Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Mac's three goals: keep Tony safe, catch the killer, don't come out.

Tony Hart's a dedicated teacher, though he's not much older than his high-school students. Between his profession, a few good friends, and plenty of books, he's content with his quiet life. Then the murdered body of another teacher falls into the elevator at his feet, and Tony's life becomes all too exciting.

Jared MacLean is a homicide detective, widowed father to a young daughter, 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. Mac's not out ― can't afford to be out ― but Tony makes him want the impossible.

Mac isn't the only one with their eyes on Tony, though. As the murderer tries to cover their tracks, Mac has to work fast or lose Tony, permanently.

 

 

First edition published by MLR Press, May 2011.

 

Book Review

'Life Lessons' is the first book in a new series by Kaje Harper. This was the second book by Ms Harper that I've read and I was not disappointed in any way, shape or form. Much like my other experience with this author, the story line/plot is one seen many times, i.e., an in the closet cop and an out and proud gay man, however, this author threw so much suspense and sheer mystery into it that the plot seemed new and even more fascinating.

I fell for both Tony and Mac. First impression was that Tony was quiet, subdued, maybe a little flamboyantly gay, a twink, so to speak. Oh, how wrong I was. There is a little slutty in there, some sarcasm, a little opinionated, and more than capable of standing up for himself in any situation. The fact that Tony handled having a dead body drop, literally, at his feet with a fair amount of calm, impressed the heck out of me. He's a teacher but definitely not a pushover. Tony has a wonderful relationship, a father-type figure, to his deceased best friend's little boy, Ben. Tony does the best he can to help out as Ben's mother is a bit of a disaster and really struggles as a single parent.

Mac's backstory is very different from the norm and gave the book more complexity. Mac is a homicide detective and widowed father of a beautiful little girl, Anna. Mac is one hundred percent gay, a Kinsey six, and he married his wife because she was pregnant, she'd been a victim and her abuser was trying to force her out of the country before she could testify against him. So, Mac, being the amazingly great guy he was, married her and his name went on the birth certificate as Anna's father. He is just the right mix of deep in the closet and wounded vulnerability to make him relatable and for me to empathize with.

Tony and Mac are like fire and water from the moment they meet. Notice how I didn't say oil and water? It's not that they repel one another, not at all, it's more that both of them trying to deny the attraction causes a lot of hot and cold to go on. Mac makes it very clear that he is never going to come out. He can't risk losing his cop family and his cousin, who cares for Anna because sometimes Mac works twenty-four hours in a row, is deeply religious, and she would stop helping with Anna if she knew Mac was gay.

The mystery/cop portion of the story was a very good one. You got the suspense and information without being inundated with "cop speak". The victim was a hateful, homophobic jerk to many of the high school staff but he was especially nasty to Tony. The buildup and finale to the murderer was exciting and I loved it!

Excellent story that goes in my favorites!

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been purchased by the reviewer.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 348 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	14-November-2021
Price	$3.99 ebook, $9.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Life-Lessons-Kaje-Harper-ebook/dp/B09GV9KD45