Ben's Rainbow

Rainbow Key #3

by Victoria Sue

Benedict Keeler was one of America’s most popular models. Hot body, hot career, and super-hot boyfriend, until a devastating house fire destroyed his face and his dreams. After being told all his life that a pretty face is the measure of his worth, he can’t face another rejection and runs from his lover, eventually hiding out on Rainbow Key.

Zachary Jones, a highly sought after photographer—even if he would rather shoot the homeless in Manhattan than a fashion spread—is now facing the real possibility that a genetic disease will render him blind and his days behind a camera may be over.

Two devastated men, one haunted by his past and one convinced he has no future. Will they both hide from the world, or will they give love, and each other, a second chance?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Disability, LGBT, M M Contemporary, Second Chance

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2018

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

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

~3.5~

I liked Ben's Rainbow better than the first two Rainbows: Josh's and Charlie's. Ben and Zach felt more real to me, and even though I hate misunderstandings, I got why Ben ran scared and why Zach buried himself in work to the point he ignored his health.

There are none so blind as those who will not see.

That's the theme of the story in one sentence. Zach doesn't see Ben's insecurities and fears. Ben doesn't see his own selfishness.

Later, Zach, a photographer, truly can't see Ben (Zach has acute glaucoma), and Ben, a former model, is afraid to see his own face (he was scarred in a fire).

This book is steamier than the first too and has a super sweet ending. Josh and Daniel get a big, happy surprise.

My big complaint, and the reason I'm rounding down, is that all the drama toward the end with the paparazzi, the trial, and Zach's accident was too much; one or even two would have been fine, but all three? Yeah, overkill.

I don't recommend reading this book as a standalone; read at least book 1 first to get a feel for the setting.

I'm curious if Zach's brother, Seth, will end up with Chris.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love second chance books. And this was so beautifully written. I would highly recommend it to everyone. If you haven't started the series yet you need to.

[SoCalBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just can’t wait for more of this series.

These books are all just written so well. The pacing and plots flow perfectly from beginning to end. And Colin Darcy is the perfect narrator to make these stories come alive. His voice captures all of the characters and their personalities and emotions in every aspect of the story.

Ben and Zach both have such heartbreaking things to deal with in their lives. From Ben and the accident that caused his face to be disfigured to Zach who has to deal with loosing his eyesight and possibly losing his calling as a photographer. Hearing what both men have to go through is tough but omg their story and the way they make it back to each other is amazing. They are both fantastic guys and it’s great that they are able to be themselves and vulnerable with each other while keeping each other safe from the outside world and the people who just want to see them fail. I really loved this book and every one in this series series far. I really can’t wait to hear this author comes up with for the rest of the guys at Rainbow Cove.

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben had lived for Zach’s kisses, but like so much else, he hadn’t known that until they were gone.

This is my first book of this author, and I was captivated since the first chapter. It was good, because when it comes to the new to me author, sometimes, I need to adjust the writing style. And this one was just fine with me. No, scratch that, I liked the writing style. I haven't read the previous books of the series, it can read as a standalone, better then if you can read it in order, to get to know Josh, D, Noah, Charlie and Matt!
This book is sexy, heartwarming, touching and made me cry, and made me a happy girl in the end. With a very sweet epilogue, Ben and Zach's story was just perfect. You don't need to worry about the hotness level of this book, you know what I mean? :)
I have no idea why didn't I know that this author exist? Because, I'm very sure I'll dig in er other books. In fact, I'm now on Joshua's Rainbow, I need to know about the sweet man Josh and his D!

*4,5 stars.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read this series you are TRULY MISSING OUT. Every story has real, sometimes flawed or damaged characters that find love, acceptance, and a place to belong in Rainbow Key. There is a strong sense of family - the people living here are all a family, and I love that.

I was so interested in getting Ben's story, ever since we first met him. The main thing we knew about Ben was that he was horribly scarred and burned on his face and due to that, would hide from everyone. In this story we find out what happened and what his life was like before the accident that left those scars.

We also get to meet Zach, who was Ben's boyfriend before the accident. Zach is going through his own struggles - he is dealing with a genetic eye disorder, a severe glaucoma I believe, that risks leaving him blind. Which is very unfortunate because he is a photographer (which is how he met Ben).

The chemistry between these two, all the emotion from their time together before Ben's accident, and then reconnecting when Zach finds Ben on Rainbow Key, was just so, so well written. I think that this series is one of the more emotional ones I have read from Victoria Sue. It's heartwarming, sexy and sensual, and you just want nothing more than for Zach and Ben to work things out.

There are also some new characters we get to meet (Chris! I want his story now!) and I LOVE the ending in this for Joshua and Daniel. AHHH!

Can't wait for more from Victoria Sue and this series. Matt, Chris, everyone needs HEAs here!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this one is about Ben, who was a model that was horribly disfigured in a fire, he also is blaming himself for the death of a girl who died in that fire. He had a very crappy childhood & I just wanted to wrap him up. Zach is a famous photographer who was also Ben's lover. When Ben comes out of the medically induced coma, he requests to be moved from the hospital he was in & disappears from Zach's life. Zach spent several years looking for Ben. Zach has an eye condition that since he didn't take care of, has lost the vision in one eye & may yet lose vision in the other. When Zach ends up on the island to get away from Seth's smothering and to rest, Ben sees him & can't stay away from him. I'm glad that when they came back together they realize that they still love each other and don't fight it. I think for them to make it in the long haul, they needed those years apart so that they could basically grow up. I did have a couple of issues & would have liked closure to. The nasty reporter that, after all these years, basically stalked Ben and could have killed Zach with his antics. I would have liked to have seen something happen to that hateful women that just grated on my nerves. I hated what Seth did and he did not redeem himself to me by the end of the book, even though he did try. But, I think there might be something with him & Chris.

Audio ARC provided by LesCourt in exchange for an honest review.

[Diverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start off with the technical side of things. This is book three in Victoria Sue's Rainbow Key series. However, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. The author does an incredible job of intersecting important facts you need to know from previous books. I also love that if you have read the others you build on your already great emotional connections from past characters.

I have, in fact, read all the books in this series. Ben was one character who intrigued me from the very beginning. It's no secret he suffers from burns on one side of his face and down his shoulder. We learn how it happened in this, the impact it had and continues to have, and the repercussions of Ben running and hiding.

We also meet Zach. And talk about serendipitous. Him coming to Rainbow Key because of his own medical situation bringing him face to face with Ben, the love he thought he lost forever. It was so wonderful and I love second chance stories.

I loved how Ben and Zach's situations were what they were. In the blurb it tells you that Zach is suffering from possible blindness so it's no secret. Ben, who was a model once upon a time, lost his money maker so to speak. One can't see and one can see everything. It was a great contrast and added a lot to this story.

I adored Zach in every way. He was positively my favorite and I'd go so far as to say my favorite of the serious to date. Everything about him was truly remarkable. His strength, his power to persevere, his humanity. He had his bouts of depression but who wouldn't when you're losing one of your most valued senses and lost your heart too. His patience with Ben should make him a saint, seriously.

Ben. So, I wanted to love him so very much but I struggled. While I felt so much sympathy for what he'd been through in his life and when luck comes knocking making the once homeless hopeless man rich and famous just to have it taken away in a fire.... uhg! Not cool! I ached for all he'd been through. I did feel the connection between Zach and Ben easily. My problem with Ben was what he put Zach through even after they were okay. The last time really bothered me and I had a hard time getting beyond it. I found I didn't trust him and that made me a little sad.

All in all it's a marvelous series filled with creative plots, colorful characters, good balance of romance, angst, wonder, and excitement!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the series, and the story of Ben and Zach. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you would definitely be missing out on some back-story and since I really loved the first two books, just start with book 1 and go for it!

Ben is a resident of Rainbow Key. Ben has a back-story. Zach is being sent to Rainbow Key for rest, relaxation and to heal. Zach also has a past with Ben!! Dun, Dun, Dun!!!! LOL!

I've held a special place in my reader's heart for Ben from the beginning of this series. I'm sure there aren't many of us IRL that haven't felt the pain of not feeling like we're good-looking enough, not pretty enough, not thin enough, not "built" enough. Poor Ben has to live with his biggest insecurity out front and for everyone to see. So he hides, he makes Rainbow Key his refuge and he exists.

Along pops Zach, back into Ben's life. But Zach is dealing with issues of his own.... I was very impressed with how Zach's issue was dealt with. As someone who has gone through something similar, I could relate to all the stages and emotions. Well done Victoria Sue!

If you read my reviews at all, you already know I don't do spoilers or regurgitate the story line.

Ben and Zach's story is amazing, emotional, touching and wonderful. I held myself together until I got to the epi and then it was tissue time, BUT they were happy, joyful tears and THAT is how I love to finish a book.

***RECOMMENDED***

[Fani *loves angst* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really adorable story abou two people meant to be together, but kept getting apart because of their lack of proper communication.

Misunderstanding and inability to communicate don't always work for me, but here they definitely did. I loved Ben and could understand his fears. In fact it was Zach with his outbursts that made this les sthan perfect; he had all the right in the world sometimes, but his words really slayed Ben every time he got -righteously- angry. Anyway, Ben wasn't perfect either, so all's well that ends well :)

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

This was a nice easy read but not without some angst and heartache. Unfortunately, there were a few things that didn't work for me but overall this was a really good read. Looking forward to reading Matt's story, he intrigues me.

QUICK THOUGHTS
-- Nice easy read -- hurt/comfort/healing -- learning to live with different damage/afflictions -- running away -- second chance -- angst -- emotional -- some really sweet moments -- made me teary -- family (chosen) -- great friends -- a special island -- loved the MCs... Ben & Zach -- characters from previous books play a role -- disliked the last misunderstanding(?) -- was hoping they had it figured it out -- very satisfying ending -- not a stand-alone

[The Novel Approach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our journey into the lives of the misfits on Rainbow Island continues with Ben’s story. Ben is a former model and is drop-dead gorgeous. Except, because of a series of unfortunate events, he barely survives a fire in a celebrity’s home, and the left side of his face and neck are now scarred beyond saving. Ben’s on the run, from anything and anybody who may be a reminder of his old life. Coming to Rainbow Key, he has finally found a measure of solace and the solitude he craves. Once again, Victoria Sue is leading us on a journey all about the power of love, and this time about second chances also. Exploring the age-old adage “beauty is only skin deep”, she has weaved us a tale of a scarred model and his one true love, a man who is now going blind. Sounds heavy, doesn’t it? But it’s not. Sue handles the issues her main characters face head on and with such aplomb that while weighty, they are not so heavy that they drag the storyline down a negative pathway. She also has created with this series a set of secondary characters who provide an underpinning that helps support her MCs in each of their individual journeys. You can absolutely read this one as a standalone but be aware, we are talking about the lives of several men and a few women who have made a family of sorts on Rainbow Key and so they do intertwine. Don’t be surprised if, after reading this one, you want to go back and read books one and two. On second thought, just start with number one and read from there!

Benedict Keeler has been on the run. He found Rainbow Key, with its low profile and secluded beaches, and he finally found a place he could rest. You can pretend the world is very far away from an island. But Ben found more than that; he found a family and a home. God knows he never had either of those before, at least not loving ones. Ben is as emotionally damaged as he is physically damaged, only the emotional scarring began years before the accident which left him disfigured on the outside. He lost the love of his life because he couldn’t trust that Zach would ever love him for more than his pretty face, so when that is taken away it leaves him reeling. Ben’s a model, an exceptionally handsome man in high demand in the modeling world. His life was changed overnight when a talent scout spotted him in the mall, and his first job landed in his lap. From trailer trash to Milan is quite the leap, but Ben made it. Only, he never trusted it or the people in his life it brought him. In one horrible day, Ben loses his boyfriend, his life as a model, his home and his livelihood.

Zach Jones is a photographer, a very serious photographer. Cataloguing the needs of the unfortunate, the aftermath of war, and the effects of poverty in third world countries is his passion. Fashion shoots, not so much. But then one day a buddy has him fill in for him, and he’s struck dumb by the beauty in his viewfinder. Making room for Ben while filming the Sudan was hard, but surely Ben knew how much he loved him… Right? And then it all falls apart and for four years, Zach searches for Ben while burying himself in war zones around the world to keep busy. Having a genetic disorder such as glaucoma should have made him cautious, especially since his older brother was an ophthalmic surgeon because of their family connection to the disease, but instead Zach ignores the signs and wakes up blind in the middle of Africa. He comes to Rainbow Island so that he can recuperate in a slow, no stress location away from his brother, away from everyone. Or so he thinks.

Two men, both are incredibly successful by worldly standards, but both so busy being individuals that they never take the time to build a solid foundation for their relationship. So, when trouble comes, the relationship falters—sometimes love in and of itself isn’t enough. Ben and Zach had to have catastrophic circumstances bring them to a point where they only had each other. No pretty face, no camera, no causes or expectations, only sun, sand, surf and the time for open communication. The love is still there and now they have a chance at forever, but it ain’t easy, and frankly, four years is a lot of water under the bridge, especially when things ended so badly to begin with.

I loved this book. I love this series. I NEED Matt to find his HEA, and now, thanks to this book, I NEED Chris to find his too (maybe with Zach’s older brother? Hmmmm, please?). Read this series. Victoria Sue has created romantic, heartwarming stories that will leave you with a smile and probably quite a few tears. I mean, geez, some of the things these characters have gone through, are still living through…. You would think these books would be so dark and yet they aren’t. That’s the power of Sue’s writing. Again, these very serious issues are given weight, but they are balanced on the other end of the spectrum with acceptance, love, friendship, family and a whole lot of therapy. Highly recommend!

Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach

[Jenny Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben, Ben, Ben….I was most excited for his story….what a big ol’ bag of emotional messes I was with this book!

This one was a little different than the other two, Ben has been on the island for a while, making a home there to hide out after a horrific house fire left him horribly scarred and no longer able to model. Coming from a broken and slummy home with an alcoholic mother who treated him terribly, I could understand his need at a young age to have money and a reputation, so that he never had to endure the things he had to while living with his mom. Unfortunately, his relationship with Zach suffered for it.

Zach was a photographer who didn’t do designer shoots normally, was doing a favor for a friend and that’s where he met Ben. He was captivated by him from the beginning…. Of course, after getting cliff notes from their early relationship, before Ben left him…. We get to see a side of Ben that I didn’t like very much. He was selfish… so extremely selfish, and I hated the way he treated Zach… not bad, really, he just took him for granted and didn’t make him a priority when he should’ve. Zach was on the back burner and it wasn’t until he lost him that he realized how badly he’d messed up.

What he didn’t realize though, was that Zach had never given up looking for him; he never stopped loving him, so when he goes to Rainbow Keys to relax and take it easy after an eye surgery and becoming almost completely blinded… he was so shocked to run into Ben. I knew that Ben couldn’t stay hidden and I was glad for it. I was glad the author didn’t make us watch him hide and wait for when they’d run into each other. Once he saw Zach, he couldn’t stay away, and it was like no time had passed between them at all.

They needed to work on trusting each other and had a lot to talk about, but, they were determined this time around. I think being away from each other really cemented their need to be together. The only thing I kept waiting for, was Zach’s brother Seth to cause problems. He was more than a little overbearing and meddlesome and I didn’t like him at all. He rubbed me the wrong way and I never got over it…..even if he did make up for it at the end.

Another thing I can’t stand in this series, is why do the bad guys get away with being bad guys? Did the reporter ever get in trouble? Did May-bell’s daughter ever get her teeth knocked in? Like, what happened with them? I hate that they caused so much trouble and had no repercussions. I HATE when that happens… It leaves me feeling like something was unfinished, because I needed them to get their karmic justice. Bad people should pay for what they do, and neither one of those two did….. just blah.

What I loved though, was Beth and Chris, and the ending with Beth, Josh and Daniel. I was so hoping for that, and it was so much sweeter when we got it. I love Matt, and I sincerely hope he’s next book, and I hope I don’t have to wait long to get it. I have a feeling that he’s going to be my favorite! I’m looking forward to the new guy and his sister with Downs…. And what about Joe? What happened to him? I was hoping he was for Matt.

This is just such a great series and all three books had me hooked from the first few pages. I’m really looking forward to more! What a sweet ending so far though.. 4 stars from me, <3

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review at :
https://optimumm.blog/2018/05/10/review-bens-rainbow-by-victoria-sue/



Benedict Keller was one of the most popular models of his generation. He had everything, money, celebrity and a hot boyfriend who loved him more than anything. He had everything to be happy until a fire in a hotel room, and Ben had been burned, his face and body had been hurt and damaged…irrevocably. Ben disappeared off the face of the earth and took refuge in Rainbow Key.

Zachary Jones is a very talented photographer. He’s very engaged in the humanitarian cause and only takes model’s shoots for money and his beautiful boyfriend Ben. For 4 years, Zack throws himself into his work, forgetting himself since he lost his man. But when he loses his left eye because of a genetic disease and he’s risks losing his right eye, Zack is sent by his brother, to Rainbow Key hotel to recover.
Two broken men will have to face their past, their fear, and their regrets if they want to heal their two broken hearts.
Will a second chance be enough for their happy ending?

Ben’s Rainbow is book 3 of the Rainbow Key Series.
I loved this book, it’s, for now, my favorite of the series.
Ben always intrigued me, I wanted to know more about him, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Ben was a model, a successful model until a fire damaged his face and he ran away from everyone. He broke my heart but also pissed me off. At first, during my read, I was pissed at him because I didn’t understand why he ran away from Zack when he was hurt by the fire. But the more I read and the more Ben revealed himself, his past, his trauma and his fears, he broke my heart. Even when he acted stupidly (can’t tell you more) I was a little bit upset, but not pissed because in a way I understood him better.

Zack got my heart completely. He was so in love with Ben, so devoted to him, and he was devastated by his disappearance. He moved earth and sky to find him, turned over every rock in every city to find the love of his life, and when he gave up, he lost his eye and threatened to become completely blind if he didn’t treat the other. I was broken for him, devastated for him, and I was outraged for him. But when he had the chance to be happy again with Ben, he didn’t hold back, didn’t run, he just embraced this chance, completely and totally. This guy is fabulous, and he’s my new obsession (until the next book of the author… I know I’m so easy).

I adored this book, I loved how the author wrote it. At first, it was easy to make Ben the bad guy in his relationship with Zack. But the author manages to give us information about Ben’s past and why he acted like that. She did it bit by bit, like a striptease, the more we read, the more Ben and Zack reconnect, and the more Ben strips out his secrets in front of Zack and Us. I kind of re-fall in love with Ben at the same time Zack did. She makes the plot evolve with the characters and not the other way, and I loved it!

I also love the fact that the characters already know each other, already have a past, and a story. They have to reconnect to each other and to open their eyes (no pun intended) about their past and their mistakes. Zack is threatened of becoming completely blind but he’s never been as farseeing than now (pun totally intended here!).

The book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend to read the entire series, each book is completely different from the previous, and it’s another good point to start it.

5 OptimuMMs… Because I’m so team Zack and Ben

***I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***

[JenCW · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

I have been really enjoying this series by Victoria Sue. This latest book is another great addition and is a wonderful story about second chances. While you might be able to read it as a standalone, I think you would miss out on some of the characters' motivations at times; there are also a few overriding story lines that make more sense if you've read the others.

Ben has been hiding out on the island for a while. He had burn scars on his face and avoids people, but we don't know much beyond that until this book. By a strange twist of fate, his ex-lover is sent to the island to rest and recover. Zach has lost his eyesight, maybe permanently. He comes to the island to escape his brother's smothering concern and finds the one person he hasn't forgotten, Ben. Their reunion is explosive in all kinds of ways.

I don't want to spoil too much about the story, I think that learning about both of their pasts as they are revealed is important. Ben and Zach have amazing chemistry and clearly still love each other, even after being apart for years. It was wonderful to see them open up and communicate in a way they hadn't before. Their frankness and honesty this time around gave them a much better foundation for their relationship. However, I was disappointed that after all their strides together that Ben chose to run from Zach at a critical point. I was very happy when Ben found the strength to move forward and prove that he was going to stand by Zach. They both took a good look at their pasts and their relationship and made the choices to help them not only be a better couple in the future, but also better people.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.k. so I received this book as an ARC. I was told it could be read as a stand-alone. So I was like o.k. I will read it. I have never heard of this author before I received this book so I dove into ch 1 saying let's see what this author's got. I stopped at the end of ch 1 and put it down. I could not do it I could not read it as a standalone. I kept reading these names and I needed to know what had happened to them. So I went and bought book 1 and 2. I started book 1 and was a Gooner. I read Josh book1 and Charlie's book 2 in a day and a half I could not sleep. This lady sucked me in with page 1 and has not let my heart go yet and I just finished book 3 and am over here wondering if I get on my knees and pray to the author that she will hurry with book 4 and also might I add pleaseeeee let it be Matt turn for HEA.
Ben will break your heart in this book oh my let me just tell you to get the tissues know before you even start the book. These 2 wrung my heart out on page 1 and it stayed that way until the very last sentence of the book. Not only do you get Ben story but we get to see a glimpse of the others lives and how they are all getting along. This book is a must-read.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

2/14/19 Added comments for the audio version:
Overall 5
Performance 5
Story 5

I read and reviewed Ben's Rainbow when it was first released in April 2018 and now I've had the opportunity to listen to it, the third story in the Rainbow Key series; once again performed by Darcy Stark. The right narrator/performer can make such a difference in my enjoyment of an audiobook and Darcy Stark has nailed this one just like he did first two Rainbow Key audiobooks. I can't say enough good things about his voice and how I think it matches the characters.

I don't re-read books because my TBR list is too long for me to take time to re-read something – even if I loved it. However, listening to a book I've already read is a different story. I'm always eager to see how the narrator interprets the different characters. I thought by listening to a book I'd already read that I would be able to listen with half and ear – and that is the case with some books, but not with this one. Darcy's voice was so compelling I found myself just as engrossed in the story as I was when I first read it.

What follows is my original review of the book when it was first published:

Ben and Zach stole my heart.

Ben's Rainbow is the third book in the Rainbow Key series but it stands alone very well. I really love all of the books in this series but I think Ben and Zach's story just took over as my favorite one. I love second chance stories and this one is soooo gooood!

Ben and Zach met several years ago when Ben was a much sought-after model and Zach was a photographer. After Ben is badly burned in a fire he runs away from everything, including Zach. Zach tried and tried to find Ben and after he failed he returned to the type of photography he loved best; taking pictures of real people in living in horrible conditions in order to bring attention to their situation.

Ben and Zach are reunited when Zach is sent to Rainbow Key – where unknown to him, Ben is living – to recuperate from eye surgery. A genetic disease has left him nearly blind and in despair that he will never again be able to do the work that he loves.

Ben's Rainbow grabbed me right from the beginning and didn't let go. I was absolutely glued to my e-reader until I finished it. Victoria Sue's writing nearly always brings on my tears, because her stories are so emotionally engaging, but I think she outdid herself with this one; tissue manufacturers will love her for it. 😊

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

Out of all the books in this series this is the steamiest one! I felt the chemistry between Zack and Ben all the way to my toes!! It was hot as Hades! I loved them together. But the best part about their intimacy was the trust they finally established between them, how they finally opened up about their pasts and how they learned from their mistakes.

It was hard to read them struggle sometimes when it was not really necessary but I guess they had to go through these years apart to realize their strengths and weaknesses, to become the people they were today. It sounded for a moment, while they were remembering how they were together before the fire, that even with all the love they felt for each other it would not have been enough. They were apart more than with each other. Ben was selfish, yes, and it's understandable why he thought the way he thought, but then Zack was no exactly a dandelion either. He was as absorbed in his affairs as Ben has been in his and they were drifting apart despite their feelings. I think if not the fire something else would have happened because they needed to open their eyes to how things were.

I was glad to know how things were with other residents of Rainbow Key and there were some tidbits dropped as to who will be the possible protagonists of hopefully next novel in the series and if I am right then I AM EXCIIIIIITED!

The events that happened when Zack and Ben reunited and got back together were tough and the last one was really terrible, not going to spill what happened, it would be a spoiler, but it seemed to fasten Zack's recovery and the way Ben reacted to the whole thing just said that he needed a swift kick in the A$$. I am glad he got his courage back, girded his loins, so to speak, and came into the light!

One thing I was disappointed about: that there was no mention of the dastardly photographer and what punishment he got! I hope he got sued up to his eyeballs!!!

The ending was sweet and touching, that was just the icing on the cake! I totally recommend this book! You will love it! Do not read as a standalone or you will miss half the context! :-)

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about two men who both think they aren't worthy of the other. It is the 3rd book in the series, although this is the 1st one I have read.

Ben is a former fashion model. He was driven to success and put his career above everything else in his life. But everything changed when he was in a fire and suffered bad burns to his face, neck and shoulders.
His boyfriend at the time was Zach, who was a world famous photographer. Zach's main career passion is photographs the hardships of those who are ill and suffering, along with the trying to share the damage of war-torn countries with the world through his photos. He is absolutely in love with Ben, but he leaves to go on an assignment after a fight with him.
Zack rushes back to Ben after he hears about the fire, but he can't find him. He searched for him for 4 years. Then, during an assignment, Zach suffers near blindness from an undetected eye condition. He is sent to Rainbow Key to rest and heal. When he gets there, he has no idea that he will be finally finding Ben.

I absolutely enjoyed this book. Both characters, at the time that we meet that, are very likeable. We discover Ben's former flaws as the story continues, but he definitely manages to redeem his past selfishness.
Zach is a beautiful soul. He is just a very likeable guy who really helps to keep Ben balanced. When we meet him, he is damaged mentally from suffering this near blindness. He is grieving the potential loss of his career. As he reconnects with Ben though, he finds that he isn't focused on his vision anymore. He is finding love again, and thus happiness, as well as the strength to finally take care of him health and career.

Both men are physically damaged. One has facial scars, the other is losing his sight. This makes both of them think the other won't want to stay with them. Both men are afraid of rejection. And both men have just been hiding from the world. But, through patience and communication, as well as clearing up some misunderstandings from their past, they may be able to accept that they love each other.

I adored the secondary characters and plan on going back to read the first 2 books in the series to learn more about them.

I really enjoyed this story. It was an emotional journey. It was a pleasure to see their progress as they grew as people. They were both able to find love by figuring out what is truly important in life. It was a tough process at times, but it was beautiful and meaningful.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a heart tugging story. Victoria Sue took two emotionally and physically damaged men and gave them a second chance at love. And as they reconnect, they both must face that miscommunication played a major part leading to their separation. And they need to face the emotional damage that relatives and the past can inflict.

With burn scars on his face, Ben is hiding from everyone and everything. Those scars ended his modeling career. The one thing he had, his beauty, he can no longer show the world. So, he hides on Rainbow Key island, hoping that the paparazzi chasing him can’t find him.

When Ben puts one more appearance ahead of him, Zach’s had enough. Angry, he leaves that night, the same night Ben is burned and scarred in a fire. When Ben disappears, Zach throws himself into his photography career, to the determent of his health. Now he’s in danger of losing the only then other than Ben that gave his life meaning.

This is book three in the series, and while I think you could read it as a standalone, you would miss so much by not knowing the back stories of the secondary cast of characters. By this book, you so are invested in the lives of everyone that lives on Rainbow Key. And now I have hopes for Seth and Chris to have stories. And I’d love for May-belle to get some resolution. Whoever gets the next story, I am truly looking forward to it.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben is an ex - model who has been scarred after an apartment fire. Zach is a photographer who is losing his sight. Ben & Zach have a history together, one Ben seems intent on leaving in the past.
Zach comes to stay on the island where Ben now lives. Ben is sure this won't be a problem, that he can just avoid seeing Zach, off course things never go to plan...

Both of these men are broken in their own ways. It was sad to see them go from who they were to who they are now..

They reconnect after being apart for years. The feelings they have for each other are just as intense as they once were. Together they build their trust in each other and get to know one another properly, overcoming adversity and becoming comfortable in their skins.

A story of love, friends, forgiveness and family.

I enjoyed this book as a stand alone. I haven't read the other books in the series but have put the on my TBR list.

[Sallyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful heart wrenching story that I just couldn’t put down. I absolutely love second chance romances and this one didn’t disappoint.
Ben was a high profile model who had it all, plus Zach the super hot photographer boyfriend too, until he was in a fire that left him with horrific scars on his face. He is so afraid of being rejected by Zach he decides the best thing he can do is run and hide.
Zach spent years searching for Ben and totally ignoring his own health, having miss the check ups he needed to check for a family genetic disorder, he is now facing losing his sight completely.
Zach has been forced to Rainbow Key by his brother to get over his latest surgery but all he really wants to do is wallow in his own misery, the last thing he expected was to find the man he his been searching for for years.

I can totally understand why Ben ran like he did, his whole world revolved around how he looked and to have that taken away from you would be absolutely life altering and it would absolutely knock your confidence. You will definitely need to have a box of tissues at the ready with this book, I’m just glad Ben and Zach get a HEA.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This incredible series just keeps getting better and better. I loved the first two books and I love Ben's Rainbow even more. It is beautifully written with inspiring characters and I could not put it down. I laughed and cried all the way through to the end. I love how the author dealt so well with such difficult situations. Ben and Zach have both retreated to Rainbow Key to try to heal and are shocked to run into each other after being apart for four years. Ben ran away from Zach after he was injured in a fire and Zach is there to try and save his eyesight. Even though they still love each other they may have too many obstacles in their way to find their HEA. Ben has to stop running away and Zach needs to figure out how to get him back. It is great to catch up with all of the characters from the previous books as well. I love the ending and how Ben found the courage to face his fears. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I was given an ARC to review.

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance at loving the man that holds your heart is a compelling story-line! This amazing book gave me all the feels and it will be a re-read for me! This book grabbed my heart and never let it go throughout the whole story! i cried and laughed, i sighed with happiness and hurt with loss, these characters so wrapped my heart around their lives. Ben and Zach are so special together and i loved watching them fight their way to their future.

I love this authors writing and she continues to tell us fabulous tales about Rainbow Key. This is the 3rd book in this series and it could be read as a stand-alone, however it would be so much better if you had read the first two books. I am hooked on these people and cannot wait for the next book in this series! Highly recommend!

[Michelle Strange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Sue continues on with another amazing story. Bens rainbow is 3rd book within the series, although it can be read as stand alone it is a hole lot better to start from book 1 as you learn how Rainbow key can to be.

In this story we meet Ben and Zach who's story is about second chances. This couple have a history who had met several years before. After Ben is hurt badly in a fire he leaves Zach and everything behind. When Zach is sent to Rainbow Key to recover from surgery they reunite.
This story really played once again with my emotions and had me glued from page 1. I am now not so patiently waiting for the next one and if you have never read a book by Victoria Sue then you are seriously missing out on some amazing books.

[JD Crittendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t Hide From Love!

A doggie named Kai, an unexpected meeting and a connection that can’t be denied, bring Ben & Zach together again. This, so far is the best story of the series. It has likable, interesting MCs, along with co-characters; an interesting premise and written with lots of sensitivity and compassion. Good story!
Now, we need Matt & Joe and Seth & Chris stories.😊
Editing: fair, need another once over.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has two lost souls, once lovers then torn apart by lies and distance. Ben is tragically burn in an accident and thinks Zach no longer loves him because he is no longer beautiful. Ben and Zach meet because Ben was a model and Zach was a photographer. But Zach is losing his sight due to glaucoma and flees to the island only to find out Ben is there. Zach gets hurt and needs surgery. Ben flees again. I liked how these two came back together and the ending was perfect.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book is about true love being lost and found again. The hidden scars got to me. I am really enjoying the appearance of all the boys and the family dynamics that continue to grow and we continue to learn about this family. When life throws lemons at you, be sure to make an awesome batch of lemonade!!

[Deeze · Rating 4 out of 5]

On par with the previous books, lots of feels and plenty of tears.

Ben and Zach were a wonderful couple and I loved them both, but I was disappointed with Ben towards the end. I really don't think we needed the added drama of him running again.

But he mad up for it and the rest was nothing but happy tears.

I admit I kinda hope we can get more on Chris before this series ends.

[Elayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joshua started it, Charlie added to it, Ben just painted a huge new stripe to the Rainbow. Ben and Zach are full of love for each other but in the past communication was their big downfall. Throughout the years of separation life changing events have affected both of them. Seeing them together again and finding a new way has been a lot like being a fly on the wall, watching a wonderful drama unfold. There are smiles aplenty in here, tears too. That ending though? Just made me all gooey inside. Can’t wait to see whose up next!

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

I usually adore blind characters but there was so much angst I started to giggle.