OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Skylark" by Ruthie Morgan.]

Skylark is a romance novel by Scottish-born author Ruthie Morgan. Published in 2014 by Lucky Arbuckle Publishing, it is the author's first work of fiction, and the first installment in the St. Cloud based saga. I absolutely loved this novel. This is not only a story about love, sex, and what-have-you, but one that will make you laugh out loud as you read, and really care about all the characters you meet. I was absolutely moved by the story. The author did an ultramundane job at keeping me in suspense as a tragic ending loomed at the back of my mind that I found to be truly a piece of art in itself. Beautiful, hilarious, and divine.

St. Cloud meant a new start for married couple Billy May and Evan Skylark. It is a small island far away from everybody and everything they knew. Having met Evan in London, Billy May thought that he was the perfect one. He knows how to please her in bed, and she surrenders herself to him easily, his talent in bed even managing to inspire some of her poems! Not long and Evan proposes to her and although they haven't known each other for too long, see says "yes".

A year later, Billy and Evan are happily married, and leave for Paris. Evan is working for a company called Sans Limites. He is good at his job and they have a perfect life together. Billy is at home working on her writing and everything is great. This is until Evan makes a big mistake one night when Juliana, a co-worker, manages to seduce him after a few drinks. Evan doesn't go all the way, and stops before going any further. Evan didn't know this at the time, but his decision to reject Juliana, who turns out to be the director's wife, would have some serious consequences. One day he arrives at work, and Juliana has made it known that she will not press sexual harassment charges against him if he leaves the job. Evan, seeing no other choice, takes his things and leaves the company. Along with Billy May, he leaves Paris as well.

After a brief stay in the Scottish isle of Arrassaigh, Billy and Evan migrate to St. Cloud. Billy gives birth to twins, and is suddenly slave to the joys of parenthood. Evan works for Evander Associates, and has been tasked with the job of designing the island's first international airport. Billy and the twins hardly see Evan at all, as he has to spend long hours at work to develop his project. The Evan Billy does see is different from the Evan she knew. He comes home drunk most of the time and he's completely shut down. Sometimes he wants to be all by himself, and other times he's all happy as if nothing has happened. Something is up with Evan, and Billy believes she is the only thing that can keep him together. She's his rock. But how can she help him if he doesn't want to tell her what's going on with him?

I recommend this for everyone (not for children though), even those who've never read a romance novel before. I don't know if macho men ever see themselves reading a romance novel, but I promise all of them that if they gave this novel a try, they would be absolutely smitten by it just as I was. My judgment is 4 out of 4. I found it peerlessly amazing, and I think this novel deserves a world of praises.

******
Skylark
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Like Leon Durham's review? Post a comment saying so!

Excellent review. Few authors have the ability to inject some good humor into a serious novel; it can make a world of difference.

Trust me, this author knows her stuff when it comes to humor.

--kappy

I read this book right after it came out and I loved it. It sent me on emotional roller coaster. One minute, I wanted to punch Evan Skylark in the face for being so selfish and self-centered; the next, I was was laughing or crying.

The book stayed with me for months after I'd read it. I thought about Evan a lot. That's when you know you've got a great character.

A great review for a great book!

Hey Kristi, thanks and wow, it's nice to have someone to talk to about Skylark, one of the best romance novels I've ever read. Evan, man, I saw it coming, but even when it, I actually wanted to cry.

Oh man, me, too.

Did you see an opening for a sequel? I don't want to say too much because I don't want to ruin it for other people who are going to read it. I was thinking of the neighbor guy.

I DID cry! For a long time.

The events in this book sound so serious, it's hard to see how it could be humorous. As Kappy says, it makes all the difference though. Thanks for the review!

Definitely the neighbor guy, Kristi. Can't remember what his name is at the moment, but it's definitely him. This book is part of a whole saga. I can't wait for the second installment.

Thanks anonanemone. The author manages to fit everything in. The entire plot is fully developed, it's a journey I wish you could take. This is one of those books that sticks with you for a long time, and after a while, like me right this minute, you'll want to do it all over again.

There's another one coming out?

@kristi

Lol. Definitely. Hence "Saga, although I don't even know what saga means.

That gives me something to look forward to.

Awesome review. Sounds like a good book, and it was good to know your thoughts on it.

I'm not the reviewer for this book but what Leon said is absolutely true.

I read the book right after it first came out and it was fantastic. Great characters, great plot, and a great story.

I don't know Ruthie Morgan, in case anyone is thinking that. I just really loved this book.

@kristi

If this ever gets turned into a movie, I'm definitely watching it. Wonder who'll portray Evan. Maybe Nicholas Cage. That would be awesome!

Nicolas Cage might be too old. It's going to have to be someone much younger. Hmm...something else to think about.