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Rainbow Connection
Two men, one with a past, and one determined to give them a future, together.
Mick Flanagan has kept himself hidden since his only lover died three years ago. He works at night, keeps to his routine, has impressive facial hair, and avoids contact with other people. Enter Ceri Llewellyn, with his constantly changing rainbow-coloured hair, who seems determined to talk to him. Gradually, Mick tells his story and begins to trust Ceri, but Mick has a past that contains more than just a dead lover. Can Ceri show him that he deserves to be loved and, above all else, help him find his true self?
Mick Flanagan has kept himself hidden since his only lover died three years ago. He works at night, keeps to his routine, has impressive facial hair, and avoids contact with other people. Enter Ceri Llewellyn, with his constantly changing rainbow-coloured hair, who seems determined to talk to him. Gradually, Mick tells his story and begins to trust Ceri, but Mick has a past that contains more than just a dead lover. Can Ceri show him that he deserves to be loved and, above all else, help him find his true self?
125 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2015
56 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Milne
30 books38 followersOriginally from South Wales, Alexa has lived for over thirty years in the North West of England. Now retired, after a long career in teaching, she devotes her time to her obsessions.
Alexa began writing when her favourite character was killed in her favourite show. After producing a lot of fanfiction she ventured into original writing.
She is currently owned by a mad cat and spends her time writing about the men in her head, watching her favourite television programmes and usually crying over her favourite football team.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 20, 2015
A Hearts On Fire Review
3.5 HEARTS--Fantastic ideas in this story. Really interesting and fresh with the character Mick. The more I read about him, the more I was intrigued.
But I'm on the fence on some parts.
The romance is 3 Hearts.
The self-growth/ new adult journey of Mick that is 4 Hearts.
This was my first Alexa Milne and I was pleasantly surprised. From the blurb I expected a just a sweet little uncomplicated opposites-attract, hurt/comfort -dealing with grief of a dead partner. (I enjoy grieving romances) And based on the cover it would feature a ginger bear and a rainbow hair twink possibly? And the story ended up having more feels than expected and yet still kept it light.
Mick is 24 years old, works as a night guard for an office building and suffers from social anxiety. That's the tip of his iceberg. He lost his only lover, Alfie three years ago and is barely existing. A flamboyant deliveryman/ professional skateboard wannabe named Ceri sees him and is drawn by the shy, unkempt man. The story is about their whirlwind romance/Mick finally realizing there is life outside of his shell.
I think readers will gravitate to the hurt/comfort aspect of Mick and his backstory. It's interesting and unique. The story is solid, with notes of angst, interwoven with sweet especially the ending (I think it got a little loose toward the end) My issue is that while the book said the right words and did a lot of the right things, I am on the fence on believing someone like Mick opening his arms so quickly to Ceri days after meeting him.
Social anxiety tied with mental health issues like his OCD, panic attacks etc. I'd expect them to take time to crack. I hate pulling the "not in my experience" card but though Mick does put up a struggle toward the middle of the book...I expected that in the beginning. Or least more of a valiant effort. Though Ceri has an interest in psychology and he found a common bond in Doctor Who, something about the speed of the start their relationship rang false for me.
The author does explain how Mick came to be under the thumb of his mother and his lover (who he also ran to rather quickly) My heart breaks for this guy. Mick's childhood is quietly horrific. His family is like something you read in the newspaper. And I applaud the author for going there, and not solving all of his issues by the end of the book. Mick is still working on himself in a healthy, positive way. At times, I wondered if him even being in a relationship with Ceri was good for him because he had so many personal demons to exorcise, especially parts of that HEA (way too soon, IMO) These are young twenty-somethings...all of that wasn't necessary.
There were minor editing issues, some parts read clunky, ended at weird spots. The author is fairly new, I'd like to see what else she can create in the future.
Solid story, not a new premise but the author brings unique ideas to the plot. If there was maybe more of a solid beginning, more days of Ceri chipping at Mick's shell and Mick giving more resistance sooner than later, I'd have rated higher. Everything after was great, fun and sweet. I'm proud of what Mick accomplished.
Overall, enjoyable and a story with heart.
3.5 HEARTS--Fantastic ideas in this story. Really interesting and fresh with the character Mick. The more I read about him, the more I was intrigued.
But I'm on the fence on some parts.
The romance is 3 Hearts.
The self-growth/ new adult journey of Mick that is 4 Hearts.
This was my first Alexa Milne and I was pleasantly surprised. From the blurb I expected a just a sweet little uncomplicated opposites-attract, hurt/comfort -dealing with grief of a dead partner. (I enjoy grieving romances) And based on the cover it would feature a ginger bear and a rainbow hair twink possibly? And the story ended up having more feels than expected and yet still kept it light.
Mick is 24 years old, works as a night guard for an office building and suffers from social anxiety. That's the tip of his iceberg. He lost his only lover, Alfie three years ago and is barely existing. A flamboyant deliveryman/ professional skateboard wannabe named Ceri sees him and is drawn by the shy, unkempt man. The story is about their whirlwind romance/Mick finally realizing there is life outside of his shell.
I think readers will gravitate to the hurt/comfort aspect of Mick and his backstory. It's interesting and unique. The story is solid, with notes of angst, interwoven with sweet especially the ending (I think it got a little loose toward the end) My issue is that while the book said the right words and did a lot of the right things, I am on the fence on believing someone like Mick opening his arms so quickly to Ceri days after meeting him.
Social anxiety tied with mental health issues like his OCD, panic attacks etc. I'd expect them to take time to crack. I hate pulling the "not in my experience" card but though Mick does put up a struggle toward the middle of the book...I expected that in the beginning. Or least more of a valiant effort. Though Ceri has an interest in psychology and he found a common bond in Doctor Who, something about the speed of the start their relationship rang false for me.
The author does explain how Mick came to be under the thumb of his mother and his lover (who he also ran to rather quickly) My heart breaks for this guy. Mick's childhood is quietly horrific. His family is like something you read in the newspaper. And I applaud the author for going there, and not solving all of his issues by the end of the book. Mick is still working on himself in a healthy, positive way. At times, I wondered if him even being in a relationship with Ceri was good for him because he had so many personal demons to exorcise, especially parts of that HEA (way too soon, IMO) These are young twenty-somethings...all of that wasn't necessary.
There were minor editing issues, some parts read clunky, ended at weird spots. The author is fairly new, I'd like to see what else she can create in the future.
Solid story, not a new premise but the author brings unique ideas to the plot. If there was maybe more of a solid beginning, more days of Ceri chipping at Mick's shell and Mick giving more resistance sooner than later, I'd have rated higher. Everything after was great, fun and sweet. I'm proud of what Mick accomplished.
Overall, enjoyable and a story with heart.
June 11, 2015
This was a surprisingly different book than I expected. I was thinking it would be a fairly fluffy geek/nerd love story with a twinky/goofball and instead I got a fairly rich, and deep story about a deeply controlled man who has never been on his own and doesn’t know what to do when he is.
Mick’s mom is a piece of work. She never let Mick stray far from her grasp all throughout his childhood, threatening home schooling and demanding almost complete isolation from him while instilling fear of the outside world into his head. It is only dumb luck that Mick finds love at the hands of a paramedic, Alfie, who both saves his life and rescues him from his mom.
But Alfie has his own imperfections and he, too never let Mick be his own man. He loved Mick, to be sure, but he controlled him and never let him flourish. Neither his mom nor Alfie encouraged his creativity or self-reliance and when Alfie suddenly dies, Mick is on his own. (His mom kicked him out for being gay, of course.)
Now, three years later, Mick is coping – just – but still not thriving. He meets Ceri (pronounced Sherry – it’s a Welsh name) at work and is immediately captivated by the outgoing man who literally changes his hair color each week.
Ceri is a big kid – not quite but almost ready to settle down and admit he will never be a pro-skateboarder at the age of 27. He meets Mick and thinks he sees a diamond in the rough hiding behind the awkwardness and the bushy beard.
The two start to get to know one another and Mick slowly comes out of his shell. Here things move along rapidly (maybe a bit too rapidly) and they become lovers. But Mick is still holding tight to his dead-lover’s memory and can’t let Ceri in.
Only when an old friend interferes can he really let Ceri in and get past Alfie. At the same time he finds out his mother is dying from cancer and may only have a limited time left around for building bridges.
What really surprised me about this story was how much growth we got to witness in Mick. He really was so controlled, but in both cases lovingly, if not dangerously. Ceri has to dance around helping him without taking over and becoming the next leader Mick follows blindly.
All in all I really enjoyed this and will definitely look for more from this author.
4.25 of 5 stars
Mick’s mom is a piece of work. She never let Mick stray far from her grasp all throughout his childhood, threatening home schooling and demanding almost complete isolation from him while instilling fear of the outside world into his head. It is only dumb luck that Mick finds love at the hands of a paramedic, Alfie, who both saves his life and rescues him from his mom.
But Alfie has his own imperfections and he, too never let Mick be his own man. He loved Mick, to be sure, but he controlled him and never let him flourish. Neither his mom nor Alfie encouraged his creativity or self-reliance and when Alfie suddenly dies, Mick is on his own. (His mom kicked him out for being gay, of course.)
Now, three years later, Mick is coping – just – but still not thriving. He meets Ceri (pronounced Sherry – it’s a Welsh name) at work and is immediately captivated by the outgoing man who literally changes his hair color each week.
Ceri is a big kid – not quite but almost ready to settle down and admit he will never be a pro-skateboarder at the age of 27. He meets Mick and thinks he sees a diamond in the rough hiding behind the awkwardness and the bushy beard.
The two start to get to know one another and Mick slowly comes out of his shell. Here things move along rapidly (maybe a bit too rapidly) and they become lovers. But Mick is still holding tight to his dead-lover’s memory and can’t let Ceri in.
Only when an old friend interferes can he really let Ceri in and get past Alfie. At the same time he finds out his mother is dying from cancer and may only have a limited time left around for building bridges.
What really surprised me about this story was how much growth we got to witness in Mick. He really was so controlled, but in both cases lovingly, if not dangerously. Ceri has to dance around helping him without taking over and becoming the next leader Mick follows blindly.
All in all I really enjoyed this and will definitely look for more from this author.
4.25 of 5 stars
September 4, 2015
**3.5 Stars**
This is a really sweet story. Mick is a hot mess and meets Ceri at just the right time. I liked that the author didn't solve all of Mick's issues (and he has a few) with magical Ceri peen. He actually acted like a healthy grown up and figured out how to pull his shite together rather than have a boyfriend come along and solve all his problems. I wouldn't have bought into a long term relationship for these two without that element of the story.
Ceri is adorable and needs Mick just as much as Mick needs Ceri. It's more subtle but Mick does bring importance to Ceri's life that he didn't have before. Mick's mom is a whackadoodle and that was all a little weird but between her and Alfie, Mick's problems were explained completely. I would have liked a little bit more detail in the transition between incapable-Mick and capable-Mick, but it wasn't so abrupt that his character wasn't fluid throughout.
This is a really sweet story. Mick is a hot mess and meets Ceri at just the right time. I liked that the author didn't solve all of Mick's issues (and he has a few) with magical Ceri peen. He actually acted like a healthy grown up and figured out how to pull his shite together rather than have a boyfriend come along and solve all his problems. I wouldn't have bought into a long term relationship for these two without that element of the story.
Ceri is adorable and needs Mick just as much as Mick needs Ceri. It's more subtle but Mick does bring importance to Ceri's life that he didn't have before. Mick's mom is a whackadoodle and that was all a little weird but between her and Alfie, Mick's problems were explained completely. I would have liked a little bit more detail in the transition between incapable-Mick and capable-Mick, but it wasn't so abrupt that his character wasn't fluid throughout.
April 5, 2018
I struggled to feel like I knew either of the characters very well. Or to understand why they were so instantly attached to each other.
But I did appreciate the way they helped each other be better people. Very sweet.
Favorite Quote:
There's not enough happiness in the world. Don't let this chance to get a little for yourself pass you by. Grab it and hold it tight.
But I did appreciate the way they helped each other be better people. Very sweet.
Favorite Quote:
There's not enough happiness in the world. Don't let this chance to get a little for yourself pass you by. Grab it and hold it tight.
Read
May 14, 2020This book is no longer available. It has been rewritten and reedited with 12K extra words and a completely new epilogue. It also has a new title, His Perfect Companion and a new cover.
It is available for preorder now and will be on general release from 23rd June.
This new version is how I wanted the story to be.
It is available for preorder now and will be on general release from 23rd June.
This new version is how I wanted the story to be.
July 28, 2015
Rainbow Connection by author Alexa Milne is a story about finding yourself and accepting who you a really are. I liked Mick, he works as a night guard he sticks to watching people in his monitors. He doesn’t socialize much. He also has a lot of little quirks that really make him real and human. He has a good heart, he just has not found the one to open it up yet.
Ceri Llewellyn he is the color to Mick’s black and white world. He empties one of the vans that Mick is watching and makes Mick take notice of him. He is at ease with himself. Very outgoing the perfect person for Mick.
What I loved is each man in this relationship brings something to table. Something the other one needs. The ying and yang of this match makes it very beautiful. Mick learns that coming out of your shell is not easy, it can be messy and painful but so very worth it to find the man you really love. Ceri learns that sometimes you have to go after what you want, and show the other person they are more than worth the effort. These two made me smile. They are intense and in love Love is always worth the risk.
Four Twinkling Star
Ceri Llewellyn he is the color to Mick’s black and white world. He empties one of the vans that Mick is watching and makes Mick take notice of him. He is at ease with himself. Very outgoing the perfect person for Mick.
What I loved is each man in this relationship brings something to table. Something the other one needs. The ying and yang of this match makes it very beautiful. Mick learns that coming out of your shell is not easy, it can be messy and painful but so very worth it to find the man you really love. Ceri learns that sometimes you have to go after what you want, and show the other person they are more than worth the effort. These two made me smile. They are intense and in love Love is always worth the risk.
Four Twinkling Star
July 16, 2015
FourStars
This short, sweet story is a gentle read about a man discovering who he is. I liked both Mick and Ceri right away. Ms. Milne did a wonderful job creating complex characters who felt real.
This wasn't a story with a whole lot of conflict or tension. There was some between Mick and Ceri as they got to know each other, and Mick's history with his mother had some dark spots. For the most part, though, this was pure sweetness. The best way I can describe it is that it was like reading a hug.
The only thing I didn't care for was that the pacing felt a little uneven and there were some details that I didn't quite follow (such as the young age of Mick's mother and a few odd parts of his back story). It was also a bit on the instant-love side, with Mick and Ceri moving pretty fast, especially given Mick's past.
Other than that, I enjoyed Ms. Milne's style, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Amy
This short, sweet story is a gentle read about a man discovering who he is. I liked both Mick and Ceri right away. Ms. Milne did a wonderful job creating complex characters who felt real.
This wasn't a story with a whole lot of conflict or tension. There was some between Mick and Ceri as they got to know each other, and Mick's history with his mother had some dark spots. For the most part, though, this was pure sweetness. The best way I can describe it is that it was like reading a hug.
The only thing I didn't care for was that the pacing felt a little uneven and there were some details that I didn't quite follow (such as the young age of Mick's mother and a few odd parts of his back story). It was also a bit on the instant-love side, with Mick and Ceri moving pretty fast, especially given Mick's past.
Other than that, I enjoyed Ms. Milne's style, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Amy
July 13, 2016
I received a free copy via Inked Rainbow in exchange for an honest review.
This short, sweet story is a gentle read about a man discovering who he is. I liked both Mick and Ceri right away. Ms. Milne did a wonderful job creating complex characters who felt real.
This wasn’t a story with a whole lot of conflict or tension. There was some between Mick and Ceri as they got to know each other, and Mick’s history with his mother had some dark spots. For the most part, though, this was pure sweetness. The best way I can describe it is that it was like reading a hug.
The only thing I didn’t care for was that the pacing felt a little uneven and there were some details that I didn’t quite follow (such as the young age of Mick’s mother and a few odd parts of his back story). It was also a bit on the instant-love side, with Mick and Ceri moving pretty fast, especially given Mick’s past.
Other than that, I enjoyed Ms. Milne’s style, and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.
This short, sweet story is a gentle read about a man discovering who he is. I liked both Mick and Ceri right away. Ms. Milne did a wonderful job creating complex characters who felt real.
This wasn’t a story with a whole lot of conflict or tension. There was some between Mick and Ceri as they got to know each other, and Mick’s history with his mother had some dark spots. For the most part, though, this was pure sweetness. The best way I can describe it is that it was like reading a hug.
The only thing I didn’t care for was that the pacing felt a little uneven and there were some details that I didn’t quite follow (such as the young age of Mick’s mother and a few odd parts of his back story). It was also a bit on the instant-love side, with Mick and Ceri moving pretty fast, especially given Mick’s past.
Other than that, I enjoyed Ms. Milne’s style, and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.
September 19, 2016
3.75 Stars
Alexa is a new author to me and I enjoyed both these characters. The story was sweet without a lot of angst even though it had two MC’s who needed a bit of luck and love in their lives.
Mick is a complicated character who has always allowed himself to be controlled whether by his mother or boyfriend – it has left him unable to cope with real life and he is showing signs of compulsive behaviour. His time, days and life are planned down to the minute and any deviation gives him anxiety. What he isn’t prepared for but what really shakes him up is Ceri with his funny accent and brightly coloured hair.
Ceri was a sweetheart and just what the doctor ordered as far as Mick was concerned but he does take quite a bit of coercion before he realises the fun he has been missing out on. It was sweet to watch Mick grow into himself for the first time. This was cute and I enjoyed watching them find their HEA.
Alexa is a new author to me and I enjoyed both these characters. The story was sweet without a lot of angst even though it had two MC’s who needed a bit of luck and love in their lives.
Mick is a complicated character who has always allowed himself to be controlled whether by his mother or boyfriend – it has left him unable to cope with real life and he is showing signs of compulsive behaviour. His time, days and life are planned down to the minute and any deviation gives him anxiety. What he isn’t prepared for but what really shakes him up is Ceri with his funny accent and brightly coloured hair.
Ceri was a sweetheart and just what the doctor ordered as far as Mick was concerned but he does take quite a bit of coercion before he realises the fun he has been missing out on. It was sweet to watch Mick grow into himself for the first time. This was cute and I enjoyed watching them find their HEA.
August 5, 2015
Two very different men, each kicking around in their own world until their paths cross at work. Mick is dominated by his routines and order, Ceri is a free spirit. Two halves of a whole that neither really understand, other than their lives are turned upside down by this fledgling relationship.
Both men have their demons and we are by their side as they follow this path in the hope there is love at the end and the risks they are taking are worth it to find your true soulmate.
Alexa Milne’s attention to detail make these men, not just characters on a page, but living and breathing people, and we feel their every emotion as it plays out on the stage inside our heads.
Another triumph for this wonderful author and I can’t wait for the next one.
Both men have their demons and we are by their side as they follow this path in the hope there is love at the end and the risks they are taking are worth it to find your true soulmate.
Alexa Milne’s attention to detail make these men, not just characters on a page, but living and breathing people, and we feel their every emotion as it plays out on the stage inside our heads.
Another triumph for this wonderful author and I can’t wait for the next one.
May 3, 2015
Another touching M/M romance by Alexa Milne. This one's a bit different as it tells the story of a romance between two gay men in ordinary jobs - no gay stereotypes here. A really enjoyable and satisfying read.
May 6, 2015
4.5 stars.
Absolutely love Ceri, Mick is such a sweetheart. Alphie is in that like/hate grey area.
Absolutely love Ceri, Mick is such a sweetheart. Alphie is in that like/hate grey area.
June 5, 2015
3.5 stars
Sweet!
Sweet!
May 21, 2015
It was a nice story.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews