Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Life Lessons

SERIES:  Life Lessons

AUTHOR:  Kaje Harper

NARRATOR:  J.F. Harding

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  8 hours & 47 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  December 2, 2021

BLURB:

Tony Hart loves teaching, even 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 and can’t afford to be out, but Tony makes him want the impossible.

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

REVIEW:

Oh how I love revisiting one of my first favorite series and couples, Mac and Tony.  I really really loved this book when I first read it over 10 years ago now.  I so wanted this couple to be together.

Mac is a really damaged, broken character. He has suffered because he is gay and his family is religiously intolerant. He has lost his wife whom he married to “rescue” from an abusive relationship. He is a homicide detective so he doesn’t get a lot of warm fuzzies from his job. He feels he has no choice but to stay in the closet or risk his job or his daughter. Then he meets Tony and he is drawn to him unlike he’s ever been drawn to anyone. Tony is out high school English teacher who is getting past a breakup when he becomes the witness in a murder of a fellow teacher which puts him squarely in the path of Detective J Maclean.  As the case progresses, Mac feel the pull towards Tony.  When it’s clear that Tony is not in fact the murderer, but may indeed be a target, Mac’s protective instincts take over.  But when they finally kiss, it’s as if it were inevitable and things change between them.  The relationship is difficult on so many levels.  Mac is terrified of what could happen if he comes out – with his family and with his safety on the job.  Then there is the issue that he’s not used to anyone taking care of him – he’s the caretaker and protector so he’s not comfortable letting Tony see him not being in charge and control. Tony’s not sure he’s strong enough to be with someone who isn’t out.  But he just might be willing to do it for Mac.

As the case moves forward, the danger that Tony is in becomes more real and Mac is racing against time to locate the murderer and keep Tony out of harm’s way.  His partner and the school officials are alternately helpful and a hindrance in Mac’s singular focus to save Tony Hart.   I do not want to spoil the plot at all, but I  was literally on the edge of my seat listening to the last quarter of this book as the threat to Tony becomes dire.  Mac has to pull out all the stops to try and save him without giving away that they are anything more than acquaintances through the case.

This truly is such a well written book.  Not only was the romantic relationship believable and perfectly paced, but the action and suspense were also riveting. I don’t want to be spoilery about the plot, but everything that happens plays into both the mystery and the burgeoning romance.  These events set up the next book in the series that I cannot wait to listen to as well.  JF Harding does a spectacular job performing this book.  His voice choices not only for Tony and Mac, but for the supporting characters of friends and colleagues and students were really believable.  I enjoyed every single second of this audiobook and highly recommend for both the story and that narration.  Mr. Harding is able to successfully convey the pain, desire, shame and fear experienced by both characters throughout the story.  There are many hard moments and a few moments of happiness and joy sprinkled through as well.  I can’t believe it’s taken this long for this book to come out in audio, but trust me, it’s been worth the wait.  Excellent choice for anyone who loves a good mystery plot and a hard fought road to a relationship.  Tony and Mac are one of the seminal couples in M/M romance and I couldn’t be happier to enjoy their origin story again.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon

Audible