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Life Lessons #1
Life Lessons
This version is no longer available; new lightly-edited version released Nov 14, 2021
Tony Hart's life has been quiet lately. He has good friends and a rewarding teaching job. Then the murdered body of another teacher falls into the elevator at his feet, and Tony's life gets a little too exciting.
Jared MacLean is a homicide detective, a widowed father, and deeply in the closet. But from the moment he meets Tony's blue eyes in that high school hallway, Mac can't help wanting this man in his life. However Mac isn't the only one with his eyes on Tony. As the murderer tries to cover his tracks, Mac has to work fast or lose Tony, permanently.
Tony Hart's life has been quiet lately. He has good friends and a rewarding teaching job. Then the murdered body of another teacher falls into the elevator at his feet, and Tony's life gets a little too exciting.
Jared MacLean is a homicide detective, a widowed father, and deeply in the closet. But from the moment he meets Tony's blue eyes in that high school hallway, Mac can't help wanting this man in his life. However Mac isn't the only one with his eyes on Tony. As the murderer tries to cover his tracks, Mac has to work fast or lose Tony, permanently.
276 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2011
123 people are currently reading
4367 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
87books2,678followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje� is pronounced just like “cage� � it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers � fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi�) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at .
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on ŷ - I hang out on ŷ a lot because I moderate the ŷ YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers � fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi�) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at .
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on ŷ - I hang out on ŷ a lot because I moderate the ŷ YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 677 reviews
December 22, 2014
*CRAZY steal today! Get this book FREE from MLR press, 12/22/14 ONLY! Don't miss out!! *
**4.5 stars**
THIS, folks, THIS is why Kaje Harper is an autobuy for me! I loved the freaking heck out of this story! I feel like crying because it is over and now I have to drop the big bucks to buy this whole series!!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Kaje Harper just writes the kind of stuff I love to read! My taste= Kaje Harper. I actually didn't think I would like this one as much as her other works because I'm not a romantic suspense fan. However, this book was so good that I couldn't help but fall in love.
The best thing about this book (and all of the other stuff I've read from her) is the slow burn. I'm a huuuuge sucker for a slow burn romance. Let that baby come to a boil naturally! I love to feel the heat build and the tension mount until it is just at the surface and it has to come out.
Some may say that this book was too slow, too leisurely. I, however, beg to differ. I loved the pace. I loved the way the sex scenes were done, I loved the complex relationship between Tony and Mac, and I loved how it ended so I can follow these guys in the next in the series.
I'm not usually a huge fan of the closeted cop theme. However, I came to the conclusion that Tony was a big enough boy to decide what he wanted for himself and I was just going to stick along for the ride.
My one complaint is the mystery itself. It was so obvious that even I, a romantic suspense novice, had the killer pegged. Even with the mystery fail, I loved this book so hard that I couldn't be bothered to care.
Blissful, happy sigh. Thanks again, Kaje, for giving me a wonderful written story to sink into for a few hours.
**4.5 stars**
THIS, folks, THIS is why Kaje Harper is an autobuy for me! I loved the freaking heck out of this story! I feel like crying because it is over and now I have to drop the big bucks to buy this whole series!!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Kaje Harper just writes the kind of stuff I love to read! My taste= Kaje Harper. I actually didn't think I would like this one as much as her other works because I'm not a romantic suspense fan. However, this book was so good that I couldn't help but fall in love.
The best thing about this book (and all of the other stuff I've read from her) is the slow burn. I'm a huuuuge sucker for a slow burn romance. Let that baby come to a boil naturally! I love to feel the heat build and the tension mount until it is just at the surface and it has to come out.
Some may say that this book was too slow, too leisurely. I, however, beg to differ. I loved the pace. I loved the way the sex scenes were done, I loved the complex relationship between Tony and Mac, and I loved how it ended so I can follow these guys in the next in the series.
I'm not usually a huge fan of the closeted cop theme. However, I came to the conclusion that Tony was a big enough boy to decide what he wanted for himself and I was just going to stick along for the ride.
My one complaint is the mystery itself. It was so obvious that even I, a romantic suspense novice, had the killer pegged. Even with the mystery fail, I loved this book so hard that I couldn't be bothered to care.
Blissful, happy sigh. Thanks again, Kaje, for giving me a wonderful written story to sink into for a few hours.
Read
February 3, 2022Now available again on Amazon and in KU with only small editing changes () - if you already have it, the story is not significantly changed. (And I promise it will go wide again after the series is done in KU)
Audio book is now available with narrator JF Harding. (he did an awesome job. :D ) With the rest of the series to come in audio June- Aug 2022.
And don't miss the free 1.5 and 1.8 stories in -
Audio book is now available with narrator JF Harding. (he did an awesome job. :D ) With the rest of the series to come in audio June- Aug 2022.
And don't miss the free 1.5 and 1.8 stories in -
August 9, 2012
REVIEW COMPLETED AUGUST 9, 2012
Mac lay quietly for a long time, drifting, breathing the scent of Tony's hair. He had never done this before, never felt safe enough to sleep in the same bed with a man, never wanted to just hold someone and make the world go away.
The book title is perfect. Mac, the closeted cop, has yet to learn a very important lesson: his coming out. It won't happen in Life Lessons though, but I'm pretty sure he will have his coming out in the sequel. His reasons for being closeted are very interesting and yet maybe a bit exotic too. That said, they are understandable though. On the other hand, he will have to make a decision eventually because I seriously doubt that Tony--who is openly gay--will live his life with a closeted man. A cop becoming involved with a witness is not quite common either. Uh, I *think* it's certainly against police procedurals. Whatever.
There's never been anyone that Mac could go to, to just be himself. He's never had a lover, or even a f*ck-buddy. To satisfy his needs he goes to Vegas now and then for a quick and anonymous f*ck. He was convinced he could live like that, but when he meets Tony things change. As it is, they change pretty fundamentally.
In Life Lessons Mac has come quite a long way. It was interesting to see how Mac had to struggle with his feelings and as the story progresses, Mac becomes emotionally involved against his better judgment. That said, I am very glad he did because I have such a hard time to imagine that I couldn't share my problems and sorrows with someone I love or trust. I, for one, think that everybody should have a confidante.
I'm not an expert, however, I *think* that the murder mystery and police procedurals were well done. I really enjoyed this part of the story very much. Additionally, the final "climax" was incredibly thrilling, well-executed and left me rather breathless. The author has a very absorbing writing style, and I really enjoy her 'voice'.
The sex scenes are rather plenty, well done, erotic and hawt. Admittedly, I had to suspend belief when Tony and Mac had sex for the first time after Of course the chemistry was good and I really felt that they wanted to do it. So, I wouldn't dare to complain, after all. It was pretty darn hot. Again, this is fiction and I just had to deal with it.
As a side note
The kids are not involved in any TSTL moment. I'd even say that they blend very nicely into the story.
What I disliked
Mac calling Tony kid/boy was annoying. The boy is twenty-four-years old after all. He is a man.
In Life Lessons you won't see Mac and Tony's HEA. In fact, they are just living happily for now. However, someday Mac will be able to kiss his lover in front of all the world. Hopefully.
Mac lay quietly for a long time, drifting, breathing the scent of Tony's hair. He had never done this before, never felt safe enough to sleep in the same bed with a man, never wanted to just hold someone and make the world go away.
The book title is perfect. Mac, the closeted cop, has yet to learn a very important lesson: his coming out. It won't happen in Life Lessons though, but I'm pretty sure he will have his coming out in the sequel. His reasons for being closeted are very interesting and yet maybe a bit exotic too. That said, they are understandable though. On the other hand, he will have to make a decision eventually because I seriously doubt that Tony--who is openly gay--will live his life with a closeted man. A cop becoming involved with a witness is not quite common either. Uh, I *think* it's certainly against police procedurals. Whatever.
There's never been anyone that Mac could go to, to just be himself. He's never had a lover, or even a f*ck-buddy. To satisfy his needs he goes to Vegas now and then for a quick and anonymous f*ck. He was convinced he could live like that, but when he meets Tony things change. As it is, they change pretty fundamentally.
In Life Lessons Mac has come quite a long way. It was interesting to see how Mac had to struggle with his feelings and as the story progresses, Mac becomes emotionally involved against his better judgment. That said, I am very glad he did because I have such a hard time to imagine that I couldn't share my problems and sorrows with someone I love or trust. I, for one, think that everybody should have a confidante.
I'm not an expert, however, I *think* that the murder mystery and police procedurals were well done. I really enjoyed this part of the story very much. Additionally, the final "climax" was incredibly thrilling, well-executed and left me rather breathless. The author has a very absorbing writing style, and I really enjoy her 'voice'.
The sex scenes are rather plenty, well done, erotic and hawt. Admittedly, I had to suspend belief when Tony and Mac had sex for the first time after Of course the chemistry was good and I really felt that they wanted to do it. So, I wouldn't dare to complain, after all. It was pretty darn hot. Again, this is fiction and I just had to deal with it.
As a side note
The kids are not involved in any TSTL moment. I'd even say that they blend very nicely into the story.
What I disliked
Mac calling Tony kid/boy was annoying. The boy is twenty-four-years old after all. He is a man.
In Life Lessons you won't see Mac and Tony's HEA. In fact, they are just living happily for now. However, someday Mac will be able to kiss his lover in front of all the world. Hopefully.
January 29, 2023
Audiobook - 4.5 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
A good start to this series, I ended liking it and looking forward to the rest of the series to see how it goes.
Story - 3.5 stars
A good start to this series, I ended liking it and looking forward to the rest of the series to see how it goes.
March 10, 2023
4.25**** stars
Great mystery, great romance, great audio!
*too tired for a full review
Life Lessons Series:
Book 1 - Life Lessons - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Breaking Cover - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - Home Work - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Learning Curve - 4.25 stars
Great mystery, great romance, great audio!
*too tired for a full review
Life Lessons Series:
Book 1 - Life Lessons - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Breaking Cover - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - Home Work - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Learning Curve - 4.25 stars
September 19, 2013
4½ Big Stars - a brilliant start to this series.
Good crime and suspense, it's nicely told about attraction and it was also very emotional and believable with very good material to build on, ...this lady is already in love in Tony & Mac.
Final review September 18, 2013
You who know me know that I nowadays just love guys who love guys and these two main characters were so fine together. It was a little slow at first but in the end so believable with a sense of authenticity. I yearn to follow their story and must open the first page of the second book right away.
Big Stars for the first part in a series I think I will love - Cheers and Trumpets!!
Tony Hart, an openly gay young guy (about 25), is a teacher at highschool and becomes almost witness to a murder of another teacher. Mac (Jared) MacLean is the a homicide detective who is investigating the crime. Mac is almost 10 years older than Tony and is a widowed (weekend) father to little Anna. He is completely in the closet and he only "meets" other gay men for short secret meetings for an evening now and then, preferably in another location. No one knows what he feels for men.
Tony and Mac are two opposites, both in appearance and manner. But already after the first meeting is Mac interested in the young beautiful blue eyed teacher. But Mac looks anything but gay and Tony is convinced that the big, tall detective is straight.
The murder mystery is really thrilling and I didn't know which way it would go. In the first half of the book is very much about police work and the murder investigation. In the police work, we also encounter the social reality of social differences, drugs, weapons, young teen problems etc, this adds authenticity feeling for this story. It becomes several different stories in the story. As much as this is a M/M romance, it is also a good genuine homicide/detective novel.
The romantic part is so nicely told and the attraction and feelings between the two men may grow slowly. It's everyday life with work, new meetings, own (sweet Anna 4) and others (poor Bill 5) children , innuendos and speculations and Having a lover behind closed doors is a big step in itself. Here are lust, heat and male sex. It's hot, but just enough.
What makes it all so beautiful is that everything is told a bit of a "kind of grayscale" without the pink shimmer found in a lot of romances. It feels believable, genuine and everything isn't solved directly. Life's usual worries take time to resolve and a new relationship needs time to become confident and firm.
I really liked these guys but they are not absolutely fabulous. You love them more for their weaknesses than their strengths. Luckily we will not have insta-love and the events takes place over a few weeks. Maybe is it a little rough and dirty sometimes, everybody isn't always pretty, cute, through-kind, perfect or know what they want in life. It's real.
Mac is a hard nut to crack. It is interesting to follow how he actually open up a little. Having a lover behind closed doors is a big step in itself. The question is how he is able to deal with the fact that he ultimately must bring himself to take the, for him, huge steps, he needs to take, in order to keep Tony in the long term. Tony is quite easy to make happy, he is understanding and willing to compromise and have some patience, but he definitely want much more. Is Mac capable of giving Tony more? It requires some sacrifices.
Okay, do we get a nice and lovely HEA already now in this first part? Well, almost, but perhaps a more "happily for now" ending. A really nice one, my romantic heart pounded content. Are you satisfied with just this first book, after all it works as a standalone book, can you stop here, but I think you want to know more. I do.
I must say that I highly enjoyed this novel and it's stories. It's well done and very convincing, and of course both steamy and super romantic. That is just the way I want it. A promising start!
I LIKE - big smile, I love my new boys
~~~~~~~
Good crime and suspense, it's nicely told about attraction and it was also very emotional and believable with very good material to build on, ...this lady is already in love in Tony & Mac.
Final review September 18, 2013
You who know me know that I nowadays just love guys who love guys and these two main characters were so fine together. It was a little slow at first but in the end so believable with a sense of authenticity. I yearn to follow their story and must open the first page of the second book right away.
Big Stars for the first part in a series I think I will love - Cheers and Trumpets!!
Tony Hart, an openly gay young guy (about 25), is a teacher at highschool and becomes almost witness to a murder of another teacher. Mac (Jared) MacLean is the a homicide detective who is investigating the crime. Mac is almost 10 years older than Tony and is a widowed (weekend) father to little Anna. He is completely in the closet and he only "meets" other gay men for short secret meetings for an evening now and then, preferably in another location. No one knows what he feels for men.
Tony and Mac are two opposites, both in appearance and manner. But already after the first meeting is Mac interested in the young beautiful blue eyed teacher. But Mac looks anything but gay and Tony is convinced that the big, tall detective is straight.
“Put your shirt on and I'll show you.�
A little of the teasing returned to Tony's voice. “Guys usually ask me to take my shirt off.�
Mac could see why. He was lean but fine, all sleak muscle and... “Shirt on and cut it out,� he said, to himself as well as Tony.
The murder mystery is really thrilling and I didn't know which way it would go. In the first half of the book is very much about police work and the murder investigation. In the police work, we also encounter the social reality of social differences, drugs, weapons, young teen problems etc, this adds authenticity feeling for this story. It becomes several different stories in the story. As much as this is a M/M romance, it is also a good genuine homicide/detective novel.
The romantic part is so nicely told and the attraction and feelings between the two men may grow slowly. It's everyday life with work, new meetings, own (sweet Anna 4) and others (poor Bill 5) children , innuendos and speculations and Having a lover behind closed doors is a big step in itself. Here are lust, heat and male sex. It's hot, but just enough.
What makes it all so beautiful is that everything is told a bit of a "kind of grayscale" without the pink shimmer found in a lot of romances. It feels believable, genuine and everything isn't solved directly. Life's usual worries take time to resolve and a new relationship needs time to become confident and firm.
"That's part of being gay, you know. It's not just who you want in bed. It's who your emotional relationships are with the other twenty-three hours of the day, whose arms you want around you when life hands you shit."
I really liked these guys but they are not absolutely fabulous. You love them more for their weaknesses than their strengths. Luckily we will not have insta-love and the events takes place over a few weeks. Maybe is it a little rough and dirty sometimes, everybody isn't always pretty, cute, through-kind, perfect or know what they want in life. It's real.
Mac is a hard nut to crack. It is interesting to follow how he actually open up a little. Having a lover behind closed doors is a big step in itself. The question is how he is able to deal with the fact that he ultimately must bring himself to take the, for him, huge steps, he needs to take, in order to keep Tony in the long term. Tony is quite easy to make happy, he is understanding and willing to compromise and have some patience, but he definitely want much more. Is Mac capable of giving Tony more? It requires some sacrifices.
“Someday,� Mac said almost inaudibly.
Tony turned to see the big man’s eyes fixed on the same couple. To his surprise, Mac went on, “Someday two guys will be able to kiss like that, in front of all the world.�
“But not today,� Tony muttered.
Okay, do we get a nice and lovely HEA already now in this first part? Well, almost, but perhaps a more "happily for now" ending. A really nice one, my romantic heart pounded content. Are you satisfied with just this first book, after all it works as a standalone book, can you stop here, but I think you want to know more. I do.
I must say that I highly enjoyed this novel and it's stories. It's well done and very convincing, and of course both steamy and super romantic. That is just the way I want it. A promising start!
I LIKE - big smile, I love my new boys
~~~~~~~
January 22, 2025
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“That’s part of being gay, you know. It’s not just who you want in bed. It’s who your emotional relationships are with the other twenty- three hours of the day, whose arms you want around you when life hands you shit.�
I guess I read same-couple series now. This book had some fantastic suspense and mystery and I am definitely excited about the next book. Fingers crossed there’s some solid mortal peril in that one too.
I must admit I’m not super feeling the romance just yet. They’ve definitely talked and thought about their connection more than I’ve actually seen or felt it, but there’s still time for that to evolve and grow.
Apparently I’m in for a touch of heartbreak with the series soon, so I’ve got that to look forward to.
I did catch myself struggling to sympathize with Mac a couple times, but I also kinda get it. It’s just frustrating when you can see everything so clearly from an outside perspective. Tony is a sweetheart, if not a touch bland so far. He’s a teacher and had a shitty ex. I don’t know him much beyond that.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Single dad
Teacher MC
Police detective MC
Closeted MC
Secret relationship
Same-couple series
Suspense & action
Murder mystery
Size difference
(assumed) age gap
Widower
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of minor character (on page, graphic)
Death of wife (past, cancer)
Alcohol consumption
MC1’s child living with relative (work schedule complications)
MC2 often looking after child with alcoholic parent
Alcoholic side character
MC with racist and bigoted parents
Use of homophobic slur (SC)
Death of best friend (past, drunk driving)
Attempted murder of MC
Injured MC (hospitalized)
Death of friend (present time, hit and run)
Mentions of cheating ex (past, some details)
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of MC’s deceased wife being abused and sexually trafficked (past, off page)
Mild dubcon � unnegotiated somnophilia
Unsafe sex
Religious trauma
Use of prescription painkillers
Mild dubcon � sex while MC is intoxicated (painkillers)
Gun violence
Murder of side character (gunshot complications)
MC abducted and held hostage
SC intoxicated on page (drugs)
Mention of suspect suicide (past, details)
Drinking alcohol to deal with trauma (on-page intoxication)
Rough sex � no prep
Some details of child beaten and killed (off page)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile � no switching until book 3
Main characters� age: 24 and 33
Kids� age: 4 and 5
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 348
Happy ending: Mild HFN
Suddenly Hart smiled at him. “Thanks. That’s really human of you.� Mac blinked. That smile should be registered as a deadly weapon. Without it, Hart was a nice-looking young guy. With it, that crooked grin and single dimple just sucked a man in, like a warm fire on a cold night.
Stupid, Mac told himself as he headed down the stairs. Don’t get stupid about this. Hart was a suspect. The fact that he had a sweet smile and a sense of humor did nothing to change that. The fact that tousled dark hair and blue eyes pushed Mac’s buttons had nothing to do with it either. Or the fact that the kid was gay.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well:
“That’s part of being gay, you know. It’s not just who you want in bed. It’s who your emotional relationships are with the other twenty- three hours of the day, whose arms you want around you when life hands you shit.�
I guess I read same-couple series now. This book had some fantastic suspense and mystery and I am definitely excited about the next book. Fingers crossed there’s some solid mortal peril in that one too.
I must admit I’m not super feeling the romance just yet. They’ve definitely talked and thought about their connection more than I’ve actually seen or felt it, but there’s still time for that to evolve and grow.
Apparently I’m in for a touch of heartbreak with the series soon, so I’ve got that to look forward to.
I did catch myself struggling to sympathize with Mac a couple times, but I also kinda get it. It’s just frustrating when you can see everything so clearly from an outside perspective. Tony is a sweetheart, if not a touch bland so far. He’s a teacher and had a shitty ex. I don’t know him much beyond that.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Single dad
Teacher MC
Police detective MC
Closeted MC
Secret relationship
Same-couple series
Suspense & action
Murder mystery
Size difference
(assumed) age gap
Widower
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of minor character (on page, graphic)
Death of wife (past, cancer)
Alcohol consumption
MC1’s child living with relative (work schedule complications)
MC2 often looking after child with alcoholic parent
Alcoholic side character
MC with racist and bigoted parents
Use of homophobic slur (SC)
Death of best friend (past, drunk driving)
Attempted murder of MC
Injured MC (hospitalized)
Death of friend (present time, hit and run)
Mentions of cheating ex (past, some details)
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of MC’s deceased wife being abused and sexually trafficked (past, off page)
Mild dubcon � unnegotiated somnophilia
Unsafe sex
Religious trauma
Use of prescription painkillers
Mild dubcon � sex while MC is intoxicated (painkillers)
Gun violence
Murder of side character (gunshot complications)
MC abducted and held hostage
SC intoxicated on page (drugs)
Mention of suspect suicide (past, details)
Drinking alcohol to deal with trauma (on-page intoxication)
Rough sex � no prep
Some details of child beaten and killed (off page)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile � no switching until book 3
Main characters� age: 24 and 33
Kids� age: 4 and 5
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 348
Happy ending: Mild HFN
Suddenly Hart smiled at him. “Thanks. That’s really human of you.� Mac blinked. That smile should be registered as a deadly weapon. Without it, Hart was a nice-looking young guy. With it, that crooked grin and single dimple just sucked a man in, like a warm fire on a cold night.
Stupid, Mac told himself as he headed down the stairs. Don’t get stupid about this. Hart was a suspect. The fact that he had a sweet smile and a sense of humor did nothing to change that. The fact that tousled dark hair and blue eyes pushed Mac’s buttons had nothing to do with it either. Or the fact that the kid was gay.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well:
January 12, 2022
3.5 “I want to try[…] with you.� stars
I’ve never called anyone “babe� in my life. Pet names. Sharing a bed. Being willing to do anything to keep him safe. What next? Mac was scared as hell, but he couldn’t wait to find out.
I have had this book on my TBR for an embarassingly long number of years and with it being rereleased, I decided that now was finally the time for me to read it. And boy am I beating myself up for waiting so long to read this one because I had such a good time reading this book.
Brief summary
Tony is a teacher and one night he is working at the school he teaches at and he stumbles upon one of his collegue who is dead and has a knife in his back. Mac is an homicide detective and they met because of that what happened at the school. They start hanging out together because of the case and they fall in love.
First, Mac is closeted and he has no intentions of ever coming out. I really liked how that part of the book was done. I really enjoyed how he had a reason that was realistic and understandable for staying in the closet, I probably wouldn’t have been very eager to come out if I was in his situation too, so that really worked for me. And I liked how we got to see him experience being closeted through his point of view and the effects it had on him. I really enjoyed how we got to see how being closeted affected Mac’s life and how he wished that things could be different but it was hard for him to imagine how he could make that work too. I really enjoyed how we got to see during Mac’s point of view of how being closeted for so much time affected him and his actions, that part really worked for me. Also I really appreciated how Tony was super sweet about it and never told Mac that he had to come out or made him feel bad about being closeted, that part just really worked for me.
Side note, this is a small detail but one that is very important to me. Mac had a wife but she died before the book started. I will be honest, the trope of a gay man who married a woman when he knew he is gay is very triggering for me and it’s hard for me to read a book in which that trope is featured but I really appreciated how it was done in this book. Mac had married his ex-wife for the legal benefits and she had known the entire time that he is gay. The fact that he didn’t lie to his ex-wife for such a long period of time really worked for me and I was a big fan of it.
Second, I really enjoyed Mac and Tony together, they were a good couple and they balanced each other out really nicely. However, I felt like how they got together was a little too fast for the events in the plot, mostly everything that had good reasons to keep the apart, I just wished that there was a little more pining and everything before they got together, but thats just a preference. I really enjoyed the time that they spent together and I felt like they were well suited for each other. Also I really enjoyed how they were always there for each other, that was so sweet and I adored it.
Third, I really enjoy following investigations in books and I really liked how much of the investigation we got to see in this book. I liked that we got to see every parts of the investigation and that we got to follow the characters around while they were investigating what happened. I do wish that the mystery was a little less predictable, because I guessed the suspect a little too early for me to have a lot of fun trying to put all the clues together. But I did really enjoy how the we got to see so much of the investigation happening on page.
As this is the first book in a four book series about the same couple, don’t be surprised when you find me reading the next book in this series very soon, because I really enjoyed this book and I just need to know what will happen to these guys in the next book.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
I’ve never called anyone “babe� in my life. Pet names. Sharing a bed. Being willing to do anything to keep him safe. What next? Mac was scared as hell, but he couldn’t wait to find out.
I have had this book on my TBR for an embarassingly long number of years and with it being rereleased, I decided that now was finally the time for me to read it. And boy am I beating myself up for waiting so long to read this one because I had such a good time reading this book.
Brief summary
Tony is a teacher and one night he is working at the school he teaches at and he stumbles upon one of his collegue who is dead and has a knife in his back. Mac is an homicide detective and they met because of that what happened at the school. They start hanging out together because of the case and they fall in love.
First, Mac is closeted and he has no intentions of ever coming out. I really liked how that part of the book was done. I really enjoyed how he had a reason that was realistic and understandable for staying in the closet, I probably wouldn’t have been very eager to come out if I was in his situation too, so that really worked for me. And I liked how we got to see him experience being closeted through his point of view and the effects it had on him. I really enjoyed how we got to see how being closeted affected Mac’s life and how he wished that things could be different but it was hard for him to imagine how he could make that work too. I really enjoyed how we got to see during Mac’s point of view of how being closeted for so much time affected him and his actions, that part really worked for me. Also I really appreciated how Tony was super sweet about it and never told Mac that he had to come out or made him feel bad about being closeted, that part just really worked for me.
Side note, this is a small detail but one that is very important to me. Mac had a wife but she died before the book started. I will be honest, the trope of a gay man who married a woman when he knew he is gay is very triggering for me and it’s hard for me to read a book in which that trope is featured but I really appreciated how it was done in this book. Mac had married his ex-wife for the legal benefits and she had known the entire time that he is gay. The fact that he didn’t lie to his ex-wife for such a long period of time really worked for me and I was a big fan of it.
Second, I really enjoyed Mac and Tony together, they were a good couple and they balanced each other out really nicely. However, I felt like how they got together was a little too fast for the events in the plot, mostly everything that had good reasons to keep the apart, I just wished that there was a little more pining and everything before they got together, but thats just a preference. I really enjoyed the time that they spent together and I felt like they were well suited for each other. Also I really enjoyed how they were always there for each other, that was so sweet and I adored it.
Third, I really enjoy following investigations in books and I really liked how much of the investigation we got to see in this book. I liked that we got to see every parts of the investigation and that we got to follow the characters around while they were investigating what happened. I do wish that the mystery was a little less predictable, because I guessed the suspect a little too early for me to have a lot of fun trying to put all the clues together. But I did really enjoy how the we got to see so much of the investigation happening on page.
As this is the first book in a four book series about the same couple, don’t be surprised when you find me reading the next book in this series very soon, because I really enjoyed this book and I just need to know what will happen to these guys in the next book.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
February 2, 2015
“Life Lessons� is the first installment in Kaje Harper’s series “Life Lessons�.
This was my second book by this author and I’m pleased to say it was as good as the first one. “Life Lessons� has everything I enjoy in a book � solid plot, great dialogue, endearing characters and most of all fantastic writing. Needless to say, I was hooked from the beginning.
Anthony ‘Tony� Hart is a high school English teacher. He loves his job and he’s a dedicated teacher. He’s out and proud and everyone from school knows it. Not everyone likes it, but Tony doesn’t seemed to mind. Tony’s life chance one night when he finds a murdered colleague in the school elevator. The worst part is that now he’s the principal suspect. The fact that his relationship with his dead colleague was not so good doesn’t help his situation.
Jared ‘Mac� Maclean is the detective who takes the case. Mac is a widow and a single parent. He’s gay, but he’s deep in the closet. No one can know about his sexual orientation. He needs his job to take care of his daughter, so being out is not an option for him. Mac didn’t expect his witness to be so young and so...attractive. Fascinated by Tony’s sweet smile and sense of humor, Mac wants for the first time something different from what he had so far, maybe a relationship. He never had a male lover or a fuck-buddy. When he wanted to be with someone he went to Vegas and hooked-up with a anonymous guy. Tony can’t deny Detective Maclean is a good looking man. He’s attracted to him from the beginning. Mac he's exactly his type.
As the story progresses and the case gets complicated Tony and Mac are more and more drawn to each other. But Mac has to protect Tony, because the killer wants him dead no matter what.
This was such a great read! At first I thought the story it will have more mystery than romance. I’m glad I was wrong. The mystery and the romance were perfectly balanced for me.
Both main characters are great developed and I liked both of them. They are very likeable and relatable. I liked the fact they are not perfect. They have flaws, they have feelings and they felt real to me. Tony was a sweetheart. In my opinion he’s more than understanding with Mac’s situation. Mac’s struggling with his feelings is done very well. I really felt for him, for his daughter and for their situation. While I understand his reasons for not coming out, I felt a little frustrated. I really wanted for him to try harder to change his relationship with his daughter.
I loved how Tony and Mac interact with each other and how naturally their relationship progressed. I loved them together and I felt they are perfect for each other. I felt their connection and I liked the steamy sex scenes and the intense moment between them.
The mystery part was fantastic. I didn’t know for one moment how the story will progress. There are many interesting twist and turn that kept me on the edge of my seat. The police investigation was so great and believable and the hostage situation in the end intense and very well done.
Overall, a fantastic read!
September 20, 2012
Solid 3.5 stars
I'm very predictable. Give me a book about a closeted cop and a charming love interest, throw in some steam, and a little bit of suspense and you've got me. (Adrien English, Cop Out, Shattered Glass, Point of No Return...heck, make it 2 closeted cops and even better: Cut & Run, Common Ground)
"Life Lessons" had everything I like in an easy-to-read book: likable characters, sweet chemistry, drama, blood, and fun, flirtatious banter. Tony and Mac "played" their roles perfectly and I was able to finish the book in a night.
Yes, it's generic. Yes, parts felt rushed. . But, I'd still recommend as an in-betweener book and will definitely read the next in the series!
*Thanks to Lenore for answering my call for help, needing to be rescued from my book funk, and recommending this to me! :)
December 10, 2021
This was my first Kaje Harper book and #ColorMeAshamed.
This was SO GOOD!!
Q: Oh exciting!! What are the tropes?
A: Closeted MC, Mystery-Whodunnit, Hurt-Comfort
Q: This sounds good! What about the characters?
A: We got Mac, the closeted detective, who was stretched too thin between his home life. His work and meeting an intriguing man who unleashed special feelings. #ThatAlienFeeling
Then we have Tony, the teacher who witnesses a heinous crime, finds himself inexplicably attracted to the detective and craving his presence. #ASpecialKindOfPerson
The characters sound good!! What about the Romance-o-meter?
A: Swoony romance, the pacing slow and just right. #Perfect
Aww cute! and the Angst-o-meter?
A: Medium-low angst.
Steam-o-meter?
A: Medium steam, sexy and sweet.
Is there an HEA?
A: There is an HFN. This is the first book in the series.
Niggles:
The mystery was a bit underwhelming. It could have been done better or more intricately.
This was SO GOOD!!
Q: Oh exciting!! What are the tropes?
A: Closeted MC, Mystery-Whodunnit, Hurt-Comfort
Q: This sounds good! What about the characters?
A: We got Mac, the closeted detective, who was stretched too thin between his home life. His work and meeting an intriguing man who unleashed special feelings. #ThatAlienFeeling
Then we have Tony, the teacher who witnesses a heinous crime, finds himself inexplicably attracted to the detective and craving his presence. #ASpecialKindOfPerson
The characters sound good!! What about the Romance-o-meter?
A: Swoony romance, the pacing slow and just right. #Perfect
Aww cute! and the Angst-o-meter?
A: Medium-low angst.
Steam-o-meter?
A: Medium steam, sexy and sweet.
Is there an HEA?
A: There is an HFN. This is the first book in the series.
Niggles:
The mystery was a bit underwhelming. It could have been done better or more intricately.
February 16, 2023
Tony is an English teacher who has the misfortune of ending up with a fellow teacher laying at his feet with a knife in him. Mac is the detective assigned to the case, who is so deep in the closet he may have hangers dangling from his ears. Closet or not it doesn't stop him from be attracted to and wanting Tony. Then Tony is targeted by the killer. Mac works extra hard pulling out all the stops to protect him while trying to solve the first murder before there is a second. The story has a lot of twists, and I didn’t figure out who the killer was until very close to the end. Tony and Mac soon learn that tomorrow is never guaranteed so if you meet the right person, just go for it. How can that be wrong?
April 21, 2013
Life lessons ticks all the right boxes for this type of book. You know what you’re getting once you've read the synopsis and it’s all there.
Closeted Hot Cop
Suspense
Whodunit crime solving
Steaming chemistry
Attention-grabbing plot line
Happy for now ending
Kids who tug at the ole heart strings
Bonus epilogue
Yup, it’s all here and I should have nothing to moan about really, it’s all standard stuff and done well. No stupid dramatics from the MC’s as they both hold their own while manning up in the face of adversity. This in itself was quite refreshing.
I just felt a bit too disconnected from the story for it to be completely satisfying. I can’t put my finger on why, there’s no real reason or it. The sex was very sensual and arousing, the plot was full of suspense and the characters are credible. I should have really liked it, as I cannot fault it. Perhaps this was a case of its-not-the-book-it’s-me.
Overall this is an easy read, enjoyable but predictable, likeable but not ohmigod loveable.
I’m not sure if I’m invested enough to read the next one. I'll see what Kate and Susan say ;)
Closeted Hot Cop
Suspense
Whodunit crime solving
Steaming chemistry
Attention-grabbing plot line
Happy for now ending
Kids who tug at the ole heart strings
Bonus epilogue
Yup, it’s all here and I should have nothing to moan about really, it’s all standard stuff and done well. No stupid dramatics from the MC’s as they both hold their own while manning up in the face of adversity. This in itself was quite refreshing.
I just felt a bit too disconnected from the story for it to be completely satisfying. I can’t put my finger on why, there’s no real reason or it. The sex was very sensual and arousing, the plot was full of suspense and the characters are credible. I should have really liked it, as I cannot fault it. Perhaps this was a case of its-not-the-book-it’s-me.
Overall this is an easy read, enjoyable but predictable, likeable but not ohmigod loveable.
I’m not sure if I’m invested enough to read the next one. I'll see what Kate and Susan say ;)
April 20, 2013
This great story worked on every level, as a murder/mystery it was suspenseful and really well plotted and as a m/m romance it ticked all boxes too. When schoolteacher Tony Hart finds a murdered colleague in the school elevator, his life is altered forever, not just by the crime but because he's thrown him into the path of deeply closeted policeman Jared Maclean or Mac as he's normally known.
This isn't an insta love although the attraction is there at the beginning, simmering for a while before either of them makes a move and that's what made this feel more realistic in my eyes. Its a slow burner to start with but when they do finally act on their attraction the result is not only pretty combustible but its also sensual and tender because for a long time Mac tries hard not to open his feelings to Tony. He's adamant that he won't come out to his colleagues so Tony who's never tried to be anything less than open about being gay, has to learn to work around that side of their budding romance and of course this does cause some conflict, but there's no doubt that for the first time Mac is having much deeper feelings for a man than he's ever had before!
There are some shock moments in the crime side of the book that you aren't expecting and a really exciting build up at the end before the books satisfying HFN ending. I enjoyed the epilogue because it leaves you with the sense that this relationship will only get stronger over the series and that even though its obviously going to be a bumpy ride for Tony, Mac and their respective families ( Mac's got a daughter from a previous marriage and Tony a little boy who he literally brings up because his mother has issues. ) these two guys are going to make it! I think this is going to be a great series and thankfully the next ones are waiting on my Kindle right now. Loved it!
This isn't an insta love although the attraction is there at the beginning, simmering for a while before either of them makes a move and that's what made this feel more realistic in my eyes. Its a slow burner to start with but when they do finally act on their attraction the result is not only pretty combustible but its also sensual and tender because for a long time Mac tries hard not to open his feelings to Tony. He's adamant that he won't come out to his colleagues so Tony who's never tried to be anything less than open about being gay, has to learn to work around that side of their budding romance and of course this does cause some conflict, but there's no doubt that for the first time Mac is having much deeper feelings for a man than he's ever had before!
There are some shock moments in the crime side of the book that you aren't expecting and a really exciting build up at the end before the books satisfying HFN ending. I enjoyed the epilogue because it leaves you with the sense that this relationship will only get stronger over the series and that even though its obviously going to be a bumpy ride for Tony, Mac and their respective families ( Mac's got a daughter from a previous marriage and Tony a little boy who he literally brings up because his mother has issues. ) these two guys are going to make it! I think this is going to be a great series and thankfully the next ones are waiting on my Kindle right now. Loved it!
July 21, 2016
3,5 stars
It was my first of Kaje Harper, but for sure not the last one. I like her writing and it could be a solid 4 stars book for me if I wouldn't have had some problem with the plot.
But as always I'd like to underline-it is my personal feeling and you can have a different opinion.
What I liked:
* Mac. I have a weak spot for a closeted cop. I've met so many of them in my last books that I ought to get tired of this kind of story, but I am not. You can always have me with it. *shy sigh*
* Tony. I have a weak spot for a gay teacher/professor/writer protagonist. I know,I'm a collection of weak points! *shy sigh*
* The slow development of the relationship between them, the SLOW build up, the sexual tension, the chemistry. That was how I like it to be. I am not somebody who wants the first sex scene on the first page. Please not. I need my SLOW build up.
* I liked the suspense part here. In spite of it was pretty predictable. Though it was not about TO HIDE as long as possible WHO was the murderer but to OBSERVE HOW the characters handle the situations they were in.
And now to my problems:
* Marty.
* Mai and her story.
* Ben.
* Well, I couldn't understand why Mac
I would still recommend as an enjoyable read to all romantic suspense fans!
November 30, 2022
Surprisingly good murder mystery with a side of mm romance
When I started reading it, it didn’t realise that the romance between Tony, and openly gay teacher, and Mac, a cop who’s so deeply in the closet that he must have lost the key, isn’t ending with a HEA in this book, seeing that it’s the first book out of 4. So even if I’m not usually a fan of HFN, I really enjoyed reading this one.
The murder mystery itself is really good, even if a tiny bit predictable if you’re not new to this genre - a teacher gets murdered in Tony’s school, and Mac is one of the cops assigned to this case. They get thrown together more often that either of them anticipated when the killer sets his sight on Tony, who found the dying victim.
I won’t spoil that part of the story, just in case you haven’t read it yet, but it’s well written, especially the showdown had me sitting on the edge of my seat.
The romance part was almost perfect. Tony and Mac were really good together, and I loved how they complemented each other. Mac’s reasons for staying in the closet were explained in a way that I could really accept and not blame him for not making their relationship official (yet). The only niggle I had with it was the fact that they got together (and serious) vey quickly, I usually like it more when there’s a bit more push and pull or banter.
Thank God all the books from this series are already out there, just waiting for me to read them ☺️
When I started reading it, it didn’t realise that the romance between Tony, and openly gay teacher, and Mac, a cop who’s so deeply in the closet that he must have lost the key, isn’t ending with a HEA in this book, seeing that it’s the first book out of 4. So even if I’m not usually a fan of HFN, I really enjoyed reading this one.
The murder mystery itself is really good, even if a tiny bit predictable if you’re not new to this genre - a teacher gets murdered in Tony’s school, and Mac is one of the cops assigned to this case. They get thrown together more often that either of them anticipated when the killer sets his sight on Tony, who found the dying victim.
I won’t spoil that part of the story, just in case you haven’t read it yet, but it’s well written, especially the showdown had me sitting on the edge of my seat.
The romance part was almost perfect. Tony and Mac were really good together, and I loved how they complemented each other. Mac’s reasons for staying in the closet were explained in a way that I could really accept and not blame him for not making their relationship official (yet). The only niggle I had with it was the fact that they got together (and serious) vey quickly, I usually like it more when there’s a bit more push and pull or banter.
Thank God all the books from this series are already out there, just waiting for me to read them ☺️
April 11, 2013
I love reading m/m romances with a dose suspense and crime and 'Life Lessons' provided me with everything.
It's about Tony Heart, a high school teacher who lives a quiet life of an out and proud gay man. One night a colleague stumbles dying in his arms. The investigating detective is the closeted Jared Maclean. He becomes instantly interested in Tony, but he is reluctant to let anyone in on his secret. Suddenly the murderer threatens Tony and the life of both men changes rapidly...
The first half of the story is focused on the mystery. The romance is barely palpable. I must admit it was a bit slow for my liking and I needed some encouragement from a GR friend to continue reading. BTW, thank you Simon for your pep talk. :)
Then the two MCs grow closer and the story develops to a thrilling page turner.
'Life Lessons' is a solid mix between mystery and romance. The story ends with a HFN. It is pretty clear that Mac and Tony both still have issues in their relationship, and that Mac has to work out how he is going to deal with his sexuality and his determination to stay in the closet. I'm looking forward to reading the sequels. Fortunately I can continue reading without waiting. :)
December 30, 2021
Just as good as the first time around. :)
I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for this series to come out on audio and the wait was worth it. This is my first JF Harding narration and he did a stellar job. The voices for Tony and Mac were perfect. He even does a halfway decent job with Ben and Anna despite them being extremely young kids, lol. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books coming out in audio with him as narrator.
I forgot how insta this was. The whole story takes place in a week or so, lol, but the connection between Tony and Mac is believable and the progression of their relationship makes sense. Somehow, Harper just knows how to make this nonsense work, when I'd otherwise be rolling my eyes. Hell, even the
I couldn't quite remember the steps in the mystery, but I'm pretty sure I pegged the same whodunit at the exact same point the first time around as I did this time, and I'm smacking both Tony and Mac for not considering it once. I'm also smacking Tony for running his mouth off so often. 🤦🏻♀� But their decisions still made sense and were in character. One of the things I like about Harper's stories is there's no manufactured drama for the sake of drama and nothing feels forced. That doesn't mean that things don't get crazy or tense, though.
I'm hoping the next audio doesn't take too long. 🤞🏼
I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for this series to come out on audio and the wait was worth it. This is my first JF Harding narration and he did a stellar job. The voices for Tony and Mac were perfect. He even does a halfway decent job with Ben and Anna despite them being extremely young kids, lol. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books coming out in audio with him as narrator.
I forgot how insta this was. The whole story takes place in a week or so, lol, but the connection between Tony and Mac is believable and the progression of their relationship makes sense. Somehow, Harper just knows how to make this nonsense work, when I'd otherwise be rolling my eyes. Hell, even the
I couldn't quite remember the steps in the mystery, but I'm pretty sure I pegged the same whodunit at the exact same point the first time around as I did this time, and I'm smacking both Tony and Mac for not considering it once. I'm also smacking Tony for running his mouth off so often. 🤦🏻♀� But their decisions still made sense and were in character. One of the things I like about Harper's stories is there's no manufactured drama for the sake of drama and nothing feels forced. That doesn't mean that things don't get crazy or tense, though.
I'm hoping the next audio doesn't take too long. 🤞🏼
December 20, 2015
I love this book so very much!
I put this on the same level as Tere Michael's Faith, Love and Devotion series. And I gotta admit, I just love gay cops with kids ;)
Aside from the famous classics, I have never read a mystery novel, let alone a gay themed one, but Life Lessons really made it work for me.
I didn't see the solution to the mystery beforehand, although thinking back, I guess I could have seen it, but I wasn't that smart, LOL.
The romance was just perfect. It was really well done and satisfying. Both guys were believable, both had their quirks, but they belonged together.
The climax of the story was totally killing me. I hate these kinds of scenes in TV movies and it wasn't easier for me here, either. Poor Tony really went through hell in this book ;))
And without giving away too much, I do want to mention that Tony Hart started off with a twisted ankle and ended up
I also loved the efficiency of the police. Need a name to a license plate? Just a quick call and you got it. Find a car using the internal GPS? Just one phone call and it's done.
I wonder if the US police really are that efficient. It was pretty impressive ;)
In any case, I can hardly wait to follow the story of these two guys in the subsequent books.
Thanks to goodreads for recommending this to me!
I put this on the same level as Tere Michael's Faith, Love and Devotion series. And I gotta admit, I just love gay cops with kids ;)
Aside from the famous classics, I have never read a mystery novel, let alone a gay themed one, but Life Lessons really made it work for me.
I didn't see the solution to the mystery beforehand, although thinking back, I guess I could have seen it, but I wasn't that smart, LOL.
The romance was just perfect. It was really well done and satisfying. Both guys were believable, both had their quirks, but they belonged together.
The climax of the story was totally killing me. I hate these kinds of scenes in TV movies and it wasn't easier for me here, either. Poor Tony really went through hell in this book ;))
And without giving away too much, I do want to mention that Tony Hart started off with a twisted ankle and ended up
I also loved the efficiency of the police. Need a name to a license plate? Just a quick call and you got it. Find a car using the internal GPS? Just one phone call and it's done.
I wonder if the US police really are that efficient. It was pretty impressive ;)
In any case, I can hardly wait to follow the story of these two guys in the subsequent books.
Thanks to goodreads for recommending this to me!
dnf
January 30, 2023Whoa, big mistake. BIG mistake. I took this off my "TBR but never will" shelf in order to join a buddy read. And I love my BR friends, I do � but I won't squander my miniscule stock of reading mojo on a story about parents raising children. *full body shudder* My bad for not remembering WHY I had it filed as "never will" in the first place.
DNF @ 33%, but it seemed well-written, so there's no reason why anyone who doesn't share my aversion should steer clear.
DNF @ 33%, but it seemed well-written, so there's no reason why anyone who doesn't share my aversion should steer clear.
September 3, 2022
***4.5***
If you’re looking for a bit of fantasy where true love & good sex are a magic potion that solves all of life’s problems this isn’t that book. If however you want a realistic portrayal of two people falling in lust, love and forging a relationship despite life's woes you’ve come to the right place. A beautiful audio rendition by is just icing on the cake.
Tony Hart is a high school teacher, an easy going guy comfortable in his skin as a gay man. One day he has the misfortune of kind-of-sort-of witnessing the murder of a work colleague wich brings him into the orbit of Det. Jared “Mac� MacLean. Mac is Tony’s polar opposite in every way. Mac is a gay man who due to life, society, family, reality or take your pick, has never been out, in some aspects even to himself. You know what they say about opposites.
Tony is attracted to Mac from the beginning but mostly in the “hot guy alert� sense, while attraction is not something Mac allows himself to enjoy, not at home in Minnesota, but the investigation brings them into frequent contact, Tony gets hurt and � the real stuff begins.
As I said before, for the romance purists or those wanting candy cane and rainbows this will disappoint. For one a good portion of the book is dedicated to the investigation, a fairly accurate portrayal of police procedure, which can seem irrelevant and menial but to my mind enriches and informs where Mac is coming from, his worldview. Part two of the possible let down is that, realistically, this ends in a HFN, and it leaves Tony in an unenviable position, but one he chooses. To me it was painfully realistic. Also while Mac’s story does flirt a little bit with the dramatic I’m taking into account that, though the audio is new, the book itself is from 2011, eons ago. Obergefell v. Hodges had not yet been heard making marriage equality a reality, so things we now take for granted were very much not a thing.
On the plus side Mac & Tony’s relationship is beautiful and scorching. They just get each other on a physical and mental level. A beautiful thing.
I’d definitely recommend this and follow it with two shorts: And to All a Goodnight and Getting it Right.
Ps. I already owned the original books and thus followed along a bit. It seems that inconsequential parts have been altered but nothing major.
I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re looking for a bit of fantasy where true love & good sex are a magic potion that solves all of life’s problems this isn’t that book. If however you want a realistic portrayal of two people falling in lust, love and forging a relationship despite life's woes you’ve come to the right place. A beautiful audio rendition by is just icing on the cake.
Tony Hart is a high school teacher, an easy going guy comfortable in his skin as a gay man. One day he has the misfortune of kind-of-sort-of witnessing the murder of a work colleague wich brings him into the orbit of Det. Jared “Mac� MacLean. Mac is Tony’s polar opposite in every way. Mac is a gay man who due to life, society, family, reality or take your pick, has never been out, in some aspects even to himself. You know what they say about opposites.
Tony is attracted to Mac from the beginning but mostly in the “hot guy alert� sense, while attraction is not something Mac allows himself to enjoy, not at home in Minnesota, but the investigation brings them into frequent contact, Tony gets hurt and � the real stuff begins.
As I said before, for the romance purists or those wanting candy cane and rainbows this will disappoint. For one a good portion of the book is dedicated to the investigation, a fairly accurate portrayal of police procedure, which can seem irrelevant and menial but to my mind enriches and informs where Mac is coming from, his worldview. Part two of the possible let down is that, realistically, this ends in a HFN, and it leaves Tony in an unenviable position, but one he chooses. To me it was painfully realistic. Also while Mac’s story does flirt a little bit with the dramatic I’m taking into account that, though the audio is new, the book itself is from 2011, eons ago. Obergefell v. Hodges had not yet been heard making marriage equality a reality, so things we now take for granted were very much not a thing.
On the plus side Mac & Tony’s relationship is beautiful and scorching. They just get each other on a physical and mental level. A beautiful thing.
I’d definitely recommend this and follow it with two shorts: And to All a Goodnight and Getting it Right.
Ps. I already owned the original books and thus followed along a bit. It seems that inconsequential parts have been altered but nothing major.
I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2022
Story and Audio - 5 ++++++++ Stars!!!!
January 31, 2023
I first read this series in 2015, it was one of my first m/m series and I never reviewed it because I didn’t use to write many reviews at the time. I’d been hoping to correct that when I’d reread it, but apparently a “real� review is not meant to be, time is so short lately that the only reason I’ve been able to “reread� this is because of the audiobook version—which is great, by the way.
To keep it short, I was very glad to realize I can still enjoy this story and characters as much as I did the first time. This book isn’t perfect, it wasn’t in 2015 and it isn’t now (some things are very hard to take seriously), but Kaje’s writing still works wonders on me, especially when it comes to the characterizations of Mac and Tony. I’d forgotten how much I liked them, especially Mac. 😍
The narrator also did a very good job, although I’m not a fan of his voices for kids and female characters. He was the perfect choice for Mac and Tony, though, so I’m not complaining.
If those reasons weren’t already enough to confirm my original rating, the fact that I’m enjoying a series with , even on a second read, would be enough on its own. Only Kaje works these miracles, I swear.
To keep it short, I was very glad to realize I can still enjoy this story and characters as much as I did the first time. This book isn’t perfect, it wasn’t in 2015 and it isn’t now (some things are very hard to take seriously), but Kaje’s writing still works wonders on me, especially when it comes to the characterizations of Mac and Tony. I’d forgotten how much I liked them, especially Mac. 😍
The narrator also did a very good job, although I’m not a fan of his voices for kids and female characters. He was the perfect choice for Mac and Tony, though, so I’m not complaining.
If those reasons weren’t already enough to confirm my original rating, the fact that I’m enjoying a series with , even on a second read, would be enough on its own. Only Kaje works these miracles, I swear.
May 27, 2013
This was my first book by Kaje Harper, and I’m happy to say it will not be my last.
This is what I refer to as a real book. There is plenty of story here. At times quite exciting, definitely full of mystery, and the romance is a strong slow build.. The main characters are both people I want to learn more of. The kids were not in the story as much as I would of liked, but the part with them was one of the most believable kid portrayals I’ve seen in quite a while.
I’m so glad I have the next book lined up, as I need to see how life works out for this couple. I can see heartbreak and drama ahead, I’m already on pins and needles waiting to see how Mac is going to over come his biggest fears. I’m also nervous about Tony’s relationship with Ben, but time will tell with that one lol.
Overall a really enjoyable read, only let down slightly for me with one of my usual pet peeves
But apart from my niggles, this is definitely a book I would recommend.
This is what I refer to as a real book. There is plenty of story here. At times quite exciting, definitely full of mystery, and the romance is a strong slow build.. The main characters are both people I want to learn more of. The kids were not in the story as much as I would of liked, but the part with them was one of the most believable kid portrayals I’ve seen in quite a while.
I’m so glad I have the next book lined up, as I need to see how life works out for this couple. I can see heartbreak and drama ahead, I’m already on pins and needles waiting to see how Mac is going to over come his biggest fears. I’m also nervous about Tony’s relationship with Ben, but time will tell with that one lol.
Overall a really enjoyable read, only let down slightly for me with one of my usual pet peeves
But apart from my niggles, this is definitely a book I would recommend.
December 21, 2011
Okay, I picked up this book because it kept showing up freaking EVERYWHERE. I don't know why I kept tripping over it, but I had a pile of gift cards and tried a sample, and then I bought it.
I am not a mystery lover at all, and I don't care about crime stuff, so there were parts of the book, esp the beginning, where mostly I wanted to get to the romance already. But in the end I really liked it all, save the crime and mystery stuff. I knew the killer from the first scene he was named, but that's okay because by that point I just wanted to watch the boys, and I got a lot of the boys after that part. I enjoyed even the way she handled the end, which is unorthodox for novels but realistic and still hopeful. Kudos for that.
Excellent characters and made me feel all gooey and cranky at people who got in the way of my reading, and I stopped my own work to go to a chair and finish. In short, this is EXACTLY what I want in a novel, and I so got it.
Like cops? Like good characters and awesome fucking and consistency in all the important things? Like some mystery and crime? Then this is for you, even if the last part isn't your thing so much. Just get through the first act and you're all set.
I am not a mystery lover at all, and I don't care about crime stuff, so there were parts of the book, esp the beginning, where mostly I wanted to get to the romance already. But in the end I really liked it all, save the crime and mystery stuff. I knew the killer from the first scene he was named, but that's okay because by that point I just wanted to watch the boys, and I got a lot of the boys after that part. I enjoyed even the way she handled the end, which is unorthodox for novels but realistic and still hopeful. Kudos for that.
Excellent characters and made me feel all gooey and cranky at people who got in the way of my reading, and I stopped my own work to go to a chair and finish. In short, this is EXACTLY what I want in a novel, and I so got it.
Like cops? Like good characters and awesome fucking and consistency in all the important things? Like some mystery and crime? Then this is for you, even if the last part isn't your thing so much. Just get through the first act and you're all set.
January 4, 2022
***Audio Review***
Great start to this series by narrator JF Harding, although there were a few errors [mostly it has to be said naming Mac's daughter Hannah not Anna]. Book 2 eagerly awaited, and I understand from following Kaje that this is already in the works. Oh, and can I just say that I've been completely gobsmacked by the fact that the cover model for this series can also be found appearing in my Health and Vitamin magazine at the moment...what a shock that was 😵 😉.
***Book Review 2013***
First book in the Life Lessons series. Slow-ish start as this book is mostly about setting the scene and developing the characters. 4 stars and
Mac is a police detective
, firmly in the closet in order to protect his daughter and himself (there's a story there too). Tony is a teacher
at the local high school, and this story starts when a teacher that Tony doesn't particularly get on with crawls into the lift at school late one evening when Tony is leaving, with a knife sticking out of him...blood pouring everywhere...and dies. Mac is part of the murder investigation team, and is somewhat jealous that Tony is out and proud, but keeps quiet and does his job.
I'm only going to post a short review as these books are popular, and have lots of reviews, but I will say that I did enjoy it, and all the twists and turns that occurred. Tony is a really strong character, kind and helpful whereas Mac is, well...hot, but so firmly entrenched in that bloody closet, it's a wonder he hasn't been suffocated by those moth balls!!
Great start to this series by narrator JF Harding, although there were a few errors [mostly it has to be said naming Mac's daughter Hannah not Anna]. Book 2 eagerly awaited, and I understand from following Kaje that this is already in the works. Oh, and can I just say that I've been completely gobsmacked by the fact that the cover model for this series can also be found appearing in my Health and Vitamin magazine at the moment...what a shock that was 😵 😉.
***Book Review 2013***
First book in the Life Lessons series. Slow-ish start as this book is mostly about setting the scene and developing the characters. 4 stars and
Mac is a police detective
, firmly in the closet in order to protect his daughter and himself (there's a story there too). Tony is a teacher at the local high school, and this story starts when a teacher that Tony doesn't particularly get on with crawls into the lift at school late one evening when Tony is leaving, with a knife sticking out of him...blood pouring everywhere...and dies. Mac is part of the murder investigation team, and is somewhat jealous that Tony is out and proud, but keeps quiet and does his job.I'm only going to post a short review as these books are popular, and have lots of reviews, but I will say that I did enjoy it, and all the twists and turns that occurred. Tony is a really strong character, kind and helpful whereas Mac is, well...hot, but so firmly entrenched in that bloody closet, it's a wonder he hasn't been suffocated by those moth balls!!
August 16, 2013
3.5 STARS!
This was good. Yep, it was good.
I enjoyed this book. It was cute and fun.
There were parts that made me really sad... like Marty's death, which I felt got maybe a little under-looked? Like, the guy died and no one focused on that a lot in the book, and he was a pretty enjoyable character. Even Tony seemed kind of a little "Meh" about it. I don't know. Some parts maybe dragged a little, tiny bit? Like the ending?
Some parts of the book didn't make sense to me either. And the killer was really, super-duper obvious, at least to me.
But yeah, it was cute, but nothing too unique or new for me.
This was good. Yep, it was good.
I enjoyed this book. It was cute and fun.
There were parts that made me really sad... like Marty's death, which I felt got maybe a little under-looked? Like, the guy died and no one focused on that a lot in the book, and he was a pretty enjoyable character. Even Tony seemed kind of a little "Meh" about it. I don't know. Some parts maybe dragged a little, tiny bit? Like the ending?
Some parts of the book didn't make sense to me either. And the killer was really, super-duper obvious, at least to me.
But yeah, it was cute, but nothing too unique or new for me.
May 29, 2025
one of the easiest five-star reads, I INHALED this shit in one breath
August 12, 2011
This is one of books I must thank my friends in ŷ for. When I first read the blurb and a couple of early reviews, I was wary about the "HFN" ending. So I postponed the idea to get it. But then the sequel came out and it seemed to be better and the reviews for this were already good, so I thought, "heck, let's give this one a try"
And MY, what a treat!! I love mystery/thriller on top of romance and Life Lessons offers me just that. The first chapter already grips me, with Tony finding the body and then get tangled with investigation, and in that of Detective MacLean. The investigation is good and the romance might be a bit slow (they don't even share the first kiss up to 47% of my Kindle mark) but that is JUST the way I like it. I don't like romance (or sex) that is too overwhelming. This one is playing just right.
Mac is a closeted cop (VERY closeted) and he doesn't want to ever coming out for fear of losing his life in the force and the daughter he loves the most. While Tony is out and proud and never even has a relationship where he cannot shows his feeling. This actually engages me so, that I want to see how it ends. If I don't know that there is a sequel, I might (emphasis in "might") be annoyed. But then I think of one of my favorite M/M series of all time, Adrien English series (by the amazing Josh Lanyon), and heck, Jake doesn't even come out until book #4 (and there's already a huge heartbreak there). So this one is nothing compared to the roller-coaster ride I feel for Adrien/Jake :).
I love the writing (it shows how good when I lose sleep to finish this) and definitely will look forward to the sequel. Oh, and the kids are adorable (kids and pets, two of my silver bullets). Let's see how book #2 goes since I've heard that there was HEA and it was actually better than this one ...
And MY, what a treat!! I love mystery/thriller on top of romance and Life Lessons offers me just that. The first chapter already grips me, with Tony finding the body and then get tangled with investigation, and in that of Detective MacLean. The investigation is good and the romance might be a bit slow (they don't even share the first kiss up to 47% of my Kindle mark) but that is JUST the way I like it. I don't like romance (or sex) that is too overwhelming. This one is playing just right.
Mac is a closeted cop (VERY closeted) and he doesn't want to ever coming out for fear of losing his life in the force and the daughter he loves the most. While Tony is out and proud and never even has a relationship where he cannot shows his feeling. This actually engages me so, that I want to see how it ends. If I don't know that there is a sequel, I might (emphasis in "might") be annoyed. But then I think of one of my favorite M/M series of all time, Adrien English series (by the amazing Josh Lanyon), and heck, Jake doesn't even come out until book #4 (and there's already a huge heartbreak there). So this one is nothing compared to the roller-coaster ride I feel for Adrien/Jake :).
I love the writing (it shows how good when I lose sleep to finish this) and definitely will look forward to the sequel. Oh, and the kids are adorable (kids and pets, two of my silver bullets). Let's see how book #2 goes since I've heard that there was HEA and it was actually better than this one ...
January 19, 2015
**** 4 enjoyable stars ****
A great book with great characters. I really liked Tony and Mac, and their developing relationship. I liked the mystery and the suspense, even though I could spot the bad guy a mile away. I liked the tension and suspense the last part of the book brought, with the . It wasn't fun, you know, but it brought a lot of suspense to the story, so the last part of the book just flew by.
There are more books in this series. Can't wait to follow Tony and Mac!
There are more books in this series. Can't wait to follow Tony and Mac!
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