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Skyclad #2
Midsummer
Mae and Ella took a vow on Beltane to love each other for a year and a day. Now, one year later, they're faced with enough obstacles to threaten the foundation of their relationship. Can Ella draw her gaze away from the doubt of her past, to truly see her beautiful Mae who stands reaching for her beyond the darkness?
- GenresLesbian
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2018
20 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Max Ellendale
33 books317 followersMax grew up just outside of New York City, spending most of her formative years outdoors creating wild ghost hunts with neighborhood kids, setting booby-traps to capture unwitting family members, and building clubhouses on top of ten-foot walls. Max wrote her first story at the age of twelve and titled it Circles of Friendship. Through the years, Max has written several short-stories and poems, all of which met the wrath of the “Not Good Enough” monster and ended in fiery demise.
Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.
Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 4, 2018
Even though this is a follow on to Skyclad I feel this is written in a way that it can be read stand alone if you wanted. Of course you miss some backstory but this is fantastic in it's own right. Absolutely loved it. Ellendale once again hits with the big feels, dunno if I can read it again though. I blubbered through a lot of it. lol. Maybe once book 3 hits I'll do a re read :)
June 7, 2020
I didn't realise again that this was a sequel, dang you kindle unlimited. But it still worked for me, stand alone.
I honestly loved seeing the lovers, one wiccan/pagan and one a professor of anthropology, navigate the foster system and it's flaws in trying to help troubled kids and a teen aging out.
Ella the professor has herself a history in the system and has a past of abuse. While her free spirited girlfriend Mae loves and supports her unconditionally and helps her through that turmoil to find complete acceptance in their love and life together.
My only complaint was the dom/sub BDSM stuff which I admit is my own issue. It just felt a little on the nose considering the past abuses Ella had encountered, and seeing her be dommed, tied and spanked, when she was raised in a controlling cult and whipped, so it just seemed odd to me for someone to want that treatment, but who am I to judge?
Ultimately the relationship was very consensual, safe words and all. It was incredibly heart warming albeit completely different to anything I've ever experienced or been interested in. So it open my mind. Which I am glad of.
The ending left it open for another book, and I would definitely like to read a follow-up from these awesome characters.
I honestly loved seeing the lovers, one wiccan/pagan and one a professor of anthropology, navigate the foster system and it's flaws in trying to help troubled kids and a teen aging out.
Ella the professor has herself a history in the system and has a past of abuse. While her free spirited girlfriend Mae loves and supports her unconditionally and helps her through that turmoil to find complete acceptance in their love and life together.
My only complaint was the dom/sub BDSM stuff which I admit is my own issue. It just felt a little on the nose considering the past abuses Ella had encountered, and seeing her be dommed, tied and spanked, when she was raised in a controlling cult and whipped, so it just seemed odd to me for someone to want that treatment, but who am I to judge?
Ultimately the relationship was very consensual, safe words and all. It was incredibly heart warming albeit completely different to anything I've ever experienced or been interested in. So it open my mind. Which I am glad of.
The ending left it open for another book, and I would definitely like to read a follow-up from these awesome characters.
July 8, 2018
This sequel to Max Ellendale’s “Skyclad” was definitely something I was looking for after reading the 1st book. It ticked all the boxes for me when it came to Mae and Ella’s journey, their life as a couple, how they manoeuvred their long-term relationship.
A wedding on the horizon for Mae and Ella! YES! These two lovebirds decided to get wedded during the Midsummer festival, Wiccan style. But all was not going according to plan. Obviously not. Ella stumbled upon a kid outside her college one day and discovered some gruesome details about the girl. Her name was Phee. I loved this kid. So young and incredibly independent, strong-willed, intelligent, street-smart but underneath all that bravado lied her vulnerability and fear because regardless she was still just a young child. This delicate juxtaposition was depicted with such aplomb. The chemistry between Ella and Phee was immediately felt as it was written effectively in an organic, natural style.
This time, we discovered more about Ella’s adoptive family, Jax’s deepening kinship with Mae and Ella. I simply loved the dynamic of this unconventional family unit, brilliantly developed since Book 1 that grew into this strong, close-knit bond amongst Ella, Mae and Jax, with Sonora, Mrs. F and Papa F, Jed and Zoie, as their support system. In this sequel, Ellendale seamlessly weaved Phee’s story into Mae and Ella’s, complicating things with unforeseen circumstances that involved the foster care system. Phee’s story was gripping. Ellendale tackled the family, social, psychological issues in a more serious tone this time. We also got to find out just how powerful Ella’s biological family’s hold on her was to her life, how Ella’s mental and psychological state of mind was still very much affected by her childhood trauma. It was a harrowing read. Deeply affecting.
With all the heavy drama that unfolded, Ellendale, as usual, also gave us the ultimate joy – Mae and Ella’s wedding!!! On Halloween, no less!! So appropriate, though, innit? On top of that, an icing on the cake, really, was another fantastic happy ending which tugged at me heartstrings to no end! It was emotional. It was enlightening. It was pure jubilation. Well done, Ellendale, and thank you for writing such a richly engaging, emotionally satisfying love story that encompassed other facets of the couple’s life together as a family, and what it meant with the other characters that constituted their unit.
“Midsummer” is a must-read for all who’ve read “Skyclad.” It’s an expansion and a smooth transition to the next step of Mae and Ella’s journey along with the other vital characters. If you haven’ read “Skyclad,” I highly recommend it. The entire series is a bloody good read, tbh. Both have all the elements of a romance with absolutely captivating protagonists to root for whose chemistry sizzles from the get-go. Kick in some quirks, whimsy and enchanting feel to add to the sensual eroticism of their love story and the fantastic happy ending (thank you, Ellendale!), you’ll come away feeling totally satisfied.
You can read my commentary on Book 1 of the series, “Skyclad,” is here …
In Bug's Own Words
A wedding on the horizon for Mae and Ella! YES! These two lovebirds decided to get wedded during the Midsummer festival, Wiccan style. But all was not going according to plan. Obviously not. Ella stumbled upon a kid outside her college one day and discovered some gruesome details about the girl. Her name was Phee. I loved this kid. So young and incredibly independent, strong-willed, intelligent, street-smart but underneath all that bravado lied her vulnerability and fear because regardless she was still just a young child. This delicate juxtaposition was depicted with such aplomb. The chemistry between Ella and Phee was immediately felt as it was written effectively in an organic, natural style.
This time, we discovered more about Ella’s adoptive family, Jax’s deepening kinship with Mae and Ella. I simply loved the dynamic of this unconventional family unit, brilliantly developed since Book 1 that grew into this strong, close-knit bond amongst Ella, Mae and Jax, with Sonora, Mrs. F and Papa F, Jed and Zoie, as their support system. In this sequel, Ellendale seamlessly weaved Phee’s story into Mae and Ella’s, complicating things with unforeseen circumstances that involved the foster care system. Phee’s story was gripping. Ellendale tackled the family, social, psychological issues in a more serious tone this time. We also got to find out just how powerful Ella’s biological family’s hold on her was to her life, how Ella’s mental and psychological state of mind was still very much affected by her childhood trauma. It was a harrowing read. Deeply affecting.
With all the heavy drama that unfolded, Ellendale, as usual, also gave us the ultimate joy – Mae and Ella’s wedding!!! On Halloween, no less!! So appropriate, though, innit? On top of that, an icing on the cake, really, was another fantastic happy ending which tugged at me heartstrings to no end! It was emotional. It was enlightening. It was pure jubilation. Well done, Ellendale, and thank you for writing such a richly engaging, emotionally satisfying love story that encompassed other facets of the couple’s life together as a family, and what it meant with the other characters that constituted their unit.
“Midsummer” is a must-read for all who’ve read “Skyclad.” It’s an expansion and a smooth transition to the next step of Mae and Ella’s journey along with the other vital characters. If you haven’ read “Skyclad,” I highly recommend it. The entire series is a bloody good read, tbh. Both have all the elements of a romance with absolutely captivating protagonists to root for whose chemistry sizzles from the get-go. Kick in some quirks, whimsy and enchanting feel to add to the sensual eroticism of their love story and the fantastic happy ending (thank you, Ellendale!), you’ll come away feeling totally satisfied.
You can read my commentary on Book 1 of the series, “Skyclad,” is here …
In Bug's Own Words
November 27, 2019
Let me first start off by saying I have not read read a book by this author that I didnt end up loving.. I love them all but this book is my new favorite!
***WOW WOW WOW!!!!!***
You know how after you've just finished an incredibly fantastic book and you're left with a book hangover because you're still feeling the incredible effects of the book and you can't stop thinking about it?? That's EXACTLY where I am now!!!!
This story is completely captivating from start to finish it's so good you won't be able to stop reading!!
It's beautiful it will move you to tears and fill you up with many emotions your heart will be bursting!
Amazing described details that couldn't get any better then if you had stepped into the book itself and that's exactly what it feels like too that you are there and experiencing it first hand alongside the characters and it was truly a beautiful scene!
Let's talk about the story .. it delivers a beautiful but powerful message that no matter how alone you might feel or how bleak things might seem there's always a light in the dark and it will always shine!
Hatred and Bullying will never win... Love ALWAYS wins!!!!
Last but definitely not least I want to talk about the characters! I very much enjoyed them! Though they had pretty rough pasts that left them with scars they found each other and were able to overcome everything life threw at them with strength, love, support from family and friends, and from.each other.. they had a beautiful unity!
They're also pretty funny as well they really made the book enjoyable and so much fun to read! and I'm really hoping for a second book !!! ***hint hint*** lol because that ending though!!! LOL.
I definitely recommend this book!!!
***WOW WOW WOW!!!!!***
You know how after you've just finished an incredibly fantastic book and you're left with a book hangover because you're still feeling the incredible effects of the book and you can't stop thinking about it?? That's EXACTLY where I am now!!!!
This story is completely captivating from start to finish it's so good you won't be able to stop reading!!
It's beautiful it will move you to tears and fill you up with many emotions your heart will be bursting!
Amazing described details that couldn't get any better then if you had stepped into the book itself and that's exactly what it feels like too that you are there and experiencing it first hand alongside the characters and it was truly a beautiful scene!
Let's talk about the story .. it delivers a beautiful but powerful message that no matter how alone you might feel or how bleak things might seem there's always a light in the dark and it will always shine!
Hatred and Bullying will never win... Love ALWAYS wins!!!!
Last but definitely not least I want to talk about the characters! I very much enjoyed them! Though they had pretty rough pasts that left them with scars they found each other and were able to overcome everything life threw at them with strength, love, support from family and friends, and from.each other.. they had a beautiful unity!
They're also pretty funny as well they really made the book enjoyable and so much fun to read! and I'm really hoping for a second book !!! ***hint hint*** lol because that ending though!!! LOL.
I definitely recommend this book!!!
September 11, 2018
Good book
I enjoyed the continuation of Mae and Ella's story. I like the addition of Phee. It really made for a happy read.
I enjoyed the continuation of Mae and Ella's story. I like the addition of Phee. It really made for a happy read.
October 5, 2018
Max Ellendale never disappoints me. Awesome writing, fantastic storytelling and a genuine pleasure to read. I love how playful these characters are, how loving and caring and supportive they are. I’m sad the book ended, I always want more!
February 18, 2019
Love this sweet sweet delicious story
What a wonderful follow up to Skyclad. Sweet and beautiful. Mae and Ella are crave worthy, and the life the built is perfection. Enviable lives, amazing characters.
What a wonderful follow up to Skyclad. Sweet and beautiful. Mae and Ella are crave worthy, and the life the built is perfection. Enviable lives, amazing characters.
October 11, 2019
Loved this and the continuation of Mae and Ella's story. The addition of Phee was fantastic as were the other elements woven into the story. I wonder of there will be another in the series with the way it ended. It would be nice to see Ella confronting her past once and for all and officially adopting Phee as well
October 4, 2021
I don’t want it to end
Max is such an amazing writer, from the four point trilogy, to the four point universe to this series she never ceases to amaze me. I’m so sad to leave Ella and Mae. I fell in love with their relationship and antics. It took my longer to complete this book, simply because I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to see what comes out next.
Max is such an amazing writer, from the four point trilogy, to the four point universe to this series she never ceases to amaze me. I’m so sad to leave Ella and Mae. I fell in love with their relationship and antics. It took my longer to complete this book, simply because I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to see what comes out next.
November 26, 2019
I wonder
Great second book for So and Mea. This one brought me to tears, only because it was emotional. The writer sucks you into the story of both ladies.
I would not mind a third book. The ending had me wanting MORE!
Great second book for So and Mea. This one brought me to tears, only because it was emotional. The writer sucks you into the story of both ladies.
I would not mind a third book. The ending had me wanting MORE!
April 18, 2020
All Good
I love this author! I’ve read just about every book and they are all so compelling. I especially liked the foster kids and I took notes because I’m on the path to become one myself. Thanks for the tips!
I love this author! I’ve read just about every book and they are all so compelling. I especially liked the foster kids and I took notes because I’m on the path to become one myself. Thanks for the tips!
February 1, 2022
You want to read this follow up to Skyclad!
A delicious follow up to Skyclad, Midsummer details the growing relationship between Ella and Mae, as they expand to bring Jax into their fold. A new surprise awaits in the form of Phee. You will not want to miss this book.
A delicious follow up to Skyclad, Midsummer details the growing relationship between Ella and Mae, as they expand to bring Jax into their fold. A new surprise awaits in the form of Phee. You will not want to miss this book.
May 12, 2020
WOW!
I Loved Midsummer. What a beautiful story. Keep the tissues handy, you’ll need them. I loved this continuation of Ella and Mae’s story.
I Loved Midsummer. What a beautiful story. Keep the tissues handy, you’ll need them. I loved this continuation of Ella and Mae’s story.
Want to read
June 4, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/4/2020)! 🎁
June 9, 2020
I read Skyclad last year so it was nice to see the next stage of Ella & Mae's relationship. The orphan plot was a nice touch. Good story.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews