Skye O'Malley: A Novel (O'Malley Saga)

I first read this book several years ago. Obviously, I liked it because I (a) remembered the name and author and (b) read it the second time. Bertrice Small wrote several books in this series, most of which I have read. It's great for curling up with the cat on a cold, rainy day, in front of the fire, and just escaping.

Wonderful storytelling with fantastic characters. I read this book when it was new and all the subsequent novels as the story continues. You will want to read them all. I just wish I still had my old paperbacks! You will love these books.

Skye is a heroine all throughout the story. The story is romantic, adventurous, tragic, dramatic, sexy, and overall enjoyable. I became drawn in to Skye's adventures and her loves and losses. It is great to have a heroine who is independent and intelligent, and can handle herself if need be.

This book is a flimsy sexualized excuse for the more serious,and well researched books of far superior interests. Silly daydreams for lazy authors and readers who can't document historical perspectives without fantasy.

This is Definitely one of my Favorites. Read it over fifteen yrs ago, and re-read it over 3 times. This one of the O'Malley series. Sky is an Absolute Spitfire; Charming, Witty, Beautiful, Feisty, and Willful. Yet, conquered by love to this dashing, gorgeous beau Lord Burke, Niall. Beatrice Small's novels are the best. Filled with a variety of drama-filled storylines, and saga trilogies, where she romances and brings all members together. Great love scenes and dialogue between characters. This One ( Sky O'malley) was one of the Best! One of the best Novelist! A Must Read.

I love this epic romance, set against the backdrop of politics of Elizabethan England. Skye is such a strong heroine, realistic in her actions and her thoughts; she knows when to give in and how to make the best of things. Yes, her beauty makes men fall all over her, but she is not a Mary Sue type of character. Horrible things do happen to her, she loves and she mourns and she loves again. She is powerful and rich but as it is still a man’s world, she needs a powerful man’s protection or else as a widow she is prey to men like Dudley.
And to protect her children and their inheritances, she has no choice but to marry again. I know this is a long review, but I have only highlighted the main parts, there is so much more to the story, friends and lovers, good and especially the bad.
If you like historical romances, and haven’t read a Bertrice Small yet, try this on. I do warn you, it has a lot of explicit sex scenes, and there are a lot of euphemisms for body parts. But I love her writing style, she is very descriptive of the meals and the clothes, and I love that. It adds a lot of atmosphere to her books.

10 stars.

First I must identify myself as an Avid Bertrice Small fan, as well as a history buff. I would also like to state that I truly believe there are two major categories of romance readers; The escapists who read romance for neat and tidy love stories with just enough tension and drama to have a story line, but nothing to reality filled, as reality is often a bit of a bummer to deal with, especially in our leisure time. Now, with no judgment on this first group it's a bit formulaic for me, kind of like horror flicks, you know sweet but strong willed virgin meets highly skilled and sexed, hard to reach emotionally, hero. Just add a little drama and difficulty and a few chapters later and we all live happily ever after. Now don't get me wrong I would have never found Ms. Small's work had I not been a standard romance fan but when I read my first Small book "The love slave" ten years ago I was changed consumer of romance.

So onto the second category if you enjoy History and I do mean detailed and some times gritty side of history. As well as rich scenery and slightly fantastical events, that may or may not have realistically befallen fictional characters, as well as a strong interest in sexuality and some erotica and the many different roles and aspects it plays in life and politics. Than welcome to this second category; for while no author is infallible this is the genre that Ms. Small has mastered and I recommend you start with the Skye O'Malley's saga.

I hate giving to much away in these reviews: but I will say that Skye is a character who deserves the two immediate books and the ten that followed her Offspring, Even if the amount of contact with the Middle East and the bondages that ensue do become a little tedious at times. The first one hundred pages are a non-stop rollercoaster you can't put down. As the story moves forward you will be pulled into the court of Queen Elizabeth its politics and Intrigue as well as the ongoing tail of Skye, her love life and the ruling of her family and the building of an empire. I would recommend this read strongly, if you like this please continue to explore Bertrice Small's body of work which I have found fascinating. Once you've read this you'll know which kind of romance you are into. As a side note there are two books I consider prequels to the saga as a whole "The Kadin" and "Love Wild and Fair" if you already have read her work before please consider these titles first.

ever reading a historical romance. I read it back in 1986 when it first came out and I had received it through my bookclub because I didn't send the response card back in time (remember those?). I had the flu one weekend and as I was on the mend and bored, I picked it up -- and never put it down! In fact, I revisit this book every 3-4 years and I always enjoy it like it's the first time!

Bertrice Small's moniker in the world of romance novels is "Lust's Leading Lady." That should give you a clue. For those of you who like your romance sanitized, this book is NOT for you! If you like a good dose of spicy sex with your romance, this book is FOR you!

Ms. Small's attention to detail, her character development and her ability to intertwine fiction with history is superb. Sure some of the storylines may be a bit over the top, but that's what makes this such a good, fun read!

And if you enjoy this, make sure you read the rest of the "O'Malley Saga"!!

I first read this book when I turned eighteen. Lets just say I was confused about the feelings this book inspired. About a year later I was going through my books and reread it... I LOVED IT! I have read every single book in this series at least five times.

Skye is a very strong person to go through the harsh life fate has dealt her.There are so many men who touch her life. The husband chosen for her is a sadistic and perverted jerk. Just thinking about him makes me mad. But, Skye got the best of him. And was a real lady about it. Read it and you'll understand. Anyway, Syke ends up being abducted and loses her fiance and her memory. ( typical, but doesn't hurt the story) She is sold only to find friendships and love. So not giving more away. There is so much adventure before she remembers who she is and what she left behind that you have to read it!!!

Enjoyed this read...I tend to skip over extremely descriptive parts (re: food, clothing, etc.) The sugesstive scenes do fair well with the descriptions! I have downloaded the next book in the series :)

Skye O'Malley is not your average heroine. She has the responsibility of heading her family thrust upon her at an early age, yet holds that responsibility with grace and determination. Skye is a reflection of Elizabeth I of England who must rise above the men who would fight her for her throne. Skye's life although more adventurous and sexually exciting, mirrors much of Elizabeth's life and the common threads of their lives are frequently commented upon. With great historical accuracy, Bertrice Small shows us many different cultures during this time period by giving us a strong, central character who triumphs not despite being a woman, but because she is a woman. In real life, very few women love just one man in their lifetime. Neither does Skye. This book is not your average happily-ever-after. Bertrice Small goes beyond the average romance formula and creates her own. I have yet to find an author like her and continously read and reread all of her books.

Skye O'Malley - what a woman. I think that every woman secretly wants to be her and I'm sure no exception to that rule! "Purple" prose it may be - but it's a RICH, WONDERFUL shade of purple! The book is well written, no details are spared, and the characters are wonderfully believable. The only thing that I take exception to with this book (and I don't think it was on purpose) is that the descriptions of some of the parties go on waaay too long. It's enough that we can see Queen Elizabeth's hall, and know that the buffet was plentiful. There isn't really a need to go on and on and on about what the food looked like! :-)
Still, a very well-written book. A great place for new Small fans to start with.

I discovered Skye O'Malley and Beatrice Small while on a summer detail to Nantucket Island many years ago, several of her books were in the little cottage I rented.

Some may think her writing is shocking, I found Beatrice an intriguing story teller, I envied Ms. Small's incredible character development. I have devoured every one of her titles. RIP Beatrice.

One of the best books ever written! Skye is inspirational I named my daughter after her. Strong and fearless. But beware you will find yourself getting emotional while reading this. There are scenes that have me in full tears every time. But do not let that deter you this is an amazing book you will read again and again.

This is the best Historical Romance I have ever read. It is also the first Historical Romance I ever read. It was about 15 years ago and I have read quite a few since then. Skye O'Malley is a Beautifully written, Hot, Sexy, Steamy, Passionate, and sad novel. I have read it numerous times and cannot get enough. I love the entire series but am sad to say that all the other historical romances I have read pale in comparison, and that is saying alot because I have read some good books. Any of you out there that like hot romance. Skye O' Malley is a must! Pick this one up if you have not already. Your in for a real treat. PS. Not for the wimpy, simpy, sappy, drippy types. This stuff is HOT!

This book is exactly all that I expected. A wonderful romp into romance novels filled with a number of different tropes that give the reader of that day exactly what they wanted. A strong, forceful, unconventional, bueatiful, firey, intellegent woman who is thrown into a billion situations that she cannot control and has to adapt to. The hero, who you're never sure is half the time, is, by turns, smart, handsome, controlling, angry, in love, in lust, demanding, charming, violent, soft, and (above all) Alpha.

These tow are surrounded, most of the time, by loving, loyal, understanding, and entertaining family, servants, and friends.

The turns that happen in this novel may seem harsh, but I can't help but feel that it's realistic (to an extent) to the times. Obviously blown out of proportion with it all pertaining to one person, but still believable nontheless.

What you really have is a stong, independant woman who comes through amazing events against the odds and, though she grows and changes throught the novel, she is still the same core person you met when she was born.

If you can't handle the heat, stay out of the kitchen, but if you're willing to wade though the deep and dark waters to come out shining on the other side, you will enjoy this book.

My tattered, original copy of Skye O'Malley is barely holding up. First read in 1980, it certainly did not conform to the romance novel template of the time. As another reviewer states, Bertrice Small's characters have multiple lovers and loves. Skye breaks the 'mold" in other ways, too. She is a powerful, intelligent and strong woman; fully capable of taking on the men and even the queen who threaten or challenge her. Her only fault might be that her thirst for revenge outweighs her good judgement. Skye is loosely modeled on the real-life, historical character, Grace O'Malley. By far, the best historical romance I have ever read.

This book established the characters for future sequels...all of them "readable", but other Small books deserving of praise are Love Wild and Fair and The Kadin.

Want to enter a world of strong willed beautiful women and fascinating men? Start reading the O'Malley series right now!! Full of wonderful heroines, nasty villians (both male and female), and romantic hereos, you will love this series! Skye becomes the matriarch of a powerful English/Irish family; this book begins the wonderful saga. She crosses paths with a sultan or two, and Elizabeth I, arguably the world's greatest ruler. Treat yourself to all of the O'Malley books!!

This was my second Beatrice Small book and by far the best. The story just kept evolving from one situation to another. You certainly couldn't get bored. Small certainly has a way with bringing the characters to life. You love them and hate some. I would highly recommend this book if you like excitement, a good story line and alot of sex! I hope I can find another story that will keep me as interested as this one.

I am not usually a Historical Romance reader but a friend of mine said to me, "You HAVE to read this book". Boy, was I ever glad she did. It was one of the best books I ever read. Bertrice Small is a great story teller. The heroine Skye O'Malley is so strong and independent that I found myself admiring her even though I knew she's only a fictional character. The plot of this book has so many twists and turns that there is never a dull moment. I was amazed at all this woman went through but she survived it all. I also learned alot about history from this book. I knew who Elizabeth I was, but this book told me things I never learned in any history class. And that made the book all the better. So, if you like Historical Romances, I will tell you what my friend told me...you HAVE to read this book. You won't regret it!

To all of the dedicated Bertrice Small readers. This was the first book of hers that I had read. I found that I could not get enough and subsequently purchased everything she has ever written.
If you want romance, adventure, wonderful love scenes, and reading that you just can't put down - read her. You won't be sorry.

I first discovered Bertrice Small in my grandfather's library. Yes, my grandfather read her books. At first I thought her books were a little too perverted. And then I realized that what they are is REALISTIC!

The first thing anyone wishing to read ANY Bertrice Small books needs to know is THEY ARE NOT TYPICAL ROMANCES! In almost all of her books, the heroine has multiple lovers. Sex scenes are ALWAYS graphic! There are rapes, incest, more than just missionary style, etc. She does not edit. Her characters live lives common for the time period. Her stories do not always have happy endings, just like in real life. There is death (of characters you will like). That is just how her books are.

If you want a regular romance where, no matter where you are in the book, you know that the hero and the heroine will be together by the end, Bertrice Small is NOT the writer for you!

The women in her lives always have hard lives, hard choices. They love many times, lose children and spouses, are set upon by the world around them. Depending on the setting of the story (year and place) each story is different.

In a typical woman's life anytime between 1100 and 1900, she could expect to have any of these things happen. She was born, grew up, parents or siblings may be killed, she may be raped (a woman's sex was her weakness), she may fall in love, may give herself willingly in marriage or not, may spend her entire life with a husband she hated or one she loved. She would probably have children, some who may die at birth. She may have miscarriages, or lose children to disease. She may even die in childbirth. If she was lucky, she would live to be over 60. The world was ruled by greedy, powerhungry men.

That is how reality was. And that is how Bertrice Small writes.

I began reading Skye O'Malley last April. It was the most amazing romance I have ever read. It was a story full of twists and turns and I couldn't put it down! After finishing Skye O'Malley I then had to go out and buy the rest of the saga. I cried and cried at the end of the last book saying goodbye to Skye...then I realized I didn't have to let her go, I ended up reading the entire saga all over again! I've never read any romance books over again, but Skye O'Malley changed all that. I won't be letting my Skye O'Malley books go.

I am an African American Woman, and I honestly don't know how I begin reading Bertrice Small - but I have not stopped. Skye O Malley and the entire legacy is a must read for those who enjoy historical romances and a little erotical to spice it up.

You never know how her books will end, and that keeps you going. She is my favorite author in the Historical Romance era.

Keep them coming - and don't listen to those that blast your work, your loyal readers will remain that - and keep on buying and reading your books. Let them have their kicks.

Keep up the awesome work, I also love to write, but you made me realize that it takes an unbelievable talent - dedication and research - so now I am just an avid romance reader.

I never read romance novels until a friend gave this to me back in decades ago - this got me hook, line and sinker - not only romance, but historical information - she definitely is my favorite author of all times!!!!

Bertrice Small is the BEST romance writer I have ever read. I have read the entire O'Malley Saga, (except the one about Conn and Aidan. I can't find it anywhere!) Skye O'Malley is the most enduring character in all of romance.

Ms. Small missed the part where Skye is contacted by Obi-Wan Kenobi and sent to the Dagobah system, so that she can complete her Jedi training. Why not? Skye can do everything else, why not tangle with the Force? I hear the Dark Side quaking..