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From the Bookshelf of Mostly Sapphic…

Barring Complications

Blythe Rippon

Start date: January 15, 2015

Finish date: March 24, 2015

Discussion: Buddy Reads

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Buddy Reads

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What Members Thought

Jan 15, 2015 Nikki rated it really liked it

Shelves: lgbt, buddy-read

I've got to say I really enjoyed the writing and overall story of this book. It was well-edited, polished and impressively researched, which I hugely appreciate. The story surrounds the attempted defeat of DOMA by the presentation of a case to the Supreme Court, which holds Victoria (Tori) Willoughby as one of the newest Justices to take the high court. She is a closeted lesbian, although many have suspect her homosexuality for years. Things get a bit complicated with the introduction of the pro I've got to say I really enjoyed the writing and overall story of this book. It was well-edited, polished and impressively researched, which I hugely appreciate. The story surrounds the attempted defeat of DOMA by the presentation of a case to the Supreme Court, which holds Victoria (Tori) Willoughby as one of the newest Justices to take the high court. She is a closeted lesbian, although many have suspect her homosexuality for years. Things get a bit complicated with the introduction of the prosecution, a flame from Tori's past named Genevieve (Vee) Fornier. They parted as they took two different courses in their lives. Genevieve chose to be open about her sexuality from the start, fighting for LGBT rights throughout her career. Tori chose to reject their relationship (and her feelings) in order to stay on course with her lofty career goals. Both women got the careers they wanted, but at the expense of something that "might have been."

As I stated, the research on this book is top notch. So much attention to detail gave me quite an outlook on the judicial system in a believable way, and the author should be applauded for her ability to educate the reader without boring them with legal jargon. The characterizations were excellent, and I really cared about the protagonists, wanting them to be successful both in their careers and out of them. The last third of the book dragged a bit for me, but it wasn't because it was uninteresting, I just found it to be a bit unbelievable. So much attention is paid to the two women's feelings in the past, and their yearning for each other, that the resolution of their relationship (and any associated scandal) feels kind of hurried and under-developed. It didn't make me dislike the book at all, it just left me a little bit disappointed.

However, the secondary characters (who are DELIGHTFULLY snarky and adorable) really made me fall in love with them. The humorous interactions gave me insight into Tori and Vee's personalities and were a breath of fresh air.

So overall, if you're looking for a romance that focuses primarily on the getting together of two women, you might be disappointed in this one. However, if you're looking for a really interesting take on the judicial system with a little bit of love on the side and likable characters, you'd do well to pick this one up. ...more

6 likes · Like · see review

Mar 11, 2015 Bib rated it really liked it

I like how the book keeps moving forward though it alternate between two characters. Smooth writing with almost no sex scenes yet succinctly romantic and sexy.

5 likes · Like · see review

Jul 09, 2024 Kennedy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2024-romance, 2024-ng, 2024-some-angst, 2024-second-chance-romance, 2024-books-in-a-series-romance, 2024-solid-secondary-characters

What a pleasant surprise. It was not just about lawyer stuff but a nice blend of romance, social issues, same sex marriage, friendship and family. This read combines two strong and intelligent women working to make a difference. Does that work impact your ability to have and maintain a relationship. Maybe yes. Maybe no. Victoria and Genevieve are memorable as they negotiate work life and personal life. Entertaining read with depth.

ARC provided by Ylva Publishing via NetGalley

4 likes · Like · see review

Sep 28, 2014 Cheri rated it really liked it

I like that the focus of the book is split between the supreme court case and the relationship between Genevieve and Victoria. Flashbacks are pretty minimal, there's a bit of a mystery (a little bit), and some humor (which I didn't expect).

I thought it was well written and interesting and I think most of my friends who share my reading tastes will like it, too. ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 15, 2015 Cab rated it liked it

Shelves: lgbt, e-books

I enjoyed this book, it was an engaging fun read. It also didn't feel like a typical romance because of the legal issues and how those were handled within the story. To that end I especially enjoyed the interactions between Alistair and Victoria.

There were also several places that made me laugh out loud, between Bethany, Genevieve, Victoria, and Victoria's brother. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Mar 08, 2015 Alena rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: queer, fiction

Going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars...

Lovely story, I really liked the focus on the Supreme Court proceedings that was pretty much equally shared by focus on the romance aspect of the story.

I don't think the flashbacks added anything to the story at all and I could have done without them and the end fell kind of flat to me, but I can't really say I have other complaints. I liked the characters, some of the second tier felt a bit cliche, Victoria's family is adorable. ...more

1 like · Like · see review