Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Sometimes one moment defines a man.

For homicide detective Mac, it's been a good year. Having Tony to go home to makes him a better cop and a better person. For Tony, it's been hard being in love with a man he can't touch in public. Evasions and outright lying to friends and family take a little of the shine off his relationship with Mac, but Tony is determined to make it work.

As the Minneapolis Police Department moves into a hot, humid summer, Mac is faced with a different challenge. A killer has murdered two blond women, and the police have no real clues. Mac hates to think that another murder may be the only way they'll make progress with the case. But when that murder happens, it hits close to home for Tony. And suddenly Mac faces an ultimatum: come out into the sunlight and stand beside Tony as his lover, or walk away and live without a piece of his heart.

 

 

First edition published by MLR Press, August 2011.

 

Book Review

This is the second book in the 'Life Lessons' series by Kaje Harper featuring Tony and Mac. And, as of now, these men have made my list of favorite couples and the books are a definite re-read! I adore the complexity of their relationship, but also the ease of it. Tony is my hero for dealing with a year of being in Mac's closet but not complaining about it. That just reminds me how strong Tony is at his core.

Once again the author has brought us exciting murder/mystery with the underlying theme of love and family without a huge amount of angst suffocating the story. Now, that says a lot coming from me because I really love angst! When the murder portion of this story falls way too close to home for Tony, it just about broke my heart. So much of this story deals with Tony, Ben, Child Protective Services, and the law. Poor Tony! It's really quite beautiful to watch this all evolve and see the thoughts and emotion of being a new full-time parent running through Tony's mind. And, to watch how hard he fights for his boy! Ben definitely broke my heart and yanked it right out of my chest.

Another theme running through this book is whether Mac is going to risk it all for Tony and love. I've gotta tell you, I wanted to smack Mac many, many times not just for what he said but for some of his thoughts and actions. Aaarrrggghhh! Of course, I had to step back and remember that I've never been in this position, not even close, so I can't judge Mac's behavior. Still wanted to cuff him upside the back of his head, though… In the same vein it was liberating to watch Tony stand up for what he needed but not in a revengeful "you make a choice or I'm outta here" kind of way. He simply stated what he needed and wanted and that was it.

I really loved this book and want more of this series! The writing is crisp, the characters are strong and compelling, the murder plot is complex, and the whole mix just works really, really well for me. Oh, and the sex is pretty darn hot, too! *grins*

 

 

 

 

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

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 397 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	14-December-2021
Price	$4.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Cover-Life-Lessons-Book-ebook/dp/B09LYXYQQ8