Marliss Melton, Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not

Marliss Melton

Warner, Dec 2004, $5.99, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0446614823

While in North Korea on a mission to steal four SAMs, a SEALS teammate attacks Gabe Renault, leaving him to die. Gabe's only regret is not telling his wife Helen that he loves her. That thought and seeing his teenage stepdaughter Mallory keeps Gabe alive in a North Korean prison.

One year later, Gabe escapes and comes home with partial amnesia of the last few years, including not recognizing his wife. He vows to be a good husband, but Helen does not want him back as the SEALS always came first, middle and last with Gabe. As he heals and danger mounts from those who fear he will recover his memory and point out who assaulted him and left one SAM behind, Gabe campaigns to be all he can be to his wife and stepchild as he loves both and knows they kept him alive during his ordeal.

This intriguing romantic suspense for the most part concentrates on the relationship between Gabe and his two women, especially his spouse. The storyline contains an intrigue element with the attempts on his life, but that takes a backseat to Gabe's campaign to re-win the heart and soul of Helen and to be a true father to Mallory. Readers will take great delight as Gabe struggles to overcome his own neglectful past succeeding with Mallory, but seemingly failing with Helen who does not believe a leopard can change its spots.

Harriet Klausner