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Beth Bolden
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The Rainbow Clause Kindle Edition

by Beth Bolden (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 668 ratings
Don't like the athletes. Don't sleep with the athletes. Don't fall for the athletes. It had never been particularly difficult to keep the rules but Nick had a feeling he was about to be tested.

Heisman winner. Member of the National Championship team. NFL Rookie of the Year. Quarterback Colin O’Connor knows he’s become the ultimate romance novel cliché: all the success he’s ever dreamed of but nobody to share it with. Too bad it’s not as simple as asking out the next girl who intrigues him – because the next girl to intrigue him probably won’t be a girl at all.

Unexpectedly, the solution comes in one neat package: Nick Wheeler, lead journalist for a leading sports and pop culture blog. Hired by Colin’s team, Nick comes to Miami to shine a spotlight on the NFL’s most private quarterback.

The heat in Miami rises when Nick discovers that Colin is nothing like the hollow personality he pretends to be in interviews and he’s even hotter in person than on his Sports Illustrated cover. Nick knows this is the story of his career, and it also hits close to home. What he needs is to help Colin share his story while keeping their growing relationship from boiling over in the press, but what he wants is to tell the world.

Note: this book has been re-edited and re-released on 6/24/2017. Content is the same, errors are fixed.
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  1. Print length
    317 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    April 3, 2017
  4. File size
    3.3 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06XBS26YF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beth Bolden (April 3, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 3, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 317 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0998621013
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 668 ratings

About the author

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Beth Bolden

Beth Bolden

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A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published twenty novels and six short stories.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
668 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great love story with wonderful characters. The writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer noting there are no obvious spelling and grammar errors. They appreciate the humor, with one review mentioning plenty of fun banter.

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24 customers mention "Story quality"24 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this book, describing it as a sweet and great love story that is well written.

"...are fast-paced, but full of good character development, scenes that are full of specifics and therefore believable, and plenty of fun banter...." Read more

"...There was a lot of narrative about details, and the past, and things that may or may not have had an impact on the actual story...." Read more

"This is a modern sports romance; it’s in the stand alone book before the “Ripetides,” and “Food Truck warriors” seriesI. I’ve completely read..." Read more

"...about them - off-the-field activities, PR, management, journalism all read as very realistic, which is unusual in romance...." Read more

14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, with one customer specifically noting it as a good sports MM book.

"...Thanks to Bolden for a terrific book. Onto the next!" Read more

"...This is a really great read, it’s especially heartening in this world going public, I can’t wait until this isn’t an issue but it does make for some..." Read more

"...I was craving a good sports MM book and Beth delivered...." Read more

"...Very enjoyable." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...Her books are fast-paced, but full of good character development, scenes that are full of specifics and therefore believable, and plenty of fun..." Read more

"...The characters were extremely well developed, and maybe even too far developed, because a lot of time was spent telling the reader about things...." Read more

"...Unfortunately, it’s also a little slow/boring. I liked the characters, but they do read older than they are. Th QB has just finished his rookie year...." Read more

"...Great side characters." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written, with one customer noting there are no obvious spelling and grammar errors.

"...this is still a little bit out of my wheelhouse, but it was a very well written book...." Read more

"...I can’t wait until this isn’t an issue but it does make for some good writing!" Read more

"It’s very well-written with realistic characters...." Read more

"...remember that I thought the title was really cool, and the book description hooked me...." Read more

5 customers mention "Humor"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning plenty of fun banter and another noting it made them smile.

"...scenes that are full of specifics and therefore believable, and plenty of fun banter...." Read more

"...This book was relatively low angst, all swoon and great chemistry." Read more

"...There was so much love, that my heart was so happy." Read more

"...The story itself was interesting and engaging. The main characters likeable and contain depth...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • BaileyMom
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great story, detailed, honest, and funny
    Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Beth Bolden is becoming one of my favorite writers. Her books are fast-paced, but full of good character development, scenes that are full of specifics and therefore believable, and plenty of fun banter. Colin and Nick both resist their obvious attraction, so this is definitely a slow/burn romance. It’s also a hopeful one, ultimately, which feels wonderful in these times when so many people aren’t allowed to be themselves safely and with joy. Thanks to Bolden for a terrific book. Onto the next!
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  • Kat Ryker
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable M/M romance
    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Since I'm just now getting into M/M stories, this is still a little bit out of my wheelhouse, but it was a very well written book. The characters were extremely well developed, and maybe even too far developed, because a lot of time was spent telling the reader about things. There was a lot of narrative about details, and the past, and things that may or may not have had an impact on the actual story. At some points, I wanted the narrative to end and the interaction between the two men to begin. By interaction I mean not necessarily action so much as verbal interaction. There was a lot, but I don't think enough between them. If you enjoy M/M romances, this would be one you should give a try!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • FoolishFeathers
    5.0 out of 5 stars Revealing his Queerness
    Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is a modern sports romance; it’s in the stand alone book before the “Ripetides,” and “Food Truck warriors” seriesI. I’ve completely read everything out of order but each book has been fantastic!

    First off, the author does a great job of giving you a brief world-building but one that makes sense since it’s the Earth we know today. Where the bulk of the effort has been put is in the character development with complex realistically flawed humans! I believed in these characters, cheered for them and got emotional when fell into their complex relationship. This is a really great read, it’s especially heartening in this world going public, I can’t wait until this isn’t an issue but it does make for some good writing!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jessica B.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Well-written; realistic; kinda boring.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    It’s very well-written with realistic characters. Even though they have important jobs, everything about them - off-the-field activities, PR, management, journalism all read as very realistic, which is unusual in romance. Authors usually write super wealthy characters and fantasize about the nature of their jobs that never rings quite true. This does.

    Unfortunately, it’s also a little slow/boring. I liked the characters, but they do read older than they are. Th QB has just finished his rookie year. He’s 22, maybe 23. Nick is 30, but feels 40. Colin has never dated and is ready to come out so that he can date and fall in love. He has been in love before, but was immediately friend-zoned by his female best friend. For being Colon’s BFF as well as Nick’s business partner and taking up so much space in their thoughts, we don’t actually see or get to know her too well.

    It’s possible she was the MC in an MF romance before this. I only found this book because I looked up a different series by this author and the reviews said to read this one first. I *hate* when authors state all their books are standalone when in reality there are numerous books that come before/after with related characters. I want to read from the beginning.

    The problem I had with this book not being more enjoyable is that Colin wanted to come out from the very beginning. There was no angst on his part. No risk because his management team knew he was planning to come out, hence the “rainbow clause” in his contract. The problem with having no risk is that there was also very little reward. The entire book was basically a waiting game with zero consequences, so I’m not sure why we should actually be invested in the story.

    The romance was fine. The MCs seem compatible. A lot of time was spent writing the coming out article, which we don’t actually get to see and a lot more time dedicated to Nick’s trauma (PTSD?) from an earlier assault. Which we also don’t see as it happened prior to the start of the book. Even though bad dreams wake him frequently and multiple people tell him to get counseling - and he does - we never get many details of the attack. Again, something written into the book that we are supposed to find important yet it’s essentially dropped without us learning more about it. Why have it as a plot device at all if again there are no consequences for this significant life event?

    There were actually a couple characters dropped by the end of the book. What happened to the agent, Mark, that no one seemed to like? What happened to Colin’s PA who we finally met and who finally got to help Colin more & be let in on his secret? What happened to Teddy or any of Colin’s teammates after he came out? We never heard from then again.

    There’s actually very little (no) on-the-field football content in this book. It all takes place on the off season in meeting rooms with very little interaction with anyone on the team outside of PR and management. If you’re looking for sports content from the best QB in the league, this book isn’t it. The most we see is him running a few miles in training. That’s it.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Kim Stone
    4.0 out of 5 stars Contemporary MM romance is the Sporting world
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Great mm contemporary story. Main characters are Nick a sports journalist and Colin a NFL quarterback. Colin decides to come out to the world and Nick, a gay journalist is sent to get his story, only he lets his guard down and falling in love. Great side characters.
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  • Nessa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpectedly A Fantastic Read for me!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I don't remember the exact reasons for reading this book, but I do remember that I thought the title was really cool, and the book description hooked me. So, when it showed up on my kindle, I debated about just removing it for whenever I get to it, but decided I'll throw it into the Want to Read (for when I want to get my head away from other obligations) folder. I decided that I needed a break, and wanted a M/M romance, and saw this book, so I went for it. It's an interesting idea - reporter gets a scoop on a professional athlete about to "out himself", but has a clause (Rainbow Clause) in his contract for when he decides to "out" himself. This was such an exciting read for me, and I found a great new author (for me) to follow!!!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • T.A. Fisher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2024
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    A compelling story with wonderful characters!
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  • JTorleif
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nick and Colin were very cute
    Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I liked how sincerely naive Colin was about the impact of his rainbow clause. He had spent so long being closed off and private from the press that he didn't realize how much of an impact his coming out would cause.

    Nick was the perfect match for Colin, both in personality and in the cynicism he had for the world. Colin was exactly what Nick needed to help him open himself up to realizing that being strong didn't mean not ever seeking help.

    I would have liked for Nick's struggles to be a bit more developed. We saw that he had nightmares due to his stabbing and that he was very emotionally closed off, but they all seemed to simply disappear as the book processed and focused on just Colin.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • TinTenHertz
    4.0 out of 5 stars Tolle Entwicklung...
    Reviewed in Germany on January 25, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Sympathische Protagonisten, glaubwürdige Entwicklung, tiefe Gefühle und viel "Knistern" - das Buch hat Spaß gemacht, ich habe mitgefiebert + mitgelitten + fand das Ende ganz besonders gut :)! Habe gleich 2 weitere Bücher der Autorin bestellt.
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  • Tracy McKay
    5.0 out of 5 stars That completely caught my attention but like with any hot man it was what was inside ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Who wouldn't want to read this book....I mean look at the cover!! That completely caught my attention but like with any hot man it was what was inside that kept me around. It may be pretty to look at but it was so much better to read. I will admit I have a slight passion about football books and this one is way up there in my favourites.
    It was well written and the story well thought out. I felt the connection between the characters and I was rooting for them the entire time. Even the side characters caught my attention and I wanted to know more about them.
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  • Rosemary Hughes
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read no matter what your sexual preference is
    Reviewed in Australia on January 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Being lonely and vulnerable is not restricted to females, males, straight or gay oriented people. It is a situation where a person , although happy in their own skin, craves the touch and attention of someone who is equally attracted to them.
    This marvelous book goes through the "coming out" of a NFL player. In the process, he meets someone who returns his attraction and needs. It has been a journey many Gay people have to take, coming out of their respective closets, not really knowing what family, friends and colleagues are going to say or do.
    Relationships are difficult enough, without throwing the sexual preference card into the mix.
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  • Elizabeth D
    4.0 out of 5 stars Falling in love while publicly coming out
    Reviewed in Canada on April 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I really liked how Colin went against stereotypical type and was a super famous introverted football player. Nick’s need to delve into his life to write Colin’s coming out article gave them the chance to really get to know one another (beyond the distanced crush that Nick had for years).

    Sweet and silly moments like playing the arcade to win enough tickets for the top prize made me laugh and helped balance out harder moments, where coming out was negotiated and not everyone reacting well.

    Nick and Colin really clicked for me, and I liked that most of the conflict was external, dealing with the world reacting to Colin’s news and Nick needing to figure out where he could stand as a reporter and Colin’s partner.
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  • Appassionata
    3.0 out of 5 stars Lukewarm
    Reviewed in Italy on January 4, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Well, the story is well written and kind of interesting but unfortunately too muck alike another, much more successful and appealing MM romance, Tigers and Devils that is. Problem is that maybe this one is probably more reliable on the PR law side, but a lot more boring. There's very few chemistry between the 2 MC, too long the process for them to fall in love and to start the romance. But the bureaucratic part of the coming out might be really inspiring, if one needs to make research on that matter. So, maybe it could have been a great story if passion and struggle were involved. But like this, it's too lukewarm and at some point really cold. 3 stars is more than enough.
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