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Life Lessons #3.5
Compensations
This is a Life Lessons short story, occurring a week after Home Work (* contains spoilers for Home Work*).
Mac, Tony and the kids have had a long complicated year. Each of them has dealt with fears and losses, joys and triumphs. As December 31st approaches, it's time to look forward to the new year, and what may be in store. Mac and Tony figure whatever happens, they can handle it, as long as they go through it together
Mac, Tony and the kids have had a long complicated year. Each of them has dealt with fears and losses, joys and triumphs. As December 31st approaches, it's time to look forward to the new year, and what may be in store. Mac and Tony figure whatever happens, they can handle it, as long as they go through it together
26 pages, ebook
First published December 8, 2012
44 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
88 books2,702 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 124 reviews
February 20, 2016
Review written February 19, 2016
3.8 Stars - Tender, sweet, heartbreaking and realistic
Book #3.5
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Compensations is a lovely freebie shorty in the 'Life Lessons' series with a New Year Eve theme. A MUST for all admirers of these fantastic 'Tony & Mac' books.
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. By now are they deeply in love, married with two kids (Ben and Anna) but still with some horrifying sad drama from book #3 to handle.
Simply a great Kaje Harper read as always. Love these men. — Next up book #4-Learning Curve and a buddyread weekend.
***********************************************
I LIKE - everything about this GREAT series
3.8 Stars - Tender, sweet, heartbreaking and realistic
Book #3.5
***********************************************
Compensations is a lovely freebie shorty in the 'Life Lessons' series with a New Year Eve theme. A MUST for all admirers of these fantastic 'Tony & Mac' books.
‘Tony held Mac in his arms, feeling Mac’s taut muscles eventually relax into sleep, as the first hours of a new year slowly unfolded around them.’
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. By now are they deeply in love, married with two kids (Ben and Anna) but still with some horrifying sad drama from book #3 to handle.
Simply a great Kaje Harper read as always. Love these men. — Next up book #4-Learning Curve and a buddyread weekend.
***********************************************
I LIKE - everything about this GREAT series
December 5, 2012
Okay, now that I've read it again, I can say that I think this just may be the best short story Kaje has written yet. It answers one of the questions we were left with at the end of Home Work, though it's nothing that will mess up Book 4 if you don't read this one. But why wouldn't you, it's awesome!
Though I warn you, it's going to increase your desire for more Mac and Tony like tenfold. Not because there's any particular cliffhanger (it's a sweet holiday story), but just because it feels so good to visit the guys again and see what they're up to. Maybe with all of us collectively willing Kaje to write Book 4 faster, it'll have an effect... ;p
Though I warn you, it's going to increase your desire for more Mac and Tony like tenfold. Not because there's any particular cliffhanger (it's a sweet holiday story), but just because it feels so good to visit the guys again and see what they're up to. Maybe with all of us collectively willing Kaje to write Book 4 faster, it'll have an effect... ;p
December 10, 2012
Set soon after Home Work. Mac is on the road to recovery and Tony is supporting him as best he can. I admit I was feeling a bit down after the last book and the uncertainty of what would happen with regards to Mac's injury, tbh. This story made me feel really hopeful and I loved that. I'll be rooting for Mac but even if he doesn't regain 100% of this health I can see other avenues where he can shine. I worry for Tony though and the pressure he puts on himself. I can hardly wait for the next book. Wonderful little read.
December 9, 2012
3.5 stars
Warning: Do not read this story (or this review) if you haven't read Home Work
While this free story seems to be written to give readers assurance that 1) Mac's traumatic aphasia is slightly better than some other people and 2) Mac IS getting better and his therapist is optimistic, I can't help to feel sad reading this. That is why I can't give it a higher star. I'm not even slightly relieved. I admire Tony's inner strength and Oliver's loyalty to his partner ... but I still think it's a long way to go for them to that point where everything is better.
I'm still waiting for the "joy" part to come -- especially since Terrence is still an a**hole that Mac has to face when (yes, I say when not if) he returns to the job. Then again, you cannot expect people change only after 3-days of sensitivity training.
At least, among all that, it's great to see that Mac and Tony are still going strong. That their love to one another is so visible for us, readers, to read. It's wonderful to see the family as a unit; love their new staying-up-until-midnight-on-new-year's-eve tradition.
For that, thank you Kaje.
Warning: Do not read this story (or this review) if you haven't read Home Work
While this free story seems to be written to give readers assurance that 1) Mac's traumatic aphasia is slightly better than some other people and 2) Mac IS getting better and his therapist is optimistic, I can't help to feel sad reading this. That is why I can't give it a higher star. I'm not even slightly relieved. I admire Tony's inner strength and Oliver's loyalty to his partner ... but I still think it's a long way to go for them to that point where everything is better.
I'm still waiting for the "joy" part to come -- especially since Terrence is still an a**hole that Mac has to face when (yes, I say when not if) he returns to the job. Then again, you cannot expect people change only after 3-days of sensitivity training.
At least, among all that, it's great to see that Mac and Tony are still going strong. That their love to one another is so visible for us, readers, to read. It's wonderful to see the family as a unit; love their new staying-up-until-midnight-on-new-year's-eve tradition.
For that, thank you Kaje.
April 29, 2013
I loved this little snippet about life after Mac's injury and his recovery. This was warm and reassuring that their relationship can stand this struggle. They came together as a couple and as a family. I also warmed up to Oliver even more, he should find someone to care about him. And I enjoyed this little story because it showed us their life continues to have struggles, just like real life...
I enjoyed this immensely and like I said already, I would read as many books in this series and the author writes!
December 9, 2012
I'm happy to get any little bit of Mac and Tony offered...but this short little bit felt like tiny drops of water after having known desert-thirst for days! Miss them...want more.
Tough reading Mac struggling with his injury. Mac, always having been the "strong" one...
Please let him make a full recovery...please...
Oh, and Ms. Harper...please write quickly...I need more Mac and Tony! :)
June 30, 2013
Great free short story follow-up to Life Lessons #3 Home Work. This short starts one week after the ending of book 3, and provides some closure on some events in Home Work, and gives a nice look into the lives of Mac and Tony as they struggle through some new circumstances and also celebrate their first New Year's as a family.
At a little over 11,000 words, the story is nicely meaty, and as usual with Harper's freebies, there's some real progression and events so it isn't just a throwaway filler story but a nice connector between book 3 and the upcoming book 4.
And like book 3, it ends well, so even though I'm still looking forward to the next book, I'm not left hanging and grumpy from the ending here, but nicely satisfied.
This story DOES contain spoilers though, obviously, for book 3, so I do not recommend diving in here just because it's free. If you're interested in the series, I happily direct you to book 1 Life Lessons. It's a great series, and it starts there.
You can read this for free from Harper's website and it's also available for free download from Smashwords.
At a little over 11,000 words, the story is nicely meaty, and as usual with Harper's freebies, there's some real progression and events so it isn't just a throwaway filler story but a nice connector between book 3 and the upcoming book 4.
And like book 3, it ends well, so even though I'm still looking forward to the next book, I'm not left hanging and grumpy from the ending here, but nicely satisfied.
This story DOES contain spoilers though, obviously, for book 3, so I do not recommend diving in here just because it's free. If you're interested in the series, I happily direct you to book 1 Life Lessons. It's a great series, and it starts there.
You can read this for free from Harper's website and it's also available for free download from Smashwords.
Read
March 6, 2022This short was very nice as wee see them have their first Christmas and New Years as a family. Too short to rate but very enjoyable and I think necessary to not miss anything of the story
May 6, 2013
Another quick peek into the comings and goings of the MacLean/Hart family 
This novella takes place after Mac
It also brings us up-to-date with the outcome of the Internal Affairs investigation into Terrence's disappearance on the night that It has to be said though that Terrence is suffering a tiny bit, thanks to Ramsey and a few of the other detectives at the station, he's finding out more about gay sex than he ever wanted to learn!! They are doing all sorts of things to him at the station....pro-gay pamphlets all over his desk, gluing stickers all over his computer monitor, cold shoulder and icy glare treatment, salt in his coffee etc., One night when Mac and Tony are at Oliver's, Terrence turns up to ask Oliver to have a word with Ramsey....you can imagine Oliver's response to that, and also Tony's comments. As Oliver says 'You damn near got my partner killed, and I'm not sure I believe it wasn't because he's gay. So you have a long way to go before I'll trust you'....Oliver is so supportive
, we leave this little novella with the three of them celebrating the New Year!!
This novella takes place after Mac
It also brings us up-to-date with the outcome of the Internal Affairs investigation into Terrence's disappearance on the night that It has to be said though that Terrence is suffering a tiny bit, thanks to Ramsey and a few of the other detectives at the station, he's finding out more about gay sex than he ever wanted to learn!! They are doing all sorts of things to him at the station....pro-gay pamphlets all over his desk, gluing stickers all over his computer monitor, cold shoulder and icy glare treatment, salt in his coffee etc., One night when Mac and Tony are at Oliver's, Terrence turns up to ask Oliver to have a word with Ramsey....you can imagine Oliver's response to that, and also Tony's comments. As Oliver says 'You damn near got my partner killed, and I'm not sure I believe it wasn't because he's gay. So you have a long way to go before I'll trust you'....Oliver is so supportive
, we leave this little novella with the three of them celebrating the New Year!!
May 28, 2013
Loved this little short interlude before book four! Here you can see how sorry Oliver sincerely is and supports the both of them all the way. What I liked even more is the payback Terrence is getting from Ramsey. Made me laugh hearing all things she's doing to him, you go girl! Nice to see Tony, Mac and the kids celebrating New Year together as a family. I so just wat Mac to make a full recovery.... soplease Ms Harper I know these things take time, but I wouldn't be able to bear it if Mac has to suffer indefintely. Again nothing less than five stars
December 10, 2012
The only thing better than Mac and Cheese is Mac and Tony. Loved it, they are just the best!
February 15, 2023
New year, new beginnings, and boy does this family need them! It was nice to spend some downtime with the guys. The fallout from Mac's accident is predictable and frustrating but I'm happy to see Tony thaw out towards Oliver. I especially enjoyed Ramsey's revenge of that wrinkly ball sack Terrence, lol. 😈😂
November 20, 2019
I think I have expected a little more from this short, and Terence appearing in this story did nothing good for me with his insincere and half-hearted apology, which turned into something else entirely at the end.
Would have hoped for some nicer moments between Tony and Mac in this book, though I did really enjoy the story of Mac and Oliver here :)
3 Stars
Would have hoped for some nicer moments between Tony and Mac in this book, though I did really enjoy the story of Mac and Oliver here :)
3 Stars
May 30, 2013
A sweet short, but just left me wanting the next book and to bash Terrence over the head. God what a douche bag.
October 13, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
I'm in the minority it seems, everyone loved this but me.
It's good in the no magic cure, healing takes time, nothings guaranteed sense. Also realistic in the shitty people are shitty even if they know they've done wrong.
The NY sweetness is brief.
The last book was heavy and this just continues that tone. It would have been nice to see the family time without the negativity, we get that's there.
While it's well written and feels authentic I'm out of this series. Tony will triumph with the kiddies. Mac will fight and surely find his place cop or otherwise. But they still feel separate battles to me.
I'm in the minority it seems, everyone loved this but me.
It's good in the no magic cure, healing takes time, nothings guaranteed sense. Also realistic in the shitty people are shitty even if they know they've done wrong.
The NY sweetness is brief.
The last book was heavy and this just continues that tone. It would have been nice to see the family time without the negativity, we get that's there.
While it's well written and feels authentic I'm out of this series. Tony will triumph with the kiddies. Mac will fight and surely find his place cop or otherwise. But they still feel separate battles to me.
May 6, 2013
Why didn't I know about this sooner. This is one of my favourite series. I re-read these books more often then I am willing to admit.
This was a fabulous follow-up to the last full-length book. It was quick, but full of page-turning greatness. I have always favoured Mac, but this has me leaning more and more toward Tony. Oliver also earned many points in this one.
I want more of this series, and I want it now. As that is not possible, I will just have to hope there will be more soon.
Thank you Kaje Harper for this wonderful free short.
This was a fabulous follow-up to the last full-length book. It was quick, but full of page-turning greatness. I have always favoured Mac, but this has me leaning more and more toward Tony. Oliver also earned many points in this one.
I want more of this series, and I want it now. As that is not possible, I will just have to hope there will be more soon.
Thank you Kaje Harper for this wonderful free short.
April 26, 2013
This is pretty much a second-slash-extended epilogue for Home Work. We get some Mac and Tony smexiness and some hopeful news for Mac. Plus, it's really nice the see Oliver coming around and accepting Mac and Tony's relationship.
December 11, 2012
Oh my. Sigh! I want more! After 'Home Work' I was curious, and a bit skeptical, how Ms. Harper would write herself out of the medical condition she put Mac through, but I should have known - she managed the small line. Can't wait for the next book.
December 9, 2012
*Gushes a little* I love Mac and Tony so much.
December 4, 2022
Taking place between Home Work and Learning Curve, I'm glad I waited till I'd finished the whole series before reading Compensations. Too many spoilers lol. You definitely want to read this marvelous series in order.
December 10, 2012
I LOVED this short look into the holidays with Tony and Mac. Mac is getting better but of course he is frustrated that he is not making progress faster. He's aware that he is "lucky" but he feels like he won't be what he once was and he's not sure he can deal with that.
Tony is frustrated as well - because he doesn't want to crowd Mac but he wants him to not take unnecessary risks either. The kids are dealing with things and so is Oliver, Mac's detective partner.
One of things I love most about this series (besides Mac & Tony) is the way things are dealt with realistically. The jerk who decided to bail on the interview does not get the punishment that certainly Tony things he should. However, Ramsey is becoming one of my most favorite characters in this series :) Not that she wasn't already right up there.
Thanks Kaje for giving us a little holiday treat with this story. Can't wait for the next book! One of my absolute favorite series.
Tony is frustrated as well - because he doesn't want to crowd Mac but he wants him to not take unnecessary risks either. The kids are dealing with things and so is Oliver, Mac's detective partner.
One of things I love most about this series (besides Mac & Tony) is the way things are dealt with realistically. The jerk who decided to bail on the interview does not get the punishment that certainly Tony things he should. However, Ramsey is becoming one of my most favorite characters in this series :) Not that she wasn't already right up there.
Thanks Kaje for giving us a little holiday treat with this story. Can't wait for the next book! One of my absolute favorite series.
December 13, 2012
I'm officially calling this my "Christmas" read. After so many books about guys who never have to think about making a living, I love the nitty gritty of Tony and Mac's lives. Struggling with real life issues while trying to make your gay relationship work, with kids no less, in a hostile environment is hard work. Kaje shows us how hard this is to do and how the love between Mac and Tony gives them the energy to go beyond existing and to really live. Love this family, love Kaje.
May 6, 2013
I loved reading this little gem about Mac's and Tony's life after Mac's injury. They are so strong together! And I like Oliver, Mac's partner. He's such a cool guy. I wish he finds the happiness he deserves.
Now I can't wait for book 4. Dear Kaje, don't let us wait too long for Mac, Tony, Ben, Anna and the rest of the gang... :D
February 16, 2016
As impatient as I am, I had to see how Mac is faring. Great short addition to the series. Oliver's 'apology' was my favourite.
February 2, 2022
Sweet short freebie. Great for fans of the series and a nice follow-up to book 3.
December 22, 2012
Why I read it: This was a freebie holiday story which continues on immediately after Home Work ends and it makes a nice epilogue to the story.
What it's about: (from Goodreads) Mac, Tony and the kids have had a long complicated year. Each of them has dealt with fears and losses, joys and triumphs. As December 31st approaches, it's time to look forward to the new year, and what may be in store. Mac and Tony figure whatever happens, they can handle it, as long as they go through it together.
What worked for me (and what didn't): Mac's recovery isn't complete by the time Home Work finishes and I read this as a kind of extended epilogue which helped me feel that whatever happened, Mac and Tony would be okay. Which is why I included this review here. It's a free download and perfect to read after Home Work. I wonder if Oliver will end up with Sabrina?
Grade: B
http://kaetrinsmusings.blogspot.com.a...
What it's about: (from Goodreads) Mac, Tony and the kids have had a long complicated year. Each of them has dealt with fears and losses, joys and triumphs. As December 31st approaches, it's time to look forward to the new year, and what may be in store. Mac and Tony figure whatever happens, they can handle it, as long as they go through it together.
What worked for me (and what didn't): Mac's recovery isn't complete by the time Home Work finishes and I read this as a kind of extended epilogue which helped me feel that whatever happened, Mac and Tony would be okay. Which is why I included this review here. It's a free download and perfect to read after Home Work. I wonder if Oliver will end up with Sabrina?
Grade: B
http://kaetrinsmusings.blogspot.com.a...
December 10, 2012
Loved a further glimpse into the lives of Mac and Tony! This short story, with its hints of Tony's worries about the future and Mac's real need to be able to return to work, has left me eager for book 4. Hopefully we won't be kept waiting too long!
January 6, 2022
I do love these guys and I love it when an author puts a little story out in between books that gives you a glimpse into their lives again. Plus, I'm really liking Oliver and the women in the Homicide division along with seriously hating the homophobes and bigots in blue!
May 29, 2013
Lovely interlude in Mac and Tony's life. Can't wait for the fourth book!
April 8, 2017
Love Mac, Tony and the kids oh and not forgetting Oliver. i wish someone would kick Terence's ass.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews