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Max & Skyler #1
Only Words
Maxwell Fielding is a police detective. Gruff, stubborn, and a little blind to subtlety, Max is the perfect poster boy for stereotypical masculinity. Used to dealing with the dregs of society, he never backs down from a fight, but his attitude is a reckless one. Skyler Trent is a dress designer, a cross-dresser, and the polaropposite of Max. When a rough day on the job for Max sets the stage for disaster, a quick temper and a need to play knight in shining armor makes a bad situation even worse. After a very observant Skylerpatches Max up, both are forced to face some less visible wounds that are just as in need of healing. Max needs to find the courage to admit a few things to Skyler and to himself, or he might lose everything.
22 pages, Nook
First published January 5, 2009
3 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Acer Adamson
7 books27 followersAcer Adamson writes stories that strike his fancy, some sweet and hot while others are taboo and racy. When not wearing this top-secret disguise, Acer is really author Jaye Valentine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 11, 2013
"The sex is one thing, Sky, but me saying I love you—"
"—would make you a—"
"Don't."
Okay, why is this story so short? Why??? *cries*
A gruff and tough police detective, his cross-dressing boyfriend (love you, Sky!), and the most appropriate title ever!
June 19, 2012
I read this stunning little trilogy of shorts from the incomparable Jaye Valentine writing under his pen name of Acer Adamson.
The trilogy revolves around the meeting and eventual relationship of Skyler (A cross dressing stunningly beautiful man cum seamstress) and Max (a police detective). When they meet Max thinks that Sky is a woman--and is stunned to realize that quite the opposite is true. But rather than run, Max gradually begins to acknowledge that he has been a closeted gay man most of his life and that it is foolish to try and defeat the likes of Skyler. These two characters are so wonderfully drawn--both quirky and so very endearing! This trilogy Only Words, Any Excuse and Every Minute is worth every one of it's stars! I highly recommend it!
The trilogy revolves around the meeting and eventual relationship of Skyler (A cross dressing stunningly beautiful man cum seamstress) and Max (a police detective). When they meet Max thinks that Sky is a woman--and is stunned to realize that quite the opposite is true. But rather than run, Max gradually begins to acknowledge that he has been a closeted gay man most of his life and that it is foolish to try and defeat the likes of Skyler. These two characters are so wonderfully drawn--both quirky and so very endearing! This trilogy Only Words, Any Excuse and Every Minute is worth every one of it's stars! I highly recommend it!
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May 18, 2009There is a background in this short story that we didn't read, but then it's only 26 pages long, it's almost impossible to have all. Max is an average cop: not an hero, not a perfect cop, he has his nice and dislike in the police department. Plus he wake up from the wrong side of the bed, and nothing in the day made it better. So when his lover comes to the precinct to visit, and a colleague says a not so nice thing about him, Max reacts in an even worst way; 2 weeks forced leave and another fight in a pub later, Max arrives to his lover's doorstep.
Noticed that I said lover and not boyfriend? this derives from the background that we didn't read. Skyler, Max's lover, is a little pretty thing, a tailor who likes to dress in drag. In an homophobic habit, it's for sure the first person to be targeted. So Skyler is not so sad about the treatment he received, he is more worried about Max's reaction. It's months that they are lovers, but still Max hasn't opened completely with Skyler, he still treats Skyler more as a lover than a partner. They met only at Skyler's home, Skyler doesn't know how to reach Max if not going where he works, when they makes love Skyler has still the impression that Max is considering Skyler more as a woman with a dick, than as a man.
So probably Skyler is wondering if Max's behavior is really due to his intention to protect him, as a knight in shining armor, or since he is ashamed of who Skyler is. Max's colleague was speaking Max's mind, and so he hit a bit to near home? Max and Skyler have to have a serious conversation, ones that could change their relationship forever or end it.
For a 26 pages long story, this one has the merit to arise a bit of questions and to present two main characters that, even if in a short time, make the reader wonders about them: as always, in a short story, I consider this a sign that it reaches its purpose.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/50...
Noticed that I said lover and not boyfriend? this derives from the background that we didn't read. Skyler, Max's lover, is a little pretty thing, a tailor who likes to dress in drag. In an homophobic habit, it's for sure the first person to be targeted. So Skyler is not so sad about the treatment he received, he is more worried about Max's reaction. It's months that they are lovers, but still Max hasn't opened completely with Skyler, he still treats Skyler more as a lover than a partner. They met only at Skyler's home, Skyler doesn't know how to reach Max if not going where he works, when they makes love Skyler has still the impression that Max is considering Skyler more as a woman with a dick, than as a man.
So probably Skyler is wondering if Max's behavior is really due to his intention to protect him, as a knight in shining armor, or since he is ashamed of who Skyler is. Max's colleague was speaking Max's mind, and so he hit a bit to near home? Max and Skyler have to have a serious conversation, ones that could change their relationship forever or end it.
For a 26 pages long story, this one has the merit to arise a bit of questions and to present two main characters that, even if in a short time, make the reader wonders about them: as always, in a short story, I consider this a sign that it reaches its purpose.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/50...
March 7, 2013
Amusing, but super short
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- I was amused right from the start when Max is grumbling mentally about losing his stapler when he doesn’t even like staples because they’re “too [dang] permanent” and they “[leave] marks in the paper” if they’re removed. This had me immediately conjecturing about what sort of person I was reading about.
- I love Skyler. I love how he cross-dresses, I love how sweet he is, I love how he makes Max simultaneously flutter inside and become a protective pit bull. He’s a great character all-around.
- There’s chemistry between the two men, which I think is quite an accomplishment in a story that’s this short. Sometimes I read novels in which I don’t think there’s chemistry between the protagonists.
CON:
- The story is so short that there’s just not much to grab hold of. It introduces some intriguing conflicts, but it doesn’t do anything to resolve any of them.
Overall comments: This is nice. The problem is that it’s 327 Kindle locations and took me only about twenty minutes to read. The length is enough to establish some likeable characters and show a couple of conversations, but that’s all. I did like it enough to want to read more, though.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- I was amused right from the start when Max is grumbling mentally about losing his stapler when he doesn’t even like staples because they’re “too [dang] permanent” and they “[leave] marks in the paper” if they’re removed. This had me immediately conjecturing about what sort of person I was reading about.
- I love Skyler. I love how he cross-dresses, I love how sweet he is, I love how he makes Max simultaneously flutter inside and become a protective pit bull. He’s a great character all-around.
- There’s chemistry between the two men, which I think is quite an accomplishment in a story that’s this short. Sometimes I read novels in which I don’t think there’s chemistry between the protagonists.
CON:
- The story is so short that there’s just not much to grab hold of. It introduces some intriguing conflicts, but it doesn’t do anything to resolve any of them.
Overall comments: This is nice. The problem is that it’s 327 Kindle locations and took me only about twenty minutes to read. The length is enough to establish some likeable characters and show a couple of conversations, but that’s all. I did like it enough to want to read more, though.
May 6, 2010
A cute little story. Really short. I think that if it had been longer, more developed, it would have been perfect. I liked Skyler, the gay cross-dresser, and I liked the depth of feelings Max had for him. Because of the shortness of the story, though, I felt like I was missing a lot. Need to read the 2nd story in the series.
April 23, 2011
Skylar is completely adorable. Max? Well, Max needs work. So wish this had been longer, with some backstory, because it is difficult to see what Max brought to the relationship. His treatment of Skyler made me want to shake him. He may redeem himself.
February 23, 2016
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. I liked the introduction to Max and Skyler but I felt like something was missing. Very well-written short story but because I'm greedy, I wanted more from these characters.
December 6, 2012
(commentary on the series as a whole)
Quick, fun reads that are nicely complete in and of themselves.
Quick, fun reads that are nicely complete in and of themselves.
September 26, 2018
Interesting.
Not enough for me to tell what I think of it.
I thought this was going to be how they met, but they have been hooking up for months.
Skyler questioning if Max pretends he's a girl?
They seem like opposites, but that can be a good thing.
Not sure what I think until I read a little more.
Not enough for me to tell what I think of it.
I thought this was going to be how they met, but they have been hooking up for months.
Skyler questioning if Max pretends he's a girl?
They seem like opposites, but that can be a good thing.
Not sure what I think until I read a little more.
August 17, 2017
This is how I would love to write. Perfectly done and wonderful to read.
September 6, 2018
Simple
March 15, 2019
Why is it so short? I love it.
July 4, 2022
Lectura corta y entretenida para pasar el rato.
March 13, 2010
This short story is really just a few scenes put together that gives a glimpse into the relationship between two complete opposites. The context to their relationship and background on both the men is missing which makes this both a fun short story and an incomplete look. Due to the feeling of being dropped into the middle of the book, it is almost as if this is more of a day in the life of Max than a fully realized story, but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the characters and their interaction. Even within a few short pages the characters come alive with energy and vitality with a concise prose without embellishment or errors.
The scenes involve Skyler visiting Max, his gruff cop lover at the police station that inevitably leads to an altercation when one of the “asshole” cops decides to make a comment about Skyler’s appearance. From there Max’s bad day spirals even further down when he get into another fight while trying to drown his sorrows at a nearby bar. Unfortunately Max finds no port in his storm as even Skyler has a go at Max for his actions both in the fights and towards Skyler. While Max can’t seem to catch a break on this bad day, it’s not all bad as he confronts problems and issues he has been adept at hiding.
Max strikes me as a typical cop with the preference to avoid all problems and bury any conflict than actually address any sticky personal problems. Although it’s not said explicitly, the implication is that Skyler is Max’s first foray into dating other men and Skyler’s propensity for cross-dressing gives him almost a feminine appearance that could allow Max to pretend Skyler is a woman. Additionally Skyler wants Max to admit if there is more than just sex to their relationship, an area the taciturn Max would rather not delve into but doesn’t put up too much of a fight. Max finally owns up to both his feelings and the fact that he’s in a relationship with another man, no matter how pretty Skyler may be.
Skyler for his part is a peacock with his feminine appearance and flouncing off with slammed doors. He’s charming, thoughtful, caring, and a surprisingly calm influence on Max’s riled emotions. He offers incredibly sensitive and insightful commentary when talking about the words that started the initial fight:
“It may have sounded cruel, what your sergeant said but it wasn’t entirely inaccurate.”
“What?”
Skyler slid the needle through Max’s skin. “It could be argued that I am skinny, that I am little, and though I loathe the word and its connotations, I am a faggot.”
[...:]
“I didn’t say I liked it, Maxwell. I’m simply saying that if you’re going to be upset with someone to the point of harming them for something like that, your bitching would have more credibility if you didn’t turn around and do the exact same thing.”
The title is clever in that while comments said are “only words” some are more important than others and need to be said. Max and Skyler’s interactions are sexy, fun, and delightful showing that life with either of them will never be dull. I hope any forthcoming stories are able to delve more deeply into their dynamic and the history and future of their relationship. The concise and tight writing with fully developed characters within the constraints of a short story create a wonderfully unique tale that I easily recommend.
The scenes involve Skyler visiting Max, his gruff cop lover at the police station that inevitably leads to an altercation when one of the “asshole” cops decides to make a comment about Skyler’s appearance. From there Max’s bad day spirals even further down when he get into another fight while trying to drown his sorrows at a nearby bar. Unfortunately Max finds no port in his storm as even Skyler has a go at Max for his actions both in the fights and towards Skyler. While Max can’t seem to catch a break on this bad day, it’s not all bad as he confronts problems and issues he has been adept at hiding.
Max strikes me as a typical cop with the preference to avoid all problems and bury any conflict than actually address any sticky personal problems. Although it’s not said explicitly, the implication is that Skyler is Max’s first foray into dating other men and Skyler’s propensity for cross-dressing gives him almost a feminine appearance that could allow Max to pretend Skyler is a woman. Additionally Skyler wants Max to admit if there is more than just sex to their relationship, an area the taciturn Max would rather not delve into but doesn’t put up too much of a fight. Max finally owns up to both his feelings and the fact that he’s in a relationship with another man, no matter how pretty Skyler may be.
Skyler for his part is a peacock with his feminine appearance and flouncing off with slammed doors. He’s charming, thoughtful, caring, and a surprisingly calm influence on Max’s riled emotions. He offers incredibly sensitive and insightful commentary when talking about the words that started the initial fight:
“It may have sounded cruel, what your sergeant said but it wasn’t entirely inaccurate.”
“What?”
Skyler slid the needle through Max’s skin. “It could be argued that I am skinny, that I am little, and though I loathe the word and its connotations, I am a faggot.”
[...:]
“I didn’t say I liked it, Maxwell. I’m simply saying that if you’re going to be upset with someone to the point of harming them for something like that, your bitching would have more credibility if you didn’t turn around and do the exact same thing.”
The title is clever in that while comments said are “only words” some are more important than others and need to be said. Max and Skyler’s interactions are sexy, fun, and delightful showing that life with either of them will never be dull. I hope any forthcoming stories are able to delve more deeply into their dynamic and the history and future of their relationship. The concise and tight writing with fully developed characters within the constraints of a short story create a wonderfully unique tale that I easily recommend.
March 22, 2017
I admit it, I have a bit of a thing for beautiful boys that wear dresses. So I was pleasantly surprised to read this story from Jaye Valentine, writing under "the alphabetically advantageous and alluringly alliterative nom de plume of Acer Adamson". You can thank Jaye for that little quote there. ;-)
I really enjoyed the characters of Max and Skyler, and the contrasts between the two men. Max is brash and stubborn with a quick temper that gets him in trouble quite a bit. Skyler on the other hand is calm and collected, even in the face of ignorant bigotry. The way these two men relate to one another is quite captivating, and I was sorry to reach the end of the story. There is something about Skyler that draws Max to him, and Max's life and definition of love have changed drastically as a result. I adore Skyler and the way he handles Max but I also found myself drawn to Max who is trying to get to the root of his feelings, something that is not easy with his tough guy persona. This is a quick story but it is intimate and real, and a wonderful introduction to two characters that I really hope we will see more of in the future.
I really enjoyed the characters of Max and Skyler, and the contrasts between the two men. Max is brash and stubborn with a quick temper that gets him in trouble quite a bit. Skyler on the other hand is calm and collected, even in the face of ignorant bigotry. The way these two men relate to one another is quite captivating, and I was sorry to reach the end of the story. There is something about Skyler that draws Max to him, and Max's life and definition of love have changed drastically as a result. I adore Skyler and the way he handles Max but I also found myself drawn to Max who is trying to get to the root of his feelings, something that is not easy with his tough guy persona. This is a quick story but it is intimate and real, and a wonderful introduction to two characters that I really hope we will see more of in the future.
July 26, 2020
I liked this little short. It starts a couple of months into Max and Skylar's relationship ( though Max probably wouldn't admit to a relationship!) and deals with Max coming to terms fully with his relationship with Skylar and therefore his being gay. I'd have loved to know how they got to the start of this story. Sky comes over as the stronger of the two and I'm looking forward to the next story.
3.2.18 reread : Sky is the guy with his head on right and an old and wise head at that. Max comes across as hot headed but probably fuelled by his confusion. The power dynamics are good as whilst Max has bulk, Sky has brains!!
26.6.19 reread : always like these stories, and whilst it is not in this one, we do eventually find out how they meet. Max is the bull in a china shop type being slowly tamed by Sky.
26.7.20 reread : always a treat to watch Sky tame Max
3.2.18 reread : Sky is the guy with his head on right and an old and wise head at that. Max comes across as hot headed but probably fuelled by his confusion. The power dynamics are good as whilst Max has bulk, Sky has brains!!
26.6.19 reread : always like these stories, and whilst it is not in this one, we do eventually find out how they meet. Max is the bull in a china shop type being slowly tamed by Sky.
26.7.20 reread : always a treat to watch Sky tame Max
April 28, 2014
This, and the following three stories were a like a set of sweet vignettes, little moments in time in this couples relationship and I enjoyed each immensely! Max is the perfect gruff, manly man, and his utter appreciation for the delicate, feminine Skyler was beautiful to read about. I enjoyed each encounter, and watching Skyler bring Max ‘to heal’, easily manipulating his besotted lover into being a better man, was enchanting. I’ve read up through book four now, and hope there is more down the road. I would also love longer stories with these two, but as I understand this author has another pen name, I will be checking out his other work as well. I can’t recommend these highly enough!
June 2, 2010
I've been wanting to read these stories for ages, ever since I read Kassa' review of this one. (Hint: Go read her review. I'm on a roll with this lazy thing.) I really liked the dynamic between these two characters. It has so many themes going on which are associated with the pairing like sexuality, cross dressing, acceptance, love. It was terrific.
I also have to admit that as much as I enjoyed seeing this glimpse into their lives - I think it's about 3 months into the relationship - , I would so love to read the story of their first meeting.
I also have to admit that as much as I enjoyed seeing this glimpse into their lives - I think it's about 3 months into the relationship - , I would so love to read the story of their first meeting.
September 10, 2012
Usually short romances like this one feel rushed and rather sparse to me, but this one is the exception. Yes, it's short - only about 20 pages or so, but don't let that turn you off. I found this tiny, little story to be quite a fun and enjoyable read. As one reviewer has said, it has a very "day in the life" feel to it, which I liked. I got dropped right into the middle of the story and just wanted more! I’m looking forward to reading the second story in the series.
June 21, 2015
Wow, this was an interesting little blub it the end of my day. Didn't realize how short this was, but interesting characters and wry humor made this a fun little read. I've got the next in the serious and will be glad to see what happens next.
It lost a star cuz it was too short :)
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1st read - Mar 27, 2011
2nd read - Jun 20, 2015
It lost a star cuz it was too short :)
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1st read - Mar 27, 2011
2nd read - Jun 20, 2015
September 25, 2011
I enjoyed this short story, although it would have been nice to know how May and Skyler got together. Especially as it would appear that Max's behaviour towards Skyler in the past has been less than perfect. I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series which may answer some of my questions :)
February 4, 2014
This was a bit short of a story to get much of a background across. As it began I wondered how the MC's met, how long they have been together, what exactly was there story, instead your thrown into conflict within the first 2 pages. This is a nice story, regardless of length, reads almost like a snippet.
February 26, 2012
Though I'm not into the whole crossdressing genre, this was a quick short read that was sweet. I liked Skylar as a character, I thought he was well-grounded in who he was and how he saw himself. And I thought Max was pretty cool.
April 5, 2014
This was a really weird short story, almost like it was out of order or something. There was no real beginning, middle, and end that I've seen most short stories have. It was an okay love story but lacked in the details for a lot of things.
January 16, 2011
Very good short m/m romance about a closeted cop and his crossdressing boyfriend. This is very short, but skillful enough that I got sniffly while reading it!
January 18, 2011
This was such a sweet story, short but definitely worth the read. I really like the writing style and character-building - so very well done in such a short fic. On to the next one. :)
September 28, 2014
Love these little Max and Skyler stories!
June 20, 2012
Short, sweet, sexy...all words to describe this little gem by.
September 18, 2012
Three stars but only because Only Words, is really too short story also if the character of Max and Skylar are cute and brilliant, shame
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews