous cover” snare, yet again. And who could blame me? I mean, LOOK at that thing. So pretty.
Honestly, I didn’t take much wooing. I saw the cover, swooned, read the appealing synopsis, and I was off like a shot, excited to devour this book that promised a hurt-comfort romance between down-on-his-luck, forty-something art evaluator Miles, and twenty-four-year-old deaf artist and small-town hermit, Rainbow.
The ingredients for a winning M/M contemporary romance were all there for me—deaf MC, age-gap, hurt-comfort, opposites-attract, small-town setting and found family vibes—but something went awry in the making of the final product.
It should have been a major winner for me, but alas…
Instead, I felt like I’d been transported back to 2014. Back during my early years of reading M/M romance, trying a bit of anything I could get my hands on within the genre. Mostly, things written by prominent genre authors of the time, like Mercy Celeste, Andrew Grey, Wade Kelly, Jeff Erno, B.A. Tortuga, Sean Michael and Julia Talbot.
If these names make you go “oooh, I love those authors” then read no further, because this book might actually be for you! Yay, you!!
… but for others, like me, you may have an instant and visceral memory when you hear some of these names. Memories of reading melodramatic plots, with underdeveloped romances, uncomfortable sex scenes, OTT antagonists (everyone beyond the MCs were such assholes), drama for dramas sake.
That’s what I experienced here, and honestly, I haven’t read a book in the genre that was this melodramatic in a really long time, to the point that I wasn’t sure they were still a thing.
At the core of the story, Miles and Rainbow were nicely drawn characters and I cared enough about each of them to want them to get their HEA after the shit-storm of bullshit other people had put them through in their lives.
But even liking Miles and Rainbow, I didn’t feel much of a connection between the two. It happened very quickly, too quickly. So quickly that it left me slightly jarred by how fast these two strangers came together without any tangible means of a deeper connection.
Miles was in town for work, hired by Rainbow’s big bad, corrupt as heck, lawyer brother, who was trying to swindle the estate and all the artwork Rainbow’s dearly departed gran left him. It wasn’t a half bad set-up and I was keen to see how it would play out.
But—there’s that word again—but things didn’t feel natural in the way the romance then progressed. The first big issue that hit me was when Miles practically learned ASL overnight, after one meeting with Rainbow, and with only the help of a hand written “how to” from the local inn keeper. The author made note of this issue (the speed with which Miles learned ASL) at the beginning of the story, and I appreciated the heads up and the reasoning for such, but it still just felt ridiculously timed for a reality based contemporary story.
Things started to snowball from there and suddenly I was overwhelmed by the countless WTF moments and character behaviours that frankly left me frustrated and, eventually, skim reading to get it done quicker.
I could have handled the lack of relationship development/the insta-love and the learning of an entire language in about a week thing, but the secondary characters absolutely killed it for me.
On one hand, there were the over-the-top, caricature-like “bad guys” of the story. The scum of the earth, may as well have been petting a cat and twirling a moustache brother, who hated Rainbow with a passion that was so intense and unfounded, that it was, quite frankly, laughable. And let’s not forget all his lackeys, which included the corrupt town judge he naturally had in his pocket (among other people of power), because, of course. And Miles’ ex boyfriend Marcus (inexplicably named Damon in the synopsis)?? Yeah, this guy was the definition of a sociopathic narcissist and his presence beyond the opening scenes was just a major waste of time and an easy grab for more unnecessary drama.
To be fair, we were meant to hate these characters and boy did I hate them. But it was too much villainy for everyday romance and I just COULD NOT with these people and their absurd level of crazy.
On the other hand, there were the “good” secondary characters; the characters that were on Miles and Rainbow’s side of humanity, supporting and helping them against the scumbags trying to get them down. As a reader, I was meant to like these eccentric small-town folk, but they irritated me almost as much as the outrageous villains of the piece, if truth be told. It was idiocy veiled as quirkiness, and I just couldn’t with the whole thing.
So, yeah, this story didn’t go well for me, as made clear by all of the above ranting. But I still stand by the belief that many readers will enjoy this story, especially if a bit of (a lot of) melodrama is your desired sweet spot (or if ANY of those old school author names from earlier make you giddy instead of ragey).
This was my first book by this author and I’m now pretty confident we don’t mesh well, but still, points for the stunning cover, the appealing title, and the amalgamation of some very desirable tropes.
This will definitely work for some readers, I’m just not one of them.
September 10, 2023
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
woooooow i'm new to robin knight's work and i thought that this book was pretty awesome! i legit feel like i've just emerged from living in Hope's Bluff since i started this book whatever time ago! i demolished this book, and it was one of the most immersive reading experiences i've had to date! this was well written, multifaceted, dynamic storytelling, and big-boss kudos to RK for making me FEEL SAVAGE about all these fictional assholes.🤬
as in, the bad guys were so believably vicious and vile and hateful that i struggled at many points during this book wondering how bully romances could be a thing when i can't even stomach reading it in fkin flashbacks. also, but whatever. this ain't about them. 😤
moving on.
🌈this beauty is about my new precious love, rainbow, and his wonderful, sweet and earnest miles, and their quirky found family, and alllllllll their furbabies. it gave me heart eyes and i haven't stopped smiling yet😻
⛈️⚡throw in a smattering of wizard of oz namesakes and the dao of gators and this was a sure winner for me! 🌦️🐊
🍀this really does feel like a treasure trove at the end of a rainbow because i'm feeling pretty lucky to have discovered this author, who has quite a backlist i look forward to exploring while waiting for everything else RK will release in the future!🌈
woooooow i'm new to robin knight's work and i thought that this book was pretty awesome! i legit feel like i've just emerged from living in Hope's Bluff since i started this book whatever time ago! i demolished this book, and it was one of the most immersive reading experiences i've had to date! this was well written, multifaceted, dynamic storytelling, and big-boss kudos to RK for making me FEEL SAVAGE about all these fictional assholes.🤬
as in, the bad guys were so believably vicious and vile and hateful that i struggled at many points during this book wondering how bully romances could be a thing when i can't even stomach reading it in fkin flashbacks. also, but whatever. this ain't about them. 😤
moving on.
🌈this beauty is about my new precious love, rainbow, and his wonderful, sweet and earnest miles, and their quirky found family, and alllllllll their furbabies. it gave me heart eyes and i haven't stopped smiling yet😻
⛈️⚡throw in a smattering of wizard of oz namesakes and the dao of gators and this was a sure winner for me! 🌦️🐊
🍀this really does feel like a treasure trove at the end of a rainbow because i'm feeling pretty lucky to have discovered this author, who has quite a backlist i look forward to exploring while waiting for everything else RK will release in the future!🌈
September 22, 2023
This was another example of an eye-catching cover and blurb that didn't live up to expectations.I really don't have anything positive to say. There was so much opportunity to really give us something deep and meaningful but it all felt so silly.
This read like an underdeveloped YA story with two sex scenes - one of which had the term "hefty, hot meat" in it. So there was that. There was also no build up or indication that there was any level of romance or reciprocated attraction. It felt all one sided up to that point. I don't think the fact that this was written in singular first person helped.
Speaking of which, this was from Miles POV not ever Rainbow's. It would have been so interesting to get Rainbow's POV since he was deaf. Miles learned ASL in a day. In ONE DAY. I know there's a note on this at the beginning of the book but it felt like a cop out. These two literally had no communication issues, like at all. They also knew each other for less than a week (I think?) and fell madly, deeply and passionately in love.
The villains were wildly over the top. Unbelievably and distractingly so. Rainbow's brother hated him. HATED HIM and just because he was deaf. Absolutely no other reason. Of course the brother had a bunch of mean and bigoted lackeys, like the town judge, naturally.
There was a pet mouse, a quirky, meddling innkeeper with a ton of cats, a random giant alligator, a hurricane, a terrible ex appearing out of nowhere, a dream with an all-knowing ghost, and poor isolated Rainbow who was so touch starved he fell in love with the first man he's seen in years - but also, conveniently, had condoms in his art studio cause safe sex first people. I don't know.
This read like an underdeveloped YA story with two sex scenes - one of which had the term "hefty, hot meat" in it. So there was that. There was also no build up or indication that there was any level of romance or reciprocated attraction. It felt all one sided up to that point. I don't think the fact that this was written in singular first person helped.
Speaking of which, this was from Miles POV not ever Rainbow's. It would have been so interesting to get Rainbow's POV since he was deaf. Miles learned ASL in a day. In ONE DAY. I know there's a note on this at the beginning of the book but it felt like a cop out. These two literally had no communication issues, like at all. They also knew each other for less than a week (I think?) and fell madly, deeply and passionately in love.
The villains were wildly over the top. Unbelievably and distractingly so. Rainbow's brother hated him. HATED HIM and just because he was deaf. Absolutely no other reason. Of course the brother had a bunch of mean and bigoted lackeys, like the town judge, naturally.
There was a pet mouse, a quirky, meddling innkeeper with a ton of cats, a random giant alligator, a hurricane, a terrible ex appearing out of nowhere, a dream with an all-knowing ghost, and poor isolated Rainbow who was so touch starved he fell in love with the first man he's seen in years - but also, conveniently, had condoms in his art studio cause safe sex first people. I don't know.
September 12, 2023
4.5 stars. This is the second book I have read by this author and in both books I have really enjoyed this author’s writing style. It’s very unique and brings something special to the story. I also want to talk about this cover. This is an absolutely stunning cover and it perfectly portrays Rainbow’s image. A better cover could not have been chosen for this wonderful story.
Rainbow was such a special person. The things that he had to go through were so heartbreaking. Finding out why he calls himself Rainbow 😭😭. He needed Miles in his life so badly. Someone who could see him for who he is!
This story is only told from Miles’ POV. Usually I prefer dual POV but like I found before with this author’s writing is that the other MC is very transparent. So it doesn’t feel like we are missing anything by not getting their POV. I absolutely would have loved having a chapter or two from Rainbow’s side but it didn’t take away from the story.
One thing I loved and thought was really unique about this book too was the art “lessons” at the beginning of each chapter. Talking about an artist and something special with them and then having that tie into what’s happening in the chapter. It was really neat!
I absolutely recommend this story if you’re looking for a lower-angst romance with some tougher topics but the good guys win and the bad guys are out of luck!
Rainbow was such a special person. The things that he had to go through were so heartbreaking. Finding out why he calls himself Rainbow 😭😭. He needed Miles in his life so badly. Someone who could see him for who he is!
This story is only told from Miles’ POV. Usually I prefer dual POV but like I found before with this author’s writing is that the other MC is very transparent. So it doesn’t feel like we are missing anything by not getting their POV. I absolutely would have loved having a chapter or two from Rainbow’s side but it didn’t take away from the story.
One thing I loved and thought was really unique about this book too was the art “lessons” at the beginning of each chapter. Talking about an artist and something special with them and then having that tie into what’s happening in the chapter. It was really neat!
I absolutely recommend this story if you’re looking for a lower-angst romance with some tougher topics but the good guys win and the bad guys are out of luck!
September 21, 2023
Miles and Rainbow ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️
✅Hurt/Comfort
✅Sweetness
✅HEA
I thought this story was so sweet, it was stuffed full of hurt/comfort, very sweet moments and a touch of spicy goodness. Miles is down on his luck after being dumped by his boyfriend, becoming homeless and giving up his dreams of opening his business all at the same time decides to accept a remote job in a sleepy little oceanside town. Little does Miles know the he just walked into his future when he meets the most beautiful boy he's ever seen, Rainbow. These two got off to a rough start but it didn't take long for the feelings of friendship and love take hold. Poor Rainbow, my heart broke for him. He was such a kind and sweet soul yet always found beauty in the world and he kept going when it was so cruel, I wanted to wrap him in a huge hug. These two were so perfect together, they both gave each other exactly what they've been missing, kindness, love and support and with a little help from above they became everything and more to each other. The ending was perfect ❤️, I would recommend this one.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars ⭐️
✅Hurt/Comfort
✅Sweetness
✅HEA
I thought this story was so sweet, it was stuffed full of hurt/comfort, very sweet moments and a touch of spicy goodness. Miles is down on his luck after being dumped by his boyfriend, becoming homeless and giving up his dreams of opening his business all at the same time decides to accept a remote job in a sleepy little oceanside town. Little does Miles know the he just walked into his future when he meets the most beautiful boy he's ever seen, Rainbow. These two got off to a rough start but it didn't take long for the feelings of friendship and love take hold. Poor Rainbow, my heart broke for him. He was such a kind and sweet soul yet always found beauty in the world and he kept going when it was so cruel, I wanted to wrap him in a huge hug. These two were so perfect together, they both gave each other exactly what they've been missing, kindness, love and support and with a little help from above they became everything and more to each other. The ending was perfect ❤️, I would recommend this one.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
September 11, 2023
- deaf mc
- age gap
- opposites attract
- small town
- found family
After learning his boyfriend of ten years has been cheating on him for just as long, art appraiser Miles upends his life in New York and accepts a job in Georgia to evaluate the artwork of his client's recently deceased grandmother. There he meets Rainbow, his client's younger brother, who makes it abundantly clear that he none to happy about Miles's presence.
Miles soon learns that Rainbow is deaf, and does his best to learn some ASL to communicate with the angry younger man. Rainbow doesn't trust Miles one bit, and believes that he's there to sell his grandmother's paintings and to take his home out beneath him. Which, technically, Miles is there to evaluate the artwork, but he does not understand the full scope of how poorly Rainbow's family has treated him until Delphine, a family friend Rainbow's past to him.
Much like his grandmother, Rainbow is also a talented artist, and after getting to see what Rainbow and his grandmother have created, Miles refuses to let his family destroy his home or happiness. Miles hires a lawyer to help Rainbow, and this act of kindness sparks a friendship between the pair that slowly turns into more.
A Boy Called Rainbow is my first read by Robin, but definitely not my last. Miles and Rainbow's story is so beautifully done, and written in a way that just instantly sucks you and takes you on a ride through all the heartache, trauma, love, and self acceptance.
Miles is book boyfriends goals and I loved that he instantly wanted to learn ASL to talk to Rainbow in a way that would make him most comfortable. He is so sweet and kind, meanwhile, Rainbow is resilient and effervescent once his character started to open up. They're just such a perfect pairing, and I adore them!
- age gap
- opposites attract
- small town
- found family
After learning his boyfriend of ten years has been cheating on him for just as long, art appraiser Miles upends his life in New York and accepts a job in Georgia to evaluate the artwork of his client's recently deceased grandmother. There he meets Rainbow, his client's younger brother, who makes it abundantly clear that he none to happy about Miles's presence.
Miles soon learns that Rainbow is deaf, and does his best to learn some ASL to communicate with the angry younger man. Rainbow doesn't trust Miles one bit, and believes that he's there to sell his grandmother's paintings and to take his home out beneath him. Which, technically, Miles is there to evaluate the artwork, but he does not understand the full scope of how poorly Rainbow's family has treated him until Delphine, a family friend Rainbow's past to him.
Much like his grandmother, Rainbow is also a talented artist, and after getting to see what Rainbow and his grandmother have created, Miles refuses to let his family destroy his home or happiness. Miles hires a lawyer to help Rainbow, and this act of kindness sparks a friendship between the pair that slowly turns into more.
A Boy Called Rainbow is my first read by Robin, but definitely not my last. Miles and Rainbow's story is so beautifully done, and written in a way that just instantly sucks you and takes you on a ride through all the heartache, trauma, love, and self acceptance.
Miles is book boyfriends goals and I loved that he instantly wanted to learn ASL to talk to Rainbow in a way that would make him most comfortable. He is so sweet and kind, meanwhile, Rainbow is resilient and effervescent once his character started to open up. They're just such a perfect pairing, and I adore them!
November 24, 2024
4.5 stars
Beautiful love story by Robin Knight, who made me fall in love with his writing with Under The Arabian Sky.
From the blurb I wasn't expecting Raibow to be so strong and determined: he's adamant about protecting his grandmother's legacy and, even if he's scared to lose the only place he's always considered home, he still tries to fight in his own way.
Miles is a good man who maybe got too distracted chasing his and his partner's dream that he wasn't able to see what was right in front of him. It made me very sad the fact that he realised too late that everyone knew about Marcus' several affairs and no one said a word. Not only he hadn't any family, he hadn't any friends either (about that, Lucinda was horrible too). He was a lonely man, just like Rainbow.
I loved how Miles and Rainbow communicated with each other even without words: Miles learned a bit of sign language, but the little touches, the sweet looks, holding hands and cupping faces were all so very romantic. The sex scenes reflected how much they cared for each other.
I really appreciated the little art stories narrated at the beginning of every chapter: they were well integrated into the main story.
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars.
Both Miles and Rainbow were treated badly with vicious words and mean behaviours: Marcus was a cheating asshole who took advantage of his partner and Fontaine Jr was an awful man who deserved nothing less than jail for what he did to his little brother. I feel that nor Miles or Rainbow got justice; those two should have had a worst fate in this story.
I also would have liked to know more about Rainbow's past experiences: he's not shy about his sexual attraction towards Miles and he seems experienced. So I was wondering how that can be connected to the fact that he lives basically isolated from the rest of the world.
Anyway I really loved this story and I absolutely recommended it.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Beautiful love story by Robin Knight, who made me fall in love with his writing with Under The Arabian Sky.
From the blurb I wasn't expecting Raibow to be so strong and determined: he's adamant about protecting his grandmother's legacy and, even if he's scared to lose the only place he's always considered home, he still tries to fight in his own way.
Miles is a good man who maybe got too distracted chasing his and his partner's dream that he wasn't able to see what was right in front of him. It made me very sad the fact that he realised too late that everyone knew about Marcus' several affairs and no one said a word. Not only he hadn't any family, he hadn't any friends either (about that, Lucinda was horrible too). He was a lonely man, just like Rainbow.
I loved how Miles and Rainbow communicated with each other even without words: Miles learned a bit of sign language, but the little touches, the sweet looks, holding hands and cupping faces were all so very romantic. The sex scenes reflected how much they cared for each other.
I really appreciated the little art stories narrated at the beginning of every chapter: they were well integrated into the main story.
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars.
Both Miles and Rainbow were treated badly with vicious words and mean behaviours: Marcus was a cheating asshole who took advantage of his partner and Fontaine Jr was an awful man who deserved nothing less than jail for what he did to his little brother. I feel that nor Miles or Rainbow got justice; those two should have had a worst fate in this story.
I also would have liked to know more about Rainbow's past experiences: he's not shy about his sexual attraction towards Miles and he seems experienced. So I was wondering how that can be connected to the fact that he lives basically isolated from the rest of the world.
Anyway I really loved this story and I absolutely recommended it.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
May 19, 2024
A Beautiful Read!
This touched me. It was well written with MC’s that are relatable. Situations that are well conceived. The message of hope and love was remarkable.
This touched me. It was well written with MC’s that are relatable. Situations that are well conceived. The message of hope and love was remarkable.
September 11, 2023
Five Rainbow Stars.
I'm new to Robin Knight's writing and highly impressed. A Boy Called Rainbow is a beautiful and touching story about art, trauma, love, self-made family, and rebuilding.
After Miles's long-term relationship and career plans go south, he finds himself in Savannah appraising artwork for a new client. I have nothing nice to say about said client. Now Enters Rainbow, Said client's brother.
Rainbow is standoffish, and for good reason. I love Rainbow; he is sweet and dealt with enough in his life. How his brother treats him because he is deaf is deplorable. Rainbow, like his grandmother, is a very talented artist. I adore how Miles was learning ASL (American Sign Language) and trying to understand Rainbow's world.
Words alone can't articulate how beautifully the words flow right off the pages and create picturesque views. With warmth and contentment in my heart, it was with great satisfaction that A Boy Called Rainbow is a masterpiece like the artwork described in this novel.
I'm new to Robin Knight's writing and highly impressed. A Boy Called Rainbow is a beautiful and touching story about art, trauma, love, self-made family, and rebuilding.
After Miles's long-term relationship and career plans go south, he finds himself in Savannah appraising artwork for a new client. I have nothing nice to say about said client. Now Enters Rainbow, Said client's brother.
Rainbow is standoffish, and for good reason. I love Rainbow; he is sweet and dealt with enough in his life. How his brother treats him because he is deaf is deplorable. Rainbow, like his grandmother, is a very talented artist. I adore how Miles was learning ASL (American Sign Language) and trying to understand Rainbow's world.
Words alone can't articulate how beautifully the words flow right off the pages and create picturesque views. With warmth and contentment in my heart, it was with great satisfaction that A Boy Called Rainbow is a masterpiece like the artwork described in this novel.
May 19, 2024
I was super lucky to receive an ARC of this and the beautiful cover leads into a beautiful, heartwarming, adorable story of Myles and Rainbow (and some awesome side characters) and some absolutely awful ones lol but it's ok cos ....alligators...
April 15, 2025
This was my first read by Robin
Knight & i was not
disappointed.Miles thought he
lost everything in one night,the
man he thought was the love of
his life, his dream & his apartment.Little did Miles know he was about to find everything when he found Rainbow.Rainbow was a
beautiful character who had
been bullied & mistreated by
his family his whole life.Out of
loss & heartache they found
LOVE.
spice-🌶🌶
🎧Available on audio.Narrated by Lance West
Knight & i was not
disappointed.Miles thought he
lost everything in one night,the
man he thought was the love of
his life, his dream & his apartment.Little did Miles know he was about to find everything when he found Rainbow.Rainbow was a
beautiful character who had
been bullied & mistreated by
his family his whole life.Out of
loss & heartache they found
LOVE.
spice-🌶🌶
🎧Available on audio.Narrated by Lance West
March 27, 2024
Firstly I must admit this cover is outstanding and truly captures rainbow.
This book for me was just okay middle of the road hit and miss for me. I loved the small town vibe with some of the weird and wonderful characters and I loved rainbow he’s the reason I stuck with this book.
This book for me was just okay middle of the road hit and miss for me. I loved the small town vibe with some of the weird and wonderful characters and I loved rainbow he’s the reason I stuck with this book.
February 17, 2025
Please note that this book contains scenes that feature The Bullying of a person with a disability. These scenes play an important part in The Narrative of one of the main characters, however, some readers may find this distressing.
Cheating ( not MMC'S)
That night Miles was going to propose to his partner he found out the ugly truth and lost everything that night.
He lost his house, his job, and his partner.
So he gets back at Marcus and the house floods ruining everything.
Ah ha good on Miles..
He lands a job in Georgia. Doing an art appraisal for a man.
Odette passed away and left all her art for Rainbow. He was deaf and a recluse. He was bullied by his brother and disregarded by his family. Now he had no one.
I liked this story between these two men. It showed a willingness to learn sign language for someone that you don't know. I thought it sweet and also a little heartbreaking that he had to count on people who weren't his family.
Although Miles wasn't there for very long and had a handmade sign Language handbook made by Odette's best friend to help her and Miles be able to speak to him.
The small words are easy and fast to learn. Some deaf can even speak to some degree and also learn to read lips. Like Rainbow was taught.
In the end, we all need a Rainbow 🌈..
Cheating ( not MMC'S)
That night Miles was going to propose to his partner he found out the ugly truth and lost everything that night.
He lost his house, his job, and his partner.
So he gets back at Marcus and the house floods ruining everything.
Ah ha good on Miles..
He lands a job in Georgia. Doing an art appraisal for a man.
Odette passed away and left all her art for Rainbow. He was deaf and a recluse. He was bullied by his brother and disregarded by his family. Now he had no one.
I liked this story between these two men. It showed a willingness to learn sign language for someone that you don't know. I thought it sweet and also a little heartbreaking that he had to count on people who weren't his family.
Although Miles wasn't there for very long and had a handmade sign Language handbook made by Odette's best friend to help her and Miles be able to speak to him.
The small words are easy and fast to learn. Some deaf can even speak to some degree and also learn to read lips. Like Rainbow was taught.
In the end, we all need a Rainbow 🌈..
September 11, 2023
This is my first book read by Robin and he did not disappoint. Let’s start off with that cover. It is what drew me to the book first. It’s gorgeous. So in love with it.
Miles Tate life seems to be in order. A boyfriend and opening his dream gallery until his plans get thrown in a fire. He heads to Georgia to take on an amazing opportunity to make some good money and get back on his feet.
There is meets Rainbow. I fell head over heels for him. Rainbow is has been so hurt by pretty much everyone, including those who should love you the most. He’s sweet, once you crack that shell, and very creative.
What did I love about this book. Everything about Rainbow. I loved how Miles took that step to learn how to communicate with him. I loved their sweetness, determination of not giving up, and having an amazing found family.
Kudos Robin for making me smile and love and have a huge hatred toward Rainbows family. Rainbow needs protecting at all costs.
Miles Tate life seems to be in order. A boyfriend and opening his dream gallery until his plans get thrown in a fire. He heads to Georgia to take on an amazing opportunity to make some good money and get back on his feet.
There is meets Rainbow. I fell head over heels for him. Rainbow is has been so hurt by pretty much everyone, including those who should love you the most. He’s sweet, once you crack that shell, and very creative.
What did I love about this book. Everything about Rainbow. I loved how Miles took that step to learn how to communicate with him. I loved their sweetness, determination of not giving up, and having an amazing found family.
Kudos Robin for making me smile and love and have a huge hatred toward Rainbows family. Rainbow needs protecting at all costs.
September 22, 2023
Rainbow will own your heart!! 🌈
I feel in love with this book from the very start. My heart absolutely broke for Miles and Rainbow in this book. Each deserved better than they had been handed but I felt as if they both were not really sure how to achieve that goal or if they really did deserve that for themselves. It took meeting each other for them to finally realize that there was better in the world and they deserved their piece of that as well. Then oh my them together is everything the way they connect when they finally do is just Oh, the way Miles fights for him like no one has before is so heart warming you'll just want more and more!! What I wouldn't give to see the world through Rainbow's eyes and with all his beautiful color.
I feel in love with this book from the very start. My heart absolutely broke for Miles and Rainbow in this book. Each deserved better than they had been handed but I felt as if they both were not really sure how to achieve that goal or if they really did deserve that for themselves. It took meeting each other for them to finally realize that there was better in the world and they deserved their piece of that as well. Then oh my them together is everything the way they connect when they finally do is just Oh, the way Miles fights for him like no one has before is so heart warming you'll just want more and more!! What I wouldn't give to see the world through Rainbow's eyes and with all his beautiful color.
September 26, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
I am not a sensitivity reader, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I thought Rainbow’s deafness was well handled. While it was an aspect of his character, it served the story as a means to make communication difficult and a challenge for Miles to overcome, not to be the sole facet of Rainbow’s personality. Rainbow is emotional, quick to anger, quick to forgive, and has been alone for so long that — when he’s treated with the barest amount of civility from Miles — he brightens like a sunbeam. And Miles can’t help but respond.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
I am not a sensitivity reader, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I thought Rainbow’s deafness was well handled. While it was an aspect of his character, it served the story as a means to make communication difficult and a challenge for Miles to overcome, not to be the sole facet of Rainbow’s personality. Rainbow is emotional, quick to anger, quick to forgive, and has been alone for so long that — when he’s treated with the barest amount of civility from Miles — he brightens like a sunbeam. And Miles can’t help but respond.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
September 30, 2023
A Boy Called Rainbow is a beautiful story of love between Miles Tate an art evaluator and a boy called Rainbow.
Miles accepts a job evaluating paintings for an unknown artist, that's where he meets the deaf grandson of the artist.
With much sign-language communication between Rainbow and Miles, a connection is formed between them.
There is such a lot to say but this book needs to be read with not much info as it's extremely thought-provoking.
Robin Knights's descriptions drew me completely into the pages, an excellent book 4.5 Stars.
Miles accepts a job evaluating paintings for an unknown artist, that's where he meets the deaf grandson of the artist.
With much sign-language communication between Rainbow and Miles, a connection is formed between them.
There is such a lot to say but this book needs to be read with not much info as it's extremely thought-provoking.
Robin Knights's descriptions drew me completely into the pages, an excellent book 4.5 Stars.
February 17, 2024
Wow, Damon and Rainbow's brother are assholes to an epic degree. The sheer arrogance they have is unbelievable. All they do is hurt. Miles and Rainbow are just pawns in their lives, to be used or abused to get what they want. But they have someone to fight back with for the first time: each other. It was amazing to read these two broken people find love and acceptance amid the hell they are going through. This book made me cry from the pain these two went through but also from their happiness. I loved it.
May 9, 2024
Miles + Rainbow 🌈
June 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
This book is absolutely amazing!
I am incredibly emotionally attached to Miles and Rainbow. This had me in my feels immediately.
It starts off the same as every jilted lover story and then Miles accepts a job in Savannah and everything changes.
Rainbow is a character that I get incredibly attached to extremely easily because he is such a good person and abused by those who should take care of him. Ryan Beau, who can't talk because he is deaf, is forced to say his name over and over because his brother is abusing him and when he says it, it comes out Rainbow. Instead of wallowing in his emotions about his abuse, he embodies the name Rainbow and becomes everything good in a person.
Miles comes to evaluate Rainbow's mother's works of art for her estate and he hits it off with Rainbow immediately. Rainbow is an amazing artist in his own right. Miles has empathy for Rainbow, he goes out of his way to learn ASL for Rainbow, and their relationship eventually turns s3xy. There are very few spicy scenes, it's slow burn city, but this book doesn't even need the spice it has because this a romance for the ages.
After a harrowing turn of events the guys get their HEA and it is absolutely beautiful.
I listened to the audiobook. Lance West is absolutely fantastic. You can definitely tell which character is speaking and thinking when, and his female voice is not annoying in the slightest.
1 narrator, 1 POV, first person
🌶
This book is absolutely amazing!
I am incredibly emotionally attached to Miles and Rainbow. This had me in my feels immediately.
It starts off the same as every jilted lover story and then Miles accepts a job in Savannah and everything changes.
Rainbow is a character that I get incredibly attached to extremely easily because he is such a good person and abused by those who should take care of him. Ryan Beau, who can't talk because he is deaf, is forced to say his name over and over because his brother is abusing him and when he says it, it comes out Rainbow. Instead of wallowing in his emotions about his abuse, he embodies the name Rainbow and becomes everything good in a person.
Miles comes to evaluate Rainbow's mother's works of art for her estate and he hits it off with Rainbow immediately. Rainbow is an amazing artist in his own right. Miles has empathy for Rainbow, he goes out of his way to learn ASL for Rainbow, and their relationship eventually turns s3xy. There are very few spicy scenes, it's slow burn city, but this book doesn't even need the spice it has because this a romance for the ages.
After a harrowing turn of events the guys get their HEA and it is absolutely beautiful.
I listened to the audiobook. Lance West is absolutely fantastic. You can definitely tell which character is speaking and thinking when, and his female voice is not annoying in the slightest.
1 narrator, 1 POV, first person
December 3, 2024
The beginning was good. It started well. Then it just veered off into something else.
I very much dislike when books stop being about the book and start being information brochures. It is clear that the author did a ton of research into both sign language and art but there were pages and pages of just…rambling education.
The plot got lost in it. Each chapter begins with 2 pages of history on a famous artist and is then VERY loosely tied back to the story. It just felt more like a lecture than a love story.
Also, Rainbow and Miles meet like 3? 4? Times before they randomly start having sex. And 1.5 of those times was hostile. They only interact for less than a week before they’re in love. I get it. I do. But it just wasn’t believable.
I very much dislike when books stop being about the book and start being information brochures. It is clear that the author did a ton of research into both sign language and art but there were pages and pages of just…rambling education.
The plot got lost in it. Each chapter begins with 2 pages of history on a famous artist and is then VERY loosely tied back to the story. It just felt more like a lecture than a love story.
Also, Rainbow and Miles meet like 3? 4? Times before they randomly start having sex. And 1.5 of those times was hostile. They only interact for less than a week before they’re in love. I get it. I do. But it just wasn’t believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2024
Charming story, though it's both too long and not long enough. We didn't get to know Rainbow enough in my opinion, and Rainbows insta-love crush on the main character is really unrealistic. Though much of this book is unrealistic, including the entire premise of an art appraiser who can accurately price "valuable" art from a nobody artist, and who can sell their boyfriends art with their world wide connections after burning that bridge.
The Big Bad was also exceptionally unrealistic. I don't know if Missouri is a one party or two party consent jurisdiction, but the amount of time he openly confessed to breaking the law and having corrupt people in his pocket, is super unrealistic. I feel like there was very little effort by Knight to instill realism into the story.
The characters are cute, though. It was nice to read about them. Even the supporting characters grow on you.
The Big Bad was also exceptionally unrealistic. I don't know if Missouri is a one party or two party consent jurisdiction, but the amount of time he openly confessed to breaking the law and having corrupt people in his pocket, is super unrealistic. I feel like there was very little effort by Knight to instill realism into the story.
The characters are cute, though. It was nice to read about them. Even the supporting characters grow on you.
February 2, 2025
Miles Tate is opening a gallery in New York with his partner of ten years Marcus. A few days before the grand opening, Miles returns home early to find Marcus with Barclay, their investor. Miles’ world changes in a heart beat. Marcus unleashes ten years of vile insults and slurs. Miles packs a bag and leaves.
Miles was contacted by Franklin Fontaine Junior, prior to everything hitting the fan. Franklin wants Miles to evaluate his grandmothers estate and all her artwork, in preparation to sell. The estate is occupied by his brother, but Franklin doesn't not care if he makes him homeless.
Ryan-Beau (Rainbow) Fontaine, lives in his grandmothers house that was left to him by her. He is deaf and is also a recluse. He refuses to leave the house, even though his awful brother contested the will, and said his grandmother was not in her right mind, when she left everything to Rainbow.
When Miles visits to look at the art, he is confronted with bare walls, and unwelcoming words on the walls. Rainbow and Miles meet, and are both intrigued by each other.
Both Miles and Rainbow have been wronged and bullied by people who were meant to care for them. Miles by Marcus, and Rainbow by his abhorrent, disgusting, vile brother (the line is long to punch him).
This is my first novel by Robin Knight and it will not be my last. The writing captivated me and drew me into the world the characters were living.
Written by Miles’ point of view, was so well described. I would have liked to have known what Rainbow was thinking, but it did not damper the enjoyment of the book.
Miles was contacted by Franklin Fontaine Junior, prior to everything hitting the fan. Franklin wants Miles to evaluate his grandmothers estate and all her artwork, in preparation to sell. The estate is occupied by his brother, but Franklin doesn't not care if he makes him homeless.
Ryan-Beau (Rainbow) Fontaine, lives in his grandmothers house that was left to him by her. He is deaf and is also a recluse. He refuses to leave the house, even though his awful brother contested the will, and said his grandmother was not in her right mind, when she left everything to Rainbow.
When Miles visits to look at the art, he is confronted with bare walls, and unwelcoming words on the walls. Rainbow and Miles meet, and are both intrigued by each other.
Both Miles and Rainbow have been wronged and bullied by people who were meant to care for them. Miles by Marcus, and Rainbow by his abhorrent, disgusting, vile brother (the line is long to punch him).
This is my first novel by Robin Knight and it will not be my last. The writing captivated me and drew me into the world the characters were living.
Written by Miles’ point of view, was so well described. I would have liked to have known what Rainbow was thinking, but it did not damper the enjoyment of the book.
February 7, 2025
The author stated at the beginning how he took artistic license with the speed that one MC learned ASL and I can go with it! It's a cute book. The villains are villain-ing, the schmoop is schmoophing, the instalove is instaloving. I do think it's trying way too hard to be "magical". Also Rainbow? For a rejected, absolute hermit, deaf guy, who's lived with his grandmother from age 17-24, he has some sexual experience, which begs the question of how and when in this small southern town 🤔 That would be more interesting actually.
September 11, 2025
This had all the trope ingredients to be a great book. Age gap, MM, deaf MC, hurt comfort. But there was just something that lacked in this, that made it mediocre.
The villains in the story were very OTT, nobody in real life would act like that.
Miles leaned ASL overnight and became fluent… ya ok.
It all felt very far fetched.
The villains in the story were very OTT, nobody in real life would act like that.
Miles leaned ASL overnight and became fluent… ya ok.
It all felt very far fetched.
September 18, 2023
Rainbow & Miles
I'm rounding this up from 3.5. While I did enjoy this story quite a bit, I really wish that we got both POVs. I think that that would have added to the story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I'm rounding this up from 3.5. While I did enjoy this story quite a bit, I really wish that we got both POVs. I think that that would have added to the story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
September 21, 2023
Sweet and Whimsical
This book delightful. There is a touch of magic that is fun. The love story is sweet. The villains are truly villainous and I wish they were more nuanced but I love the other characters so it balances.
Overall this a fun worthwhile read.
This book delightful. There is a touch of magic that is fun. The love story is sweet. The villains are truly villainous and I wish they were more nuanced but I love the other characters so it balances.
Overall this a fun worthwhile read.
February 27, 2024
Found Family!
This romance story about Art Evaluator Miles and Artist “Rainbow” is engaging and entertaining. It has depth and enough tension to make it interesting. The MC Miles capture my attention from Chapter 1. MC Rainbow is the quintessential temperamental artist but with just cause. Then there is the nastiest antagonist to make this good storytelling.
OTOH, there needs to be some suspension of reality for readers. However, it is a good read.
This romance story about Art Evaluator Miles and Artist “Rainbow” is engaging and entertaining. It has depth and enough tension to make it interesting. The MC Miles capture my attention from Chapter 1. MC Rainbow is the quintessential temperamental artist but with just cause. Then there is the nastiest antagonist to make this good storytelling.
OTOH, there needs to be some suspension of reality for readers. However, it is a good read.
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