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Any Excuse (Max and Skyler 2)

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Title: Any Excuse (Max and Skyler 2)
Author: Acer Adamson
Publisher: M&V Tailz
Genre: Contemporary M/M
Length: short story 6,000 words
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

Summary Review: Another wonderful adventure in the world of Max and Skyler.

THE BLURB

In this follow-up to ‘Only Words,’ author Acer Adamson gives us another glimpse at the complicated lives of Detective Maxwell Fielding and his beautiful cross-dressing lover, Skyler Trent. The police department is honoring Max for performing above and beyond the call of duty, and Max has asked Skyler to accompany him to the awards banquet—a huge step for both of them. Nervous about how the unconventional manner in which Skyler dresses will be received by a hotel ballroom full of cops, the press, and the city’s highest elected officials, Max is in for a bigger surprise than he bargained for, and Skyler doesn’t disappoint. 

THE REVIEW

I first met Skyler and Max in Only Words reviewed here. In part 2 of their adventures Skyler had hurt his wrist so the story opens with Max applying polish to his nails, a job you would think he would be very clumsy at executing but as he explained to Skyler (somewhat tongue in cheek)  he had done this before for an ex girlfriend. Of course this didn’t sit well with Skyler and he put Max through the third degree which pleased Max no end because he loved that Skyler was jealous about his former lovers. Then he realized that Skyler was really hurt that Max might be considering switching back, so he quickly reassured the man who had fast become the love of his life that that was never going to happen and he wasn’t going anywhere. Clearly Skyler was having doubts about Max’s commitment to their relationship and still wondered how he could be heterosexual one day and gay the next – might he not change his mind again? There was only one way to put Skyler’s mind at ease and Max very quickly showed him why he was the most special person in his life. 🙂

The reason for Skyler getting all tarted up was in honour of their attendance at an awards ceremony for Max, and they were both nervous since this would be their first public appearance together at a function with the big brass. Max was even more concerned because he had no idea what Skyler would wear. Of course Skyler chose this particular time to discuss another matter weighing on his mind – living together. Would Max hold out? And what about Skyler’s outfit for the ceremony? Did Max have any reason to be nervous when Skyler told him that he thought basic black would look great – sophisticated, but not too understated?

This is another terrific and moving short story about the love affair between Skyler and Max and make no mistake, it is a love affair. Although alpha Max tried to appear impervious to Skyler’s charms I wasn’t fooled because he gave away his feelings in the tender way he treated Skyler and showed him how important he was in his life. The interplay between them and power shifts clearly showed who was in charge, but Skyler took pains to make Max feel that he was the big man on their campus. Although going out together in public was a big step for them, it really wasn’t, since they knew they were loved and they didn’t care who was uncomfortable when they showed how much they cared about each other. 

With Any Excuse (Max and Skyler 2) Acer Adamson proves that writing a short story with all the elements that make a much longer story enjoyable – depth, great characterization, wonderful dialogue and prose, is not at all difficult to achieve in the hands of a skilled and talented author.

This couple really pulled at my heartstrings and I can’t wait for Acer to serve up more of the same. Maybe a wedding is next? Definitely recommended!

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30 comments

  • Hey Wave,

    Yes I did like them.
    Short, sweet and they made their point.
    Lots of times short stories have trouble feeling “real” but the emotions and character came through.
    Thanks for the review, I don’t think I would have read them otherwise.

    • Ailish

      Thanks for the review, I don’t think I would have read them otherwise

      It always makes me happy when I review a book and a reader buys it based on the review and enjoys it as much as I did. That’s why I do this job. 🙂

  • Hey Wave,

    Like I said, I loved both shorts, but I especially loved this one. They make such a great couple and I was really proud of Max, who seemed to have come a long way since the beginning of the first story.

    I really hope Jaye answers you and tells you that we’re going to get more of these two…

    • Cole

      I’m waiting for the official word from Jaye and the timing before I celebrate, but I think it’s going to happen from what I hear. The problem is that they have a lot of projects underway and from what he said a couple of days ago, a brand new book they just dreamed up that will require a fair amount of research. Here’s hoping. 🙂

      • Yeah, I can see that. I bet they have a ton of fun coming up with story ideas. They’re always out there, and they seem to be very plentiful 🙂

  • OMG, I love Skyler and Max so much. I think Skyler is my all time favorite cross dressing character. I can’t wait for the novel about them that is supposed to come out later this year according to Jaye.

    • Anja
      I heard that they intend to release a book about Max and Skyler and I’m hoping it will be sooner rather than later because they have so much underway.

  • I read both of these books awhile ago and after your review of Only Words I had to go back and read them both again. I love Skyler and I hope there will be more in the future!

  • They were both terrific! I’d love to read a longer book with these characters. I’ve read Firecracker but not any of Valentine/MacLeod’s other books as I’m not a fan of paranormal. I do enjoy the writing style though.

    • Hi Laura
      I’m very happy you enjoyed these stories as well as Firecracker. I have a couple of Jaye’s books scheduled for review next week but one is twincest and the other paranormal so you probably won’t be getting either book, which is too bad.

  • A novel-length piece is in progress, revolving around an invitation for Skyler to participate in a “Project Runway”-ish reality television show. In the book, there are flashbacks to how Max and Skyler met (tacky bridesmaid’s dresses and the Hokey Pokey are involved). There will also be reminiscing about events from the first two stories, which will serve to fill in gaps and tie everything together. With everything on my overloaded plate right now, I’m looking at a late August/early September release date at the soonest.

    I want to a moment to mention that Reno designed the covers for this series from hand-drawn art. I love the stark simplicity, the subtle heart-shaped objects, the tiny details, and the cohesiveness from cover to cover. I’m very excited to see how the next one turns out.

    I’m very pleased that folks are enjoying these guys. 🙂

    • Hi Jaye
      Thanks for dropping by.

      With everything on my overloaded plate right now, I’m looking at a late August/early September release date at the soonest.

      On noes!! Not till August/September? We really love these guys. I suppose it can’t be helped since you know your schedule better than anyone, just remember you have many fans of Skyler and Max waiting and waiting. 🙂

      Re the covers – they’re dynamite. Simplicity and elegance – can’t beat that.

      We love these guys, or can’t you tell?

    • It’s not a paranormal twincest – one is a paranormal and the other is a twincest so you can try the twincest which is short and again there are two stories. Coming up next week. 🙂

  • I got both the books after your previous review, Wave, and read them both last night. They are really charming – but TOOOOO short. Yay for a full length novel.

    I loved that Skyler dressed in a suit for Max, but that Max missed Skyler’s usual dress – aah.

    Thanks for the signposting to a very nice read.

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