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Coming back from loss, one heartbeat at a time.
Alec ran from his grief over the death of his son, throwing a few things in his car and driving west. In the town of Gaynor Beach, CA, he hit the shore and stopped. The next step would be off a broken pier into the ocean and although he stands daily watching the waves, he's not quite ready for that. Especially when a young voice like his son's, behind him, says, "Hey, Mister, you wanna see a picture of an albatross?"
Joe brought his preteen son to Gaynor Beach, looking for a better place to raise his kid. Kevin loves California— the beaches, the marine life, the weather, and the freedom. But when Joe finds out Kevin's "ghost down by the pier" is a living, grieving, and much too appealing man, this simple new life is about to change, for all of them.
* hurt-comfort, single dad, grief and recovery, sweet rescue dog, bright preteen, HEA
The books in the Single Dads of Gaynor Beach series stand alone, but why not discover them all, and meet the wide range of complicated, wonderful men raising kids in this fictional California town.
Alec ran from his grief over the death of his son, throwing a few things in his car and driving west. In the town of Gaynor Beach, CA, he hit the shore and stopped. The next step would be off a broken pier into the ocean and although he stands daily watching the waves, he's not quite ready for that. Especially when a young voice like his son's, behind him, says, "Hey, Mister, you wanna see a picture of an albatross?"
Joe brought his preteen son to Gaynor Beach, looking for a better place to raise his kid. Kevin loves California— the beaches, the marine life, the weather, and the freedom. But when Joe finds out Kevin's "ghost down by the pier" is a living, grieving, and much too appealing man, this simple new life is about to change, for all of them.
* hurt-comfort, single dad, grief and recovery, sweet rescue dog, bright preteen, HEA
The books in the Single Dads of Gaynor Beach series stand alone, but why not discover them all, and meet the wide range of complicated, wonderful men raising kids in this fictional California town.
270 pages, ebook
First published September 13, 2022
22 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
92 books2,731 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 43 reviews
February 27, 2024
Alec is one of the rare Kaje Harper books that I didn't enjoy, and of course I have it signed by the author... still love you, Kaje!
It was just so... bleak. Bleak with tons of kid-heavy content and lacking in chemistry. It made me sad, and the plot didn't inspire me to keep reading. I kept putting it down and not wanting to pick it back up while I was on vacation. I think there were also some out of place twists that I didn't quite understand. Not one of Kaje's strongest books.
It was just so... bleak. Bleak with tons of kid-heavy content and lacking in chemistry. It made me sad, and the plot didn't inspire me to keep reading. I kept putting it down and not wanting to pick it back up while I was on vacation. I think there were also some out of place twists that I didn't quite understand. Not one of Kaje's strongest books.
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September 13, 2022Now available wide - https://books2read.com/u/3JE9QA ;
I'm excited to see what folks think of this story of a man coping with grief to find love, another man supporting his young son, a curious preteen, a shy rescue dog, and an enthusiasm for cephalopds.
I'm excited to see what folks think of this story of a man coping with grief to find love, another man supporting his young son, a curious preteen, a shy rescue dog, and an enthusiasm for cephalopds.
September 18, 2022
4.25 stars
Oh, my heart!!
This book features a dad who lost his son... and several times during the first part of the book, I had tears hanging in my eyes when I read about Alec's grief. At the same time, I was also so very touched with the interaction of Alec with Joe's son, Kevin, who definitely was a bright shining star throughout the book! Or when Alec tried to bring an injured stray dog into his life. GAH!! FEELS!! MULTIPLE FEELS!!!
Of course the romance between Alec and Joe was wonderful too. It started a bit tentative with Alec's slowly trying to heal from the loss. I loved the moments they shared, the talks, the activities, the connection. It was really good!
I wasn't a big fan of the thriller part of the story though, the one involving FBI agent (!). It felt slightly out of place and a bit over the top, it rather ruined the whole story that would've been perfect for me otherwise.
PS: After this book, I really want to watch My Octopus Teacher
Oh, my heart!!
This book features a dad who lost his son... and several times during the first part of the book, I had tears hanging in my eyes when I read about Alec's grief. At the same time, I was also so very touched with the interaction of Alec with Joe's son, Kevin, who definitely was a bright shining star throughout the book! Or when Alec tried to bring an injured stray dog into his life. GAH!! FEELS!! MULTIPLE FEELS!!!
Of course the romance between Alec and Joe was wonderful too. It started a bit tentative with Alec's slowly trying to heal from the loss. I loved the moments they shared, the talks, the activities, the connection. It was really good!
I wasn't a big fan of the thriller part of the story though, the one involving FBI agent (!). It felt slightly out of place and a bit over the top, it rather ruined the whole story that would've been perfect for me otherwise.
PS: After this book, I really want to watch My Octopus Teacher
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dnf
May 21, 2023DNF@60%.
In the beginning I really enjoyed all parts of this story and its characters. I thought for sure this would be a 4 star read. But for some reason, by the halfway point I had lost my interest to continue reading. Not sure why, really. Maybe it was a lack of tension to the relationship when they became a romantic couple. What I did love was the grief stricken background story of the main character, which will stay with me as a fond memory of this book.
In the beginning I really enjoyed all parts of this story and its characters. I thought for sure this would be a 4 star read. But for some reason, by the halfway point I had lost my interest to continue reading. Not sure why, really. Maybe it was a lack of tension to the relationship when they became a romantic couple. What I did love was the grief stricken background story of the main character, which will stay with me as a fond memory of this book.
September 18, 2022
You can’t go wrong with Kaje Harper. If you liked You and me by Tal Bauer you’d ljke this one too because it’s kind of similar (minus the gfy and the extra sap ) . Good writing and a lovely story full of feelings.
April 27, 2023
I liked the story, but it wasn't my favorite Kaje Harper book. As always, the characters felt well fleshed out and real, but the story gave me a few niggle moments, and I feel like the I-love-yous came too early.
December 22, 2023
Thank you to Love and Light Elf for gifting this to me during the 2023 Secret Santa Book Exchange!
===
DNF ~61%
This wasn't bad, but it just wasn't keeping my interest. The concept here felt really unique, but it started to feel like the author was throwing everything but the kitchen sink into the plot. The dead child angle was more than enough to dig into, but once the author introduced the very weird they lost me. It felt so unnecessary and actually took away from the storyline for me, as if the horror of losing your child and ex-wife in a car accident is not enough to cope with unless you add that unnecessarily bit of blame & guilt.
It didn't help that I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two MCs. The tone is so melancholy, which makes sense, but the author didn't really manage to overcome that and sell that these two were super into each other--I got strong friend vibes and I just wasn't interested in the romance.
It's also pretty heavy on the kid!fic, which I should have realized from the blurb, and I didn't totally hate it, but it's just not generally my thing. It probably wouldn't have felt as tiresome if the rest of the book was working for me, but since it wasn't, it just added to the blahs.
I think this book will probably work great for a lot of people, but it wasn't for me.
===
DNF ~61%
This wasn't bad, but it just wasn't keeping my interest. The concept here felt really unique, but it started to feel like the author was throwing everything but the kitchen sink into the plot. The dead child angle was more than enough to dig into, but once the author introduced the very weird they lost me. It felt so unnecessary and actually took away from the storyline for me, as if the horror of losing your child and ex-wife in a car accident is not enough to cope with unless you add that unnecessarily bit of blame & guilt.
It didn't help that I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two MCs. The tone is so melancholy, which makes sense, but the author didn't really manage to overcome that and sell that these two were super into each other--I got strong friend vibes and I just wasn't interested in the romance.
It's also pretty heavy on the kid!fic, which I should have realized from the blurb, and I didn't totally hate it, but it's just not generally my thing. It probably wouldn't have felt as tiresome if the rest of the book was working for me, but since it wasn't, it just added to the blahs.
I think this book will probably work great for a lot of people, but it wasn't for me.
September 27, 2022
This was great, I enjoyed it a lot even though I didn't fully love it for some reason. We have Alec who lost his son and is very depressed at the start of the story. He was a great character and his arc was also good. Then we have Joe, a single dad to Kevin, 10, who is a writer. We got a very very nice slow burn between those two and they are well matched. The niggle is that even though I like Joe I don't feel I know Joe . The kid was very present so if that's not your thing, steer clear. If you don't mind kids I would highly recommend this nice story of 2 men settling into a new phase of their lives together.
June 29, 2025
3.5 stars
I should have had more faith in Ms. Harper. Yes, the strange subplot in The Rebuilding Year was a bit off the walls, but that was written a decade ago. The strange subplot was better integrated here, and she managed to keep it as drama-free as possible, and sidestepping the Big Misunderstanding trope was a huge plus. That said, I didn't really need all that subplot complications, no matter how well-handled it was.
I really liked the characters though. Alec's journey from grieving to living was well done, and I really liked Kevin and Joe. Joe was a bit flat next to Alec and Kevin, but I would say that was actually a bonus here. Joe gave the story some levity; he anchored the other two characters. I've always liked the way Harper writes kids; Kevin was smart but also very obviously 11-years old without being obnoxious, lol. And Zelda was an adorable doggo.
I should have had more faith in Ms. Harper. Yes, the strange subplot in The Rebuilding Year was a bit off the walls, but that was written a decade ago. The strange subplot was better integrated here, and she managed to keep it as drama-free as possible, and sidestepping the Big Misunderstanding trope was a huge plus. That said, I didn't really need all that subplot complications, no matter how well-handled it was.
I really liked the characters though. Alec's journey from grieving to living was well done, and I really liked Kevin and Joe. Joe was a bit flat next to Alec and Kevin, but I would say that was actually a bonus here. Joe gave the story some levity; he anchored the other two characters. I've always liked the way Harper writes kids; Kevin was smart but also very obviously 11-years old without being obnoxious, lol. And Zelda was an adorable doggo.
September 13, 2022
A great addition to the series
I’m a huge Kaje Harper fan. I love her Life Lessons series, as well as her historical novel Into Deep Waters. In fact, I often put that book at the top of the list when people ask me to recommend well-written and emotional gay romances. When I found out she was joining the authors in the Single Dads of Gaynor Beach series, I was thrilled.
Alec is a great addition to the series. Most of these books have some angst – it’s rare to find a single parent where there hasn’t been something that’s happened – divorce, death, etc. Alec’s story is particularly tragic because he didn’t only lose his ex-wife, but he lost his beloved son as well. So he left the Midwest and headed as far as he could literally drive – and wound up in Gaynor Beach, California. He walks to the pier every day and contemplates his life. Or, more specifically, what would happen if he just kept walking right off that pier. Every day, he hears a voice. A young boy. Then, one day, he turns to find the boy is real.
Kevin’s a great character. He’s a preteenager who is coming into his own. He skateboards, he loves marine life, and he’s willing to reach out to the stranger on the pier. The stranger who is always so sad. Kevin’s father, Joe, is a little perturbed to discover the ‘ghost’ his son has been talking about is a real man. But one look into Alec’s sad eyes, and Joe knows things will change for him.
Both men have challenges – Alec has unresolved issues back home, and Joe is dealing with an ex-wife who doesn’t understand why he felt the need to take their son and run away to California. Joe had really good reasons – I won’t divulge them because it’s a plot twist I didn’t see coming.
This book has a lot of great elements – a bit of intrigue, a bit of angst – and a whole lot of heart. I loved these characters and really wanted to see them find their happily ever after.
Oh, and Zelda. Can’t forget Zelda. Keeping it real – Zelda and Kevin steal the book. But that was okay because I really wanted them to help Alec and Joe create their forever family.
I’m loving this series and I can’t wait for the next book.
I’m a huge Kaje Harper fan. I love her Life Lessons series, as well as her historical novel Into Deep Waters. In fact, I often put that book at the top of the list when people ask me to recommend well-written and emotional gay romances. When I found out she was joining the authors in the Single Dads of Gaynor Beach series, I was thrilled.
Alec is a great addition to the series. Most of these books have some angst – it’s rare to find a single parent where there hasn’t been something that’s happened – divorce, death, etc. Alec’s story is particularly tragic because he didn’t only lose his ex-wife, but he lost his beloved son as well. So he left the Midwest and headed as far as he could literally drive – and wound up in Gaynor Beach, California. He walks to the pier every day and contemplates his life. Or, more specifically, what would happen if he just kept walking right off that pier. Every day, he hears a voice. A young boy. Then, one day, he turns to find the boy is real.
Kevin’s a great character. He’s a preteenager who is coming into his own. He skateboards, he loves marine life, and he’s willing to reach out to the stranger on the pier. The stranger who is always so sad. Kevin’s father, Joe, is a little perturbed to discover the ‘ghost’ his son has been talking about is a real man. But one look into Alec’s sad eyes, and Joe knows things will change for him.
Both men have challenges – Alec has unresolved issues back home, and Joe is dealing with an ex-wife who doesn’t understand why he felt the need to take their son and run away to California. Joe had really good reasons – I won’t divulge them because it’s a plot twist I didn’t see coming.
This book has a lot of great elements – a bit of intrigue, a bit of angst – and a whole lot of heart. I loved these characters and really wanted to see them find their happily ever after.
Oh, and Zelda. Can’t forget Zelda. Keeping it real – Zelda and Kevin steal the book. But that was okay because I really wanted them to help Alec and Joe create their forever family.
I’m loving this series and I can’t wait for the next book.
September 17, 2022
An adorable story that I finished almost in one sitting. The way Alec's grief was handled was nice since it was present but not overshadowing. Kevin was super cute and the way Alec, Joe and Kevin come together made my heart warm.
The mystery aspect was so-so for me. It added some dimension to the story, but was not really needed in my opinion, and I was able to figure it all out much before the characters did.
The mystery aspect was so-so for me. It added some dimension to the story, but was not really needed in my opinion, and I was able to figure it all out much before the characters did.
May 24, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Kaje Harper is great on interpersonal stuff -- the spark of mutual attraction, the slow building of trust, the fumbling communication, the sex that is simultaneously hot and advances the narrative -- but she has a frustrating tendency to shove in a suspense plotline where it really isn't necessary. And so it is here.
This book would have been a solid 4 or 4.5 stars if it had just kept a narrow focus on Alec and Joe and Kevin. Alec's paralyzing grief and tentative, gradual steps out of the all-encompassing fog; Joe's initial skepticism that turns into solid devotion -- Kaje Harper is excellent at hurt/ comfort; and, most surprising, Kevin's meaty arc that adds a lot of depth to both Kevin and Joe's characters, and makes the story feel timely and relevant. I would have loved to stay close to these three: there is enough interior drama here to keep the story afloat. Instead, the third act turns into a low-key thriller -- it never feels like Harper's heart is really in the external shenanigans, which again makes me wonder why she bothers -- that adds nothing to our understanding of the characters and their motivations, or advance their relationship in any meaningful way.
Kudos to a divorced dad book where the (women) exes are given a fair shake. Alec had a good friendship and co-parenting relationship with his ex (who died in the same accident as his son); Joe's relationship to his ex is more complicated and previously quite fraught, but they are both depicted as making a genuine effort to get along and prioritize Kevin's needs, even while it's clear that the ex's past mistakes did real damage to that relationship.
Part of me feels like 3-stars is too harsh -- this is a well-written, absorbing, if heavy, book that handled hard things with an empathetic, compassionate touch -- but the suspense arc was such an unnecessary detour that I couldn't round up to 4.
CWs: Alec is grieving the recent (6 months prior) sudden death of his son and ex-wife; rescue dog who sustains serious injuries (but survives); reference to a troubled relationship between Kevin and his mother when Kevin was younger that resulted in lost custody; reference to anti-trans legislation and transphobia
Kaje Harper is great on interpersonal stuff -- the spark of mutual attraction, the slow building of trust, the fumbling communication, the sex that is simultaneously hot and advances the narrative -- but she has a frustrating tendency to shove in a suspense plotline where it really isn't necessary. And so it is here.
This book would have been a solid 4 or 4.5 stars if it had just kept a narrow focus on Alec and Joe and Kevin. Alec's paralyzing grief and tentative, gradual steps out of the all-encompassing fog; Joe's initial skepticism that turns into solid devotion -- Kaje Harper is excellent at hurt/ comfort; and, most surprising, Kevin's meaty arc that adds a lot of depth to both Kevin and Joe's characters, and makes the story feel timely and relevant. I would have loved to stay close to these three: there is enough interior drama here to keep the story afloat. Instead, the third act turns into a low-key thriller -- it never feels like Harper's heart is really in the external shenanigans, which again makes me wonder why she bothers -- that adds nothing to our understanding of the characters and their motivations, or advance their relationship in any meaningful way.
Kudos to a divorced dad book where the (women) exes are given a fair shake. Alec had a good friendship and co-parenting relationship with his ex (who died in the same accident as his son); Joe's relationship to his ex is more complicated and previously quite fraught, but they are both depicted as making a genuine effort to get along and prioritize Kevin's needs, even while it's clear that the ex's past mistakes did real damage to that relationship.
Part of me feels like 3-stars is too harsh -- this is a well-written, absorbing, if heavy, book that handled hard things with an empathetic, compassionate touch -- but the suspense arc was such an unnecessary detour that I couldn't round up to 4.
CWs: Alec is grieving the recent (6 months prior) sudden death of his son and ex-wife; rescue dog who sustains serious injuries (but survives); reference to a troubled relationship between Kevin and his mother when Kevin was younger that resulted in lost custody; reference to anti-trans legislation and transphobia
November 22, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This was an interesting, emotional read with a simmering romance that also brings a bit of suspense in the second half. Alec’s pain is consuming–both him and the narrative. Kevin is absolutely a joy, with just the right amount of attitude, balanced with a lot of sweet inquisitiveness. I loved how awesome he was, in all honesty. Joe is a dear man, whose love for Kevin is endless, and his concern for both Kevin and Alec is sincere. There’s such a feeling of kindred spirits, and ‘right place-right time’ that I melted into their story. I loved the descriptions of Gaynor Beach and this pocket of coastal tolerance; it felt like a genuine area I could imagine visiting.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This was an interesting, emotional read with a simmering romance that also brings a bit of suspense in the second half. Alec’s pain is consuming–both him and the narrative. Kevin is absolutely a joy, with just the right amount of attitude, balanced with a lot of sweet inquisitiveness. I loved how awesome he was, in all honesty. Joe is a dear man, whose love for Kevin is endless, and his concern for both Kevin and Alec is sincere. There’s such a feeling of kindred spirits, and ‘right place-right time’ that I melted into their story. I loved the descriptions of Gaynor Beach and this pocket of coastal tolerance; it felt like a genuine area I could imagine visiting.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
September 18, 2022
Great new book by this author - in some ways typical - detailed, unhurried and authentic. And in some ways new - I mean, like, mostly she sets books in wintry places (But I could be making that bit up).
Great child character. Great romance leads.
Loved it.
Great child character. Great romance leads.
Loved it.
September 10, 2022
Kaje tears out your heart with this book, from sweet Alec who's had a horrible tragedy to Joe and Kevin not being accepted for who they are. Not only that but she'll also get those tears out of you with how she writes them healing each other.
My favorite character by far was Kevin, I loved his open curiosity and his excitement to learn. And not just to learn but to also share with others what he learned, he's incredibly intuitive for being so young but he knew Alec needed help, that he could use a friend.
'Mr Alec, or ghost of the pier" is struggling. He can't decide if it's worth trying to survive without his son, day after day he returns to the pier and ponders that question until one day Kevin and his dad pull him out of his thoughts and shows him that he can be happy and still live even while he's grieving. A certain puppy also helped open himself up to love.
Joe and Kevin was so supportive and caring of Alec and what he was going through, they never once pushed or got mad at Alec for shutting them out at times. They were just brilliant together! I love the family that they created!!
This was really well written and fleshed out, the topic matter was handled beautifully. I don't know what it feels like to lose a child but I do know what it feels like to lose someone. I've lost people close to me, I know what grief feels like, and it was depicted really well here. Grief isn't something you just get over or stop doing, you just learn to live with that pain and grief. But you can also still enjoy what life could bring you, the good and the bad.
Overall a really great book with amazing characters and a excellent storyline. I thought this was paced out really well, nothing felt too rushed or hurried. They took their time getting to know each other and learn all the little details.
I know Kevin is only what 11? In this book but I would love it if he could eventu6 have his own story someday, he is such a great character and I would love to read more about him.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review."
My favorite character by far was Kevin, I loved his open curiosity and his excitement to learn. And not just to learn but to also share with others what he learned, he's incredibly intuitive for being so young but he knew Alec needed help, that he could use a friend.
'Mr Alec, or ghost of the pier" is struggling. He can't decide if it's worth trying to survive without his son, day after day he returns to the pier and ponders that question until one day Kevin and his dad pull him out of his thoughts and shows him that he can be happy and still live even while he's grieving. A certain puppy also helped open himself up to love.
Joe and Kevin was so supportive and caring of Alec and what he was going through, they never once pushed or got mad at Alec for shutting them out at times. They were just brilliant together! I love the family that they created!!
This was really well written and fleshed out, the topic matter was handled beautifully. I don't know what it feels like to lose a child but I do know what it feels like to lose someone. I've lost people close to me, I know what grief feels like, and it was depicted really well here. Grief isn't something you just get over or stop doing, you just learn to live with that pain and grief. But you can also still enjoy what life could bring you, the good and the bad.
Overall a really great book with amazing characters and a excellent storyline. I thought this was paced out really well, nothing felt too rushed or hurried. They took their time getting to know each other and learn all the little details.
I know Kevin is only what 11? In this book but I would love it if he could eventu6 have his own story someday, he is such a great character and I would love to read more about him.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review."
January 5, 2023
I’ll admit I am not necessarily a kids fan. But I am a Kaje Harper fan so it was a no-brainer to pick up this book. And I was not disappointed.
Alec lost his son, so he drove as far away as he could get from his past and spends his time going through the motions and staring out at the ocean from a California pier. This is where Joe’s son Kevin finds him and starts talking to him. Despite not getting much of a reaction from Alec, Kevin does not give up and finally, one day, Alec lets himself engage with Kevin. This is the beginning of Alec, Kevin and Joe getting to slowly interact and to know each other. The addition of a rescue dog helps bring Alec further back towards living again.
I don’t really have words to describe the emotions of this story. Alec’s journey from a place where he was drowning in grief to being able to move forward and opening himself up building a new family was not smooth sailing all the way. But Joe gave him the perfect mix of space and a shoulder to lean on. And Kevin, who was the one to initially address Alec, showed an amazing level of sensitivity to Alec’s needs and emotions. Absolutely wonderful.
Alec lost his son, so he drove as far away as he could get from his past and spends his time going through the motions and staring out at the ocean from a California pier. This is where Joe’s son Kevin finds him and starts talking to him. Despite not getting much of a reaction from Alec, Kevin does not give up and finally, one day, Alec lets himself engage with Kevin. This is the beginning of Alec, Kevin and Joe getting to slowly interact and to know each other. The addition of a rescue dog helps bring Alec further back towards living again.
I don’t really have words to describe the emotions of this story. Alec’s journey from a place where he was drowning in grief to being able to move forward and opening himself up building a new family was not smooth sailing all the way. But Joe gave him the perfect mix of space and a shoulder to lean on. And Kevin, who was the one to initially address Alec, showed an amazing level of sensitivity to Alec’s needs and emotions. Absolutely wonderful.
September 15, 2022
alec and joe plus kevin was a gorgeous story
I love Kaje’s writing, you walk along side the mc’s as they navigate their happy ever after. Kevin was a great kid, he got his own way a lot but he wasn’t annoying, he was smart, sweet and had a massive heart.
Alec and Joe were super together and it was great watching them come together. There was a little drama but you could of left it out and the story still would of worked.
Just love this writing style. Really nice and nice Alec’s family was never forgotten or put down.
I love Kaje’s writing, you walk along side the mc’s as they navigate their happy ever after. Kevin was a great kid, he got his own way a lot but he wasn’t annoying, he was smart, sweet and had a massive heart.
Alec and Joe were super together and it was great watching them come together. There was a little drama but you could of left it out and the story still would of worked.
Just love this writing style. Really nice and nice Alec’s family was never forgotten or put down.
October 18, 2022
Wonderful, which is exactly what I was hoping for. My heart broke when I found out all Alec had been through in Chicago. Both Joe and Kevin are precisely who he needs in his life to pull him out of the downward spiral he's on. Kevin is one of the best kids I've ever read and I'd love any little stories with Alec and Joe just to see how Kevin grows up. Last thought -- thank God for SAIC Garcia.
January 14, 2024
Great characters, loved Zelda & Kevin, well written, beautiful story of someone grief stricken finding life & love again
Read
March 5, 20233.5 Stars
October 4, 2022
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
When this series first started, I joined together with my co-reviewer, Erryn, and we decided to review all the books in this series. So far, I have read a lot of new to me authors, and it has been great getting to experience all the different writing styles. The characters have all been so different and the situations they have found themselves are unique. I have read Kaje Harper before and she writes in many different tropes, but I’m most familiar with her mystery/suspense romances. So far this series has featured pure romance stories. and I was definitely curious what this author would bring to the table.
At first this story felt more romance than anything. It was slow-going, but I felt like that was appropriate. Alec was a father once, but lost his son because of a terrible accident. It didn’t stop him from feeling the guilt of living while his child didn’t. It didn’t stop him from wondering if the accident was an intentional crime related to the job he was working, either. His life in Gaynor Beach was empty until he met Joe and his son, Kevin. Besides small trips to grocery stores, the only time he left his house was to stand at the end of the pier and stare at the ocean. Alec evoked a lot of sympathetic emotions from me. I couldn’t quite imagine his pain, because I didn’t want to, honestly.
Joe came to Gaynor Beach from Ohio to raise his kid in a safer and more accepting environment. Kevin is quite the handful, and I have to give Joe props. When I say handful, I don’t mean that in a bad way at all. Kevin is just full of energy and curiosity. He loves to skateboard and has taken to talking to a stranger on the beach. Joe is a little anxious, and I would be too, so he goes to the beach with his son to find out who the man out on the pier is.
From there, Joe and Alec form a friendship that leads to attraction. Alec also finds himself a four-legged companion and things are starting to look up. The sadness will never leave permanently, but Alec has three reasons to come out of his house and start to live life again. It’s not all roses, though. Kevin’s mom doesn’t like being so far from her son and Alec’s company is pressuring him to come back to work in Illinois. To top that off, a figure from Alec’s past is threatening him in order to gain access to secret company information, and the FBI is involved.
I definitely don’t want to spill too much information, but the author worked in a bit of mystery and suspense, making this the most action packed book in the series. I enjoyed the change of pacing in the story and got into the intrigue. I also loved the author’s inclusion of bi, gay, and trans characters. It was an enjoyable and well-rounded story and I would definitely recommend it, as well as the rest of the series.
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
When this series first started, I joined together with my co-reviewer, Erryn, and we decided to review all the books in this series. So far, I have read a lot of new to me authors, and it has been great getting to experience all the different writing styles. The characters have all been so different and the situations they have found themselves are unique. I have read Kaje Harper before and she writes in many different tropes, but I’m most familiar with her mystery/suspense romances. So far this series has featured pure romance stories. and I was definitely curious what this author would bring to the table.
At first this story felt more romance than anything. It was slow-going, but I felt like that was appropriate. Alec was a father once, but lost his son because of a terrible accident. It didn’t stop him from feeling the guilt of living while his child didn’t. It didn’t stop him from wondering if the accident was an intentional crime related to the job he was working, either. His life in Gaynor Beach was empty until he met Joe and his son, Kevin. Besides small trips to grocery stores, the only time he left his house was to stand at the end of the pier and stare at the ocean. Alec evoked a lot of sympathetic emotions from me. I couldn’t quite imagine his pain, because I didn’t want to, honestly.
Joe came to Gaynor Beach from Ohio to raise his kid in a safer and more accepting environment. Kevin is quite the handful, and I have to give Joe props. When I say handful, I don’t mean that in a bad way at all. Kevin is just full of energy and curiosity. He loves to skateboard and has taken to talking to a stranger on the beach. Joe is a little anxious, and I would be too, so he goes to the beach with his son to find out who the man out on the pier is.
From there, Joe and Alec form a friendship that leads to attraction. Alec also finds himself a four-legged companion and things are starting to look up. The sadness will never leave permanently, but Alec has three reasons to come out of his house and start to live life again. It’s not all roses, though. Kevin’s mom doesn’t like being so far from her son and Alec’s company is pressuring him to come back to work in Illinois. To top that off, a figure from Alec’s past is threatening him in order to gain access to secret company information, and the FBI is involved.
I definitely don’t want to spill too much information, but the author worked in a bit of mystery and suspense, making this the most action packed book in the series. I enjoyed the change of pacing in the story and got into the intrigue. I also loved the author’s inclusion of bi, gay, and trans characters. It was an enjoyable and well-rounded story and I would definitely recommend it, as well as the rest of the series.
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
September 21, 2022
Okay, okay, I read everything Kaje Harper writes because her writing is just awesome, no matter which genre.
This is a beautiful contemporary romance and I definitely enjoyed seeing both men open up, supported by a great kid. The setting is sweet, the romance the right mix of tender and hot.
I'm not able to explain why I loved this book so much but everything just "fit", the personalities, the pacing, the setting. Highly recommended.
This is a beautiful contemporary romance and I definitely enjoyed seeing both men open up, supported by a great kid. The setting is sweet, the romance the right mix of tender and hot.
I'm not able to explain why I loved this book so much but everything just "fit", the personalities, the pacing, the setting. Highly recommended.
December 22, 2025
I loved all three of these characters, Alec and Joe, and Joe's son Kevin. I was so glad they found each other. I do have to say that it was Kevin who was my favorite. How he recognized the struggle that was inside Alec and continued to reach out in the way he did until Alec turned to look at him. What an amazing, smart, curious and intuitive kid he was. He is definitely going to keep Alec and Joe on their toes.
It's characters like this, going through some difficult struggles, with care and compassion that make Kaje Harper books an automatic buy for me.
It's characters like this, going through some difficult struggles, with care and compassion that make Kaje Harper books an automatic buy for me.
March 10, 2024
4/5 This was an emotional rollercoaster with a lot of time genuinely devoted to Alec dealing with the grief of losing his child. I liked how Kevin was integral to the plot (and so very full of life energy), and how Joe was sensibly cautious at first but equally pulled in by Alec. I liked Alec’s heart, careful to feed and help a stray animal even when mired in his own grief and uncertainty.
The FBI plot didn’t come out of nowhere but took over the book a bit at the end. I’m not totally opposed, and it was a way for Alec to get some closure on his past, but it did result in the book having two rather distinct sections.
I liked how Alec and Joe slowly opened up to one another and had lots of friends time (and time with Kevin) before anything else happened. I liked that they were both introverts and geeky in their own ways and still figured out how to balance Kevin’s needs and their needs in a relationship.
I’m really glad this family found one another, getting past some of the bad things that happened in the past, not forgetting, but continuing to move forward. They definitely deserve their HEA!
The FBI plot didn’t come out of nowhere but took over the book a bit at the end. I’m not totally opposed, and it was a way for Alec to get some closure on his past, but it did result in the book having two rather distinct sections.
I liked how Alec and Joe slowly opened up to one another and had lots of friends time (and time with Kevin) before anything else happened. I liked that they were both introverts and geeky in their own ways and still figured out how to balance Kevin’s needs and their needs in a relationship.
I’m really glad this family found one another, getting past some of the bad things that happened in the past, not forgetting, but continuing to move forward. They definitely deserve their HEA!
July 27, 2024
Alec lost his 8 year old and his wife in an accident that he suspects was due to his job. He’s alone, grieving, until he meets Kevin on a dock.
Kevin is enthusiastic, loves take pictures of nature, and has a great Dad. Joe moved with Kevin to protect him from the unfairness of the laws in Ohio regarding trans people. He’s initially cautious about Alec’s friendship with Kev, but learns what Alec is dealing with and also wants to support him.
Their attraction is new, and they get to know each other when Alec finds a stray dog and they all band together to look after her.
Once they start dating, the past returns with an FBI agent showing up to ask Alec to help them again. He doesn’t want to, but relents after receiving a picture of Kevin anonymously.
Apart, they stay strong, and Alec actually catches one of the criminals, who then points to a bad FBI agent that forced Alec into helping. Finally, he can put to rest his guilt about his family and start the next phase of his life with Joe and Kevin.
This was an interesting story, went in a direction I didn’t expect, but was well written with a good resolution.
Kevin is enthusiastic, loves take pictures of nature, and has a great Dad. Joe moved with Kevin to protect him from the unfairness of the laws in Ohio regarding trans people. He’s initially cautious about Alec’s friendship with Kev, but learns what Alec is dealing with and also wants to support him.
Their attraction is new, and they get to know each other when Alec finds a stray dog and they all band together to look after her.
Once they start dating, the past returns with an FBI agent showing up to ask Alec to help them again. He doesn’t want to, but relents after receiving a picture of Kevin anonymously.
Apart, they stay strong, and Alec actually catches one of the criminals, who then points to a bad FBI agent that forced Alec into helping. Finally, he can put to rest his guilt about his family and start the next phase of his life with Joe and Kevin.
This was an interesting story, went in a direction I didn’t expect, but was well written with a good resolution.
September 7, 2024
Great characters, I especially loved Kevin, what a sweetheart he put a huge smile on my face. I really liked the story but Alec, poor Alec 😢 it got really hard to read after a while. He does find happiness but weirdly enough that felt like it all happened too fast but these guys fit, the three of them just fit. Oh and I better not forget Zelda, she is definitely a big part of the family. 😄
There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book that I think bares repeating "Main character dealing with the recent death of a child". Heads up to anyone wanting to read this.
● Contemporary
● Small-ish town
● Death of a child (happens before the story begins but a big part of the story)
● Heavy on the grief (totally understandable but hard to read)
● Starting again
● First times
● Heartbreaking 😢
● Loved the MCs
● LOVED Kevin
● A bit of a mystery
● This story is heavy on the heart but also heartwarming
● Satisfying HEA
● Part of a Multi Author Series
● Can definitely be read as a stand - alone
September 16, 2022
Love by the sea
Kaje Harper knows how to put a reader through the mill. I got to live Alec's pain, guilt and grief as he tried to make sense of his life again in Gaynor Beach. His meeting with Kevin was so delicately done, as was the meeting with Joe, Kevin's dad. The slow build of their relationship - my favourite part of the book - which included their care for Zelda, the dog, puts them all on a path to healing.
There is also a mystery/light thriller element to the story, but while it did push the character development, I found it little anticlimactic and disappointing. The ultimate resolution was well worth it and I recommend the book to anyone looking for a good MM romance read.
Kaje Harper knows how to put a reader through the mill. I got to live Alec's pain, guilt and grief as he tried to make sense of his life again in Gaynor Beach. His meeting with Kevin was so delicately done, as was the meeting with Joe, Kevin's dad. The slow build of their relationship - my favourite part of the book - which included their care for Zelda, the dog, puts them all on a path to healing.
There is also a mystery/light thriller element to the story, but while it did push the character development, I found it little anticlimactic and disappointing. The ultimate resolution was well worth it and I recommend the book to anyone looking for a good MM romance read.
May 29, 2023
excellent book with a few twists
Alec had recently lost his ex wife and son in a tragic accident and has moved away to grieve. Joe and his son Kevin who is homeschooled have recently arrived and befriend Alec.
They quickly become friends and Alec gets a stray dog . Things are moving along until Alec’s past catches up with him and he needs to go back to Chicago to straight things out.
There are lots of emotions in this especially for Alex missing his dead son and feeling responsible. Joe and Kevin are just perfect for Alec to bring him out of his depression and make him feel again.
I enjoyed this story and definitely recommend it.
Alec had recently lost his ex wife and son in a tragic accident and has moved away to grieve. Joe and his son Kevin who is homeschooled have recently arrived and befriend Alec.
They quickly become friends and Alec gets a stray dog . Things are moving along until Alec’s past catches up with him and he needs to go back to Chicago to straight things out.
There are lots of emotions in this especially for Alex missing his dead son and feeling responsible. Joe and Kevin are just perfect for Alec to bring him out of his depression and make him feel again.
I enjoyed this story and definitely recommend it.
May 1, 2024
Joe and Kevin’s support of Alec is exactly what he needed, even when he did not think it was what he needed. Poor Alec has been through hell and he is not coping. When Kevin named him Mr. Ghost he was not far off from the truth. Alec is getting on his feet again, when his old life pops back up in the worst possible way. Aside from the FBI/spy story line, I liked this book. That part of the story was just odd.
September 17, 2022
Well what an amazing book this is. Alec travels to Gaynor Beach after a devastating family loss and there he meets Joe and his son Kevin who also live in Gaynor Beach as well when they happen upon each other. This is a beautiful story of devastating loss, love and acceptance.
I highly recommend this book and the rest of the stories in this series.
I highly recommend this book and the rest of the stories in this series.
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