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The Perfect Lessons: Who Knew Learning Could Be So Fun?
Trudie, a middle school English teacher, is on her way to another psychology conference when she walks into a wall of hard pecs and abs named Dr. Alexander Pierce. The nationally-acclaimed psychologist specializing in childhood trauma who looks like a Grecian god is to be her lecturer all week. Too bad he’s not half as humble as he is smart. His superiority complex inadvertently puts Trudie on the defensive. When he challenges her and she pushes back in front of hundreds of attendees, she cracks Dr. Pierce’s veneer, something he certainly didn’t plan on happening this week—or ever. Trudie needs a teacher to heal her past emotional wounds. Alex needs a reason to get off his high horse. They need a way to work out their differences, or the consequences could be devastating. The Perfect Lessons will leave you panting with pleasure—all while getting to the heart and soul of what makes us happy. This is the second book in “The Perfect” series from Beth Gelman. The Perfect Lessons is a cliffhanger to “Making Perfect Sense” releasing August 2023.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2023
About the author
Beth Gelman
6 books14 followersThe sassy and sensational Beth Gelman is an Amazon Best-Selling Author who loves to pull on your heartstrings and get you riled up with her books. Her books have earned honorable mentions at The Bookfest Awards and a Five-Star Rating at Readerviews for Always Falling Behind. She writes steamy romances about women who speak up, take what's theirs, and embrace their wild side. Authentic, resilient, loyal, and spiritual, she’s not afraid to learn, fail, speak her mind, or try new things. More importantly, she loves her husband, twins, and all the dogs in the world!
Follow me on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok or on my Beth Gelman Web Page. Don't forget to join my newsletter for early pre-orders, excerpts, birthday goodies, and whatever else is on my mind.
Follow me on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok or on my Beth Gelman Web Page. Don't forget to join my newsletter for early pre-orders, excerpts, birthday goodies, and whatever else is on my mind.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 3, 2023
Short and sweet. Nice little story.
July 1, 2023
Enemies to lovers semi romcom, focused on psychology and helping at risk children in the schools.
I would classify this book as a semi romcom. There are some humorous elements sprinkled throughout, but there are plenty of serious and spicy elements, too. I would definitely say this book has a more serious feel to it, as compared to the first book “The Perfect Voice” (which is more of a quirky romcom in its entirety). I enjoyed this author's higher level of writing. Her intellect and knowledge is reflected in her writing style and characters.
The hero in this book (Alex) has a Phd in psychology, is considered an expert in the field, and even is a renowned speaker at conferences. The heroine (Trudie) is a middle school teacher with a strong interest in psychology, who attends psychology conferences each year (for both professional and personal development). Both characters have an interest in helping at risk children in the schools and attempt to help them with their knowledge and experience in psychology. The funny thing is we have two people: The hero an expert in the field of psychology and the heroine an experienced teacher (with an interest in psychology), yet both of them are not so good at controlling their behavior or communicating with each other! LOL. At times I felt like telling Alex to start practicing what he preaches, since he is the expert after all (he should know better)! Trudie could probably use some of the same advice too, but at least she wasn’t conducting psychology seminars! It can be a bit mind boggling at times witnessing these two adult professionals interacting with each other. Perhaps love makes you blind and do silly things! As someone who has also studied in the field of psychology and counseling, I felt like pulling them both aside and giving them a refresher course in communication skills - which are primary and basic skills in psychoanalysis and therapy! I think they both could have resolved most of their issues by just listening to each other and communicating (what is actually taught in psychological/therapeutic education and training). But that would be too simple and boring! The angst makes for an interesting story, so I am sure that is why things pan out much differently for them.
Throughout the book, Alex and Trudie were more like enemies who tolerated each other, with a sexual tension. So we see a lot of them randomly hooking up and then making assumptions, running away, and then not having much to do with each other for a time. Then fate would always bring them back together again, offering them another try at repairing their relationship each time. This is a slow burn romance. You will for sure be kept on your toes wondering whether Alex and Trudie will finally be able to work things out or will they continue letting their own personal issues get in the way. It definitely goes to show that we are all human and have our faults, even the experts and professionals in this world are not perfect!
Please be aware this book ends with a big cliffhanger. However, the author’s next book in the series "Making Perfect Sense" (book 3) is scheduled to become available in late August 2023. This 2nd book "The Perfect Lessons" can be read before book 1 "The Perfect Voice" in this series, but this book of course will need to be read prior to reading book 3, due to the cliffhanger. I recommend giving Beth Gelman’s books a try and supporting her journey as an up and coming author!
I would classify this book as a semi romcom. There are some humorous elements sprinkled throughout, but there are plenty of serious and spicy elements, too. I would definitely say this book has a more serious feel to it, as compared to the first book “The Perfect Voice” (which is more of a quirky romcom in its entirety). I enjoyed this author's higher level of writing. Her intellect and knowledge is reflected in her writing style and characters.
The hero in this book (Alex) has a Phd in psychology, is considered an expert in the field, and even is a renowned speaker at conferences. The heroine (Trudie) is a middle school teacher with a strong interest in psychology, who attends psychology conferences each year (for both professional and personal development). Both characters have an interest in helping at risk children in the schools and attempt to help them with their knowledge and experience in psychology. The funny thing is we have two people: The hero an expert in the field of psychology and the heroine an experienced teacher (with an interest in psychology), yet both of them are not so good at controlling their behavior or communicating with each other! LOL. At times I felt like telling Alex to start practicing what he preaches, since he is the expert after all (he should know better)! Trudie could probably use some of the same advice too, but at least she wasn’t conducting psychology seminars! It can be a bit mind boggling at times witnessing these two adult professionals interacting with each other. Perhaps love makes you blind and do silly things! As someone who has also studied in the field of psychology and counseling, I felt like pulling them both aside and giving them a refresher course in communication skills - which are primary and basic skills in psychoanalysis and therapy! I think they both could have resolved most of their issues by just listening to each other and communicating (what is actually taught in psychological/therapeutic education and training). But that would be too simple and boring! The angst makes for an interesting story, so I am sure that is why things pan out much differently for them.
Throughout the book, Alex and Trudie were more like enemies who tolerated each other, with a sexual tension. So we see a lot of them randomly hooking up and then making assumptions, running away, and then not having much to do with each other for a time. Then fate would always bring them back together again, offering them another try at repairing their relationship each time. This is a slow burn romance. You will for sure be kept on your toes wondering whether Alex and Trudie will finally be able to work things out or will they continue letting their own personal issues get in the way. It definitely goes to show that we are all human and have our faults, even the experts and professionals in this world are not perfect!
Please be aware this book ends with a big cliffhanger. However, the author’s next book in the series "Making Perfect Sense" (book 3) is scheduled to become available in late August 2023. This 2nd book "The Perfect Lessons" can be read before book 1 "The Perfect Voice" in this series, but this book of course will need to be read prior to reading book 3, due to the cliffhanger. I recommend giving Beth Gelman’s books a try and supporting her journey as an up and coming author!
August 28, 2023
I want be completely honest – I don’t know how I feel about this book but I believe it is because I have never read a cliffhanger so I have yet to find the resolve I need to create an opinion. I will say I was caught up enough that I want to see what happens so that is a positive in terms of the overall story and quality. For me, the ending makes or breaks a book. Right now, I am at a literary crossroad. If the second book wraps up the story beautifully, it elevates the opinion of the first book (making all of it worth it). If the second book doesn’t live up to expectations (which I doubt but hear me out), it demolishes any feelings towards the first book, making the entire experience feel like a complete waste of time. So…crossroads…
Trudie Gonzalez has one mission this summer – to gain the tools she needs to finally move past the traumas she has carried since her childhood. Well that and find someone to make her body sing in a way Sam never could! First things first, overcoming her deep seated daddy issues and taking the tools she has learned to help the children she teaches. With each step she takes towards her goals, she finds the powers that be are in her favor. First she is hit on by a gorgeous man on a plane. Second, she wins the suite of her dreams. Third, she somehow lands not two but three lectures by the prestigious Dr. Alexander Pierce – the one person guaranteed to help her finally rid herself of her pain so she can grow and thrive. Life is good! Well it was until she crashed chest first into a “brick wall” when she should have been paying attention to where she was going. Apparently the brick wall didn’t appreciate her distraction or having his phone cracked because of it. As quickly as the heavens shined upon her, the storm clouds moved in as the temper-tantrum was coming from none other than Dr. Pierce himself. Having dealt with unruly behavior as a middle school teacher, Trudie quickly shuts him down and walks away. Problem: she has THREE lectures with this man and can only image how he is going to react.
Dr. Pierce has his own issues to deal with. Using this conference to get out of yet another “we are a united family” parade by his parents, Alex is not in the mood to deal with anything or anyone, let along a mouthy yet gorgeous woman that pushes his buttons. When he sees her walk into his first lecture, he decides to use it to get even for her walking away from him. Learning very quick she is more than a pretty face, Alex finds a worthy adversary in his new found firecracker that doesn’t want anything to do with him. After a number of chance run-ins and off the chart chemistry that neither of them can ignore – they finally give in to temptation only for the best night of his life to end with a door slammed in his face. Fast forward a month later, after searching high and low, Alex is shocked when his new consultation job lands him in the good graces of one Trudie Gonzalez. Trudie can’t figure out what she did wrong in life to have Alex reappear after the way he made her feel. Having promised the principal to help bring the school to exemplary status with Alex’s help, Trudie is trapped with working side by side with the only man who has ever made her body come to life. No matter what, they must keep it professional but can she make it to the end of the school year when her body (and his intentions) seem to speak their own language?
This book is hard to describe. I wouldn’t say it is a slow burn because of how quickly we shift from enemies to lovers while they are still in California. It was a slow build up initially but once the passion ignited between the characters, it was like a run away train for the rest of the book. I would definitely say this book, while funny at times, wouldn’t be considered a romantic comedy. I would categorize it as a contemporary romance with the possibility of a chic-lit feel (think coming of age, personal growth of a Sophia Kinsella novel), if it didn’t end on a cliffhanger. The problem with categorizing this book is we don’t have a chance in this first half to see the real growth of the characters. Mix in the programs at the school, the tie in of psychology, the elaboration of troubled youth and how they can be helped, and you can almost understand why this was too much to be in one book. The author wanted to take her time to delve into not just the characters, but their passions. She wanted to show the impact of childhood traumas when we are children as well as when we are adults and how, with programs and mentors who care, the smallest impacts can make the biggest differences.
While I have quickly learned this is not my preferred type of steam, for those who enjoy the Alpha Male, Dominating/Submissive roles with a hint of “Daddy/Little Girl” play, this book is right up your alley! The scenes are hot and some of the moments are insane and wild but again, if you are not a fan of the submissive female role – this may not be for you as that is what takes place is the majority of intimate scenes between these two characters. With that being said, Beth does know how to bring the spice and even if this spicy style trope is not your thing, you can appreciate her talent in writing it!
Again, without knowing how the story will end, I can’t honestly say how I feel about the book. The ending is going to make or break it for me. Was all of this for something or for nothing? Do we see growth or do they remain stagnant, constantly making excuses for their roadblocks. Do they reach an HEA and is it justified or settling. So many questions! Thank goodness part two is scheduled to release August 25!
Trudie Gonzalez has one mission this summer – to gain the tools she needs to finally move past the traumas she has carried since her childhood. Well that and find someone to make her body sing in a way Sam never could! First things first, overcoming her deep seated daddy issues and taking the tools she has learned to help the children she teaches. With each step she takes towards her goals, she finds the powers that be are in her favor. First she is hit on by a gorgeous man on a plane. Second, she wins the suite of her dreams. Third, she somehow lands not two but three lectures by the prestigious Dr. Alexander Pierce – the one person guaranteed to help her finally rid herself of her pain so she can grow and thrive. Life is good! Well it was until she crashed chest first into a “brick wall” when she should have been paying attention to where she was going. Apparently the brick wall didn’t appreciate her distraction or having his phone cracked because of it. As quickly as the heavens shined upon her, the storm clouds moved in as the temper-tantrum was coming from none other than Dr. Pierce himself. Having dealt with unruly behavior as a middle school teacher, Trudie quickly shuts him down and walks away. Problem: she has THREE lectures with this man and can only image how he is going to react.
Dr. Pierce has his own issues to deal with. Using this conference to get out of yet another “we are a united family” parade by his parents, Alex is not in the mood to deal with anything or anyone, let along a mouthy yet gorgeous woman that pushes his buttons. When he sees her walk into his first lecture, he decides to use it to get even for her walking away from him. Learning very quick she is more than a pretty face, Alex finds a worthy adversary in his new found firecracker that doesn’t want anything to do with him. After a number of chance run-ins and off the chart chemistry that neither of them can ignore – they finally give in to temptation only for the best night of his life to end with a door slammed in his face. Fast forward a month later, after searching high and low, Alex is shocked when his new consultation job lands him in the good graces of one Trudie Gonzalez. Trudie can’t figure out what she did wrong in life to have Alex reappear after the way he made her feel. Having promised the principal to help bring the school to exemplary status with Alex’s help, Trudie is trapped with working side by side with the only man who has ever made her body come to life. No matter what, they must keep it professional but can she make it to the end of the school year when her body (and his intentions) seem to speak their own language?
This book is hard to describe. I wouldn’t say it is a slow burn because of how quickly we shift from enemies to lovers while they are still in California. It was a slow build up initially but once the passion ignited between the characters, it was like a run away train for the rest of the book. I would definitely say this book, while funny at times, wouldn’t be considered a romantic comedy. I would categorize it as a contemporary romance with the possibility of a chic-lit feel (think coming of age, personal growth of a Sophia Kinsella novel), if it didn’t end on a cliffhanger. The problem with categorizing this book is we don’t have a chance in this first half to see the real growth of the characters. Mix in the programs at the school, the tie in of psychology, the elaboration of troubled youth and how they can be helped, and you can almost understand why this was too much to be in one book. The author wanted to take her time to delve into not just the characters, but their passions. She wanted to show the impact of childhood traumas when we are children as well as when we are adults and how, with programs and mentors who care, the smallest impacts can make the biggest differences.
While I have quickly learned this is not my preferred type of steam, for those who enjoy the Alpha Male, Dominating/Submissive roles with a hint of “Daddy/Little Girl” play, this book is right up your alley! The scenes are hot and some of the moments are insane and wild but again, if you are not a fan of the submissive female role – this may not be for you as that is what takes place is the majority of intimate scenes between these two characters. With that being said, Beth does know how to bring the spice and even if this spicy style trope is not your thing, you can appreciate her talent in writing it!
Again, without knowing how the story will end, I can’t honestly say how I feel about the book. The ending is going to make or break it for me. Was all of this for something or for nothing? Do we see growth or do they remain stagnant, constantly making excuses for their roadblocks. Do they reach an HEA and is it justified or settling. So many questions! Thank goodness part two is scheduled to release August 25!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews