Barring Complications: The Love and Law Series, Book 1

I read the other reveiws and I was reluctant to go for this one. I'm leery when a review says 'great or good debut book' - to me it means the book is really medicore but it's being given a pass because it was a first timer. Either a book is good or it not. So I was surprised, pleasantly so, with this book. I was expecting a crappy book exploiting the recent DOMA ruling. Something cheesy, poorly edited and completely predictable. I read the sample and found it interesting and decided to go for the book. Victoria and Genevieve were nicely fleshed out. You get to know what makes them tick. They were confident in their ability, appearance etc, without being too too much. Jumps forward and back in time are dicey, sometimes they interrupt the flow of the story, but it was handled fairly well here, and the back and forth was clearly labeled.It was also just plain nice not to have glaring typos and grammar mistakes popping out.Now for the downside. I wish it had been longer.spoiler........the story of the gay couple being tied up behind a vehicle and dragged to their death. the author set it in Galveston Texas, it was a crass rewriting of the Byrd car dragging murder in nearby Jasper Texas. The description included the severing of the head from the torso, just as in the Byrd murder. Why didn't the author use the Shepard case to rework.A little more description of the other characters on the Court.

I was eagerly anticipating getting this and was not in anyway disappointed! I really enjoyed this book! I read a lot of books but I don't usually do reviews simply because I am not a writer and do not have a way with words. I feel compelled to do a review of Barring Complications, this was just one of those books that I could not put down. I received my book yesterday in the mail and didn't start until late, needless to say I didn't go to bed until I finished! 374 pages long. I found all of the information regarding the Supreme Court and the legal cases quite interesting. I suppose partly because the Supreme Court will be voting on Marriage Equality this summer. I'm hoping for as good a result as the one in the book. This is Blythe Rippon's first book and if you take a look at the fact that it has 40 reviews already (with most of them 4 & 5 stars) you can tell that it is definitely well received. Someone stated in a review that this book was slow and the characters weren't well developed. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, I urge you to disregard that review. I think they were well developed and I think the flashbacks to college were essential to see how Victoria and Genevieve met and how their relationship was in the beginning. This was well written and edited. I think one of my favorite parts was the charades with Victoria's family and their friends! Also Victoria's nephew is too cute. "Ew, Mama. Their kissing again. Can we put them in time out?"Overall I highly recommend this wonderful debut novel and urge you to get a copy today!

Blythe Rippon has managed to sound all the right notes in this, her first novel. She takes us on a journey of two strong, intelligent women whose years of professional growth do not erase the personal heartache of their estrangement many years before. Unexpectedly reunited around the issue of marriage equality, both women find a common cause which ends up being defended in the US Supreme Court.The author has certainly done her research and not only presents but educates on current court decisions and issues concerning the LGBT community. The book also complements the real-life landmark decision of the Supreme Court in favor of gay marriage.This is a well written novel filled with drama, conflict, humor and a very engaging cast of characters. The game of charades at the end of the book is a highlight. You want to meet up with all these clever and witty folks again!Don't miss out on the fun and getting acquainted with a rising new author!

This is a very well written love story, with enough politics thrown in to keep things interesting. The story centers around the fight for marriage equality and highlights the pro/con issues argued at the Supreme Court. While obviously fiction, I thought the book did a good job of portraying how important and monumental the ruling in favor of marriage equality really was.This book also does a great job of showing how severely society's prejudices can impact the LGBTQ community on a personal level. The relationship between the main characters spans the mid 1980's to the present. The author realistically portrays the outright fear that many people had in the1980's and early 1990's of being labeled as gay. Loss of friends and family, not to mention loss of your job, were all standard fare. This book really makes me appreciate how far we've come. I definitely recommend it.

I usually do not write reviews, but I have to - for this book. I simply loved it. I was dissapointed that this author did not write more books!! I am looking forward to more. Intelligent book, great and believable characters, interesting plot, smooth writing. That would be the short summary.One of the most important part of this book was that I did not have the feeling that it's a book. I had the feeling of a real story, real people behind it. Not like some books where I realize they are made up stories from the beginning. And it was so nice, that just after finishing reading it, I had to read it for the second time :)English is just a foreign language for me, but I appriciate when the book is nicely written, using the diversit language has to offer and again, in this book I was not dissapointed.The story, the plot, the language - amazing. Can only recommend.

A beautifully written book about the fight to make gay marriage equal under both state and federal law in the USA. The case has reached the Supreme Court where one of the chief justices is closeted Victoria. The case for the defendants is put forward by flamboyant lesbian, Genevieve. Little does anyone know that they were lovers in Law School and have not spoken to each other for twenty years. Now they cannot speak or acknowledge each other for fear of compromising the case. They end up swimming every week at the same pool and their communication is confined to their eyes. A love song without words.It's a great book on many levels- gay rights and the legal process, with lots of humour added to the mix. Read it, it will not disappoint! Worth every star.

This was one of the first lesbian novels I ever read and was stunned by its quality. Yes I was naive and was totally unaware of the talent that had escaped me to date. The standard of writing is excellent, and the writing style is so fluid you can't put it down. My dogs will swear under oath on this with their legs crossed. Bad image I know. I've reread this book because Blythe Rippon has a second book coming out and I wanted to re - acquaint myself with the characters.I was not disappointed. Back then I didn't leave reviews because why would anyone care. Ok, I was wrong. This book is seriously good with one small exception, the end was kinda rushed. The two lead characters come together after twenty years apart. Just thought there would be more to their ultimate reunion. Also, if your into sex scenes this isn't for you.The author captures you from the first to the last word. There are some remembering moments but they are more for information. They let you understand the two lead characters history. Oh and I loved Douglas and his wise sayings. The sibling banter brought a few good memories too.I gave it 5 stars despite being disappointed with the reunion because I felt the book in itself was excellent and really well written. I really enjoyed the book and even started to understand the justice system. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Best book that I’ve read in this genre for a very long time. Interesting story that got me hooked after only a few pages. Loved the Author’s writing style & her use of flashbacks to give context to the main characters history. Some excellent side characters too. Would highly recommend this book if you like complex second chance romances, angst and the law. Now going to read the follow up book Benched.

This is a really great book. I was concerned that Scottish law/ politics are so different that I would not get full enjoyment this could not have been further from the truth. Everything was clearly outlined wonderfully written.A beautiful love story with character so real they jumped off the page. I fully recommend this book to anyone who enjoys great storytelling Cannot wait for further books by this author.

I am British but I love The House of Cards - so for me this book was both educational and mystical all in one. Ie, 'what on earth does that mean'. However, that is not going to plight my judgement on what is such a well written, interesting book. For me the love story took a backseat and may not have the love scenes you expect of a romance novel, but it delivered everywhere else. Thank you!