Sugar Ain't Sweet

Rating:
Summary: On his way
Review: "Sugar Ain't Sweet" chronicles the marriage of a young African-American couple, Bernard and Simone Sparks. While they have overcome many obstacles in their marriage, including caring for a child disabled by Cerebral Palsy, it appears that they can not come to terms with their present obstacles.

Bernard enters a "Love Letter" writing contest on a whim. This would put the plot of the story into action. You see, this "Love Letter" is a big hit with the women everywhere, and also catches the attention of Kathleen Cuttle, the Editor of the newspaper. The letter is such a success, Bernard is asked to write a column in the paper on a regular basis. This, in turn, causes him to spend more time with Kathleen, the all too single Editor.

Bernard is offered an opportunity to write a book, but there's just one catch- He and Kathleen will be working together on the project, leaving Simone alone to deal with her son's increasing needs.

Simone has cared for her son all of his life, and until now, she hasn't regretted it. Now as she spends more and more time alone, she is faced with the reality that her life is "Empty" despite having a family around her. She is desperate to find herself-regardless of the circumstances around her. She confronts Bernard and tells him that she wants to put their son in a special center so that he can have 24hr care. At first he objects, but later changes his mind.

Simone, while finding herself, has an encounter with a guy named Mark and the two become quite fond of one another very quickly. Bernard learns of the relationship, and moves out-into the bed of Kathleen to no surprise, while Mark and Simone play house.

The overall story was written well, but I feel it lacked originality. I found Simone's acceptance of her husband's relationship to be unrealistic. She just seemed too cool throughout the whole ordeal. I thought her willingness to "set him free" was a good gesture, but was not believable. The "Mark" character lacked development which made it hard for me to get to know him and determine whether to root for him and Simone or get rid of him.

Phill Duck has the start of something good here, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.

NSBR

Rating:
Summary: To Stay Married or Not, that is the question
Review: "Sugar Ain't Sweet" chronicles the marriage of a young African-American couple, Bernard and Simone Sparks. While they have overcome many obstacles in their marriage, including caring for a child disabled by Cerebral Palsy, it appears that they can not come to terms with their present obstacles.

Bernard enters a "Love Letter" writing contest on a whim. This would put the plot of the story into action. You see, this "Love Letter" is a big hit with the women everywhere, and also catches the attention of Kathleen Cuttle, the Editor of the newspaper. The letter is such a success, Bernard is asked to write a column in the paper on a regular basis. This, in turn, causes him to spend more time with Kathleen, the all too single Editor.

Bernard is offered an opportunity to write a book, but there's just one catch- He and Kathleen will be working together on the project, leaving Simone alone to deal with her son's increasing needs.

Simone has cared for her son all of his life, and until now, she hasn't regretted it. Now as she spends more and more time alone, she is faced with the reality that her life is "Empty" despite having a family around her. She is desperate to find herself-regardless of the circumstances around her. She confronts Bernard and tells him that she wants to put their son in a special center so that he can have 24hr care. At first he objects, but later changes his mind.

Simone, while finding herself, has an encounter with a guy named Mark and the two become quite fond of one another very quickly. Bernard learns of the relationship, and moves out-into the bed of Kathleen to no surprise, while Mark and Simone play house.

The overall story was written well, but I feel it lacked originality. I found Simone's acceptance of her husband's relationship to be unrealistic. She just seemed too cool throughout the whole ordeal. I thought her willingness to "set him free" was a good gesture, but was not believable. The "Mark" character lacked development which made it hard for me to get to know him and determine whether to root for him and Simone or get rid of him.

Phill Duck has the start of something good here, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.

Rating:
Summary: On his way
Review: "Sugar Ain't Sweet" chronicles the marriage of a young African-American couple, Bernard and Simone Sparks. While they have overcome many obstacles in their marriage, including caring for a child disabled by Cerebral Palsy, it appears that they can not come to terms with their present obstacles.

Bernard enters a "Love Letter" writing contest on a whim. This would put the plot of the story into action. You see, this "Love Letter" is a big hit with the women everywhere, and also catches the attention of Kathleen Cuttle, the Editor of the newspaper. The letter is such a success, Bernard is asked to write a column in the paper on a regular basis. This, in turn, causes him to spend more time with Kathleen, the all too single Editor.

Bernard is offered an opportunity to write a book, but there's just one catch- He and Kathleen will be working together on the project, leaving Simone alone to deal with her son's increasing needs.

Simone has cared for her son all of his life, and until now, she hasn't regretted it. Now as she spends more and more time alone, she is faced with the reality that her life is "Empty" despite having a family around her. She is desperate to find herself-regardless of the circumstances around her. She confronts Bernard and tells him that she wants to put their son in a special center so that he can have 24hr care. At first he objects, but later changes his mind.

Simone, while finding herself, has an encounter with a guy named Mark and the two become quite fond of one another very quickly. Bernard learns of the relationship, and moves out-into the bed of Kathleen to no surprise, while Mark and Simone play house.

The overall story was written well, but I feel it lacked originality. I found Simone's acceptance of her husband's relationship to be unrealistic. She just seemed too cool throughout the whole ordeal. I thought her willingness to "set him free" was a good gesture, but was not believable. The "Mark" character lacked development which made it hard for me to get to know him and determine whether to root for him and Simone or get rid of him.

Phill Duck has the start of something good here, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.

NSBR

Rating:
Summary: Sugar substitute?
Review: Bernard and Simone were high school sweethearts. From the moment he saw her he knew that she was the ONE. Together for 16 years, married for 10, they were the first everything with each other. Ten years after their vows, they still have love, but they are at a crossroad, the sweetness in the marriage is missing.

Their son Jonathan was born with Cerebral Palsy and Simone has spent the last 8 years taking care of him and making Bernard's life comfortable. Bernard, an aspiring writer has been working in advertising to pay the bills as he slowly pursues his dream to write.

Bernard enters a Valentine day contest to win dinner for two and is approached by the sponsors to do a weekly article in their paper. When Bernard meets the editor of the paper, green-eyed Kathleen Cuttle, he is acutely aware that his marriage is not what it used to be. At her own crossroad, Simone realizes she does not have a life, and wonders if her timing is good or bad, when she meets Mark. He makes her remember what is now missing in their marriage. From there the writer shares a series of misunderstandings, that spelled doom for this unhappy couple who were still in love.

Sugar Ain't Sweet, Duck's debut novel was a good read, I think what prevented this from being a great read was the author's over use of clichés and cute quips. This was a story told with a sad reality, as it searched for a solution when sometimes there really is none. Phill

Duck's skills, at knowing how to weave an intricate story, were displayed in this book; I look forward to his next literary expression.

Reviewed by aNN

Rating:
Summary: Quick enjoyable read...
Review: I finished this book in 2 days and thoroughly enjoyed it! Great writing, especially considering it's from a man's perspective. This story tracks a husband and wife's bumpy road through their marriage and has a lot of life and relationship issues that definitely make it a great book club read. Well done Phill!! -ES

Rating:
Summary: Sugar Ain't Always Sweet
Review: Sugar Ain't Always Sweet and neither is love.
Sometimes love can take a sour twist.

First comes love then comes marriage, there goes Bernard and Simone down the rocky roads of marriage.
Having been together for 16 years and marriaged for 10 of those years each learned a valuable lesson.
It is so strange to learn how Simone forgives but Bernard was not will to .
No, two wrongs does not make it right but Bernard had to go thru a few thing to learn.
Kathleen on the other side of Bernard had to also learn a lesson about married men. All in all I think they each learned.
Sugar ain't always sweet and neither is love.

Rating:
Summary: BOOK-A-HOLIC
Review: Sugar Ain't Sweet chronicles the marital relationship of Bernard and Simone Sparks. Bernard and Simone are high school sweethearts who made a commitment to one another when they were teenagers and have been together ever since, living in a near blissful state. After being together for sixteen years, their relationship hits a rocky point and temptation enters. Temptation comes in the form of a beautiful newspaper editor named Kathleen Cuttle for Bernard.

Kathleen provides Bernard with opportunity in his writing career. She also is in search of a loving relationship and spends time secretly envying Simone and Bernard's relationship. Simone falls prey to Mark Miller. Simone begins to experience restlessness in her role as wife and mother and is in search of personal fulfillment. She meets Mark along her journey.

There are a number of supporting characters who show readers other aspects of the lives and personalities of Bernard and Simone. Phill Duck masterfully puts together great metaphors and descriptions which are sure to entertain readers. Simone and Bernard's relationship goes through many twists and turns and readers will happily go along and follow these intriguing characters. Sugar Ain't Sweet is a 4 on the RAW scale.

Reviewed by Shonie


Rating:
Summary: ...relationships...
Review: Sugar Ain't Sweet is a novel about how some relationships start off with butterflies, roses and birds singing; then it all ends. In the case for Bernard, the end was signified by his need to pursue his life long dream as a writer. Bernard has loved his wife, Simone, since high school but after immersing successfully in his first career, he decided to finally write a book. The writing of the book takes away a lot of personal time from Simone and she feels neglected. Eventually the relationship appears to be over, especially when Simone meets a man more attentive to her needs as a woman. Bernard also meets a woman, Kathleen, with the press, who is more attentive to his needs as a new author.

Because of the two newly developed relationships outside of marriage, coupled with Simone's and Bernard's stress with having a mentally ill son, the relationship totters on the realm of divorce. But, through all of the mistakes made, the pain caused, a new beginning is made inside of Simone (baby) and love prevails.

Sugar Ain't Sweet was a decent read. The language was a bit corny at times and the dialogue wasn't unique but it did touch on the stresses that a couple can experience when the time for life long dreams need to be fulfilled.

Reviewer: NM

Rating:
Summary: ...relationships...
Review: Sugar Ain't Sweet is a novel about how some relationships start off with butterflies, roses and birds singing; then it all ends. In the case for Bernard, the end was signified by his need to pursue his life long dream as a writer. Bernard has loved his wife, Simone, since high school but after immersing successfully in his first career, he decided to finally write a book. The writing of the book takes away a lot of personal time from Simone and she feels neglected. Eventually the relationship appears to be over, especially when Simone meets a man more attentive to her needs as a woman. Bernard also meets a woman, Kathleen, with the press, who is more attentive to his needs as a new author.

Because of the two newly developed relationships outside of marriage, coupled with Simone's and Bernard's stress with having a mentally ill son, the relationship totters on the realm of divorce. But, through all of the mistakes made, the pain caused, a new beginning is made inside of Simone (baby) and love prevails.

Sugar Ain't Sweet was a decent read. The language was a bit corny at times and the dialogue wasn't unique but it did touch on the stresses that a couple can experience when the time for life long dreams need to be fulfilled.

Reviewer: NM

Rating:
Summary: Love is Sometimes Bittersweet!
Review: Sugar Ain't Sweet is an entertaining and delightful debut novel from Phill Duck. Duck introduces the reader to Bernard and Simone Sparks and shows us what happens when the honeymoon is over and the passion is lacking in a marriage. Bernard and Simone have been together for 16 years, married 10 of those years and have an 8 year old disabled son named Jonathan. As with many couples, they've gotten caught up with going to work to make a living, taking care of household chores and taking care of their son... but what are they doing to take care of each other? And their in lies the problem.

For Valentine's Day, Bernard, decides to enter a writing contest offered by the local newspaper, in which he's asked to write a love letter to the special someone in his life. In his case, it's his wife, Simone. The prize for the best entry is dinner for two at Steak and Ales. Not only does Bernard win the contest , but his essay is so romantic and poignant that he's offered the opportunity to write a weekly column for the newspaper and he unknowingly wins the attention of the attractive, green-eyed newspaper editor, Kathleen Cute. It's not long before Bernard's column catches the attention of a publisher and he's asked to write a book ...along with Kathleen as his editor...which means he will be spending a lot of time away from his family. As Bernard continues to pursue his writing dreams, he's pulled further and further away from spending quality time alone with Simone...and more and more time alone with Kathleen. At her own crossroad, as Simone searches for companionship, compassion, and the passion that seems to be lacking of late from her marriage along comes attractive and single, Mark Miller. Will Simone follow her heart and pursue Mark? Or will she follow her head and give her marriage a second chance?

Sugar Ain't Sweet poses many situations and dilemmas that marriage folks face. It was refreshing to read a story about an African American couple with real life issues and concerns...minus the unrealistic drama. Duck deftly and skillfully weaves a story that left you wondering if this could happen to you...and if it did how would you react to the situation. I enjoyed reading about the characters in Sugar Ain't Sweet and the situations that they encountered. I felt like I was their experiencing the events with them. Phil Duck has a good debut novel and I look forward to other novels from this talented author.