***3.5 stars (rounded-up)*** 
 For this being Beth Bolden's debut MM book, it's not too shabby. I have to say the blurb intrigued me, and what I got was better than what I expected. I was happy to read (at least I haven't come across it yet) something new. Namely The Rainbow Clause. I cannot go further, because I would be spoiling it for others, but it was truly nice and refreshing. 
 While I did enjoy seeing the relationship develop between Colin and Nick, I have to say I did have a hard time following the story at times. 
 1. First there was the time period between the Prologue and Chapter 1. Then when Nick comes back to LA after being in Miami. It took a while to sort out that timeline, and these are just two instances out of book. So, needless to say it was a bit rough following the six month timeline (excluding the epilogue). 
 2. The supporting characters Jemma and Gabe. There are so many references I wasn't catching on to, nor was the author doing a good job answering those questions. For instance while the quad is playing trampoline dodgeball there is a moment where they mention Colin being a sub for Gabe's partner since he was shot. That was it; nothing more. Before that, I didn't have an inkling of what Gabe did for a living, but from this I surmised he was in law enforcement. It wasn't until near the end of the book I find out he is actually a detective. 
 This is just one of many instances, which got me thinking. So I went and skimmed the authors past books and boy was I right. Even though they are not attached by a Series moniker, there is a book entitled Summer Attractions that tells Jemma and Gabe's story. I am sure all the missing information and questions I have, are probably in that book. I wish that the author would have given us a few sentences here and there for those of us that have not read that book, or are not interested in it. 
 3. Then there are Nick's nightmares. Besides the missing information of the incident itself, the author never makes it clear whether Nick truly opens up to Colin about this. At one point in the story it seems like we are going to get the whole story as he finally lets down his wall to Colin, but nope. It is like the train of thought gets interrupted and unfortunately it never gets brought up again. Not only that, but the therapist he is talking to seems to fall off the storyline. 
 All in all, I really do see potential here. I am willing to give her another try because of her fresh ideas and the realness of the story. I really enjoyed how the author seemed to look at all facets; just not jumping in with rose-colored glasses. In the end, both Nick and Colin get their HEA, even though it took some time for them to reach it. 
 I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/ 
 I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.