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Life Lessons #4
Learning Curve
Mac is afraid he'll never recover enough to go back to being a cop, while Tony is afraid that he will.
Three months after being shot, Detective Jared MacLean is healing, but he's afraid it may not be enough to go back on the job. He won't give up, though. Being a cop is written deep in Mac’s bones, and he'll do whatever it takes to carry his badge again.
Tony used to wish he could have Mac safely home, but watching his strong husband battle disabilities is far from Tony's dream come true. When Mac is asked to consult on a case involving one of Tony's students, both men will have to face old demons and new fears to find a way to move forward together.
Three months after being shot, Detective Jared MacLean is healing, but he's afraid it may not be enough to go back on the job. He won't give up, though. Being a cop is written deep in Mac’s bones, and he'll do whatever it takes to carry his badge again.
Tony used to wish he could have Mac safely home, but watching his strong husband battle disabilities is far from Tony's dream come true. When Mac is asked to consult on a case involving one of Tony's students, both men will have to face old demons and new fears to find a way to move forward together.
370 pages, ebook
First published September 6, 2013
43 people are currently reading
870 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 325 reviews
September 16, 2013
4.5 stars.****Review completed September 16, 2013
After being in Home Work, Mac is still struggling with the after-effects of The road back to his old self is very difficult and bumpy. Still, he is determined to go back on the force and works hard to accomplish his goal. Tony knows that being a self-confident cop is something that Mac always strived for--it defines a substantial part of his personality. Yet Tony can't help but feeling relieved that Mac is safely home with him for the time being. When Mac is asked to consult on a case involving one of Tony's students, Tony isn't happy and begins to worry again.
I'm going to dedicate this gif to Mac's father and his brother. I know it's very rude but I don't care because he doesn't deserve to be called a father. He's a bigoted asshat. Awful. And don't get me started on his brother...
Mac can count on Tony. Always. And he proved it during this fabulous scene. Tony, you are a cool dude, and I wanna hug and kiss you!
Learning Curve is a great conclusion to the Life Lessons series. I enjoyed it very much, although I'm not sure if I really loved it more than Home Work. In any event, this entire series was a learning curve--not only for Mac and Tony. I will miss them a lot. The mystery in this story played a subsidiary role IMO. This was so much more about Mac and his difficult path to getting back in shape and being able to function in his role as a confident cop. Given the events in the prequel, it was very important that he regained his self-confidence, and he had to learn to be honest with himself, to get to the bottom of the matter: dealing with his fear that he could not be good enough anymore. Also, addressing the big issue if he would ever be his old self again. We see Mac and Tony as a loving couple dealing with everyday business, the kids, familyemergencies issues and problems at school. And at its core there is Mac and Tony's deep and unshakable love that helped them to overcome so many obstacles. Oh, and add in the hot bedroom action and you can be sure that these two totally earned my attention. *smirk*
Finally we got more background information on Mac's family, and I was glad to see that Tony's loved ones made up for everything that Mac had been missed for many, many years. In fact, Tony's parents were unconditionally supportive in every situation. As always I loved the banter and natural interaction between Mac and Tony. The arguments were realistic and believable. Also, I'm glad to tell you there were no TSTL moments involving their kids either. If anything, Anna and Ben enriched this series and could serve as an example how an author can incorporate kids in the life of a gay couple.
Looking back now, the Life Lessons series could be taken from real life because you can feel and see the authenticity of everything that Mac and Tony went through during their mutual journey. They have come a long, long way. "Someday two guys will be able to kiss like that, in front of all the world."
A beautiful and touching ending.
I closed the final page of Learning Curve with mixed feelings. I'm very happy for Mac and Tony who are perfect for each other and evolved so much as individuals as well as a couple. Their HEA was truly well deserved and much appreciated. I am, however, sad to see this series come to an end because these two men were the source of bringing joy into my life as a reader. I will always remember them.
Recommended read.
This is for Kaje...
After being in Home Work, Mac is still struggling with the after-effects of The road back to his old self is very difficult and bumpy. Still, he is determined to go back on the force and works hard to accomplish his goal. Tony knows that being a self-confident cop is something that Mac always strived for--it defines a substantial part of his personality. Yet Tony can't help but feeling relieved that Mac is safely home with him for the time being. When Mac is asked to consult on a case involving one of Tony's students, Tony isn't happy and begins to worry again.
"Why do the craziest things sound possible when you say them?"
Tony let out a breath. "I'm magic, hon. See the halo?"
"Horns and a tail are more likely. So…I don't know what to do."
I'm going to dedicate this gif to Mac's father and his brother. I know it's very rude but I don't care because he doesn't deserve to be called a father. He's a bigoted asshat. Awful. And don't get me started on his brother...
Mac can count on Tony. Always. And he proved it during this fabulous scene. Tony, you are a cool dude, and I wanna hug and kiss you!
Before he could get his tongue around that, Tony said clearly,
As one, every MacLean in the room turned to stare at him. Tony shrugged nonchalantly. "Shakespeare. I'm an English teacher. Sometimes it comes in handy."
"'Oh no, sir, Detective Hunky and I never once discussed you-know-who. Not one little bit.'"
Mac laughed. "Call me Detective Hunky and we will be in trouble in court."
Tony mock-growled. "Call him Detective Hunky again and you may not make it to court."
"Yeah. It was good. It…fuck. I am still a mess, you know?"
A hug seemed the wrong thing to offer. Tony held out the box of cookies. "You can always open a bakery."
Mac Laughed and took another. "I think these were a fluke."
"Practice makes perfect."
Learning Curve is a great conclusion to the Life Lessons series. I enjoyed it very much, although I'm not sure if I really loved it more than Home Work. In any event, this entire series was a learning curve--not only for Mac and Tony. I will miss them a lot. The mystery in this story played a subsidiary role IMO. This was so much more about Mac and his difficult path to getting back in shape and being able to function in his role as a confident cop. Given the events in the prequel, it was very important that he regained his self-confidence, and he had to learn to be honest with himself, to get to the bottom of the matter: dealing with his fear that he could not be good enough anymore. Also, addressing the big issue if he would ever be his old self again. We see Mac and Tony as a loving couple dealing with everyday business, the kids, family
Finally we got more background information on Mac's family, and I was glad to see that Tony's loved ones made up for everything that Mac had been missed for many, many years. In fact, Tony's parents were unconditionally supportive in every situation. As always I loved the banter and natural interaction between Mac and Tony. The arguments were realistic and believable. Also, I'm glad to tell you there were no TSTL moments involving their kids either. If anything, Anna and Ben enriched this series and could serve as an example how an author can incorporate kids in the life of a gay couple.
Looking back now, the Life Lessons series could be taken from real life because you can feel and see the authenticity of everything that Mac and Tony went through during their mutual journey. They have come a long, long way. "Someday two guys will be able to kiss like that, in front of all the world."
A beautiful and touching ending.
I closed the final page of Learning Curve with mixed feelings. I'm very happy for Mac and Tony who are perfect for each other and evolved so much as individuals as well as a couple. Their HEA was truly well deserved and much appreciated. I am, however, sad to see this series come to an end because these two men were the source of bringing joy into my life as a reader. I will always remember them.
Recommended read.
This is for Kaje...
August 12, 2016
Mac and Tony are one of my favorite MM couples -- and after everything, a tragedy that happened in Home Work, this simply becomes one of the most awaited titles of 2013.
Being the final book of the series (also the fact that Kaje Harper is one of my top authors), saying that I have expectations will be an understatement. But did the story deliver?
One hundred percent yes.
This is the perfect way to end the series. Kaje Harper tied up all loose ends with the touch of being realistic, that is simply her best strength (and what I always associated with her stories). I loved how Mac's returning to the police force wasn't a fairy-tale journey. I loved how Tony still had doubts whether he could let Mac returned to the job that almost took his beloved husband away.
I loved how Mac's challenged his internal conflict, debating whether he could return to the police force with his condition, whether he was pushing it, whether he could offer the citizen his best ability with his limitation. I loved how even with very common (and might be overly used) backdrop of abusive family background and bigotry -- like Ben's grandparents and Mac's family -- there was no magical solution but at the same time, there was indeed hope, an olive branch, for a better future.
But best of all, I loved how solid Mac and Tony were. Even with their internal conflicts, there was no doubt that they were in it together.
Another thing I loved was how the two men grew throughout the series. They both learned from the ups and downs of being a couple, being husbands, being set of parents, but at the same time, they also maintained who they were inside.
Mac would always be a cop, a protector. He would also had trouble expressing his worries and concerns. There were times I got slightly frustrated when Mac kept everything inside and not telling Tony about what bothering him. Meanwhile Tony would always be that compassionate and understanding man. I remembered how he was willing to be Mac's secret in the beginning of the series -- he might ask Mac what went wrong but never pushed. Similar to what I felt about Mac, there were times I wished Tony would told Mac about his worries, especially related to Mac's determination to return to the police force. But this was what made the story humane.
So there were drama, family conflict, mystery, doubts, uncertainty, tears of joy, support from family and friends, humor, grief, sexy times, learning about the other, compassion, hope -- all the elements in life.
Then, most of all ... there is love. And ain't that the best thing there is?
All in all, I can only say thank you for such wonderful series. I know that is goodbye for now ... but it will probably don't stop me to sometimes persuade, cajole, beg, for short stories, Christmas codas, or any tidbits about Mac and Tony and their lovely family.
Being the final book of the series (also the fact that Kaje Harper is one of my top authors), saying that I have expectations will be an understatement. But did the story deliver?
One hundred percent yes.
This is the perfect way to end the series. Kaje Harper tied up all loose ends with the touch of being realistic, that is simply her best strength (and what I always associated with her stories). I loved how Mac's returning to the police force wasn't a fairy-tale journey. I loved how Tony still had doubts whether he could let Mac returned to the job that almost took his beloved husband away.
I loved how Mac's challenged his internal conflict, debating whether he could return to the police force with his condition, whether he was pushing it, whether he could offer the citizen his best ability with his limitation. I loved how even with very common (and might be overly used) backdrop of abusive family background and bigotry -- like Ben's grandparents and Mac's family -- there was no magical solution but at the same time, there was indeed hope, an olive branch, for a better future.
But best of all, I loved how solid Mac and Tony were. Even with their internal conflicts, there was no doubt that they were in it together.
Another thing I loved was how the two men grew throughout the series. They both learned from the ups and downs of being a couple, being husbands, being set of parents, but at the same time, they also maintained who they were inside.
Mac would always be a cop, a protector. He would also had trouble expressing his worries and concerns. There were times I got slightly frustrated when Mac kept everything inside and not telling Tony about what bothering him. Meanwhile Tony would always be that compassionate and understanding man. I remembered how he was willing to be Mac's secret in the beginning of the series -- he might ask Mac what went wrong but never pushed. Similar to what I felt about Mac, there were times I wished Tony would told Mac about his worries, especially related to Mac's determination to return to the police force. But this was what made the story humane.
So there were drama, family conflict, mystery, doubts, uncertainty, tears of joy, support from family and friends, humor, grief, sexy times, learning about the other, compassion, hope -- all the elements in life.
Then, most of all ... there is love. And ain't that the best thing there is?
All in all, I can only say thank you for such wonderful series. I know that is goodbye for now ... but it will probably don't stop me to sometimes persuade, cajole, beg, for short stories, Christmas codas, or any tidbits about Mac and Tony and their lovely family.
February 19, 2023
Audiobook -5 stars
Story - 4.5 stars
Thank you to my buddy readers for this journey. Finally! I read/listened to this and it turned out to be an amazing experience.
Story - 4.5 stars
Thank you to my buddy readers for this journey. Finally! I read/listened to this and it turned out to be an amazing experience.
January 3, 2023
Audio - All the stars
JF Harding *sigh* this man is KING. There is nothing he can't do when portraying a variety of characters and issues they may have. Oscar winning voice performer!!
Story - All the stars
Kaje Harper keeps it real. No matter how in love the MCs are, they have struggles. Nobody is perfect. No relationship is perfect, the story and journey are perfect!!
I really hope the MCs bother the author to continue their story because 4 books really aren't enough!
JF Harding *sigh* this man is KING. There is nothing he can't do when portraying a variety of characters and issues they may have. Oscar winning voice performer!!
Story - All the stars
Kaje Harper keeps it real. No matter how in love the MCs are, they have struggles. Nobody is perfect. No relationship is perfect, the story and journey are perfect!!
I really hope the MCs bother the author to continue their story because 4 books really aren't enough!
March 28, 2016
Review written February 25, 2016
4 1/2 Stars - Best of the best! Freaking ADORE these unforgettable lovebirds and their adorable small 2-kids family
Book #4
I'm just a big silly smile, mixed with sad "Goodbye" tears, and in the same time in a happydancing mode. Gosh, I'm impressed. These are so good and captivating books to read. So much enjoyed this last part. Love this amazing 4-book series.
Yay, I'm happy! - I have for sure written it before but I can't but be so tedious sometimes: 'Life Lessons' is simply AMAZING INTERESTING WELLDONE GAY FICTON. Add to that good crime cases. "Must-reads" for M/M romance readers. Another huge applause to Ms. Kaje Harper!!
***********************************************
Learning Curve is the fourth full-lenght novel in Kaje Harper's fantastic 'Life Lessons' series. Perhaps the most realistic feeling —with a sense of both those gray days with dreary chores, small and large concerns, family stuff, but also warmth, fantastic enthusiasm, happiness, lust, heat, love and epic romance— to read in this M/M contemporary (with some added crime / suspense) genre. ~ I full-heartedly recommend! (My reviews: )
Two men, now a family of four, in Minneapolis...
It all started when Tony Hart, an openly gay and 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 afraid he'll never recover enough to go back to being a cop, while Tony is afraid that he will. »
By now, a couple of books and two years later, are these two deeply in love. They are happily married and got a small cute family with two kids, Ben 7 and Anna 6, but still with some horrifying drama (a badly injured Mac) from last book to handle.
This last book is perhaps a bit of a tie up all the threads before finishing a series. Also finally extra lovely cute (whish we may need in Harper's sometimes pretty ordinary chilly days/life 'grayish' book-world).
We get a lot of drama and there are all kind of family stuff to solve. Mac needs to be fitted for police work again and Tony has a young student with a messy family situation and some (gay) bigotry problems to solve at school. There is a new murder case, some old to close up and all kind of ordinary day chores to do (like a house to fix). At the some time is this yummy smexy hot, sweet and nice, grand romantic, heartbreaking touching and ... I just want to be there in the middle of it all. (You all see my "silly in love smile", right?)
***********************************************
Four and a half star is that fair? — Maybe I'm a bit sentimental and in love with those fictional characters? Well, I still must round up to 5 stars because that is this excellent series undoubtedly so very well worth.
I LIKE - yelling: RECOMMENDED M/M READS all the way from north
# Pretty please, don't mind those nerdy, cheesy, dorky covers. They don't tell you anything about the good stuff inside.
# A BR with the very best Sofia.
4 1/2 Stars - Best of the best! Freaking ADORE these unforgettable lovebirds and their adorable small 2-kids family
Book #4
I'm just a big silly smile, mixed with sad "Goodbye" tears, and in the same time in a happydancing mode. Gosh, I'm impressed. These are so good and captivating books to read. So much enjoyed this last part. Love this amazing 4-book series.
Yay, I'm happy! - I have for sure written it before but I can't but be so tedious sometimes: 'Life Lessons' is simply AMAZING INTERESTING WELLDONE GAY FICTON. Add to that good crime cases. "Must-reads" for M/M romance readers. Another huge applause to Ms. Kaje Harper!!
***********************************************
Learning Curve is the fourth full-lenght novel in Kaje Harper's fantastic 'Life Lessons' series. Perhaps the most realistic feeling —with a sense of both those gray days with dreary chores, small and large concerns, family stuff, but also warmth, fantastic enthusiasm, happiness, lust, heat, love and epic romance— to read in this M/M contemporary (with some added crime / suspense) genre. ~ I full-heartedly recommend! (My reviews: )
Two men, now a family of four, in Minneapolis...
It all started when Tony Hart, an openly gay and 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 afraid he'll never recover enough to go back to being a cop, while Tony is afraid that he will. »
By now, a couple of books and two years later, are these two deeply in love. They are happily married and got a small cute family with two kids, Ben 7 and Anna 6, but still with some horrifying drama (a badly injured Mac) from last book to handle.
‘He couldn’t give Tony a normal husband, but he could give him a well-built one. But running—this was food for the soul.’
‘The echo of his words then came back to Tony so clearly. “Someday two guys will be able to kiss like that, in front of all the world.” Well, they still weren’t shopping for a white dress in this state, but so much else had changed. Tony closed his hands on Mac’s shoulders, feeling the strength of Mac’s arms locked behind him, and gazed up into his eyes. “Is this someday?”
“Damned right it is,” Mac growled.’
This last book is perhaps a bit of a tie up all the threads before finishing a series. Also finally extra lovely cute (whish we may need in Harper's sometimes pretty ordinary chilly days/life 'grayish' book-world).
We get a lot of drama and there are all kind of family stuff to solve. Mac needs to be fitted for police work again and Tony has a young student with a messy family situation and some (gay) bigotry problems to solve at school. There is a new murder case, some old to close up and all kind of ordinary day chores to do (like a house to fix). At the some time is this yummy smexy hot, sweet and nice, grand romantic, heartbreaking touching and ... I just want to be there in the middle of it all. (You all see my "silly in love smile", right?)
***********************************************
Four and a half star is that fair? — Maybe I'm a bit sentimental and in love with those fictional characters? Well, I still must round up to 5 stars because that is this excellent series undoubtedly so very well worth.
I LIKE - yelling: RECOMMENDED M/M READS all the way from north
# Pretty please, don't mind those nerdy, cheesy, dorky covers. They don't tell you anything about the good stuff inside.
# A BR with the very best Sofia.
March 10, 2023
4.25**** stars
Oh my goodness. It took me way too long to finish this audio. In the end I am really really sorry that I won’t be able to do this book justice. I think my recent mystery-phase is over for now bc I can’t seem to get into it anymore.
Hence, I have not much to say about this book, except that I liked it as much as the others. The murder case broke my heart for the two brothers but it was also good to see Mac getting better and overcome his struggles. —so I just keep sticking to my before-ratings.
Overall this was a fantastic series and if you like mysteries and you’re more into domestic moments and domestic life struggles, living with kids and living as a gay couple in a rather non-accepting environment (the series starts in 2011), at least more than I am, then this series could be a total winner for you.
JF Harding did a fantastic job bringing these stories and characters to life with his narrating performance so I absolutely recommend going for the audios.
side note: a grammar thing. I was wondering about this so often that one day I discussed it with our English teacher at work. —when to use "I" and when to use "me", like "Peter and I" and "Peter and me". And now this topic came up in this book too, because little kids and a teacher in the house, yk?! Anyway, with both my teacher and Tony Hart explaining it the same way I can only conclude that me and I is used wrong a lot in the books I read. It confuses me every time. Just wanted to state that.
**********
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
Oh my goodness. It took me way too long to finish this audio. In the end I am really really sorry that I won’t be able to do this book justice. I think my recent mystery-phase is over for now bc I can’t seem to get into it anymore.
Hence, I have not much to say about this book, except that I liked it as much as the others. The murder case broke my heart for the two brothers but it was also good to see Mac getting better and overcome his struggles. —so I just keep sticking to my before-ratings.
Overall this was a fantastic series and if you like mysteries and you’re more into domestic moments and domestic life struggles, living with kids and living as a gay couple in a rather non-accepting environment (the series starts in 2011), at least more than I am, then this series could be a total winner for you.
JF Harding did a fantastic job bringing these stories and characters to life with his narrating performance so I absolutely recommend going for the audios.
side note: a grammar thing. I was wondering about this so often that one day I discussed it with our English teacher at work. —when to use "I" and when to use "me", like "Peter and I" and "Peter and me". And now this topic came up in this book too, because little kids and a teacher in the house, yk?! Anyway, with both my teacher and Tony Hart explaining it the same way I can only conclude that me and I is used wrong a lot in the books I read. It confuses me every time. Just wanted to state that.
**********
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
Read
November 17, 2022Now available in audio with the awesome JF Harding narrating (whispersync'd and in KU)
https://www.audible.com/pd/Learning-C...
https://www.audible.com/pd/Learning-C...
August 16, 2014
What a nice conclusion to the series! It felt like visiting with old friends.
Thanks, Kaje Harper, for another lovely story.
Thanks, Kaje Harper, for another lovely story.
September 8, 2013
BUDDY READ 2013 organized by Tina ( thanks hun ) with a great group of people!
Oh my gosh that was good! Like a lot of m/m readers out there I got hooked on all things Mac & Tony when I read Life Lessons so when I heard Learning Curve was due out and was to be the last book in the series it became an absolute must read. So many threads to tie up in this one and Kaje does it with realism, class and satisfaction guaranteed.
IMHO this is a series that has got better over every book and for me this was saving the best for last. I truly loved every word and was grabbed and kept hooked right from the word go. Unfortunately real life interrupted on the day I started reading it or I'd have read non stop in one sitting.
Considering how Mac & Tony's situation was left in the last instalment it would have been very easy to put them through the most dramatic angst fest you could imagine and yeah, there's conflict and upsets, that both as a family and individually the guys have to weather but its all handled in such a realistic way that I never felt like I was reading a fictional story, I felt I was going through it with them like a fly on the wall. One thing I have to say is how great the background crime story was surrounding the murder that Mac ends up investigating even though he's still on sick leave. It was detailed, really well researched and again very realistic but far from boring. Kept me guessing!
We get to meet Macs family and its not an easy ride but it just intensifies how far Mac has come on his journey with Tony and the children and it adds to the wonderful feel of a united family front that at this stage in their relationship (because of everything they've been through) is the strongest its ever been.
" Look in that mirror," he whispered. " There. That stunning, big, dark, man, and that smaller guy. That's you and me. And that's fucking hot and gorgeous and just about perfect. That's as gay as an Easter parade, and still completely about two real men. Your family can throw insults, and they can shun us, and they can discriminate all they want, but they can't make that less than fucking perfect."
Ahhh. Tony you say the best things.....* sigh*
I loved that and it just made me fall more in love than ever with not only Mac & Tony but their two endearing kids Ben and Anna, who added so much more to the book than just being the " two cute kids in the background." There are some very touching moments with them, especially Ben who really tugged at my heartstrings....Anna is just a little bundle of enthusiasm and joy!
All the supporting characters whether they were good, bad or just plain 'ugly ' were vividly portrayed and if Mac & Tony are the meat of the story, then the secondary characters are definitely the perfect accompanying veg! Reading this was like eating my favourite meal... Tasty, moreish and totally satisfying.
If we have to leave these two guys now then I'm glad its at this point in their lives but I'd be very happy to have a few sneak peeks into how they're getting on in the future if Kaje decides to treat us.
It's books like this that make me feel sorry for all those readers out there who are missing out on such great stories because they're either too blinkered to read this genre, too hung up on the thought of men having sex or too frightened to take the plunge because they think all LGBTQ lit is just erotic slash fiction and think people will judge them for trying it. Boy are they missing out on some classy books! I thank the day I decided to give it a try.
I adored it and its going to be read - with the rest of the series - again and again. Can't recommend it enough.
Oh my gosh that was good! Like a lot of m/m readers out there I got hooked on all things Mac & Tony when I read Life Lessons so when I heard Learning Curve was due out and was to be the last book in the series it became an absolute must read. So many threads to tie up in this one and Kaje does it with realism, class and satisfaction guaranteed.
IMHO this is a series that has got better over every book and for me this was saving the best for last. I truly loved every word and was grabbed and kept hooked right from the word go. Unfortunately real life interrupted on the day I started reading it or I'd have read non stop in one sitting.
Considering how Mac & Tony's situation was left in the last instalment it would have been very easy to put them through the most dramatic angst fest you could imagine and yeah, there's conflict and upsets, that both as a family and individually the guys have to weather but its all handled in such a realistic way that I never felt like I was reading a fictional story, I felt I was going through it with them like a fly on the wall. One thing I have to say is how great the background crime story was surrounding the murder that Mac ends up investigating even though he's still on sick leave. It was detailed, really well researched and again very realistic but far from boring. Kept me guessing!
We get to meet Macs family and its not an easy ride but it just intensifies how far Mac has come on his journey with Tony and the children and it adds to the wonderful feel of a united family front that at this stage in their relationship (because of everything they've been through) is the strongest its ever been.
" Look in that mirror," he whispered. " There. That stunning, big, dark, man, and that smaller guy. That's you and me. And that's fucking hot and gorgeous and just about perfect. That's as gay as an Easter parade, and still completely about two real men. Your family can throw insults, and they can shun us, and they can discriminate all they want, but they can't make that less than fucking perfect."
Ahhh. Tony you say the best things.....* sigh*
I loved that and it just made me fall more in love than ever with not only Mac & Tony but their two endearing kids Ben and Anna, who added so much more to the book than just being the " two cute kids in the background." There are some very touching moments with them, especially Ben who really tugged at my heartstrings....Anna is just a little bundle of enthusiasm and joy!
All the supporting characters whether they were good, bad or just plain 'ugly ' were vividly portrayed and if Mac & Tony are the meat of the story, then the secondary characters are definitely the perfect accompanying veg! Reading this was like eating my favourite meal... Tasty, moreish and totally satisfying.
If we have to leave these two guys now then I'm glad its at this point in their lives but I'd be very happy to have a few sneak peeks into how they're getting on in the future if Kaje decides to treat us.
It's books like this that make me feel sorry for all those readers out there who are missing out on such great stories because they're either too blinkered to read this genre, too hung up on the thought of men having sex or too frightened to take the plunge because they think all LGBTQ lit is just erotic slash fiction and think people will judge them for trying it. Boy are they missing out on some classy books! I thank the day I decided to give it a try.
I adored it and its going to be read - with the rest of the series - again and again. Can't recommend it enough.
June 19, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*‘Someday’'s finally here*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
The final conclusion of Detective Jared ‘Mac’ MacLean (34) and his husband, high school English teacher Anthony ‘Tony’ Hart (25) was a cute and a nice way to end their story. With Mac working really hard to get back to being a cop after getting shot in the head, Tony struggles with wanting to support his husband and wanting Mac to quit. Frankly, Tony's scared for Mac and want him safely home, while Mac knows if he can't be a cop, he'll wither away and be lost. I mean, Mac has it all, cute kids; Ben Serrano (7) and Anna MacLean (5, turns 6) and his significant other, but not being a cop would destroy him. So what to do?
“I will always try to come back to you. To stay safe.”
“I know.”
“A bullet is less common than a speeding car. Or a clogged artery.”
“I know that too.”
“What can I say?”
“Nothing.”
Overall, it was nice to finally get to know Mac more personally. To know what really happened to him when he was young, and let's just say that his family's a bit fucked up. I didn't like that it felt like Tony still didn't quite know his husband completely, but I guess since they are only two years, or something in, it'll come later... It's cute to see Ben finally settle down and for him to realize that he's not going anywhere and that he's safe. Anna's just a rambling, adorable kid. It would have been nice to see how they would've acted when they are older. Interesting, I'm sure.
“Look in that mirror,” he whispered. “There. That stunning, big, dark, man, and that smaller guy. That's you and me. And that's fucking hot and gorgeous and just about perfect. That's as gay as an Easter parade, and still completely about two real men. Your family can throw insults, and they can shun us, and they can discriminate all they want, but they can't make that less than fucking perfect.”
I didn't however, like Mac with his ‘um's’, as sadly as it is/was. I mean, I get it's a part of his brain injury, but frankly, I find that it doesn't fit Mac's character, because it makes him seem so uncertain or insecure, when he's been a powerful (as a cop) character in the previous books... Story wise, it's wasn't all that. I was a bored for the most part, and I just wanted the series done. I'm glad we got a ‘final chapter’ for the couple, although I've heard that we might get more of Tony and Mac with teenagers....
“Is this someday?”
“Damned right it is,”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book Four
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 stars.
September 13, 2013
3.5 stars
Because this is # 4 of a much beloved series…
Because this is Mac and Tony…
Because I’m so happy about how this relationship has grown…
Because we welcomed back all the side characters and Anna & Ben were just cute enough w/o becoming annoying…(especially Ben…)
…I really really enjoyed this book.
I didn’t want to start, because I didn’t want to finish. I’ve grown to love Tony & Mac so much. They fall into my favorite “closeted-alpha-cop-falls-in-love-with-the-pretty-out-fella” category. And going on the journey with them, through some really sh*tty times frankly, makes them feel like family.
I think Kaje Harper did a great job wrapping up this series. It would have been easy to just snap her fingers and make it all ok. But, she didn’t take that easy way out. Mac still struggled with his injuries and recovery. Tony was even moreso than ever concerned about Mac and his career and how to keep their family together. There were outside dangers (Mac’s CRAZY family, Ben’s Grandma and Grandpa, a police investigation…) and this book was all about the battle to stay a team, a family, and get through. Good stuff.
The book, however, felt long. I don’t mind long books, but when they start to feel long, my ADD kicks in and I battle to stay interested. It also felt repetitive…the Mac & Tony parts were hug, let’s fuck, we need to talk, I’m worried, he’s worried, repeat. And, surprisingly, the crime story took a major backseat in this final book and it felt secondary and a bit out of place…like it should have been a separate novella (except, of course, we had to go through Mac’s recovery and way back to work storyline through it).
I do have to be honest. I’m one of the lone voices of dissention: I, personally, didn’t love the updated cover. I preferred the original. This picture of “Mac” actually was distracting to me. Though (shockingly) the same stock photo model all throughout the series, he looks dorky in this one and…weak?...and just not “alpha Mac” to me. I had to try hard to get him out of my head, especially in sex scenes w/ Tony, in order to focus on what was on the page and not on the cover.
Despite all that, again, it’s impossible for me NOT to have really enjoyed the book. But for me, it’s about the entire series, it’s about the “the end” for this beloved couple, and gosh…I’m just sad to see them go. But, thank you, Kaje Harper for giving them to us!
4 stars for the Life Lessons series…definitely recommended reading…
December 25, 2022
🎧🎧🎧 Audio Review 2022 🎧🎧🎧
Terrific stuff by J.F. Harding yet again. He really was the perfect choice by Kaje to narrate this series.
📚📚📚 Book Review 2013!! 📚📚📚
A sad day for me, the end of one of my fave series, but 5 stars, a huge
and let's bring on those dancing girls shall we 
Can't say too much, don't want to give any spoilers away, so I'll just say that I absolutely adored it. There were plenty of 'ah bless' moments
, lots of weepy 'where are those tissues' moments 
, laugh out loud moments 
, nailbiting tension moments 
, quite a few Mrs Angry moments and we know who they were for....Mac's family, Mac's work colleagues 
and even a few '
I can't believe she just said that!' moments, and yes dear readers, we all know who she is 
A huge thank you to Kaje for the series, and pretty please..can we have some novellas to stave off the withdrawal symptoms
!! A big shout out also to the buddy read crew and in particular to my lovely Tina for organising it all 
...thanks.
Terrific stuff by J.F. Harding yet again. He really was the perfect choice by Kaje to narrate this series.
📚📚📚 Book Review 2013!! 📚📚📚
A sad day for me, the end of one of my fave series, but 5 stars, a huge
and let's bring on those dancing girls shall we Can't say too much, don't want to give any spoilers away, so I'll just say that I absolutely adored it. There were plenty of 'ah bless' moments
, lots of weepy 'where are those tissues' moments , laugh out loud moments , nailbiting tension moments , quite a few Mrs Angry moments and we know who they were for....Mac's family, Mac's work colleagues and even a few ' I can't believe she just said that!' moments, and yes dear readers, we all know who she is A huge thank you to Kaje for the series, and pretty please..can we have some novellas to stave off the withdrawal symptoms
!! A big shout out also to the buddy read crew and in particular to my lovely Tina for organising it all ...thanks.
September 7, 2013
It was so so great to see this family again an all the good happening to them. And I'm so happy with how Mac's recovery was handled, but I find Kaje ridiculously appealing when she writes things realistically and she so often does. This was a wonderful installment. Only one thing kinda fucked with the juju... Kaje is a beast and can write novels with outrageous word counts better than anyone I've seen in M/M. But it was almost to the story's detriment this time. I found myself bored at some places where she could hav been a bit more economical with her words. Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
September 28, 2016
2,5 y redondeo a 3 porque les tengo cariño a Mac y Tony.
Me he aburrido bastante, y no está mal escrito, de hecho, es muy similar a las otras entregas, pero ya estaba harta de la recuperación de Mac, de los líos de Tony con lo de siempre (abuelos, padres, niños y bla, bla, bla) y de que acaben todas las conversaciones/discusiones en la cama...
Me he aburrido bastante, y no está mal escrito, de hecho, es muy similar a las otras entregas, pero ya estaba harta de la recuperación de Mac, de los líos de Tony con lo de siempre (abuelos, padres, niños y bla, bla, bla) y de que acaben todas las conversaciones/discusiones en la cama...
September 29, 2013
It's Mac and Tony's final book!!! Gah! I ♥ these guys so much!
For those of you who haven't read Home Work, you've been warned there will probably be spoilers in my review.
This book was long...I mean really long with a lot going on. Some may even say it was "too long", but I loved every page of it. Since this is supposed to be the final book of the Life Lessons series, there were a lot of things going on in Mac and Tony's life since the very beginning that needed resolutions, and I feel happy about how things were wrapped up.
I'm going to break my review out into a list because...well, that’s just how I like to do it.
♥ Its a few months later and Mac is still recovering from the brain injury. Book 3 ended on a sad note with Mac's career future still up in the air. I really liked how the author handled the realism of the aphasia and what all Mac has to do to retrain his speech and overcome his fears. It’s hard seeing Mac so vulnerable, but he will always have Tony there to support him in who he needs to be...no matter how much it scares Tony.
♥ The murder mystery. Honestly, it wasn't the most interesting mystery in the series. It was a bit simple with really only one possible solution that was glaringly obvious to me. BUT...the key point of the mystery was how Mac was able to slowly reorient himself to working a case after the injury, without "officially" working a case. Also, a few of Mac's old cases that we've been following over the last few books finally get resolved.
♥ Tony is still having problems with that stupid, homophobic, bitch Grady at his school. And that storyline also gets a bit tied into Mac's mystery. Not a major factor in the story, but it also uses the time to touch on the realities of teen bullying and the benefits of a having a Gay Straight Alliance to support gay teens and their networks.
♥ Tony and Mac are still hot hot hot! I think this book was definitely the smexiest book in the series...as a whole; because nothing will ever top the hotness of their wedding night for me. They are so fucking perfect together!
♥ Speaking of Mac's family, we finally get to meet them. We learn a lot about Mac's childhood and the foundation for many of his fears. It's now obvious why being a detective is who Mac really is and that it will never change. His family is horrible; thank God he now has a new family with Tony, Ben, and Anna.
♥ Tony finally becomes Ben's "Dad"! I know that's a spoiler, but did you really think that wouldn't happen? It was so sweet and perfect, and of course I had a happy cry through the whole thing! I just adore Ben, and I wish his judgmental, homophobic grandparents would give him the love he deserves. Maybe someday...a long time from now.
♥ The HEA. It was beautiful and perfect and I CRIED like a baby at the end. Tony and Mac's journey hasn't been easy, but seeing the life they made together is inspiring and still leaves me with happy tears and a smile on my face. I hope Kaje gives us happy updates of their future together.
5 stars...no question about it!
Reviewed for The Blog of Sid Love
For those of you who haven't read Home Work, you've been warned there will probably be spoilers in my review.
This book was long...I mean really long with a lot going on. Some may even say it was "too long", but I loved every page of it. Since this is supposed to be the final book of the Life Lessons series, there were a lot of things going on in Mac and Tony's life since the very beginning that needed resolutions, and I feel happy about how things were wrapped up.
I'm going to break my review out into a list because...well, that’s just how I like to do it.
♥ Its a few months later and Mac is still recovering from the brain injury. Book 3 ended on a sad note with Mac's career future still up in the air. I really liked how the author handled the realism of the aphasia and what all Mac has to do to retrain his speech and overcome his fears. It’s hard seeing Mac so vulnerable, but he will always have Tony there to support him in who he needs to be...no matter how much it scares Tony.
♥ The murder mystery. Honestly, it wasn't the most interesting mystery in the series. It was a bit simple with really only one possible solution that was glaringly obvious to me. BUT...the key point of the mystery was how Mac was able to slowly reorient himself to working a case after the injury, without "officially" working a case. Also, a few of Mac's old cases that we've been following over the last few books finally get resolved.
♥ Tony is still having problems with that stupid, homophobic, bitch Grady at his school. And that storyline also gets a bit tied into Mac's mystery. Not a major factor in the story, but it also uses the time to touch on the realities of teen bullying and the benefits of a having a Gay Straight Alliance to support gay teens and their networks.
♥ Tony and Mac are still hot hot hot! I think this book was definitely the smexiest book in the series...as a whole; because nothing will ever top the hotness of their wedding night for me. They are so fucking perfect together!
“Look in that mirror,” he whispered. “There. That stunning, big, dark man, and that smaller guy. That’s you and that’s me. And that’s fucking hot and gorgeous and just about perfect. That’s as gay as an Easter parade, and still completely about two real men. Your family can throw insults, and they can shun us, and they can discriminate all they want, but they can’t make that less than fucking perfect.” ~ Tony
♥ Speaking of Mac's family, we finally get to meet them. We learn a lot about Mac's childhood and the foundation for many of his fears. It's now obvious why being a detective is who Mac really is and that it will never change. His family is horrible; thank God he now has a new family with Tony, Ben, and Anna.
♥ Tony finally becomes Ben's "Dad"! I know that's a spoiler, but did you really think that wouldn't happen? It was so sweet and perfect, and of course I had a happy cry through the whole thing! I just adore Ben, and I wish his judgmental, homophobic grandparents would give him the love he deserves. Maybe someday...a long time from now.
♥ The HEA. It was beautiful and perfect and I CRIED like a baby at the end. Tony and Mac's journey hasn't been easy, but seeing the life they made together is inspiring and still leaves me with happy tears and a smile on my face. I hope Kaje gives us happy updates of their future together.
5 stars...no question about it!
Reviewed for The Blog of Sid Love
September 7, 2013
I have been waiting and waiting for this one and when i finally got my chance to read it I wasn’t disappointed. This book felt like visiting with old friends, catching up and being part of their lives and just smiling for being there. Hello Mac and Tony!!
In this installment we are three months out from Mac getting shot. He is still fighting hard in his recovery and trying to get back to being a detective. Tony is being supportive and taking care of Mac and their kids Anna and Ben. Tony has a hard time watching Mac work through his therapy, he can’t fix this for Mac. Tony is also struggling with his own feelings about Mac returning to the job that put them in this situation to begin with. While wanting to support Mac, part of his is not sure he wants his husband to be a cop.
Of course there is a new murder to investigate, Mac is not a cop yet, but his department wants him to consult.
This was a very good addition to this series and I enjoyed it. At times though i did struggle, my interest would drop and I found myself skipping paragraphs. I would also give this book a 3.5 for steam level. While there were not many sex scenes, the ones they had were quite yummy! The scene in the hotel room will stay in my memory!!
I did enjoy learning more about Mac and his family, gotta say though I didn’t like any of them!! (his dad and brother Shane top my “total losers” list) It made me understand Mac all the more, I just wanted to hug him!
Overall, a wonderful visit with my good friends Mac and Tony and their family!
In this installment we are three months out from Mac getting shot. He is still fighting hard in his recovery and trying to get back to being a detective. Tony is being supportive and taking care of Mac and their kids Anna and Ben. Tony has a hard time watching Mac work through his therapy, he can’t fix this for Mac. Tony is also struggling with his own feelings about Mac returning to the job that put them in this situation to begin with. While wanting to support Mac, part of his is not sure he wants his husband to be a cop.
Of course there is a new murder to investigate, Mac is not a cop yet, but his department wants him to consult.
This was a very good addition to this series and I enjoyed it. At times though i did struggle, my interest would drop and I found myself skipping paragraphs. I would also give this book a 3.5 for steam level. While there were not many sex scenes, the ones they had were quite yummy! The scene in the hotel room will stay in my memory!!
I did enjoy learning more about Mac and his family, gotta say though I didn’t like any of them!! (his dad and brother Shane top my “total losers” list) It made me understand Mac all the more, I just wanted to hug him!
Overall, a wonderful visit with my good friends Mac and Tony and their family!
September 7, 2013
No idea what to write about it - I'm a happy reader right now:) What a wonderful finish to the series. *sigh*
September 8, 2013
Tony and Mac, Mac and Tony, what are we going to do with you? Or rather, what are we going to do without you?? These two men, the life they share with each other, their two children, friends, family and co-workers, is so full and fully realized. Full of celebration, fears, little worries, big grins, difficult decisions, easy paths when the light is so clear, hesitations and willful demands for love and lust so rightfully won through battles waged, big and small, inside kitchens, classrooms, squad rooms and hearts. Whew! Exactly!!
In this latest installment regarding all as I’ve described above (and so much more), Tony and Mac are dealing with many things, some remnants of the near past, some from the not so near and some new challenges thrown into their already very busy and complicated lives. Just like all of us, sometimes they are successful in their initial attempts at making the right decision, saying the right thing, and sometimes not. Either way, they somehow - ok, not really somehow, they work on everything – find themselves and their ways back to each other.
Their humor, their particular ways of interacting and reacting, their very unique voices are very strong in this story. Along with that, they still continue to discover new things about each other, have trepidations about being vulnerable, worry about how one will feel about the other’s words or behavior. In simple words: they are two very real and fully realized characters, two men, working their way through this very difficult, joyous, frightening and scrumptious world. Together.
A slight spoiler, a moment of levity (even humor) during a very intense situation, which leads to a very Mac and Tony way of dealing with it all. I actually made that note on my Kindle.
These two are definitely still very hot for each other, sex sometimes manifesting in ways that range from the very sweet and gentle and all the way to the rough and grumble. Demanding. Wanting. Needing. Every time is so very them and it all works. Every part of this story works: ,including both of them growing as people, together, in this relationship of theirs.
I love the way these two communicate. I love the way these two are with their two kids. I love the way they have doubts and worries, and how they deal with them. All of this praise is not because things are perfect and they deal with it all perfectly, instead it’s because they are not perfect. Love and life and kids and fear and shame and growth are all hard work and far from perfect, and all of this makes Mac and Tony so very relatable and completely interesting.
Kaje knows how to write people, of all kinds, all ages, from Grandparents to little kids and everyone in between. Each person is given a voice and is allowed to speak fully with it. There’s a scene when Anna is recounting something that happened at school, another student saying something not so nice, and just as she finishes that bit, she goes right to talking about a field trip coming up and can she go. I remember laughing out loud at that and could hear it so clearly. The same can be said for so many other moments in this book.
I won’t say how this novel ends but it’s not usually something I respond to very strongly. However, in this case, I LOVED it. Simply loved it. This is probably one of the best books I have read all year long. Ms Harper, you freaking rock my world with your words. :)
As an aside, the partnership between Mac and Oliver is just fantastic and figures into the ending somewhat. Will we get more of Oliver’s story? Even as a short? I feel some ripeness there ;)
And a most important PS: a big thank you to Bev, Tina, Debra and everyone else who made one of my first two buddy reads simply fantastic. :D
In this latest installment regarding all as I’ve described above (and so much more), Tony and Mac are dealing with many things, some remnants of the near past, some from the not so near and some new challenges thrown into their already very busy and complicated lives. Just like all of us, sometimes they are successful in their initial attempts at making the right decision, saying the right thing, and sometimes not. Either way, they somehow - ok, not really somehow, they work on everything – find themselves and their ways back to each other.
Their humor, their particular ways of interacting and reacting, their very unique voices are very strong in this story. Along with that, they still continue to discover new things about each other, have trepidations about being vulnerable, worry about how one will feel about the other’s words or behavior. In simple words: they are two very real and fully realized characters, two men, working their way through this very difficult, joyous, frightening and scrumptious world. Together.
A slight spoiler, a moment of levity (even humor) during a very intense situation, which leads to a very Mac and Tony way of dealing with it all. I actually made that note on my Kindle.
These two are definitely still very hot for each other, sex sometimes manifesting in ways that range from the very sweet and gentle and all the way to the rough and grumble. Demanding. Wanting. Needing. Every time is so very them and it all works. Every part of this story works: ,including both of them growing as people, together, in this relationship of theirs.
I love the way these two communicate. I love the way these two are with their two kids. I love the way they have doubts and worries, and how they deal with them. All of this praise is not because things are perfect and they deal with it all perfectly, instead it’s because they are not perfect. Love and life and kids and fear and shame and growth are all hard work and far from perfect, and all of this makes Mac and Tony so very relatable and completely interesting.
Kaje knows how to write people, of all kinds, all ages, from Grandparents to little kids and everyone in between. Each person is given a voice and is allowed to speak fully with it. There’s a scene when Anna is recounting something that happened at school, another student saying something not so nice, and just as she finishes that bit, she goes right to talking about a field trip coming up and can she go. I remember laughing out loud at that and could hear it so clearly. The same can be said for so many other moments in this book.
I won’t say how this novel ends but it’s not usually something I respond to very strongly. However, in this case, I LOVED it. Simply loved it. This is probably one of the best books I have read all year long. Ms Harper, you freaking rock my world with your words. :)
As an aside, the partnership between Mac and Oliver is just fantastic and figures into the ending somewhat. Will we get more of Oliver’s story? Even as a short? I feel some ripeness there ;)
And a most important PS: a big thank you to Bev, Tina, Debra and everyone else who made one of my first two buddy reads simply fantastic. :D
September 17, 2014
7/9/13
Oh wow - well that was a Saturday well spent.
Learning Curve was everything I have come to expect of Kaje Harper's Life lessons series. After four full length novels and some short stories it would have been easy for these characters to become tired and the storyline repetitive - but that was in NO WAY the case.
As ever there was a criminal case as the background, with the main focus of the book being Mac and Tony's relationship and as ever both parts were handled beautifully. I love the way Kaje Harper writes the crime side of her stories, they are interesting, tense and yet not over angsty - it's all necessary, not too much. As Mac wasn't actively at work in this book there was less Oliver and co - though they were there - but this didn't stop the detective part of the novel being brilliant.
I loved the fact that we
As ever the main focus of this book was Mac and Tony's relationship (sorry I've got to do this I LOVE MAC!! I want him for my birthday with whipped cream and a cherry on top and yes I know he's only fictional. Ok, now that's out of the way..) and again, four books in, the worry at the back of my mind was, is it going to be boring? We've had the getting together, the coming out of the closet, the wedding, the family, where is there to go? There was plenty of places to go and it wasn't at all boring. With every page I felt the love grow between the two of them. it's in the little things as well as the big. The looks, the touches, the worry. They centre each other, it's not just about the sex (though, good lord, the sex is hot) it's about them. And every look, touch and worry makes my heart beat faster.
I love these books and will most definitely read and re-read them again and again. I hope against hope it isn't the last we've heard from them, I'm sure there is a million stories they have yet to tell us. Thank you Kaje Harper for a fabulous series. But mostly thank you for Mac.
If you've not read these books I ask, what the heck are you waiting for? Go and check them out now!!
Re-read - 17/9/14
Not a lot to add. I enjoyed the re-read as much as the first read and am feeling sad that the story is over again for a while. I will miss these two. I would still love a story about Jack (with Tony & Mac). This series is one of my all time favourites.
Stole this from Sarah's update, but it sums up my feelings nicely....
Oh wow - well that was a Saturday well spent.
Learning Curve was everything I have come to expect of Kaje Harper's Life lessons series. After four full length novels and some short stories it would have been easy for these characters to become tired and the storyline repetitive - but that was in NO WAY the case.
As ever there was a criminal case as the background, with the main focus of the book being Mac and Tony's relationship and as ever both parts were handled beautifully. I love the way Kaje Harper writes the crime side of her stories, they are interesting, tense and yet not over angsty - it's all necessary, not too much. As Mac wasn't actively at work in this book there was less Oliver and co - though they were there - but this didn't stop the detective part of the novel being brilliant.
I loved the fact that we
As ever the main focus of this book was Mac and Tony's relationship (sorry I've got to do this I LOVE MAC!! I want him for my birthday with whipped cream and a cherry on top and yes I know he's only fictional. Ok, now that's out of the way..) and again, four books in, the worry at the back of my mind was, is it going to be boring? We've had the getting together, the coming out of the closet, the wedding, the family, where is there to go? There was plenty of places to go and it wasn't at all boring. With every page I felt the love grow between the two of them. it's in the little things as well as the big. The looks, the touches, the worry. They centre each other, it's not just about the sex (though, good lord, the sex is hot) it's about them. And every look, touch and worry makes my heart beat faster.
I love these books and will most definitely read and re-read them again and again. I hope against hope it isn't the last we've heard from them, I'm sure there is a million stories they have yet to tell us. Thank you Kaje Harper for a fabulous series. But mostly thank you for Mac.
If you've not read these books I ask, what the heck are you waiting for? Go and check them out now!!
Re-read - 17/9/14
Not a lot to add. I enjoyed the re-read as much as the first read and am feeling sad that the story is over again for a while. I will miss these two. I would still love a story about Jack (with Tony & Mac). This series is one of my all time favourites.
Stole this from Sarah's update, but it sums up my feelings nicely....
October 4, 2013
This is the final installment of the Life Lessons series. Everything about this story is so well done. Tony and Mac, the kids, the family stuff, the murder mystery... the book pulls together the loose ends from the previous books. We get a glimpse into Mac's family and witness Brittany's trial.
Everything important for Tony and Mac is wrapped up neatly. Mac is still struggling with articulating what he wants to say, but he is dealing with his limitations. Luckily he has Tony and old friends to help him through it. Oliver is a real sweetheart. I love this guy.
Tony is fighting his desire for Mac not to go back to his job, but finally realizes that Mac will never stop being a cop. It's touching to watch Tony facing his fears.
They have to work out all aspects of their life – the fallout from Mac’s previous cases, new homophobia, Ben’s adoption, the arrivel of Tony's parents and the crap with Mac's family.
The solid relationship between Mac and Tony doesn’t come easy. It needs constant work. The men work through grief and fear, they talk even when it’s not easy. I like their playfulness when they are together and how they live as a loving family.
I'm going to miss Mac und Tony, but Learning Curve was a fantastic way to say goodbye to two characters I fell in love with from the start. :)
Thank you Bev, Mark, Gina, Macky, Kris, Ami, Ije, Susan, Debra, Ds, Alex, Jess, Kade, Helle and Andrea for a great buddy read. :)
September 14, 2013
This story not only had a interesting murder story line, it also gave us updates on everything else that had been going on in previous books. A lot of books that tried to include so many story lines would of failed but in this case it all works. Although I think reading these books back to back would be easier on me lol. I had to do a little back skim reading to get a few characters straight in my head.
The romance and chemistry with Mac and Tony is as strong as ever. I really loved that we get to see these two grow together while still showing its not all flowers and chocolate.
Ben is probably still my favorite character and I loved seeing him have a bigger role this time. He still makes me choke up, but in good ways this time.
Learning more on Mac's family was heartbreaking and I would love to of seen Shane arrested for something, but while I could sympathize with his sister Mary, she aggravated me the most. When she makes the comment “Well, you have my number now.” Mary gave him a little smile. “You could call, sometime. It’s not like the girls would ever answer this line, so I wouldn’t mind hearing from you.” I wanted to slap her hard. I kinda hope Mac never calls her.
One day I will re read this series back to back, and maybe there might even be a side story to go with them. After all I still want to know how Jack turned out lol.
The romance and chemistry with Mac and Tony is as strong as ever. I really loved that we get to see these two grow together while still showing its not all flowers and chocolate.
Ben is probably still my favorite character and I loved seeing him have a bigger role this time. He still makes me choke up, but in good ways this time.
Learning more on Mac's family was heartbreaking and I would love to of seen Shane arrested for something, but while I could sympathize with his sister Mary, she aggravated me the most. When she makes the comment “Well, you have my number now.” Mary gave him a little smile. “You could call, sometime. It’s not like the girls would ever answer this line, so I wouldn’t mind hearing from you.” I wanted to slap her hard. I kinda hope Mac never calls her.
One day I will re read this series back to back, and maybe there might even be a side story to go with them. After all I still want to know how Jack turned out lol.
September 8, 2013
Wonderful end to this series.
October 3, 2013
What a perfect end to a wonderful journey. I loved this series from beginning to end, gripping, emotional, full of suspense and everyday trials and tribulations. I just LOVED this book. It was a perfect round up of the series. I liked the way that previous cases were referred to in this book, tying up all the loose ends nicely before giving a perfect end to a wonderful story.
Mac is still recovering from his injury, he has made massive progress but not yet enough to go back on the force. He still suffers from panic attacks when people come up behind him and his speech still is not totally normal yet. However, although on disability leave he gets called in to interview someone who only wants to speak only to him.
The person being interviewed has a brother in Tony’s Creative Writing class and this is where once again the adventure begins. The crime story in this book makes for a great intrigue, but never takes the upper-hand of the plot, but more accompanies the whole scene of Tony and Mac coping with the kids, family life, their jobs, etc.
Tony’s parents have moved into town and can now help tony and Mac out with the kids. This is a great relief fro Mac and Tony making their lives easier a little. Tony’s parents are accepting of his ways and come to see Mac like a son-in-law. It seems the family situation is complete. However, there is still one last thing to do. Ben’s adoption.
I was on the edge of my seat hoping that the judge would see sense and that the best option would be for Ben to be with Tony. The whole scene from before, during and after the adoption was touching and wonderfully written. Kaje could really get behind the sensibilities of a 7 year old child and this part was wonderful. After they go to visit Ben’s maternal grandparents to give them the news and at the same time put them in their place. This was great to see how the grandparents had to swallow their views and play nice or Tony had the right to refuse them access to Ben altogether.
However, things aren’t going to smoothly for Tony at work. After he was accused of inappropriate relations with Quinn who is involved in Mac’s case after his father disappears talks to him alone. When the teenager breaks down in tears and breaks down on Tony’s shoulder, he puts his arm around him to console him, which the kid desperately needed, and at that moment a colleague walks in. It is obvious that she had other ideas of what was going on and draws conclusions before hearing the full story. This sort of attitude makes me sick. You’re gay so you have to be a pervert. She brings Tony’s GSA group into questions and calls for a meeting of parents and pupils. However, her plan backfires and I was whooping with joy when through this action Tony gains more support and comes out all the stringer for it – HA!
In the meantime Mac is still fighting to get back on active duty and is working on desensitising himself to his panic attacks while working on the case in hand. Tony doesn’t really want Mac to go back and put himself in such danger everyday. Tony must be the most level headed guy I have ever experienced, he installs a sense of security which Mac so desperately needs. Although Tony doesn’t really want Mac back on the force putting himself in danger, he soon realises thought that it is the job that defines Mac as a person and the person he fell in love with. Therefore he puts his personal fears behind him and lets Mac get back to his job and letting him do what he can do best.
As for what happens now? Well, I think Kaje draws a wonderful end and I can’t think after such a perfect end where the story could possibly go from here. I hope Mac and Tony are HEA!
Mac is still recovering from his injury, he has made massive progress but not yet enough to go back on the force. He still suffers from panic attacks when people come up behind him and his speech still is not totally normal yet. However, although on disability leave he gets called in to interview someone who only wants to speak only to him.
The person being interviewed has a brother in Tony’s Creative Writing class and this is where once again the adventure begins. The crime story in this book makes for a great intrigue, but never takes the upper-hand of the plot, but more accompanies the whole scene of Tony and Mac coping with the kids, family life, their jobs, etc.
Tony’s parents have moved into town and can now help tony and Mac out with the kids. This is a great relief fro Mac and Tony making their lives easier a little. Tony’s parents are accepting of his ways and come to see Mac like a son-in-law. It seems the family situation is complete. However, there is still one last thing to do. Ben’s adoption.
I was on the edge of my seat hoping that the judge would see sense and that the best option would be for Ben to be with Tony. The whole scene from before, during and after the adoption was touching and wonderfully written. Kaje could really get behind the sensibilities of a 7 year old child and this part was wonderful. After they go to visit Ben’s maternal grandparents to give them the news and at the same time put them in their place. This was great to see how the grandparents had to swallow their views and play nice or Tony had the right to refuse them access to Ben altogether.
However, things aren’t going to smoothly for Tony at work. After he was accused of inappropriate relations with Quinn who is involved in Mac’s case after his father disappears talks to him alone. When the teenager breaks down in tears and breaks down on Tony’s shoulder, he puts his arm around him to console him, which the kid desperately needed, and at that moment a colleague walks in. It is obvious that she had other ideas of what was going on and draws conclusions before hearing the full story. This sort of attitude makes me sick. You’re gay so you have to be a pervert. She brings Tony’s GSA group into questions and calls for a meeting of parents and pupils. However, her plan backfires and I was whooping with joy when through this action Tony gains more support and comes out all the stringer for it – HA!
In the meantime Mac is still fighting to get back on active duty and is working on desensitising himself to his panic attacks while working on the case in hand. Tony doesn’t really want Mac to go back and put himself in such danger everyday. Tony must be the most level headed guy I have ever experienced, he installs a sense of security which Mac so desperately needs. Although Tony doesn’t really want Mac back on the force putting himself in danger, he soon realises thought that it is the job that defines Mac as a person and the person he fell in love with. Therefore he puts his personal fears behind him and lets Mac get back to his job and letting him do what he can do best.
As for what happens now? Well, I think Kaje draws a wonderful end and I can’t think after such a perfect end where the story could possibly go from here. I hope Mac and Tony are HEA!
September 7, 2013
I'm not sure if this is the final book in the series, but if it is, I'm completely happy. There's a lot going on here: family drama, a mystery of sorts, Mac's recovery. But above all, the moments of intimacy between Mac and Tony (both sexual and emotional) are so, so lovely. They're one of my favorite couples in this genre, and this book really solidifies their relationship in a satisfying way.
February 19, 2023
Great finale to this series. Tony and Mac are settling into the family life, even amidst all the uncertainty of Ben's foster/adoption going through, Mac's disability and anxiety related to the accident from the previous book, and some new crap comes to join the rest on the fan. Not everything is negative though.
I really like Tony's parents. They help balance out all the awful that is Mac's family and Ben's grandparents. Same with the principal at Tony's school. He's a cool guy, versus the vice principal, who is a little tightly wound.
Tony is unbelievably understanding. Oh, he gets upset and frustrated and scared, but he also knows who Mac is and what makes him tick, and he backs him up at every turn. And Mac is still recovering from his accident and trying to re-certify to carry a gun and return to work. He's dedicated to his recovery, and that does cause him to at times overlook things closer to home, but there's no doubt he loves Tony and his kids. This is just the reality of life with a cop.
I do wish Harding had narrated Mac differently this book, and at the end of the previous book. He wasn't really as monotone as he should have been. But I guess not everyone can be Ben Stein, lol.
I really like Tony's parents. They help balance out all the awful that is Mac's family and Ben's grandparents. Same with the principal at Tony's school. He's a cool guy, versus the vice principal, who is a little tightly wound.
Tony is unbelievably understanding. Oh, he gets upset and frustrated and scared, but he also knows who Mac is and what makes him tick, and he backs him up at every turn. And Mac is still recovering from his accident and trying to re-certify to carry a gun and return to work. He's dedicated to his recovery, and that does cause him to at times overlook things closer to home, but there's no doubt he loves Tony and his kids. This is just the reality of life with a cop.
I do wish Harding had narrated Mac differently this book, and at the end of the previous book. He wasn't really as monotone as he should have been. But I guess not everyone can be Ben Stein, lol.
September 9, 2013
4.5 stars
So happy to have Mac and Tony back, yet so sad to see them go. This was an outstanding end to a favorite series. As always Kaje Harper delivered a realistic and emotional read.
After the events in Home Work Mac and Tony are struggling with recovery. Mac from both the physical and emotional damage that has him off the job on disability and Tony from the fears of Mac returning to work and never coming home, or Mac not recovering enough to go back and losing a huge part of who he is. Adding to this is the continued stresses of work and family and a case that implicates one of Tony's students. As with the past books there is humor, sadness, joy and every emotion in between.
The one thing that is never in doubt in this book is the strength of Mac and Tony as a couple (not to mention the hot sex). They support each other unconditionally and this was the real focus of the story. The book brings back all the old group of friends and family and ties up some loose ends, but not everything has a happily ever after feel. Past, strained relationships among coworkers and the extended families are not miraculously turned around, but are dealt with realistically. The story had me wondering the whole time how Mac's assessment for return to work would play out and how the men would deal with whatever happens. I won't go into the plot for fear of spoilers, but I was satisfied by most of the outcomes.
These books are among my favorite series and I am sure there will be re-reads in the future, and if Ms. Harper ever sees fit to give us a few glimpses of Mac and Tony in the future I would certainly not complain.
(Thanks to Tina for setting up the big buddy read!)
So happy to have Mac and Tony back, yet so sad to see them go. This was an outstanding end to a favorite series. As always Kaje Harper delivered a realistic and emotional read.
After the events in Home Work Mac and Tony are struggling with recovery. Mac from both the physical and emotional damage that has him off the job on disability and Tony from the fears of Mac returning to work and never coming home, or Mac not recovering enough to go back and losing a huge part of who he is. Adding to this is the continued stresses of work and family and a case that implicates one of Tony's students. As with the past books there is humor, sadness, joy and every emotion in between.
The one thing that is never in doubt in this book is the strength of Mac and Tony as a couple (not to mention the hot sex). They support each other unconditionally and this was the real focus of the story. The book brings back all the old group of friends and family and ties up some loose ends, but not everything has a happily ever after feel. Past, strained relationships among coworkers and the extended families are not miraculously turned around, but are dealt with realistically. The story had me wondering the whole time how Mac's assessment for return to work would play out and how the men would deal with whatever happens. I won't go into the plot for fear of spoilers, but I was satisfied by most of the outcomes.
These books are among my favorite series and I am sure there will be re-reads in the future, and if Ms. Harper ever sees fit to give us a few glimpses of Mac and Tony in the future I would certainly not complain.
(Thanks to Tina for setting up the big buddy read!)
March 24, 2021
I love this whole series so much. Kaje Harper's writing works like a balm.
I just hope this isn't the last we've seen of Tony, Mac, Anna and Ben. I would love to see how the guys handle their teenage kids!
I just hope this isn't the last we've seen of Tony, Mac, Anna and Ben. I would love to see how the guys handle their teenage kids!
October 16, 2018
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Siamo arrivati alla fine del percorso della storia di Tony e Mac, in questo libro li troviamo alle prese con tantissime situazioni ma sempre insieme ed innamorati, sono una famiglia, hanno la loro casa e i figli per i quali tanto hanno lottato. Innumerevoli sono le vicende che accadono in questo ultimo capitolo della serie, corposo di contenuti e sempre ben scritto ci ritroviamo nella quotidianità della coppia che dopo l'incidente quasi mortale di Mac sta cercando di andare avanti: Tony è combattuto perché vuole che Mac non rientri in servizio ma è consapevole che il marito ne ha bisogno per tornare ad essere interamente se stesso. Tony è il pilastro della famiglia e affronta ogni giorno ed ogni difficoltà a testa alta. Mac qui si trova a lottare per tornare ad essere quello di prima, la paura di non riuscire a superare il test d'idoneità lo attanaglia ma mette in gioco se stesso ed i suoi limiti. Devo essere onesta, la prima parte mi è risultata un po' lenta, forse perché troppo descrittiva su ogni singolo momento e pensiero di vita quotidiana, la casa, i figli, le lezioni a scuola e la riabilitazione di Mac, ma dopo un po' diventa tutto molto più interessante e dinamico. Non tanto il caso di omicidio quanto gli avvenimenti che Tony e Mac devono affrontare: l'omofobia e i bigottismi religiosi all'interno della scuola, la famiglia di Mac che riporta a galla il passato del nostro detective facendoci capire tante cose su di lui. Molto bello vedere questa coppia unita e coesa che affronta tutto e tutti, la tenerezza e la comprensione, i limiti ed i difetti di ognuno ma la consapevolezza ferma che nulla potrà scalfire il loro bene più prezioso: la loro famiglia. Nonostante non ami particolarmente le storie con bambini, l'autrice è stata brava a dare il giusto spazio e a creare i giusti equilibri. Sempre presenti momenti di tenerezza e momenti erotici. Tanti nodi vengono al pettine, tante cose trovano la giusta collocazione e rafforzano sempre più questa coppia. La Harper ci regala una bella storia, degna conclusione di un percorso fatto di difficoltà ma anche di tanti momenti felici, molto brava a focalizzare l'attenzione su tematiche importanti che fanno riflettere, eccezionale a creare il giusto equilibrio tra le due vite così agli opposti dei nostri protagonisti, caratteri e mondi diversi che si compensano e completano. La parte investigativa qui è stata molto più di dialogo, introspettiva ma giusta per il percorso affrontato da Mac…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Siamo arrivati alla fine del percorso della storia di Tony e Mac, in questo libro li troviamo alle prese con tantissime situazioni ma sempre insieme ed innamorati, sono una famiglia, hanno la loro casa e i figli per i quali tanto hanno lottato. Innumerevoli sono le vicende che accadono in questo ultimo capitolo della serie, corposo di contenuti e sempre ben scritto ci ritroviamo nella quotidianità della coppia che dopo l'incidente quasi mortale di Mac sta cercando di andare avanti: Tony è combattuto perché vuole che Mac non rientri in servizio ma è consapevole che il marito ne ha bisogno per tornare ad essere interamente se stesso. Tony è il pilastro della famiglia e affronta ogni giorno ed ogni difficoltà a testa alta. Mac qui si trova a lottare per tornare ad essere quello di prima, la paura di non riuscire a superare il test d'idoneità lo attanaglia ma mette in gioco se stesso ed i suoi limiti. Devo essere onesta, la prima parte mi è risultata un po' lenta, forse perché troppo descrittiva su ogni singolo momento e pensiero di vita quotidiana, la casa, i figli, le lezioni a scuola e la riabilitazione di Mac, ma dopo un po' diventa tutto molto più interessante e dinamico. Non tanto il caso di omicidio quanto gli avvenimenti che Tony e Mac devono affrontare: l'omofobia e i bigottismi religiosi all'interno della scuola, la famiglia di Mac che riporta a galla il passato del nostro detective facendoci capire tante cose su di lui. Molto bello vedere questa coppia unita e coesa che affronta tutto e tutti, la tenerezza e la comprensione, i limiti ed i difetti di ognuno ma la consapevolezza ferma che nulla potrà scalfire il loro bene più prezioso: la loro famiglia. Nonostante non ami particolarmente le storie con bambini, l'autrice è stata brava a dare il giusto spazio e a creare i giusti equilibri. Sempre presenti momenti di tenerezza e momenti erotici. Tanti nodi vengono al pettine, tante cose trovano la giusta collocazione e rafforzano sempre più questa coppia. La Harper ci regala una bella storia, degna conclusione di un percorso fatto di difficoltà ma anche di tanti momenti felici, molto brava a focalizzare l'attenzione su tematiche importanti che fanno riflettere, eccezionale a creare il giusto equilibrio tra le due vite così agli opposti dei nostri protagonisti, caratteri e mondi diversi che si compensano e completano. La parte investigativa qui è stata molto più di dialogo, introspettiva ma giusta per il percorso affrontato da Mac…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
January 6, 2015
***4.25 Tony and Mac Own My Heart Stars***
I'm so sad to be finishing this series, but hats off to Kaje Harper for writing a series that completely captured my heart, introduced me to some unforgettable characters and made me feel like part of a family.
Mac and Tony had a long and winding journey, but they stuck by each other every step of the way. Their unyielding love jumped over and broke through every obstacle that came their way, whether it dealt with their relationship or just life happening. And I'm so happy with how far these two have come and where the story ended.
These are two characters that will forever stay with me...Tony with his larger than life, optimistic heart and Mac with his vulnerable and protective soul. They have easily placed themselves on my favorite couples list.
Tony was good for dishing out sage advice and little pearls of wisdom, so I'll give him the final word as he seems to sum up exactly how I feel.
"Look in that mirror. There. That stunning, big, dark man, and that smaller guy. That's you and that's me. And that's fucking hot and gorgeous and just about perfect. That's as gay as an Easter parade, and still completely about two real men. Family can throw insults, and they can shun us, and they can discriminate all they want, but they can't make that less than fucking perfect."
September 9, 2013
Finishing this wonderful book has broken my heart. The thought of Mac and Tony's story being over makes me sad. This series is one I turn to when I need a comfort read. These two wonderful men have cheered me up when life is being cruel. I have spent many happy hours in their company. Now there is no more to come, and it saddens me.
Mac is still struggling to recover from his gun shot wound from the previous book. Tony is worried about Mac going back to the job that caused his injuries. I felt for both men. Mac is a cop to the bone, but to Tony he is the man he loves. I can imagine to easily how worried Tony would be about the safety of his husband.
The best part for me though, was we finally got Mac's story from his childhood. His family might not of been nice people, but they did explain why Mac dedicated his life to trying to help people.
Tony's parents were lovely. I want his mom to adopt me. She is such a loving and accepting woman.
Oliver was his usual self and I was thrilled with who turned up to help Mac get back his confidence for his job.
The case this book featured was interesting, and I felt for Quinn and his brother, and the uncertainty they faced.
All in all, I loved this book and all of this series. There might not be any more to come, but I will remind myself that I can still always visit these beloved characters again and again.
Mac is still struggling to recover from his gun shot wound from the previous book. Tony is worried about Mac going back to the job that caused his injuries. I felt for both men. Mac is a cop to the bone, but to Tony he is the man he loves. I can imagine to easily how worried Tony would be about the safety of his husband.
The best part for me though, was we finally got Mac's story from his childhood. His family might not of been nice people, but they did explain why Mac dedicated his life to trying to help people.
Tony's parents were lovely. I want his mom to adopt me. She is such a loving and accepting woman.
Oliver was his usual self and I was thrilled with who turned up to help Mac get back his confidence for his job.
The case this book featured was interesting, and I felt for Quinn and his brother, and the uncertainty they faced.
All in all, I loved this book and all of this series. There might not be any more to come, but I will remind myself that I can still always visit these beloved characters again and again.
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