Nadene's Satin Sheets Review of Teach Me to Forget

File Size: 397 KB 
Print Length: 290 pages 
Publisher: Black Opal Books (May 9, 2012) 
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Author's Website: http://mona-karel.com

BLURB

Bethany Acton has come a long way from the day she was an abused child-bride of a dissolute jet setter. Now divorced and single, she writes for a lifestyles magazine, lives out of her motor home, and answers only to her boss—when he can find her. She has overcome her horrendous past and taken control of her own life. But when Jonathan Merritt, a rising star in wildlife photography, enters her world, she learns that control is a tenuous thing. His past was despicable, but it hasn’t affected his future...until now. Jonathan knows he has met the woman with whom he wants to spend his future, but first he must admit his role in her past. Afraid the truth will turn her against him, he tries to gain her trust and affection before confessing. But the longer he hesitates, the harder it becomes to tell her. Can Jonathan gain enough of her love and trust for her to forgive what he did—or will his past indiscretions destroy his only chance for happiness?

NADENE’S REVIEW OF TEACH ME TO FORGET

Teach me to forget is a poignant contemporary romance set in San Francisco.  The setting was appropriately described which I believed helped with the development of the story.

Bethany, the lead female character, is an accomplished writer who has been emotionally and psychologically abused by her ex-husband. After escaping the source of her abuse, she embarked on a whole new life; however the issues of her abuse had not been dealt with.  She basically isolated herself and never stayed in one place for too long.  She was nervous about getting close to anyone and she used her writing as an emotional crutch. She tried to cover up her insecurities by being overly sarcastic and acting tough.

Jonathan Merritt is a wildlife photographer. He is very arrogant and egoistical. I believe that this was a defense mechanism on his part based on the issues of his past. Both he and Bethany had a lot in common a fact which he was to eventually learn. Even though he displayed such arrogant behavior it was obvious that he was a man of compassion and was capable of genuine love. This was evident in his photographs and in the way he treated Bethany. 

I loved how the characters grew throughout the story. Bethany was able to overcome her pain and insecurities with Jonathan’s help. During this time Jonathan was able to come to terms with his past and the role he had inadvertently played in Bethany’s past. During this process of healing they fell in love. I was glad to see Bethany overcoming her past and being able to trust again. 

The plot was interesting and as result I was compelled to continue reading to see the outcome of the story.  I say this because I felt that the story was moving too slowly.  The concept was easy to follow.

The romance between the characters developed gradually and was very realistic. The love scenes were tasteful and not too graphic.  This story emphasized that the first step to overcoming emotional wounds is the forgiveness of self and of that of the person who was the initial cause. Readers can identify with Bethany and her problems and how she was able to triumph in the end.

This is the second story I am reading for this author and I would definitely recommend this book to readers who are looking for an atypical contemporary romance.

Title was awarded 4 Satin Pillows

 

Heat Rating 2 candles.