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Exception to the Rule
AN AWARD WINNING STORY--
Winner, 2014 Debut Author Award, Golden Crown Literary Society!
Finalist, Contemporary Lesbian Romance, 2014 Rainbow Book Awards!
What will keep you safe—and sane—when you find yourself in a new and unfamiliar place convinced you'll never find anyone like you?
For Robin and Tracy, it's the rules they set for themselves as they begin their first semester at Adams University near Boston.
Robin is determined to hide in her room writing until she can get back to her homeless gay friends in New York City, whose easy exchange of sex and friendship inspires her creativity. She's sworn off perfect princesses like Tracy Patterson, no matter how attractive she finds the mysterious Southerner on her hall with the long blonde hair and tight jeans.
And Tracy has no interest in cynical, smart-mouthed Northerners like Robin. She has her own set of rules—fine-tuned back home in North Carolina where she had a fake boyfriend and an uncomplicated string of older female lovers, including her mother's best friend. Here at college, she already has her first conquest planned, and it's certainly not Robin Greene.
This is a love story about two young women who can only find their true selves by finding one another. But are Robin and Tracy willing to give up all they think they know in order to find happiness?
Sometimes in life, the person who will matter most is the one who's an exception to the rule.
Winner, 2014 Debut Author Award, Golden Crown Literary Society!
Finalist, Contemporary Lesbian Romance, 2014 Rainbow Book Awards!
What will keep you safe—and sane—when you find yourself in a new and unfamiliar place convinced you'll never find anyone like you?
For Robin and Tracy, it's the rules they set for themselves as they begin their first semester at Adams University near Boston.
Robin is determined to hide in her room writing until she can get back to her homeless gay friends in New York City, whose easy exchange of sex and friendship inspires her creativity. She's sworn off perfect princesses like Tracy Patterson, no matter how attractive she finds the mysterious Southerner on her hall with the long blonde hair and tight jeans.
And Tracy has no interest in cynical, smart-mouthed Northerners like Robin. She has her own set of rules—fine-tuned back home in North Carolina where she had a fake boyfriend and an uncomplicated string of older female lovers, including her mother's best friend. Here at college, she already has her first conquest planned, and it's certainly not Robin Greene.
This is a love story about two young women who can only find their true selves by finding one another. But are Robin and Tracy willing to give up all they think they know in order to find happiness?
Sometimes in life, the person who will matter most is the one who's an exception to the rule.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2013
28 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Rizzo
12 books46 followersCindy Rizzo lives in New York City with her wife, Jennifer, and the requisite two cats issued to every lesbian household (well, most). She has worked in philanthropy for many years and has a long history of involvement in the LGBT community, including membership on the founding board of Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), the organization that first brought marriage equality to the US. In the 1970s and 1980s she wrote for Boston’s Gay Community News and has published essays in the anthologies, Lesbians Raising Sons and Homefronts: Controversies in Non-Traditional Parenting. She was the co-editor of a fiction anthology, All the Ways Home, published in 1995 (New Victoria) in which her story “Herring Cove” was included. She serves on the boards of Congregation Beth Simchat Torah in New York and Funders for LGBT Issues. She and her wife have two grown sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and a baby granddaughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 25, 2020
What I liked here was the characters. They appeared all tough and bold in the beginning but the more I read the more I realized how uncertain and full of insecurities they were inside. I liked the friendship between the 3 but the romance was too much tell not enough show.
June 20, 2020
First I've read of this author - superb. A really excellent story that had me at the first paragraph and never let go. Totally loved it - and can't wait to read Angie's story in Book 2! (Love is Enough).
January 5, 2016
I had a hard time putting this book down and read it over a few short days. That is always a good indicator of an enjoyable read for me.
I thought the author did a great job at fleshing out her characters and setting the scenes. I was right there on the mean streets of NYC with Robin. I loved the way Rizzo gave a voice to homeless GBLT youth. The scene with Robin and Tracy gathering insight for a class assignment in the Youth Centre brought me to tears it was so well done.
I struggled with the misunderstanding section of the book which comes with many Lesfic romance. It was too abrupt in my opinion and left me confused and paging back to see if I had missed personal issues, phobias etc. by one of the MC's. I would have preferred more build up in this area and less HEA in the latter half of the novel. Don't get me wrong, I love a nice happy ever after. I'm just a less is more kind of reader.
Overall I did enjoy this debut novel. The friendship which developed between the college roommates Angie, Tracy and Robin was well done. Friendships are organic things and college is the perfect setting to watch the bonds grow between these disparate personalities. The epilogue implies big things to come for Angie. Looking forward to this authors next book.
I thought the author did a great job at fleshing out her characters and setting the scenes. I was right there on the mean streets of NYC with Robin. I loved the way Rizzo gave a voice to homeless GBLT youth. The scene with Robin and Tracy gathering insight for a class assignment in the Youth Centre brought me to tears it was so well done.
I struggled with the misunderstanding section of the book which comes with many Lesfic romance. It was too abrupt in my opinion and left me confused and paging back to see if I had missed personal issues, phobias etc. by one of the MC's. I would have preferred more build up in this area and less HEA in the latter half of the novel. Don't get me wrong, I love a nice happy ever after. I'm just a less is more kind of reader.
Overall I did enjoy this debut novel. The friendship which developed between the college roommates Angie, Tracy and Robin was well done. Friendships are organic things and college is the perfect setting to watch the bonds grow between these disparate personalities. The epilogue implies big things to come for Angie. Looking forward to this authors next book.
September 3, 2014
This is an amazing story about friendship and love and what can cause these feelings. The main characters are well defined and really good to imagine. The author addresses several issues that gay youth have to fight without being too moralistic. The emotional rollercoasters as experienced by the three teenagers, are very well understood. The story is written intensively and very fluid. Thanks Cindy Rizzo
February 19, 2014
Up to this point I've been pretty disappointed with the New Adult subgenre. Between the misogyny/slut-shaming, criminal lack of diversity and endless faux "trauma" thinly disguised as "drama", I really wasn't holding out much hope that there would be stories about that transition from teen to young adult that wouldn't make me want to smack someone in the head with my trusty Clue Bat. I've gone on various NA forums asking for:
1. No tragedy-laden heroines/heroes (aka drama-llamas. I get enough tragedy watching the five o'clock news).
2. No bad boys paired with good girls (been there, read that, hated the t-shirt).
3. DIVERSITY! I really can't stress this enough. New Adults, unlike their parents, are far more likely to have grown up around diverse cultures without thinking about it. They also tend to live in diverse cities. They are also likely to date interracially. And New adults are of every color, religion, GLBT, etc. yet I don't see this reflected in the books.
4. No slut shaming (I don't even know why any female author would fall into that kind of stereotype).
5. Other genres besides contemporary i.e. paranormal, urban fantasy, steampunk, historical, etc.
6. Take-charge, adventurous heroines. Give me young women who DO things, have unusual jobs or hobbies.
7. Plus-sized heroines. That would be great.
And even fans of the genre found themselves scratching their heads.
I remember those years and while there was certainly relationship/family drama, there were also crazy roommates, dorm parties (so glad they didn't have camera phones and Facebook, lol), burning the midnight oil cram sessions, struggling to find a major, first full-time jobs and the many other aspects of negotiating adulthood rites.
Imagine my surprise and dare I say it DELIGHT to discover Exception to the Rule. Guess it took a lesbian author to craft a well-written, sexy, sweet yet realistic NA with openly intelligent heroines who struggle with life, love and coming out in an organic way. Not only that, but these young women are sexually active and there's no negative labelling attached. I've found too many straight NA books falling into the virgin/whore trap which doesn't sit well with this loud and proud feminist. Moreover, the novel highlights strong female friendships, also something lacking in many YA and NA.
The novel is set in the early nineties but doesn't feel dated in the least. At first Robin and Tracy are an unlikely couple. Robin is East Coast liberal, out and Jewish who counts homeless/abused GLBT as her friends and lovers. She's a writer with a consuming passion to tell meaningful stories. Tracy is a smart Southern belle, well-tailored and closeted. I'm usually not a fan of southern belles, but Tracy grew on me as she struggled to live authentically when she went back home to North Carolina. She and her high school sweetheart had each other's backs (since not only was he gay, but his lover was Black). Hers was a story of two worlds--the freedom of university versus the stifling conformity of small-town prejudices.
This was a love story with heart and humor. Neither young woman was perfect and their growing relationship is a push and pull, missed cues and even a certain prejudice on Robin's part since she made a pact with her best friend TJ that they wouldn't date "princesses", which Tracy represents. Within the story was also the deeper realization about homeless and abused GLBT teens struggling to stay alive. TJ and Olivia are just as important to the story as the main characters. Cindy Rizzo includes a list of resources that help GLBT youth.
Oh, and did I mention fairy godmother Charlie? He deserves his own story. Exception to the Rule ends in 2008 and while everything is wrapped up nicely, it doesn't feel contrived, though I wondered if Tracy's mother ever made peace with her daughter being a lesbian.
1. No tragedy-laden heroines/heroes (aka drama-llamas. I get enough tragedy watching the five o'clock news).
2. No bad boys paired with good girls (been there, read that, hated the t-shirt).
3. DIVERSITY! I really can't stress this enough. New Adults, unlike their parents, are far more likely to have grown up around diverse cultures without thinking about it. They also tend to live in diverse cities. They are also likely to date interracially. And New adults are of every color, religion, GLBT, etc. yet I don't see this reflected in the books.
4. No slut shaming (I don't even know why any female author would fall into that kind of stereotype).
5. Other genres besides contemporary i.e. paranormal, urban fantasy, steampunk, historical, etc.
6. Take-charge, adventurous heroines. Give me young women who DO things, have unusual jobs or hobbies.
7. Plus-sized heroines. That would be great.
And even fans of the genre found themselves scratching their heads.
I remember those years and while there was certainly relationship/family drama, there were also crazy roommates, dorm parties (so glad they didn't have camera phones and Facebook, lol), burning the midnight oil cram sessions, struggling to find a major, first full-time jobs and the many other aspects of negotiating adulthood rites.
Imagine my surprise and dare I say it DELIGHT to discover Exception to the Rule. Guess it took a lesbian author to craft a well-written, sexy, sweet yet realistic NA with openly intelligent heroines who struggle with life, love and coming out in an organic way. Not only that, but these young women are sexually active and there's no negative labelling attached. I've found too many straight NA books falling into the virgin/whore trap which doesn't sit well with this loud and proud feminist. Moreover, the novel highlights strong female friendships, also something lacking in many YA and NA.
The novel is set in the early nineties but doesn't feel dated in the least. At first Robin and Tracy are an unlikely couple. Robin is East Coast liberal, out and Jewish who counts homeless/abused GLBT as her friends and lovers. She's a writer with a consuming passion to tell meaningful stories. Tracy is a smart Southern belle, well-tailored and closeted. I'm usually not a fan of southern belles, but Tracy grew on me as she struggled to live authentically when she went back home to North Carolina. She and her high school sweetheart had each other's backs (since not only was he gay, but his lover was Black). Hers was a story of two worlds--the freedom of university versus the stifling conformity of small-town prejudices.
This was a love story with heart and humor. Neither young woman was perfect and their growing relationship is a push and pull, missed cues and even a certain prejudice on Robin's part since she made a pact with her best friend TJ that they wouldn't date "princesses", which Tracy represents. Within the story was also the deeper realization about homeless and abused GLBT teens struggling to stay alive. TJ and Olivia are just as important to the story as the main characters. Cindy Rizzo includes a list of resources that help GLBT youth.
Oh, and did I mention fairy godmother Charlie? He deserves his own story. Exception to the Rule ends in 2008 and while everything is wrapped up nicely, it doesn't feel contrived, though I wondered if Tracy's mother ever made peace with her daughter being a lesbian.
July 17, 2016
This is a very nice new adult romance. I loved the characters and the story line. A very good and enjoyable read.
September 5, 2016
Exception to the Rule is well written and easy to read. Most of the book takes place in the early 90s and gave me warm, nostalgic feelings from when I was in high school and early university.
I particularly appreciate the way Cindy Rizzo wove in LGBT youth homelessness. Robin’s friends might be characters, but the stories of how they ended up on the street and how they are treated by police and the public are very real. She manages to make important points about how society and our social systems aren’t doing enough for these kids without ever getting overly heavy.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/excep...
I particularly appreciate the way Cindy Rizzo wove in LGBT youth homelessness. Robin’s friends might be characters, but the stories of how they ended up on the street and how they are treated by police and the public are very real. She manages to make important points about how society and our social systems aren’t doing enough for these kids without ever getting overly heavy.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/excep...
September 24, 2014
Robin, a New Yorker, has a rule: don’t fall for a princess. If you do, she’ll break your heart. Tracy, a southern, has her own rules involving having a fake boyfriend and several short affairs with older women. Both Robin and Tracy are terrified of getting hurt, but they’ve convinced themselves that they don’t need love.
Both of them move into the same dorm outside of Boston. In fact, they live on the same floor and when Robin sees the sexy southerner Tracy her head turns. Tracy notices Robin but doesn’t sense that the New Yorker is interested. Against all odds the two of them become best friends. But can they break down their own barriers and learn that loving someone can actually be wonderful.
This romance novel builds slowly. Rizzo takes the time to explore the three main characters, including the best friend Angie. It brought me back to my college days and all the excitement and confusion about living on your own for the first time and living with strangers in a dorm. Also she discusses the subjects the students are studying. Some readers may not like this aspect, but I did. I love learning new things.
What impressed me the most with this novel was the author’s ability to stay true to the characters. Both Robin and Tracy are stubborn young adults who think they know everything. So when they realize they are falling in love, both of them fight it. It would have been much easier for the author to have them collapse in each other’s arms and make this story overly sappy, but it would have destroyed the character development that she patiently built up. I have to admire an author who doesn’t cave to please some impatient readers and stays true to her story and characters.
Both of them move into the same dorm outside of Boston. In fact, they live on the same floor and when Robin sees the sexy southerner Tracy her head turns. Tracy notices Robin but doesn’t sense that the New Yorker is interested. Against all odds the two of them become best friends. But can they break down their own barriers and learn that loving someone can actually be wonderful.
This romance novel builds slowly. Rizzo takes the time to explore the three main characters, including the best friend Angie. It brought me back to my college days and all the excitement and confusion about living on your own for the first time and living with strangers in a dorm. Also she discusses the subjects the students are studying. Some readers may not like this aspect, but I did. I love learning new things.
What impressed me the most with this novel was the author’s ability to stay true to the characters. Both Robin and Tracy are stubborn young adults who think they know everything. So when they realize they are falling in love, both of them fight it. It would have been much easier for the author to have them collapse in each other’s arms and make this story overly sappy, but it would have destroyed the character development that she patiently built up. I have to admire an author who doesn’t cave to please some impatient readers and stays true to her story and characters.
December 28, 2013
For a first time novel this book is extremely well written. Not only does the story follow the student lives of the two main characters Tracy and Robin, but also of their Lesbian friend, Angie, too!
The story touches on several sensitive topics, being a young Lesbian in college, Tutor fixation, the outcast LGBTQ youth of both New York and Boston, young love and coming out to the parents, which gives the story some grittiness and the two characters involved a lot of credence.
I found the story flowed well and I was so immersed in the goings on in the story that I didn't realise the time, reading late into the night.
This book is so much more than a romantic tale of two Lesbian Students. I would highly recommend it.
The story touches on several sensitive topics, being a young Lesbian in college, Tutor fixation, the outcast LGBTQ youth of both New York and Boston, young love and coming out to the parents, which gives the story some grittiness and the two characters involved a lot of credence.
I found the story flowed well and I was so immersed in the goings on in the story that I didn't realise the time, reading late into the night.
This book is so much more than a romantic tale of two Lesbian Students. I would highly recommend it.
September 23, 2014
I finish this book with a resounding 'meh.' The writing was decent, the story decent, the peripheral characters interesting and, for the most part, a group of folks who ought to be heard from more often. Unfortunately, I felt no connection with the main characters. Their ups and downs meant little to me, which left this book feeling a little like mental chewing gum.
Ah, I was also a little put off by the end. The '...some years later' passages in novels tend to annoy me - probably for the same reason horror stories cam be most disturbing when they aren't graphic...the imagination is a wonderful thing to utilize.
I suspect my reaction to this novel has more to do with my own weirdness than the quality of the writing/plot line, so I don't want to deter potential readers who enjoy angsty college kids with admirable goals.
Ah, I was also a little put off by the end. The '...some years later' passages in novels tend to annoy me - probably for the same reason horror stories cam be most disturbing when they aren't graphic...the imagination is a wonderful thing to utilize.
I suspect my reaction to this novel has more to do with my own weirdness than the quality of the writing/plot line, so I don't want to deter potential readers who enjoy angsty college kids with admirable goals.
December 14, 2014
Cute story about love, friendship and compassion. I loved Robin, she's a sweetheart underneath the tough guy act. I have to say, I'm definitely a super late bloomer. At their age I was busy surfing and trying to one-up my brother at school. All the sex sort of made the prude in me freak out a little... Or maybe a lot... I kept thinking of my 18y/o sister.
January 17, 2015
This is a very nice lesbian coming-of-age romance with great main and secondary characters. Overall, it is a highly recommendable book, although sometimes too sweet and with a little too much 'tell' rather than 'show'.
September 25, 2014
rating: 3.5/5
I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
There is so much I love about this romance! Robin is a New York girl, she hangs around rough areas while carrying her notebook around writing. Tracy is a princess, a Southern Belle, screwing older women behind closed doors of her perfect life. Freshmen year of college they end up living in the same dorm in a Massachusetts university.
It would have been so easy to slip into stereotypes and regional clichés, instead Rizzo created amazingly realistic characters. I was especially surprised at how much I loved Tracy, I'm not usually one to like princesses much (but for her I made an exception to the rule!). She's got a bit of the South in her, but she thinks for herself and gives us a more realistic and nuanced view of the South. Robin could have also been the stereotypical butch New Yorker, but instead she had a vulnerability about her that was organic.
Additionally, I loved some of the secondary characters. Like Tracy's Fairy Godmother (aka Charlie). Love, love, love. Angie was awesome and was a great addition for the friendship dynamic. Though I wish we could have seen more from Barbara. And of course more of the silent but perceptive Jeff.
I also loved the diversity of characters. Straight, gay, black, white, thin, thick, butch, femme, Jewish... and none seemed like stereotypical cardboard cutouts even if they only appeared for a short while.
I do have a few gripes about it. Sometimes, especially during the "happy" moments, the writing would turn juvenilely sugar-sweet. Okay, that may be realistic for some relationships but I don't have to like it in real life nor in my romances. However, Rizzo does dark very well and her descriptions of the cities and college life are awesome.
And then of course there was the #3 moment that's on my Top 5 Romance No-Noes List, . *shudders* Thankfully it was short but still, agh, hate that.
Lastly, I felt like the ending beat me over the head with a 2x4 over and over and over and over and over again with the HEA.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable lesbian coming-of-age romance with many other themes woven throughout. The characters were amazing! My favorite part of discovering this read. Yes, there are a few things that I didn't like but it was me, really I mean it, I have a lower tolerance for HEA and sappiness then most (although I do enjoy it in moderation) and this novel cranked it up a notch too high for me at the end.
I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
There is so much I love about this romance! Robin is a New York girl, she hangs around rough areas while carrying her notebook around writing. Tracy is a princess, a Southern Belle, screwing older women behind closed doors of her perfect life. Freshmen year of college they end up living in the same dorm in a Massachusetts university.
It would have been so easy to slip into stereotypes and regional clichés, instead Rizzo created amazingly realistic characters. I was especially surprised at how much I loved Tracy, I'm not usually one to like princesses much (but for her I made an exception to the rule!). She's got a bit of the South in her, but she thinks for herself and gives us a more realistic and nuanced view of the South. Robin could have also been the stereotypical butch New Yorker, but instead she had a vulnerability about her that was organic.
Additionally, I loved some of the secondary characters. Like Tracy's Fairy Godmother (aka Charlie). Love, love, love. Angie was awesome and was a great addition for the friendship dynamic. Though I wish we could have seen more from Barbara. And of course more of the silent but perceptive Jeff.
I also loved the diversity of characters. Straight, gay, black, white, thin, thick, butch, femme, Jewish... and none seemed like stereotypical cardboard cutouts even if they only appeared for a short while.
I do have a few gripes about it. Sometimes, especially during the "happy" moments, the writing would turn juvenilely sugar-sweet. Okay, that may be realistic for some relationships but I don't have to like it in real life nor in my romances. However, Rizzo does dark very well and her descriptions of the cities and college life are awesome.
And then of course there was the #3 moment that's on my Top 5 Romance No-Noes List, . *shudders* Thankfully it was short but still, agh, hate that.
Lastly, I felt like the ending beat me over the head with a 2x4 over and over and over and over and over again with the HEA.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable lesbian coming-of-age romance with many other themes woven throughout. The characters were amazing! My favorite part of discovering this read. Yes, there are a few things that I didn't like but it was me, really I mean it, I have a lower tolerance for HEA and sappiness then most (although I do enjoy it in moderation) and this novel cranked it up a notch too high for me at the end.
July 3, 2014
It took me a bit to warm up to the main characters in the beginning. Maybe because I had difficulties to relate to either of them. But soon - and this really astounded me - those two women unfold step by step with each new page. You don't get a black and white with them, neither of the characters makes it that easy for you (or for each other). But you actually get to know them with all their experiences, doubts and fears, and without their masks - you are suddenly dealing with very credible characters. And this makes this read quite a joyride.
August 9, 2017
Good read. Nice to see a diverse mix of characters. Good dialogue and natural storytelling.
I actually read "Love is Enough" first so it was amusing to start reading this book and realize this book was about those characters in their college years: Tracy, Robin, Angie, Sophia, etc.
Recommend reading.
I actually read "Love is Enough" first so it was amusing to start reading this book and realize this book was about those characters in their college years: Tracy, Robin, Angie, Sophia, etc.
Recommend reading.
July 16, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Cindy Rizzo. I wasn't disappointed, what I liked about this book is it starts in 1994 and goes through till 2008. It is a really well written slow burn romance and you see the character grow and develop their relationships. It mainly focuses on Tracy and Robin with Angie as their friend. I would have liked a bit more of the story to have told us what happened during the time line hop. Also there seemed to be a lot left unsaid or you're left to make up your own mind it's not my story I don't like guessing. There was a big fuss made about Tracy coming out and how her mother took it but you never get to find out if she accepted her in the end? That to me was important as it was important to the character, however good book enjoyed it.
August 1, 2018
Its ok
The story had its good moments but it veered off into improbability and even absurdity towards the end of the story. The book was well written and even had some insightful moments of a time, not that long ago, in LGBT history. I especially liked the integration of issues like race and gay views in the south and the all too common problems of homelessness and abuse for lgbt youth. The book lost me when it came time for the resolutions. The authors’ influence was too obvious and the characters weren’t allowed to grow in a realistic manner. It’s worth a read if you can overlook this and the at times corny character dialogue and actions.
The story had its good moments but it veered off into improbability and even absurdity towards the end of the story. The book was well written and even had some insightful moments of a time, not that long ago, in LGBT history. I especially liked the integration of issues like race and gay views in the south and the all too common problems of homelessness and abuse for lgbt youth. The book lost me when it came time for the resolutions. The authors’ influence was too obvious and the characters weren’t allowed to grow in a realistic manner. It’s worth a read if you can overlook this and the at times corny character dialogue and actions.
September 15, 2019
An exceptional, captivating journey
📍 “Is there something about our society, about how we pass on values from one generation to the next, that is actually within our power to change? And thus, are we then ultimately responsible for our actions?”
+ • + • + • +
Loved the journey of attraction, recognition, understanding & love as they developed & intensified— all in the midst of self-discovery & transformation, redefining & revising their identities.
It was so beyond coming-of-age book, much more a coming-into-self story, created & crafted marvelously!!
📍 “Is there something about our society, about how we pass on values from one generation to the next, that is actually within our power to change? And thus, are we then ultimately responsible for our actions?”
+ • + • + • +
Loved the journey of attraction, recognition, understanding & love as they developed & intensified— all in the midst of self-discovery & transformation, redefining & revising their identities.
It was so beyond coming-of-age book, much more a coming-into-self story, created & crafted marvelously!!
May 22, 2022
I loved this book.
Most of the book takes part in the years 1993 and 1994. I was 15/16 back then.
So, no cell phones and text messages going around. They used landlines back then to speak to each other.
Well, you‘ll love the book as I did.
As this book made me laugh, a bit angry in between, a bit sad and I was crying because everything worked out in the end, I‘ll have to give it five stars.
The best thing a book can do for me, is letting me go through all the emotions the characters feel. So? If an author achieves this, I just have to recommend it.
And now go on and read it.
Most of the book takes part in the years 1993 and 1994. I was 15/16 back then.
So, no cell phones and text messages going around. They used landlines back then to speak to each other.
Well, you‘ll love the book as I did.
As this book made me laugh, a bit angry in between, a bit sad and I was crying because everything worked out in the end, I‘ll have to give it five stars.
The best thing a book can do for me, is letting me go through all the emotions the characters feel. So? If an author achieves this, I just have to recommend it.
And now go on and read it.
October 9, 2021
Cindy Rizzo Is Here To Stay
This book is a wonderful start to treat writing career. I started with a newer book and was hooked. This was a great story and dealt with complex issues. Introduced some social issues that need our attention. Loved reading this one and being introduced to these amazing characters.
This book is a wonderful start to treat writing career. I started with a newer book and was hooked. This was a great story and dealt with complex issues. Introduced some social issues that need our attention. Loved reading this one and being introduced to these amazing characters.
February 10, 2021
College
College can be a time for growing and discovering who you are and who you want to be. Sometimes that can be painful, as all the main characters discovered. But when you find that most important person in your life, it makes all that pain worth it. Good book!
College can be a time for growing and discovering who you are and who you want to be. Sometimes that can be painful, as all the main characters discovered. But when you find that most important person in your life, it makes all that pain worth it. Good book!
May 15, 2017
Good
I liked this one. Was very cute and fluffy and I really enjoyed that ending. Too bad we can't have a sequel!
I liked this one. Was very cute and fluffy and I really enjoyed that ending. Too bad we can't have a sequel!
May 18, 2017
absolutely adored the build-up but then, everything was just too abrupt and felt off-key.
would definitely give the author another shot though!
would definitely give the author another shot though!
December 7, 2018
From beginning to end
I am in love with this author such a well done book and story. Now I am going back and reading all her books..lol
I am in love with this author such a well done book and story. Now I am going back and reading all her books..lol
January 10, 2021
Fabulous book
I loved this book. I loved how they all met. The ups and downs they went thru to get where they are. I was so glad that Tracy and Robin finally became a happy couple.
I loved this book. I loved how they all met. The ups and downs they went thru to get where they are. I was so glad that Tracy and Robin finally became a happy couple.
August 17, 2023
Sublime
March 2, 2014
Northerner Robin Greene and Southerner Tracey Patterson first meet when they arrive at Adam’s University, near Boston, for their first semester.
Both girls are experienced in the art of seduction. Each girl has arrived at college with her own set of self imposed rules.
Robin’s set of values includes holing herself up in her room and pursuing her writing, until she can get back to her homeless friends in New York City. Robin tells herself frequently that she won’t have anytime for blonde haired princesses like Tracy, with all her southern charm and her girly looks.
Tracy, herself, isn’t enamored with loud mouthed, brash northerners like Robin. The older, more sophisticated woman is more Tracy’s style. In fact, she’s got her sights set high on just the right woman to while away the time. Certainly not Robin though. Tracy’s rules stemmed from her home in Durham, North Carolina. She had set her life up with her gay best friend as her beard and pursued a number of older women, including her mother’s best friend.
As time goes by, both Robin and Tracy begin to realize that the person who will become the most important in their lives, will be the exception to the rule.
This is Cindy Rizzo’s debut book. What a brilliant first book. It’s very well written and edited, a pure joy to read. I love the storyline. Although this is a young adult book, it can be enjoyed by all. In fact, although I’m not American and of course the settings are different, it brought back a lot of previously hidden emotions for me.
This is a wonderful story of self discovery and coming out. Cindy Rizzo really gets into the hearts and minds of her characters. Although the story primarily focuses on Robin and Tracy, Angie, a secondary character plays a large supporting part in their lives. So, this is in effect a story of three girls in college, their ambitions, lives, loves. loss, emotional pain, angst and turmoil, with a nice touch of humor throughout to lighten their tumultuous journeys. All these characters are fully developed and multi-faceted and are a delight to get to know.
This book is so much more than a run of the mill romance with teen anxieties thrown in. It’s a true to life, right down to the point story of homelessness amongst the LGBT population, homophobia, coming out, family acceptance and much, much more.
Cindy Rizzo has written a blockbuster of a debut novel. A story that hit me right in the heart and had me racing through the pages to finish the book. So, yes, this is a page turner. One that I will definitely re-read soon.
I would love to see a sequel with these characters. They are too good to not appear again.
Both girls are experienced in the art of seduction. Each girl has arrived at college with her own set of self imposed rules.
Robin’s set of values includes holing herself up in her room and pursuing her writing, until she can get back to her homeless friends in New York City. Robin tells herself frequently that she won’t have anytime for blonde haired princesses like Tracy, with all her southern charm and her girly looks.
Tracy, herself, isn’t enamored with loud mouthed, brash northerners like Robin. The older, more sophisticated woman is more Tracy’s style. In fact, she’s got her sights set high on just the right woman to while away the time. Certainly not Robin though. Tracy’s rules stemmed from her home in Durham, North Carolina. She had set her life up with her gay best friend as her beard and pursued a number of older women, including her mother’s best friend.
As time goes by, both Robin and Tracy begin to realize that the person who will become the most important in their lives, will be the exception to the rule.
This is Cindy Rizzo’s debut book. What a brilliant first book. It’s very well written and edited, a pure joy to read. I love the storyline. Although this is a young adult book, it can be enjoyed by all. In fact, although I’m not American and of course the settings are different, it brought back a lot of previously hidden emotions for me.
This is a wonderful story of self discovery and coming out. Cindy Rizzo really gets into the hearts and minds of her characters. Although the story primarily focuses on Robin and Tracy, Angie, a secondary character plays a large supporting part in their lives. So, this is in effect a story of three girls in college, their ambitions, lives, loves. loss, emotional pain, angst and turmoil, with a nice touch of humor throughout to lighten their tumultuous journeys. All these characters are fully developed and multi-faceted and are a delight to get to know.
This book is so much more than a run of the mill romance with teen anxieties thrown in. It’s a true to life, right down to the point story of homelessness amongst the LGBT population, homophobia, coming out, family acceptance and much, much more.
Cindy Rizzo has written a blockbuster of a debut novel. A story that hit me right in the heart and had me racing through the pages to finish the book. So, yes, this is a page turner. One that I will definitely re-read soon.
I would love to see a sequel with these characters. They are too good to not appear again.
January 9, 2014
"Exception to the Rule" is unique and different from what I've seen in other books featuring lesbian main characters, which makes it all the more spectacular as Cindy Rizzo's debut novel. The characters are smart, edgy, and real. The writing is polished and the story will keep you riveted. This perfectly-crafted book actually falls into several genres: the romance, les fic, and new adult and college genres, and that's a good thing, because it's encouraging to see a book with gay characters that can appeal to a much wider audience.
I particularly enjoyed the fact that the characters don’t fit the usual mold, meaning author Cindy Rizzo veered away from placing them in the usual male-dominated professions found in at least some of these genres. You won't find characters who are cops, doctors, EMTs, or ranch owners, but you will find successfully crafted, believable characters who are still strong and all-out gutsy.
"Exception to the Rule" goes beyond a typical romance--it takes on difficult and sometimes gritty subjects such as the struggle to fit in as a gay young adult during freshman year in college, homelessness among LGBT youth, and coming out of the closet in less than accepting parts of the US. It also follows the characters as they strive to realize their professional dreams while doing everything possible to avoid falling in love.
This is an exceptional first effort for author Cindy Rizzo. "Exception to the Rule" should have wide appeal, spanning multiple age groups and genres. I can't wait to see what this author does next.
I particularly enjoyed the fact that the characters don’t fit the usual mold, meaning author Cindy Rizzo veered away from placing them in the usual male-dominated professions found in at least some of these genres. You won't find characters who are cops, doctors, EMTs, or ranch owners, but you will find successfully crafted, believable characters who are still strong and all-out gutsy.
"Exception to the Rule" goes beyond a typical romance--it takes on difficult and sometimes gritty subjects such as the struggle to fit in as a gay young adult during freshman year in college, homelessness among LGBT youth, and coming out of the closet in less than accepting parts of the US. It also follows the characters as they strive to realize their professional dreams while doing everything possible to avoid falling in love.
This is an exceptional first effort for author Cindy Rizzo. "Exception to the Rule" should have wide appeal, spanning multiple age groups and genres. I can't wait to see what this author does next.
October 17, 2014
This is a difficult book to review. There is, certainly, a lot to admire and enjoy about it, in that it’s not just a lesbian romance that sits in its own world. It is very grounded in LGBT life and reality. While the focus is on three girls of good background and exceptional talent, the story takes us amongst the homeless and abused of New York and Boston. Neither of the two romantic leads are pure, innocent creatures; rather, they are strong-minded and intelligent young women who are sexually experienced but have never really been in love. There is clarity and honesty in the writing that makes it feel very autobiographical, and the careful detail that goes into the academic environment adds to this sense of reality.
It’s definitely worth a read, for many reasons, but I found it difficult to maintain interest. I was stuck at 49% for a long time and it took an afternoon of trains and planes to get me through to the end – I think because it’s less a story than a chronicle. The lesbian romance is stretched out over a whole year, and a collection of unnecessary epilogues – and I think I would have been tempted to end the story at exactly a year, because everything after that feels indulgent. Also, the narrative often feels more descriptive than intimate, which distances the reader.
In conclusion? I’m happy I got through to the end of it and I enjoyed it – but I wasn’t thrilled.
It’s definitely worth a read, for many reasons, but I found it difficult to maintain interest. I was stuck at 49% for a long time and it took an afternoon of trains and planes to get me through to the end – I think because it’s less a story than a chronicle. The lesbian romance is stretched out over a whole year, and a collection of unnecessary epilogues – and I think I would have been tempted to end the story at exactly a year, because everything after that feels indulgent. Also, the narrative often feels more descriptive than intimate, which distances the reader.
In conclusion? I’m happy I got through to the end of it and I enjoyed it – but I wasn’t thrilled.
January 15, 2015
Cindy Rizzo’s debut novel shares the story of three young women, each trying to find their way as they start their journey into adulthood. They meet at Adams University near Boston and spend as much time learning about each other as they do in class.
Robin Greene is an aspiring author from New York; edgy and mysterious she works hard at keeping that persona in place. Believing the distance she maintains from others allows her creativity to course through her veins.
Tracy Anderson has travelled from Durham, South Carolina, hoping to spread her wings and experience life. Training to be a psychologist she struggles with the pressure not to be the southern blonde princess everyone expects her to be.
Robin and Tracy become unlikely friends, due in most part to Angie Antonelli, the best friend to both. A politics student enjoying University life and developing her own diplomatic solutions when dealing with Robin and Tracy.
The book is about young love, friendship and discovering your path in life. It touches on LGBT homelessness and the struggles associated with coming out.
Exception To The Rule is a wonderful, heart-warming story. Superbly written, with three-dimensional characters and a perfect supporting cast, making for a delightful, entertaining and engaging tale.
Robin Greene is an aspiring author from New York; edgy and mysterious she works hard at keeping that persona in place. Believing the distance she maintains from others allows her creativity to course through her veins.
Tracy Anderson has travelled from Durham, South Carolina, hoping to spread her wings and experience life. Training to be a psychologist she struggles with the pressure not to be the southern blonde princess everyone expects her to be.
Robin and Tracy become unlikely friends, due in most part to Angie Antonelli, the best friend to both. A politics student enjoying University life and developing her own diplomatic solutions when dealing with Robin and Tracy.
The book is about young love, friendship and discovering your path in life. It touches on LGBT homelessness and the struggles associated with coming out.
Exception To The Rule is a wonderful, heart-warming story. Superbly written, with three-dimensional characters and a perfect supporting cast, making for a delightful, entertaining and engaging tale.
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