Breaking Cover (Life Lessons 2) by Kaje Harper
I’m not really into mystery/thriller romance, above all when the main plot develop around a serial killer; so yes, I was probably a little biased when I started this novel. But the previous book, always related to homicide detective Mac and his high school teacher lover Tony was a good reason for me to give it a try, even if they were both involved in the thriller plot (Mac as in his capacity, Tony as one of the witnesses), the main focus was the relationship between Mac and Tony, a troubled relationship, since Mac wanted to remain in the closet, for various reasons, and Tony instead is the perfect example of out and proud. We left them at the end of that novel without really having found a solution to their divergent expectations.
Second novel has a new thriller plot (a serial killer targeting young women) but even more than in the previous novel, that is really not the main focus of the story, so much that, when the case is solved, I actually thought it was almost too easy for the police department. In any case, I don’t think the author wanted to make it the focus of the story, so the purpose is full achieved. The main focus are Mac and Tony and their search of a balance in their relationship. I really liked that they were able to recognize there was an issue to solve and I really loved that Tony didn’t hide his hurting in being forced back in the closet while at the same time didn’t deny his love and support to Mac. Tony is not happy of Mac’s request to hide their story, but it’s Mac’s decision and Tony cannot force him; Tony can let Mac know that, on the long run, this situation can be their breaking point, but Tony is not blackmailing Mac, he is simply stating the true. On the other hand Tony is willing to give Mac all the time he needs, he is also ready to leave him but not in an angry way, not with a blackmail like, now or never, but more like, when you are ready, I will be here.
There was big danger to lapse into emotional drama, cops in the closet, gay parenting, custody trials… but I appreciate the author didn’t push too much in any of the above aspect, and so the novel came out like a good mix of thriller, romance and family novel.
http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KH_COVER
Amazon: Breaking Cover
Amazon Kindle: Breaking Cover
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: MLR Press (July 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 160820409X
ISBN-13: 978-1608204090
Series: Life Lessons
1) Life Lessons: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1385755.html
2) Breaking Cover
Reading List: http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=reading list&view=elisa.rolle