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Life Lessons #3
Home Work
Mac and Tony thought the hard part was over. They’re together openly as a couple, sharing a home and building a life with their two children. It’s what they dreamed of. But daughter Anna struggles with the changes, Ben is haunted by old secrets, Mac’s job in Homicide still demands too much of his time, and Tony is caught in the middle. It’s going to take everything these men can give to create a viable balance between home and work. Especially when the outside world seems determined to throw obstacles in their way.
356 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2012
54 people are currently reading
1021 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
89 books2,709 followersI 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 https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads 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. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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 https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads 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. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
February 19, 2016
Written October 15, 2015
4 1/2 Stars - Once again well written addictive good series part about a favorite couple (family)
Book #3
At last, two whole years after I finished (happy-danced and sincerely loved) the first two in the 'Life Lessons' series, I picked up this third part, Home Work. ~ It was just amazing good to meet this favorite couple once again. A contemporary M/M romance series (with some added crime / suspense) I full heartedly recommend.
*********************************************
Two men, now a family of four, in Minneapolis...
It all started when Tony Hart, an openly gay quite young highschool teacher becomes involved as a witness to a murder. Mac (Jared) MacLean is the a homicide detective investigating the crime. Mac is almost 10 years older than Tony and a widowed (weekend) father to little Anna. Sadly is Mac a gay man way back in the darkest closet to imagine. He only met other gay men for short secret steamy meetings for an evening now and then, preferably far away in another location. No one, absolutely no one, knew what he actually felt for men.
Tony and Mac are opposites, both in appearance and manner. But already after the first meeting was Mac interested in the young beautiful blue eyed teacher. Mac looks anything but gay and Tony was convinced that the big, tall detective was straight but of course he isn't. Their angst filled, heartbreaking, suspenseful adventurous lovestory begins there in the first book.
★★★★☆ #1 - Life Lessons
★★★★★ #2 - Breaking Cover
Two great book-parts and I sincerely loved these main characters, their everyday life, their kids and this intense (dramatic) love-story. Kaje Harper also convinced me once and forever that I truly admire her style, whatever the genre or topic, of storytelling.
*********************************************
Part #3 starts a couple of months after we left them in the second book. Mac is at last "out", even at work, and these lovebirds are now a small family living together with their kids, Anna and Ben.
A new crime case (a young unknown drug addict is found dead), Mac's and his colleagues police work, everyday family stuff etc etc. It's freezing cold fall, next to winter, and there isn't just sparkling funny romantic days. It is to be honest a bit grey and tough. A realistic ordinary life feeling. A long way from more glamorous billionaire romances. But hey, this is a fantastic good read .... and amazing romantic in its simplicity.
**********************************************
I barely remember some romances a week after I put them on the finished-shelf. But sometimes, as with those first two in this 'Life Lessons' (4 parts) series about Mac & Tony, I remember as if I just now read them although it's been two years. That says something about quality, a story's weight and unique rememberable characters that sticks in your mind ... and in your heart and soul .. and of course also what suits me.
Looking forward to read the last and fourth part.
*********************************************
I LIKE - these men so very much
4 1/2 Stars - Once again well written addictive good series part about a favorite couple (family)
Book #3
At last, two whole years after I finished (happy-danced and sincerely loved) the first two in the 'Life Lessons' series, I picked up this third part, Home Work. ~ It was just amazing good to meet this favorite couple once again. A contemporary M/M romance series (with some added crime / suspense) I full heartedly recommend.
*********************************************
Two men, now a family of four, in Minneapolis...
It all started when Tony Hart, an openly gay quite young highschool teacher becomes involved as a witness to a murder. Mac (Jared) MacLean is the a homicide detective investigating the crime. Mac is almost 10 years older than Tony and a widowed (weekend) father to little Anna. Sadly is Mac a gay man way back in the darkest closet to imagine. He only met other gay men for short secret steamy meetings for an evening now and then, preferably far away in another location. No one, absolutely no one, knew what he actually felt for men.
“You are my miracle. You’re older than me in most of the ways that count. You made me start to like myself. Start to believe in myself. You gave me Anna back. And Ben. And this life that’s like the air I need to breathe. You are amazing. You gave me you.”
Tony and Mac are opposites, both in appearance and manner. But already after the first meeting was Mac interested in the young beautiful blue eyed teacher. Mac looks anything but gay and Tony was convinced that the big, tall detective was straight but of course he isn't. Their angst filled, heartbreaking, suspenseful adventurous lovestory begins there in the first book.
★★★★☆ #1 - Life Lessons
★★★★★ #2 - Breaking Cover
Two great book-parts and I sincerely loved these main characters, their everyday life, their kids and this intense (dramatic) love-story. Kaje Harper also convinced me once and forever that I truly admire her style, whatever the genre or topic, of storytelling.
*********************************************
Part #3 starts a couple of months after we left them in the second book. Mac is at last "out", even at work, and these lovebirds are now a small family living together with their kids, Anna and Ben.
A new crime case (a young unknown drug addict is found dead), Mac's and his colleagues police work, everyday family stuff etc etc. It's freezing cold fall, next to winter, and there isn't just sparkling funny romantic days. It is to be honest a bit grey and tough. A realistic ordinary life feeling. A long way from more glamorous billionaire romances. But hey, this is a fantastic good read .... and amazing romantic in its simplicity.
**********************************************
I barely remember some romances a week after I put them on the finished-shelf. But sometimes, as with those first two in this 'Life Lessons' (4 parts) series about Mac & Tony, I remember as if I just now read them although it's been two years. That says something about quality, a story's weight and unique rememberable characters that sticks in your mind ... and in your heart and soul .. and of course also what suits me.
‘Mac tugged Tony closer to him. He didn’t like the looks some of the men were giving his boyfriend. Sort of hungry, and speculative. Mac suddenly stopped and kissed Tony, hard and possessively.
“Wow, a PDA! What was that for? Not that I’m complaining.”
“Trying to fit in,” Mac said.’
Looking forward to read the last and fourth part.
*********************************************
I LIKE - these men so very much
October 8, 2012
4.5 stars.
If you ask me then I'd say that Home Work is the best story in this series. I really, really liked it! A great addition, engagingly written and wholeheartedly satisfying. Wow, this was kind of an emotional roller coaster ride. I enjoyed to see Mac, Tony, Anna and Ben struggling with their everyday life, accommodating a number of things but overall I am confident that these guys will manage every cr*p that life is throwing at them. Home Work is proof that they can be proud of themselves.
Sorry, ladies, but I have to spoiler tag a huge part of my review.
This "incident" made Home Work so much more intense. As always, I love the author's ability to write police procedurals. Even though I can't judge if everything was accurate, I'd say it was realistically written. Having said that, I got a real kick out of the suspense part of the story AND the fallout. As expected the men lovin' was pretty steamy, and Tony topping Mac was deliciously good!
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series and I hope that we will learn more about Mac's family and his childhood. Overall Home Work is a great story written by the very gifted Kaje Harper. Enjoy!
Mac said, "I love you so f***ing much, Tony," on one breath.
Tony kissed his palm. "Been practicing, huh?"
"Yeah." Mac's smile was a little crooked.
If you ask me then I'd say that Home Work is the best story in this series. I really, really liked it! A great addition, engagingly written and wholeheartedly satisfying. Wow, this was kind of an emotional roller coaster ride. I enjoyed to see Mac, Tony, Anna and Ben struggling with their everyday life, accommodating a number of things but overall I am confident that these guys will manage every cr*p that life is throwing at them. Home Work is proof that they can be proud of themselves.
Sorry, ladies, but I have to spoiler tag a huge part of my review.
This "incident" made Home Work so much more intense. As always, I love the author's ability to write police procedurals. Even though I can't judge if everything was accurate, I'd say it was realistically written. Having said that, I got a real kick out of the suspense part of the story AND the fallout. As expected the men lovin' was pretty steamy, and Tony topping Mac was deliciously good!
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series and I hope that we will learn more about Mac's family and his childhood. Overall Home Work is a great story written by the very gifted Kaje Harper. Enjoy!
Mac said, "I love you so f***ing much, Tony," on one breath.
Tony kissed his palm. "Been practicing, huh?"
"Yeah." Mac's smile was a little crooked.
October 7, 2012
This story had been one of my most awaited releases at the last months of 2012. Tony and his cop, Mac, charmed me from their first book. So I couldn't help to ditch every other to-read books I had when this was finally released.
I finished this last night -- and I suffered from emotional rollercoaster that I needed to sleep on it before writing a proper opinion. This book gave me feelings. Oh. So. Many. Feelings. From anxious, to small relief, to being frustrated, to downright mush (with happy sappy tears), to have inner yelling and jawdropping, to denial, to slight acceptance. Since all these feelings were related to the plot, unfortunately, everything must be written under spoiler tag.
BE AWARE THIS IS GOING TO BE LONG!
There are no over-the-top emotional scenes -- which I totally appreciate. It's not cheap and cliché. Instead, Kaje Harper writes with thoughtful carefulness and she brings along her readers to go down this next journey with Tony and Mac and the kids.
Do I love this? Heck, yes. But am I in love with this to give it my 5-stars rating? Unfortunately, no. Because as much as I think Kaje has written a solid book and my, how this one has gone from book one, I'm still that romantic inside and want to find romance in my books as escapism.
Until Tony and Mac (and myself!) get that darn proper-fairy-tale-HEA, I can only give this my 4-stars rating.
I finished this last night -- and I suffered from emotional rollercoaster that I needed to sleep on it before writing a proper opinion. This book gave me feelings. Oh. So. Many. Feelings. From anxious, to small relief, to being frustrated, to downright mush (with happy sappy tears), to have inner yelling and jawdropping, to denial, to slight acceptance. Since all these feelings were related to the plot, unfortunately, everything must be written under spoiler tag.
BE AWARE THIS IS GOING TO BE LONG!
There are no over-the-top emotional scenes -- which I totally appreciate. It's not cheap and cliché. Instead, Kaje Harper writes with thoughtful carefulness and she brings along her readers to go down this next journey with Tony and Mac and the kids.
Do I love this? Heck, yes. But am I in love with this to give it my 5-stars rating? Unfortunately, no. Because as much as I think Kaje has written a solid book and my, how this one has gone from book one, I'm still that romantic inside and want to find romance in my books as escapism.
Until Tony and Mac (and myself!) get that darn proper-fairy-tale-HEA, I can only give this my 4-stars rating.
October 9, 2012
When I learned there was going to be a third book in the Life Lessons series:
------------------
09 October 2012
Finished. There are so many things I would like to say. How I love Kaje Harper's honest and captivating voice. How Mac and Tony have touched my heart again and again and again. How this installment may be the most emotional, most romantic of the three but it manages to avoid being sappy or too saccharine ().
How well-researched the story felt. As in the other Life Lessons books, it was obvious that the author made an effort and it showed in the crime parts of the story. Now the medical parts (aka my biggest pet peeve in romance stories)? Allow me to commend Ms Harper for a job well done. They might be a little toned down (which was fine, it's fiction after all) but they weren't glossed over or far-fetched and serious conditions didn't magically disappear overnight. Again, it was obvious that they were carefully researched. I appreciated that. Much.
My only issue with the story was that Mac became even more alpha in this installment, while Tony became even more beta and their relationship felt a bit heterofied. I mean, they work perfectly together and I love them like few other fictional m/m couples, but Mac could take the butch down a notch and Tony could start making the first step more frequently.
Also, I wondered why there were so many references to stocky/plump/overweight/obese people in this book. The stocky ME, Gretchen. Craig's obese landlord and his mother. The overweight intern who looked nothing like her facebook profile pic. Tony's plump mother. The overweight silhouette of a nurse.
There were some minor formatting issues in my e-copy (missing section breaks) but nothing really serious.
And I'm sorry but I can't help myself: I hope IA rip Terrance a new one and he ends up writing traffic tickets for the remainder of his career as a police officer. And I have only two words for Brenda: good riddance! Wait, make that five words: good riddance, you bigoted bitch!
Overall, I enjoyed this story very much and I think it's a great addition to a wonderful series. I'm already counting the days until the next book.
------------------
09 October 2012
Finished. There are so many things I would like to say. How I love Kaje Harper's honest and captivating voice. How Mac and Tony have touched my heart again and again and again. How this installment may be the most emotional, most romantic of the three but it manages to avoid being sappy or too saccharine ().
How well-researched the story felt. As in the other Life Lessons books, it was obvious that the author made an effort and it showed in the crime parts of the story. Now the medical parts (aka my biggest pet peeve in romance stories)? Allow me to commend Ms Harper for a job well done. They might be a little toned down (which was fine, it's fiction after all) but they weren't glossed over or far-fetched and serious conditions didn't magically disappear overnight. Again, it was obvious that they were carefully researched. I appreciated that. Much.
My only issue with the story was that Mac became even more alpha in this installment, while Tony became even more beta and their relationship felt a bit heterofied. I mean, they work perfectly together and I love them like few other fictional m/m couples, but Mac could take the butch down a notch and Tony could start making the first step more frequently.
Also, I wondered why there were so many references to stocky/plump/overweight/obese people in this book. The stocky ME, Gretchen. Craig's obese landlord and his mother. The overweight intern who looked nothing like her facebook profile pic. Tony's plump mother. The overweight silhouette of a nurse.
There were some minor formatting issues in my e-copy (missing section breaks) but nothing really serious.
And I'm sorry but I can't help myself: I hope IA rip Terrance a new one and he ends up writing traffic tickets for the remainder of his career as a police officer. And I have only two words for Brenda: good riddance! Wait, make that five words: good riddance, you bigoted bitch!
Overall, I enjoyed this story very much and I think it's a great addition to a wonderful series. I'm already counting the days until the next book.
March 10, 2023
4.25**** stars
Well shit shit shit. What a ride. But I’m also so fucking proud of Mac!
And I love how far Mac & Tony have come in their relationship and as a family.
side note: I’m not sure why that is but I can’t seem to reach 5 stars with this series even though I love it very much and also since the beginning.
**********
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
Well shit shit shit. What a ride. But I’m also so fucking proud of Mac!
And I love how far Mac & Tony have come in their relationship and as a family.
side note: I’m not sure why that is but I can’t seem to reach 5 stars with this series even though I love it very much and also since the beginning.
**********
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
February 18, 2023
Audiobook - 5 stars
Story - 4.5 stars
Story - 4.5 stars
October 26, 2022
Audio and Story - 5+++++++ Stars
Read
September 7, 2022This third Life Lessons story is now rereleased with light editing on Amazon and in KU.
Audible just released the audio, with JF Harding doing his usual superlative job of bringing my words to life.
Audible US - https://www.audible.com/pd/Home-Work-...
Amazon. com -https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDC8BTP7/...?
not yet whispersync'd but hopefully soon.
The follow-up short story Compensations - Life Lessons 3.5 is also now on Amazon for the first time - free everywhere - But *****This story should be read AFTER Home Work due to significant spoilers.
(This is too short to do in audio, sorry folks.) Book 4 is in production though, out in October.
Audible just released the audio, with JF Harding doing his usual superlative job of bringing my words to life.
Audible US - https://www.audible.com/pd/Home-Work-...
Amazon. com -https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDC8BTP7/...?
not yet whispersync'd but hopefully soon.
The follow-up short story Compensations - Life Lessons 3.5 is also now on Amazon for the first time - free everywhere - But *****This story should be read AFTER Home Work due to significant spoilers.
(This is too short to do in audio, sorry folks.) Book 4 is in production though, out in October.
April 23, 2013
Beautiful story!!
This was absolutely perfect! Perfect balance of romance, drama, and mystery.
I cried so much! A few sad tears but most were happy. I can just feel the love Tony and Mac have for each other deep down in my soul.
I will forever ♥ Mac and Tony!
This was absolutely perfect! Perfect balance of romance, drama, and mystery.
I cried so much! A few sad tears but most were happy. I can just feel the love Tony and Mac have for each other deep down in my soul.
I will forever ♥ Mac and Tony!
October 7, 2012
I LOVE TONY & MAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just when I knew I couldn’t take any more angst…
Just when I knew I had to have a sweet love story…
Just when I knew I wanted …
…Kaje Harper’s 3rd book in the Life Lessons series, “Home Work”, released.
I’m writing this with a smile on my face because how do you NOT enjoy reading about 2 people in love, figuring out life, and making it work the best they can? It’s been a journey for Tony & Mac (and us readers), but one that just feels so good…and feels like HOME.
Mac’s fully out of the closet.
The family is fully together.
And Kaje Harper is fully hitting her stride with these characters.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all rainbows and roses…there are some interesting twists and turns in this book. Like the previous books, these center mostly around Mac’s job as a Minnesota homicide detective. But, the story itself, in its entirety, feels like it’s wrapped up in a warm hug…and I loved it. Sure, it’s pure fluff…but it makes me happy!
Can we get book 4…say…tomorrow? :)
Thanks, Lenore, again...and as always…
June 18, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might contain spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Detective Jared ‘Mac’ MacLean (34) and high school English teacher Anthony ‘Tony’ Hart (25) are back once more. As their journey continues, their family grows bigger and stronger, things will still not always be perfect. Mac works a lot, gets ‘faggot’ comments thrown his way and still has a lot of personal bullshit to work through. Which we still don't know about. Tony has their two kids, Ben Serrano (6) and Anna MacLean (5) with their own struggles and problems, at home, one who just wants ‘her real daddy’ and one who's struggling with the loss of his mom and traumatic past. On top of that, Tony's scared something will happen to his significant other. He is a detective after all, so anything can happen.
“You are my miracle. You’re older than me in most of the ways that count. You made me start to like myself. Start to believe in myself. You gave me Anna back. And Ben. And this life that’s like the air I need to breathe. You are amazing. You gave me you.”
Overall, the story this time was a bit disappointing. Though it did have its sweet and cute moments. But for the most part, it's mostly about Mac's case. Which is cool, it is, makes a little bit of action in the story. However, I don't want it to just be about the case. I want more depth in Mac and Tony's relationship and more connection with the kids. It's not that I mind the case, I don't cause it's interesting, but I want more about their personal life. Usually it's the other way around... Also, I didn't, like really didn't, like the twist in the end, where . I find that it doesn't...fit with the character. On to the next one. Which is the last one, right? I hope..
“You’ll never lose your marbles.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, sweetie. But I do lose my temper and start screwing things up. I need you. Not just for the kids. I need you around. You make me feel like I’m okay, like I’m worth something, when all I can see are the things I’m doing wrong.”
“Tony.” Mac leaned over and kissed him, soft and sweet. “You are worth something. You’re worth everything.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book Three
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Anthony ‘Tony’ Hart.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
October 11, 2012
Sometimes we get exactly what we wish for, and Home Work is one of those times for me. In my review for Breaking Cover, I said:
What I can say is that unlike the first two, I'll be extremely disappointed if there's not another, but thankfully that's not a concern because Kaje has said she intends to write it. This book hints a little more about Mac's family, but in the fourth book we'll hopefully learn much more about them. Like the previous books, this one is a complete story unto itself, and it doesn't end with a cliffhanger. It's solidly HFN, it just needs at least one more book to get them to a real HEA. Which means more Mac and Tony, which is a very good thing.
______________________________________
Original review 20Aug2012:
I betaed this, so I've read it several times already. I've loved it more with each reread (of course, it helped that it was improved between each read, lol). Full review to come...
The first one ended with a solid HFN and the second ended with what could be a HEA but also leaves room for the possibility of another book. If there is no third book, the series reached a satisfying conclusion. But I'd love to spend more time with Mac, Tony, Ben, and Anna as they settle into being a family together.Seeing them settle into being a family is the core of this story, though of course it has a mystery too. The first time I read it I loved it, but not as much as I loved Breaking Cover, which had a more straightforward story arc. However, I think the story has improved a lot since that first version I read. Because I've read it so many times now, I've lost my objectivity; I can no longer say how it compares to BC, just that while the core elements are the same, the balance is shifted.
What I can say is that unlike the first two, I'll be extremely disappointed if there's not another, but thankfully that's not a concern because Kaje has said she intends to write it. This book hints a little more about Mac's family, but in the fourth book we'll hopefully learn much more about them. Like the previous books, this one is a complete story unto itself, and it doesn't end with a cliffhanger. It's solidly HFN, it just needs at least one more book to get them to a real HEA. Which means more Mac and Tony, which is a very good thing.
______________________________________
Original review 20Aug2012:
I betaed this, so I've read it several times already. I've loved it more with each reread (of course, it helped that it was improved between each read, lol). Full review to come...
May 28, 2013
I adore this series because its got everything! Tony and Mac are way high in my ' most favourite couples ever ' list, the murder/crime/suspense part of the book has brilliant plotting that rivals any mainstream one out there and blends perfectly with the wonderful love story between these two endearing guys...and this truly is a love story not just a sexy romance! Like before there's a complex murder to solve that once again brings danger into their lives and for Mac consequences that neither he or Tony ever expected. This one has real depth of plot and all the right twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Loved the court scene at the end and how Mac handles it because of his......Oops, nearly let slip with a spoiler there, just read it and you'll find out why! * Evil grin*
I'm honestly in awe of Kaje Harpers writing skills right now and her ability to give you an actual damn fine story alongside the sex and romance that is definitely hot and sensual but never gratuitous. Not always easily done in this genre. You can practically taste that these two are nothing short of soul mates and the chemistry they share is thick and heavy on the page whenever they're together. Just reading about how they look at each other, the emotion is palpable!
Then there's the backbone of their story, which has been growing more and more engaging over each book in the series and that's the not always easy journey to becoming a complete family unit, that has been different for each character including the children Anna and Ben. Then joining the ranks this time have been Tonys mum, dad and sister who you have to love, and a short phone call from Macs sister at the end of the book that hints of a possible breakthrough into Macs less known about family life, which hopefully will be addressed in book 4 and now that can't come soon enough! Thank goodness there are some freebies that I can go to for my M&T addiction. LOL.
Last but not least is the wedding and all the build up to it. Heartfelt and perfect. Yep.... I got all soppy and cried, and I don't care because it was beautiful! * sigh*
Mac and Tony I love you!!!
I'm honestly in awe of Kaje Harpers writing skills right now and her ability to give you an actual damn fine story alongside the sex and romance that is definitely hot and sensual but never gratuitous. Not always easily done in this genre. You can practically taste that these two are nothing short of soul mates and the chemistry they share is thick and heavy on the page whenever they're together. Just reading about how they look at each other, the emotion is palpable!
Then there's the backbone of their story, which has been growing more and more engaging over each book in the series and that's the not always easy journey to becoming a complete family unit, that has been different for each character including the children Anna and Ben. Then joining the ranks this time have been Tonys mum, dad and sister who you have to love, and a short phone call from Macs sister at the end of the book that hints of a possible breakthrough into Macs less known about family life, which hopefully will be addressed in book 4 and now that can't come soon enough! Thank goodness there are some freebies that I can go to for my M&T addiction. LOL.
Last but not least is the wedding and all the build up to it. Heartfelt and perfect. Yep.... I got all soppy and cried, and I don't care because it was beautiful! * sigh*
Mac and Tony I love you!!!
October 7, 2012
3.75 to a 4
I've been waiting for this book for a while. I really enjoyed the previous stories with Tony and Mac quite a bit but it has been a while since I've read them. I almost feel that if I had done a reread prior to getting this book it would have worked for me a bit better. Harper has a unique voice and it took me a bit to get back into the world of these two men.
There are parts of this book that I really, really loved and other parts that didn't work quite as much:
I did enjoy this book even though parts where uncomfortable to read and, of course, I need to read the last one. This almost has a cliffhanger feel to it and I've always hated cliffhangers. What will the next book bring? There are a lot of unanswered questions posed here, it's like the "Empire Strikes Back" of the series. Definitely not a standalone. I recommend this series but they need to be read in order to get the full impact of the journey these two men have been on.
There was a lot of call back to Marty in this one which I really enjoyed but it was bittersweet he was an interesting character and one that I wish we still had around.
I've been waiting for this book for a while. I really enjoyed the previous stories with Tony and Mac quite a bit but it has been a while since I've read them. I almost feel that if I had done a reread prior to getting this book it would have worked for me a bit better. Harper has a unique voice and it took me a bit to get back into the world of these two men.
There are parts of this book that I really, really loved and other parts that didn't work quite as much:
I did enjoy this book even though parts where uncomfortable to read and, of course, I need to read the last one. This almost has a cliffhanger feel to it and I've always hated cliffhangers. What will the next book bring? There are a lot of unanswered questions posed here, it's like the "Empire Strikes Back" of the series. Definitely not a standalone. I recommend this series but they need to be read in order to get the full impact of the journey these two men have been on.
There was a lot of call back to Marty in this one which I really enjoyed but it was bittersweet he was an interesting character and one that I wish we still had around.
June 29, 2013
Great continuation of the Life Lessons series. In this book (#3), Mac is working on a case of a murdered addict and finds it ties into something much bigger. Meanwhile, he's also enjoying life as being out and having something that he never thought was possible--a loving man and a family to raise.
Like in Life Lessons and Breaking Cover, Kaje Harper’s writing is overall smooth and immensely readable. I really like her style, especially how she slides a character’s mental asides into the action and story. It’s been a year since I read Breaking Cover, but it was easy to get back into the groove, and Mac & Tony are wonderful characters, so it was great to revisit them, their chemistry, and their very obvious love for each other. (This is also one of the few series with kids that I’ve read and like. Harper does a good job of keeping her kids realistic without being too sweet. At the same time, they don’t dominate the story, nor are there times when they’re just conveniently missing so the MCs can get it on. I always appreciate Harper’s attention to details, consistency, and realism. The MCs do find time to have sexy times, but it’s at times around family obligations.)
If I had a down point, it’s that a lot of the book felt more focused on Mac and the case, so in way, it reminded me more of a gay mystery with Mac as the lead detective, and at times Tony felt like the waiting boyfriend character that Mac could go home to and bounce ideas off of. Things change up later, especially during the last quarter, but it didn’t feel as balanced between Tony and Mac as the other two books. (I still liked it, but I guess I missed more Tony Time.)
With that being said, I don’t think Home Work suffers the syndrome that can hit later books in a series. I enjoyed it a lot; it adds new developments so is not unnecessary of "filler", and I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the other books.
I will say that this IS NOT a standalone book. I’m sure it could work well for you if you did dive into this one, but I strongly recommend that you check out the first book, Life Lessons, if you want to try this series. Each book is great, and you’ll get all the story about how Mac and Tony meet, etc.
Very enjoyable installment, and I dug the development and progressions, both the romantic-kind, and the kind that means that Mac and Tony have more work to do, but they’re so committed to each other, I’m not too worried about them. :-)
Looking forward to book 4! But until then, I still have the 3.5 freebie short story Compensations to read. :)
Like in Life Lessons and Breaking Cover, Kaje Harper’s writing is overall smooth and immensely readable. I really like her style, especially how she slides a character’s mental asides into the action and story. It’s been a year since I read Breaking Cover, but it was easy to get back into the groove, and Mac & Tony are wonderful characters, so it was great to revisit them, their chemistry, and their very obvious love for each other. (This is also one of the few series with kids that I’ve read and like. Harper does a good job of keeping her kids realistic without being too sweet. At the same time, they don’t dominate the story, nor are there times when they’re just conveniently missing so the MCs can get it on. I always appreciate Harper’s attention to details, consistency, and realism. The MCs do find time to have sexy times, but it’s at times around family obligations.)
If I had a down point, it’s that a lot of the book felt more focused on Mac and the case, so in way, it reminded me more of a gay mystery with Mac as the lead detective, and at times Tony felt like the waiting boyfriend character that Mac could go home to and bounce ideas off of. Things change up later, especially during the last quarter, but it didn’t feel as balanced between Tony and Mac as the other two books. (I still liked it, but I guess I missed more Tony Time.)
With that being said, I don’t think Home Work suffers the syndrome that can hit later books in a series. I enjoyed it a lot; it adds new developments so is not unnecessary of "filler", and I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the other books.
I will say that this IS NOT a standalone book. I’m sure it could work well for you if you did dive into this one, but I strongly recommend that you check out the first book, Life Lessons, if you want to try this series. Each book is great, and you’ll get all the story about how Mac and Tony meet, etc.
Very enjoyable installment, and I dug the development and progressions, both the romantic-kind, and the kind that means that Mac and Tony have more work to do, but they’re so committed to each other, I’m not too worried about them. :-)
Looking forward to book 4! But until then, I still have the 3.5 freebie short story Compensations to read. :)
March 14, 2014
**3.5 stars**
As many of you know, I'm a Kaje Harper fan girl, but this wasn't my favorite in the series thus far. Certain parts of this book were excellent but other sections had me a bit bored.
Part of my issue is that I'm not a romantic suspense fan. I'm not a mystery lover! Murderers and criminals on the loose make me itch. My constitution consists of ooey gooey marshmallow-fluff and anything too stressful gives me anxiety. Much of this book consists of Mac investigating a series of murders and, at 360 pages, that was a LOT of time spent on the mystery aspect of the book. As a result, the first 1/2 was a bit dull for me, I'm afraid.
However, as the book progressed and some major changes in the relationship between Mac and Tony went down, I became more engaged in the story. I love, lurve, these two guys together. They are just such a well developed couple.
I actually loved the developments at the end of the story. I thought it added some interest and I'm fascinated by of any kind, so it really worked for me. The ending of this book left me raring to go for the 4th in the series.
As many of you know, I'm a Kaje Harper fan girl, but this wasn't my favorite in the series thus far. Certain parts of this book were excellent but other sections had me a bit bored.
Part of my issue is that I'm not a romantic suspense fan. I'm not a mystery lover! Murderers and criminals on the loose make me itch. My constitution consists of ooey gooey marshmallow-fluff and anything too stressful gives me anxiety. Much of this book consists of Mac investigating a series of murders and, at 360 pages, that was a LOT of time spent on the mystery aspect of the book. As a result, the first 1/2 was a bit dull for me, I'm afraid.
However, as the book progressed and some major changes in the relationship between Mac and Tony went down, I became more engaged in the story. I love, lurve, these two guys together. They are just such a well developed couple.
I actually loved the developments at the end of the story. I thought it added some interest and I'm fascinated by of any kind, so it really worked for me. The ending of this book left me raring to go for the 4th in the series.
October 14, 2012
I enjoyed this book in a sort of fond, nostalgic way. But I can't say that I genuinely liked it. I really like Mac and Tony and it was nice to see them grow together. But see, I have a horror of all things domestic. Things like marriage and housework and *shudder* childrearing make me awfully uncomfortable. I can barely stand those things in real life, so I really, really don't want to read about them for fun. And that's kind of where this book fell short for me. It's objectively quite good; well written and sweet and the mystery is interesting, but I just couldn't get past the little domestic bubble they'd built for themselves. That said, I still like Kaje Harper and would happily read whatever she chose to write - sans little kids, though.
(Oh god, I just realized that I've already bought Mary Calmes's new Jory-as-a-housewife book. How the hell am I going to make it through that?)
(Oh god, I just realized that I've already bought Mary Calmes's new Jory-as-a-housewife book. How the hell am I going to make it through that?)
September 21, 2016
3,5 La segunda mitad del libro me ha gustado más, la condición médica de Mac me ha parecido muy bien retratada, dramas los justos, fuerza toda.
Se me hace un poco pesada la trama policíaca en estos libros, pero ellos están tan bien juntos y en familia que ahí continúo al pie del cañon.
Carrerilla y a terminar la serie.
Se me hace un poco pesada la trama policíaca en estos libros, pero ellos están tan bien juntos y en familia que ahí continúo al pie del cañon.
Carrerilla y a terminar la serie.
November 28, 2022
I really liked this book.
Mac and Tony are a solid couple and I appreciate how real their relationship is. The kids, the chores, the aftermath of a job...
I also loved how Tony's parents were written into this plot.
I'm diving into book 4 directly because I need to know what happens.
Mac and Tony are a solid couple and I appreciate how real their relationship is. The kids, the chores, the aftermath of a job...
I also loved how Tony's parents were written into this plot.
I'm diving into book 4 directly because I need to know what happens.
October 14, 2012
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
4.5 stars
It is such a pleasure to step back into this series. It has been a while since the release of a book as part of a series has gotten me so excited and eager to read right away. I can say that this third book in the series definitely didn't let me down, and more importantly gave me a little more of what I was hoping for as the series progresses.
Mac and Tony have been through a lot from the start of their clandestine relationship to the moment when Mac had to step out to protect him and the growing family they made. Mac still has to put up with some shit from the other guys on the force and his relationship with his partner Oliver is still shaky at best. The recognition of their relationship is a swift commitment into the light of day, a quick permanence to their family -- but they're making it work as best as they can. Mac is still Mac though, working a lot when a case picks up and rarely home in time for dinner. Tony finds himself relegated to the "home work" -- taking care of the kids, cooking, cleaning, reading bed time stories and soothing the nightmares, and reassuring the kids that their family is permanent and that Mac isn't just Anna's father and Tony's not just Ben's new dad, but vice versa. There's a little bit of resentment on Tony's part that Mac doesn't have the time for them, but that isn't really anything new -- what's new is that Mac is better at admitting his faults. They've each tempered the other in some ways now that they have the semi-permanence that was so hard-won, though there are vast areas of improvement to be made.
A new case picks up with the discovery of a body frozen near the Mississippi in the November chill. It looks like a meth head who was murdered, but some of the clues don't add up, including the fact that the young man seems to have rather severe whip marks that allude to the underbelly of the Minneapolis BDSM scene and that he wasn't always a street kid, but an incredibly smart young man working his way up in his career, running in the circles of the wealthy and powerful of the city.
I can't really recommend this series more. There are a lot of you already out there that love these guys and will undoubtedly be reading (or already have read) this book. I think that the best part of this story though, is that so much of it is really the payout from the first two books. Mac and Tony went through so much while Mac was in the closet. Their relationship was such a rollercoaster, from the secret relationship, to the frequent trips to the hospital after another case gone wrong in some way, to dealing with the curveballs that life has thrown at them and having to absorb the impact and keep running. Now that they're a couple in the light of day and even though Mac in particular still has to deal with that in some ways, they're solid in their relationship and we get to celebrate their relationship without worrying so much that the next hurdle might break them for good. In particular, this book shows that in a really specific way that was wonderful to see.
The mystery here is done very nicely as well. It has been a while since I read the first two books, but much of it seemed to follow a different pattern than those, at least with how it affects the principle characters. Some of the outcome was very difficult to read, but it is in keeping with the series and also showed the progression of the series and the relationship in the way that it was handled, so there seemed a be a notable lack of angst, at least in my estimation.
Mostly, though I really felt good when I finished the story. I found myself looking forward to the next book in a way that I didn't after finishing the second book. Sure, I wanted to read more after that one, but I was wary and probably wouldn't have read them back to back if this book had been available then. I would now because of that progression I talked about the way that they have matured. This is a great time, if you haven't read the series, to start. I definitely recommend them!
4.5 stars
It is such a pleasure to step back into this series. It has been a while since the release of a book as part of a series has gotten me so excited and eager to read right away. I can say that this third book in the series definitely didn't let me down, and more importantly gave me a little more of what I was hoping for as the series progresses.
Mac and Tony have been through a lot from the start of their clandestine relationship to the moment when Mac had to step out to protect him and the growing family they made. Mac still has to put up with some shit from the other guys on the force and his relationship with his partner Oliver is still shaky at best. The recognition of their relationship is a swift commitment into the light of day, a quick permanence to their family -- but they're making it work as best as they can. Mac is still Mac though, working a lot when a case picks up and rarely home in time for dinner. Tony finds himself relegated to the "home work" -- taking care of the kids, cooking, cleaning, reading bed time stories and soothing the nightmares, and reassuring the kids that their family is permanent and that Mac isn't just Anna's father and Tony's not just Ben's new dad, but vice versa. There's a little bit of resentment on Tony's part that Mac doesn't have the time for them, but that isn't really anything new -- what's new is that Mac is better at admitting his faults. They've each tempered the other in some ways now that they have the semi-permanence that was so hard-won, though there are vast areas of improvement to be made.
A new case picks up with the discovery of a body frozen near the Mississippi in the November chill. It looks like a meth head who was murdered, but some of the clues don't add up, including the fact that the young man seems to have rather severe whip marks that allude to the underbelly of the Minneapolis BDSM scene and that he wasn't always a street kid, but an incredibly smart young man working his way up in his career, running in the circles of the wealthy and powerful of the city.
I can't really recommend this series more. There are a lot of you already out there that love these guys and will undoubtedly be reading (or already have read) this book. I think that the best part of this story though, is that so much of it is really the payout from the first two books. Mac and Tony went through so much while Mac was in the closet. Their relationship was such a rollercoaster, from the secret relationship, to the frequent trips to the hospital after another case gone wrong in some way, to dealing with the curveballs that life has thrown at them and having to absorb the impact and keep running. Now that they're a couple in the light of day and even though Mac in particular still has to deal with that in some ways, they're solid in their relationship and we get to celebrate their relationship without worrying so much that the next hurdle might break them for good. In particular, this book shows that in a really specific way that was wonderful to see.
The mystery here is done very nicely as well. It has been a while since I read the first two books, but much of it seemed to follow a different pattern than those, at least with how it affects the principle characters. Some of the outcome was very difficult to read, but it is in keeping with the series and also showed the progression of the series and the relationship in the way that it was handled, so there seemed a be a notable lack of angst, at least in my estimation.
Mostly, though I really felt good when I finished the story. I found myself looking forward to the next book in a way that I didn't after finishing the second book. Sure, I wanted to read more after that one, but I was wary and probably wouldn't have read them back to back if this book had been available then. I would now because of that progression I talked about the way that they have matured. This is a great time, if you haven't read the series, to start. I definitely recommend them!
September 20, 2022
🎧🎧🎧 Audio Review 🎧🎧🎧
J.F. Harding does a wonderful job of narrating this series, and this story was no exception. I loved the way he narrated Mac so sympathetically, especially when the . The wedding scene of course was great, and it would appear that major changes are about to happen in the Hart/MacLean household.
***Book Review 2013***
Loved, loved, loved it!!
And bring on the dancing girls!!
Well, haven't the guys come a long way in a short time!! There's a wedding on the cards, Mac is openly gay at work now even though he's still got some morons to deal with
(no, didn't mean you Oliver or Ramsey!!), the kids appear to be settling into family life, there are still villains to catch (and this was quite a complex case which Mac was sometimes uncomfortable with, read the book...you'll find out why), Tony is still teaching as well as doing the bulk of the work bringing the kids up (and feeling resentful sometimes about it too).
In this book, we get to meet Tony's sister Jaime and his mum Gina (Granny), Bree is still around, helpful as ever. Brenda, well, not so much...in fact towards the end of the book, she departs for pastures new. This book mostly deals with what it's like to be part of a family...something the kids definitely haven't had, Tony still has albeit in a limited way with his parents and sister, but Mac hasn't had in an awful long time, if ever.
Of course, there are shocking parts, and I'm not going to go into them here, again...read the book, and the part where Mac , but all in all, this was a lovely, heartwarming and emotional book, and all I've got left now is 'Compensations', boohoo!! Many thanks Kaje for another very welcome slice of life in the MacLean/Hart household.
J.F. Harding does a wonderful job of narrating this series, and this story was no exception. I loved the way he narrated Mac so sympathetically, especially when the . The wedding scene of course was great, and it would appear that major changes are about to happen in the Hart/MacLean household.
***Book Review 2013***
Loved, loved, loved it!!
And bring on the dancing girls!!Well, haven't the guys come a long way in a short time!! There's a wedding on the cards, Mac is openly gay at work now even though he's still got some morons to deal with
(no, didn't mean you Oliver or Ramsey!!), the kids appear to be settling into family life, there are still villains to catch (and this was quite a complex case which Mac was sometimes uncomfortable with, read the book...you'll find out why), Tony is still teaching as well as doing the bulk of the work bringing the kids up (and feeling resentful sometimes about it too).In this book, we get to meet Tony's sister Jaime and his mum Gina (Granny), Bree is still around, helpful as ever. Brenda, well, not so much...in fact towards the end of the book, she departs for pastures new. This book mostly deals with what it's like to be part of a family...something the kids definitely haven't had, Tony still has albeit in a limited way with his parents and sister, but Mac hasn't had in an awful long time, if ever.
Of course, there are shocking parts, and I'm not going to go into them here, again...read the book, and the part where Mac , but all in all, this was a lovely, heartwarming and emotional book, and all I've got left now is 'Compensations', boohoo!! Many thanks Kaje for another very welcome slice of life in the MacLean/Hart household.
May 28, 2013
WOW - fantastic! This series just goes from strength to strength and is definitely not running out of steam. The best book in the series so far. This time Kaje strikes the perfect balance between an enthralling and exciting murder / mystery with a domestic / home backdrop.
All elements for crime loving fans are present in this book. Keeps you guessing all the way and then every so often a revelation turns up that leaves you reeling from the surprise. I loved the inclusion of a small court room drama at the end. Rounded the book off really nicely. Mac's tenacity gets the riddle solved but pays a high price for it and needs all the support, love and care his family can give him. Only time will tell now. His colleagues have become accepting of him being gay, with the exception of an exclusive few, but he now has Oliver's full support who is prepared to crack down on the prejudice the best way he can realising he could have done more in the past. This part of the story is well paced and developed, a vast improvement on the previous two books, but they were also excellent in their own right.
I really like the way you see the family overcoming all their daily trial and tribulations by the love and support they all have for each other. The family starts to gel into one unit culminating in Tony and Mac taking their vows. Tony's family now arrives on the scene too and plays a more active role in their relationship. Although Mac's family is still very elusive with just his younger sister phoning before Christmas and reaching out, but Mac refuses to speak to her due to his current condition. I hope there is more to come on this front.
This book is a must read, but only after the others have been read. None of these books I feel are stand alone and need to read in sequence, but they roll on smoothly from the one book to the next. Be prepared to get hooked once started.
I think next to Ty and Zane from the Cut and Run series these guys are my next two favourite characters.
All elements for crime loving fans are present in this book. Keeps you guessing all the way and then every so often a revelation turns up that leaves you reeling from the surprise. I loved the inclusion of a small court room drama at the end. Rounded the book off really nicely. Mac's tenacity gets the riddle solved but pays a high price for it and needs all the support, love and care his family can give him. Only time will tell now. His colleagues have become accepting of him being gay, with the exception of an exclusive few, but he now has Oliver's full support who is prepared to crack down on the prejudice the best way he can realising he could have done more in the past. This part of the story is well paced and developed, a vast improvement on the previous two books, but they were also excellent in their own right.
I really like the way you see the family overcoming all their daily trial and tribulations by the love and support they all have for each other. The family starts to gel into one unit culminating in Tony and Mac taking their vows. Tony's family now arrives on the scene too and plays a more active role in their relationship. Although Mac's family is still very elusive with just his younger sister phoning before Christmas and reaching out, but Mac refuses to speak to her due to his current condition. I hope there is more to come on this front.
This book is a must read, but only after the others have been read. None of these books I feel are stand alone and need to read in sequence, but they roll on smoothly from the one book to the next. Be prepared to get hooked once started.
I think next to Ty and Zane from the Cut and Run series these guys are my next two favourite characters.
September 26, 2022
Kaje Harper’s spectacular Life Lessons series continues with Home Work. The third novel continues with the relationship between Mac and Tony, and you’ll need to read the first two books (in order). But don’t worry, it’s easy to get caught up, because the entire series is being released in audio, performed by the marvelous J.F. Harding!
Mac and Tony have moved in together, and are trying to blend work and family into their romance. Mac’s job is the biggest impediment, and I’m not going to spoil it by talking about it here, but it has me anxiously awaiting the release of the audio version of Learning Curve!
There’s a nice balance between the interesting mystery and the focus on the growing family. As Anna and Ben learn to live as siblings, they are also working through past traumas of their own. It’s enjoyable to see how friends and family pitch in to help this growing family.
I’m loving J.F. Harding’s performance in this series. His Mac is just what I imagined in my mind, and he does an amazing job with this huge cast. The children both play important roles, as well as Tony’s mother and Mac’s colleagues. Bravo!
an audiobook copy of Home Work was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Mac and Tony have moved in together, and are trying to blend work and family into their romance. Mac’s job is the biggest impediment, and I’m not going to spoil it by talking about it here, but it has me anxiously awaiting the release of the audio version of Learning Curve!
There’s a nice balance between the interesting mystery and the focus on the growing family. As Anna and Ben learn to live as siblings, they are also working through past traumas of their own. It’s enjoyable to see how friends and family pitch in to help this growing family.
I’m loving J.F. Harding’s performance in this series. His Mac is just what I imagined in my mind, and he does an amazing job with this huge cast. The children both play important roles, as well as Tony’s mother and Mac’s colleagues. Bravo!
an audiobook copy of Home Work was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
April 16, 2013
Home Work is absolute the best book of the series so far!
Tony and Mac are openly together as a couple, they are sharing a home and care for their children Ben and Anna. Mac's job demands too much of his time and Tony is struggling to keep his little family together.
The crime part of the book felt well researched. Never before I read a mystery-story with so many comprehensible details. It definitely could stand alone. I got wrapped up in it and couldn't stop reading.
Although it makes the book even more intense, it's really tough when things get bad for Mac. The part detailing Mac's symptoms and recovery felt realistic. Even the injury and hospital scenes were not overdone.
To read about Mac and Tony together, their home, their lives, their friends, I just didn't want it to end and I can't wait to read the next installment of their journey together.
Super highly recommended!
April 28, 2013
Book 3 in the Life Lessons Series and by far for me the best of the series!
In this book, Mac and Tony are openly together and trying to bring their family together. So, they are dealing with real family issues, Mac working to much and giving a Ben and Anna a secure loving home. And there is a murder mystery to uncover, I really enjoyed this part of the book quite a bite.
Once again I am going to say for me the emotions felt real and the author definitely got me into Mac and Tony’s head. And i loved the secondary characters as well, I enjoyed watching Mac’s relationship with his partner Oliver evolve, Tony’s friends Bree and his family.
This story captured my heart and wouldn’t let go till the end. If there were more books in this series I would read them all! I would love to continue to read about Mac and Tony, their family and friends. More More More please!
December 4, 2013
I can't love Mac and Tony more!
Why did it took me so long to read this??? I think the fact that it's a drama and I'd been avoiding reading some drama. Well, I was wrong. This was the drama I needed! No temper tantrums..ok, maybe one :p, no annoying whining bitch characters,..just two adults building a life together with a solid foundation that was love.
In this third book of Mac and Tony's life, they've been living together with the kids, Anna and Ben and adjusting to family life. There were cops drama, the bigots were still there - it's sad really but in reality they were still in our face -, crimes, the joy of parenting ;), and the relationship of my favorite couple. The touch of real life is strong here and that's what get to me the most. I think what appeals to fans of this series is the feeling that these guys could be our best friends, our family.
Having said that, this is a romance and what is a romance without some swoony moments? I've said it before, I'm more convince now so I'll say it again. Tony was all Mac could ask for. Hell, I've even been in love with him from book 1. Yes Mac, you are one lucky man! I was happy to read Mac was growing up so much and more open about who he is. He wanted to take a giant step into their life..that's big for him.
I got teary eyed and cried. Mostly were happy tears, the supports from Mac's family and their friends were touching. I'm hoping Mac and Tony's story will last for a long time *read: hope Kaje Harper will write about them more*.
Why did it took me so long to read this??? I think the fact that it's a drama and I'd been avoiding reading some drama. Well, I was wrong. This was the drama I needed! No temper tantrums..ok, maybe one :p, no annoying whining bitch characters,..just two adults building a life together with a solid foundation that was love.
In this third book of Mac and Tony's life, they've been living together with the kids, Anna and Ben and adjusting to family life. There were cops drama, the bigots were still there - it's sad really but in reality they were still in our face -, crimes, the joy of parenting ;), and the relationship of my favorite couple. The touch of real life is strong here and that's what get to me the most. I think what appeals to fans of this series is the feeling that these guys could be our best friends, our family.
Having said that, this is a romance and what is a romance without some swoony moments? I've said it before, I'm more convince now so I'll say it again. Tony was all Mac could ask for. Hell, I've even been in love with him from book 1. Yes Mac, you are one lucky man! I was happy to read Mac was growing up so much and more open about who he is. He wanted to take a giant step into their life..that's big for him.
"You are my miracle. You're older than me in most of the ways that count. You made me start to like myself. Start to believe in myself. You gave me Anna back. And Ben. And this life that's like the air I need to breathe. You are amazing. You gave me you. And there is nothing I want more than to put that ring on your hand tomorrow. To make you mine forever. In ever way there is."
I got teary eyed and cried. Mostly were happy tears, the supports from Mac's family and their friends were touching. I'm hoping Mac and Tony's story will last for a long time *read: hope Kaje Harper will write about them more*.
October 5, 2022
5 +++++++ stars audio and story.
October 28, 2015
I hate this cover. The young guy fits my impression of Tony perfectly. The other guy? Ewwww. Mac is supposed to be gorgeous, too!
But that's okay, because this book is wonderful, the best in the series so far. It's sweet and beautiful and sad and heartbreaking and emotional. I took copious notes while reading and almost all were exceedingly positive. I cried several times, real tears, and I'm not usually a crier when reading. The love between Tony and Mac is beautiful and real. Things aren't perfect but they're just things that need to be worked on. They love each other with every fiber of their beings.
The love in the entire family is incredible, too. I really like how this particular family is depicted even though I usually hate kids in stories. But these kids are believable and not perfect. They react like real kids. They actually have somewhat realistic reactions to the traumas they've been through. Some of the psych stuff is good, too, like when a psychiatrist says that nightmares can actually be a good sign that the child is actually processing the trauma.
These men as parents have realistic reactions to the kids behaviors, too. They lose their cool or ignore something they maybe shouldn't (they let their kids each sugar cereal for breakfast before school!), but they're wonderful parents. It's so nice to have it spelled out that your family does not have to be blood:
As my kids have all been foster children, it's really nice to hear.
There were a few places I cried, but the main three were:
Happy: (medium spoiler from halfway through)
Sad: (low-medium spoiler from 2/3rds through)
Sad: (medium spoiler from 2/3rds through related to above)
The mystery was really good and definitely could stand alone. Usually I'm waiting for the mystery to take a break so I can see more of the romance, but here I got wrapped up in it and didn't even notice how long it had been since something romantic happened. The detectives are good and the procedural stuff believable. For example, it didn't take hours or even days to get DNA results back. It took awhile. The detectives had to have forensics computer techs do something special to open files on a drive without changing the dates. That would be a huge issue and one I would have no idea how to work around. I also liked that Tony was kept out of police business even when he was in the room.
There's still fall out from Mac coming out but it's becoming easier. However, he still refers to the awkwardness with his partner who is on board in theory but still shrinks from touch and doesn't always know what to say.
Some other great things:
I like the vice versa part in particular as it shows an egalitarianism missing in a lot of M/M fiction. This book isn't like that. There are lots of strong, interesting, intelligent women, both good and bad.
A powerful Dom turns out to be around 5 feet tall and thin. That is awesome.
The book addressed something that this genre almost never does: acknowledging that with anal sex, generally some prior cleaning is done. In one scene, the couple is heading down the hall about to have sex:
Mac waits, listening to water running. This was such a great bit of realism I’d round up my rating just for that if it needed rounding up (which it doesn’t).
The sex was flaming hot. In fact, at one point the narrative from Tony’s POV refers to the sex as flaming hot. It totally was. I needed a fan.
My complaints were relatively minor: the boy was referred to as burning through quarters at Chuck E. Cheese. They don't use quarters there, just tokens. A couple's alibi was that they were too obese to have chased down a guy and whacked him over the head. A cleaning woman (who was awesome) was, of course, Hispanic. A law student describes herself as ugly and fat even though she's only 20 pounds overweight. The good thing, though, is that the scene was talking about how the the perception of her as not skinny and hot affected her chances to get ahead in law school and her internship. Mac and Bree kept saying that Tony deserved something good Well so did Mac! Most of the men are homophobic but they’re mostly police officers, too, so I can understand that I guess.
Warning: there's sort of a cliffhanger at the end in that not everything gets resolved in this book, including a pretty big thing. But the book kind of ends at a natural stopping place, like how life generally has something always going and unknown but sometimes you just have to take a step back and breathe.
I could have said all this in just two words, if I were capable of being laconic:
“Virtually perfect.”
This goes on my favorites shelf.
But that's okay, because this book is wonderful, the best in the series so far. It's sweet and beautiful and sad and heartbreaking and emotional. I took copious notes while reading and almost all were exceedingly positive. I cried several times, real tears, and I'm not usually a crier when reading. The love between Tony and Mac is beautiful and real. Things aren't perfect but they're just things that need to be worked on. They love each other with every fiber of their beings.
The love in the entire family is incredible, too. I really like how this particular family is depicted even though I usually hate kids in stories. But these kids are believable and not perfect. They react like real kids. They actually have somewhat realistic reactions to the traumas they've been through. Some of the psych stuff is good, too, like when a psychiatrist says that nightmares can actually be a good sign that the child is actually processing the trauma.
These men as parents have realistic reactions to the kids behaviors, too. They lose their cool or ignore something they maybe shouldn't (they let their kids each sugar cereal for breakfast before school!), but they're wonderful parents. It's so nice to have it spelled out that your family does not have to be blood:
"Neither child was his own flesh and blood, and yet they were inescapably his. His with all the bone-shaking love and fear and pride and frustration that entailed."
As my kids have all been foster children, it's really nice to hear.
There were a few places I cried, but the main three were:
Happy: (medium spoiler from halfway through)
Sad: (low-medium spoiler from 2/3rds through)
Sad: (medium spoiler from 2/3rds through related to above)
The mystery was really good and definitely could stand alone. Usually I'm waiting for the mystery to take a break so I can see more of the romance, but here I got wrapped up in it and didn't even notice how long it had been since something romantic happened. The detectives are good and the procedural stuff believable. For example, it didn't take hours or even days to get DNA results back. It took awhile. The detectives had to have forensics computer techs do something special to open files on a drive without changing the dates. That would be a huge issue and one I would have no idea how to work around. I also liked that Tony was kept out of police business even when he was in the room.
There's still fall out from Mac coming out but it's becoming easier. However, he still refers to the awkwardness with his partner who is on board in theory but still shrinks from touch and doesn't always know what to say.
Some other great things:
"...damned if [Tony] was going to let his kid think men couldn't do women's work. Or vice versa."
I like the vice versa part in particular as it shows an egalitarianism missing in a lot of M/M fiction. This book isn't like that. There are lots of strong, interesting, intelligent women, both good and bad.
A powerful Dom turns out to be around 5 feet tall and thin. That is awesome.
The book addressed something that this genre almost never does: acknowledging that with anal sex, generally some prior cleaning is done. In one scene, the couple is heading down the hall about to have sex:
“Detour, babe,” Tony said at the bathroom . “Prep time.”
Mac waits, listening to water running. This was such a great bit of realism I’d round up my rating just for that if it needed rounding up (which it doesn’t).
The sex was flaming hot. In fact, at one point the narrative from Tony’s POV refers to the sex as flaming hot. It totally was. I needed a fan.
My complaints were relatively minor: the boy was referred to as burning through quarters at Chuck E. Cheese. They don't use quarters there, just tokens. A couple's alibi was that they were too obese to have chased down a guy and whacked him over the head. A cleaning woman (who was awesome) was, of course, Hispanic. A law student describes herself as ugly and fat even though she's only 20 pounds overweight. The good thing, though, is that the scene was talking about how the the perception of her as not skinny and hot affected her chances to get ahead in law school and her internship. Mac and Bree kept saying that Tony deserved something good Well so did Mac! Most of the men are homophobic but they’re mostly police officers, too, so I can understand that I guess.
Warning: there's sort of a cliffhanger at the end in that not everything gets resolved in this book, including a pretty big thing. But the book kind of ends at a natural stopping place, like how life generally has something always going and unknown but sometimes you just have to take a step back and breathe.
I could have said all this in just two words, if I were capable of being laconic:
“Virtually perfect.”
This goes on my favorites shelf.
March 6, 2022
4.5 rounded up. Another book I inhaled. I mean it's 400p, I read it in like 24h and I worked/slept. I really really loved the pacing (again) and the balance mystery/romance. The couple is getting used to family life with the kids and the adjustment is not easy. I was a bit annoyed by Mac's macho behaviour here (it's a strong word to describe it but he was like "I put food on the table so it's fine if I get home at like 9pm", I'm paraphrasing of course), he needed to pull his weight more. Tony checked him so it was ok and it really is a small niggle. I cried a few times as we saw their bond deepening. I don't want to spoil anything but even the end was ok, I wish we had seen more of the final confrontation in the case but it was ok and it's not over. Bring it on book 4!
Read
October 5, 2012Disclaimer: I love Kaje Harper's novels. I own all of them, and was impatiently awaiting the release of "Home Work" - even had it bookmarked in my calendar a few months in advance. I also loved the two previous books in the series and kept my fingers crossed for HEA, or at least HFN for Tony and Mac.
But now, a couple of hours after finishing this book, I'm sitting in front of my computer, still shaken and reeling. I haven't felt so strongly about a novel in a very long time.
So what struck me so hard about this book? Well, there is one thing, and it's an entirely personal matter:
I'm sorry for rambling, but I simply had to get it off my chest. I'm still looking forward to Kaje's other works, but perhaps not in this series.
But now, a couple of hours after finishing this book, I'm sitting in front of my computer, still shaken and reeling. I haven't felt so strongly about a novel in a very long time.
So what struck me so hard about this book? Well, there is one thing, and it's an entirely personal matter:
I'm sorry for rambling, but I simply had to get it off my chest. I'm still looking forward to Kaje's other works, but perhaps not in this series.
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