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A Medical Affair
After a terrifying life-threatening asthma attack induced by the fumes in her swanky new apartment, Heather Morrison falls for the handsome but very married doctor who saved her. Her "knight in shining armor" turns out to be less of a knight as time goes by and more of a heartbreak waiting to happen. As the saying goes, this is not what the doctor ordered. When the relationship ends, Heather's life dramatically changes as she finds herself addicted to prescription pills she never needed and her future as a mother in question. Set in the bustling city of New York, A Medical Affair by debut author Anne McCarthy Strauss could be a game changer for many women as it exposes the truth behind her doctor's behavior and her subsequent filing of a civil suit. Although a work of fiction, A Medical Affair was extensively researched. This is truly a story that must be told.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2013
81 people are currently reading
908 people want to read
About the author
Anne McCarthy Strauss
2 books40 followersAnne McCarthy Strauss is versatile novelist, writer, interviewer, researcher and public relations pro who focuses on shelter, technology and health.
NOVELS
Anne's first novel, A Medical Affair, (Booktrope 2013) is the intriguing story of a doctor who violates a sacred medical oath by having an affair with one of his patients. Her recent novel, The Passion Thief, (Booktrope 2014) is the story of a a woman, aptly named Betty Boomer, in a stale midlife marriage, and her encounter with the one who got away.
The Passion Thief (Booktrope, 2014) The tumble between the sheets can get a little stale and infrequent in some marriages. At least that’s what Betty Boomer tells herself at night, while Stan, her husband of two decades, snores upright on the couch. Emboldened by too much Chardonnay, she searches the Internet for her college boyfriend Michael, the proverbial one who got away. Memories of their youthful passion reignite a lust Betty thought had dried up long ago. Michael responds to Betty’s cyber message, and temptation calls this globe-trotting freelance journalist. While Stan’s idea of excitement is staying up past ten o’clock on a Saturday night, Michael has evolved into a flashy Las Vegas casino manager with three ex-wives. Which man offers stimulation and which one brings monotony coupled with reliability is vividly clear. Written with the yearning and struggle many women feel, Betty Boomer is not alone when she asks, “Is this all I need or should I take another shot at passion?” Author Anne McCarthy Strauss brings us her latest women’s fiction coupled with a large dose of romantic comedy and a dozen long-stemmed roses.
SHELTER
On the shelter side, Anne has written for both consumer and trade magazines including Old House Journal, Waterfront Home & Design, Design Trade Magazine, Distinction, Log Home Design Ideas and Florida Design Review. She has written regularly for Martha's Vineyard Magazine and Vineyard Style.
ABOUT ANNE
Anne McCarthy Strauss is a writer of women’s fiction as well as articles for publications and corporate media.
Anne lives in upstate New York with her husband and their two dogs. She has written for both consumer and trade magazines including Old House Journal, Waterfront Home & Design, Design Trade Magazine, Design New England, Distinction, Log Home Design Ideas and Florida Design Review. She has been a regular contributor to Martha’s Vineyard Magazine and Vineyard Style. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA). Anne is hard at work on her next novel. When not writing, she’s likely to be hiking, kayaking, crafting, swimming, or walking her dogs.
To learn more, visit her at: http://www.annestrauss.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 21, 2014
This book was simply mediocre. Doctor seduces female patient and addicts her to all sorts of drugs, inappropriately prescribed, as well as to himself. Female patient finally gets fed up and reports him to medical board and files civil suit. Good triumphs over evil. The end.
December 2, 2013
A Medical Affair by Anne McCarthy Strauss is a Bookthrope publication released in September 2013. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Heather is a single woman that has given up on the traditional marriage and children norm. Now in her late thirties, she has decided to adopt a baby from China. She moves into an apartment in preparation for the adoption and soon after suffers a major asthma attack brought on by the freshly painted walls. This gets her a trip to the ER.
Heather's first encounter with handsome James Davis MD has her praising his bedside manner. Relieved that she is going to be alright, she makes an appointment with Dr. James for a follow up. Instantly the chemistry between them leads to a flirtation, which eventually leads to a full on affair with the prestigious doctor who also happens to be married.
Putting aside the obvious moral issues that go with becoming involved with a married man, which Heather must bear at least some responsibility. (After all, she knew going in that the good doctor was married. She was an adult in her late thirties, not a young impressionable girl.)
Now, having said that, the doctor was in the wrong and took advantage of his position. The chain of events that unraveled the lives of all concerned is a cautionary tale all women should be on the look out for.
My personal experience these days with doctors has been a little less private than before. Two are in the room during certain examinations to protect both the doctor and the patient. However, there are still plenty of opportunities for doctors to manipulate patients.
The God complex and arrogance that doctors often have as a result of the prestige associated with being a doctor can make this type of situation an easy trap to fall into. One of the most disturbing passages in the book, and there were many, was a conversation the doctor had with another doctor friend of his. They bragged about their sexual conquest and how just dropping the phrase "I'm a doctor" opened up opportunities with women quite easily. Laughably so if you believed those two.
Overall this was a chilling novel that would be a great group read for a book club. There are many discussions that could be dissected. A very compelling and thought provoking read. You will think about this one long after you have finished the book.
Overall this one is an A.
Heather is a single woman that has given up on the traditional marriage and children norm. Now in her late thirties, she has decided to adopt a baby from China. She moves into an apartment in preparation for the adoption and soon after suffers a major asthma attack brought on by the freshly painted walls. This gets her a trip to the ER.
Heather's first encounter with handsome James Davis MD has her praising his bedside manner. Relieved that she is going to be alright, she makes an appointment with Dr. James for a follow up. Instantly the chemistry between them leads to a flirtation, which eventually leads to a full on affair with the prestigious doctor who also happens to be married.
Putting aside the obvious moral issues that go with becoming involved with a married man, which Heather must bear at least some responsibility. (After all, she knew going in that the good doctor was married. She was an adult in her late thirties, not a young impressionable girl.)
Now, having said that, the doctor was in the wrong and took advantage of his position. The chain of events that unraveled the lives of all concerned is a cautionary tale all women should be on the look out for.
My personal experience these days with doctors has been a little less private than before. Two are in the room during certain examinations to protect both the doctor and the patient. However, there are still plenty of opportunities for doctors to manipulate patients.
The God complex and arrogance that doctors often have as a result of the prestige associated with being a doctor can make this type of situation an easy trap to fall into. One of the most disturbing passages in the book, and there were many, was a conversation the doctor had with another doctor friend of his. They bragged about their sexual conquest and how just dropping the phrase "I'm a doctor" opened up opportunities with women quite easily. Laughably so if you believed those two.
Overall this was a chilling novel that would be a great group read for a book club. There are many discussions that could be dissected. A very compelling and thought provoking read. You will think about this one long after you have finished the book.
Overall this one is an A.
January 30, 2014
A Medical Affair by Anne McCarthy Strauss
Source: Publisher
Rating: 2½/5 stars
**PLEASE NOTE: This review contains spoilers and my opinion!!**
In my pre-blogging/reviewing days, I would have been able to walk away from a book like A Medical Affair with my thoughts and feelings about the read remaining mine and mine alone. But now, I am a blogger and a reviewer and feel, absolutely that it is my responsibility to provide my followers with as honest an opinion as I can provide. So, here it is: I have struggled significantly with this read and my accompanying review and have, on several occasions considered backing out of this review.
A Medical Affair is a work of fiction and though it is based on extensive research, I will approach my review on the work of fiction and nothing else. Here goes: Heather Morrison is a single woman, unattached, intelligent, good at her job and, in the process of adopting a beautiful little girl. Heather has accepted that a more traditional family is not in her future but adoption will accomplish her goals and fill a void she has long felt in her life. With a few good friends by her side and supporting her fully, Heather has spent months filling out paperwork, being interviewed and, arranging her life to accommodate the arrival of her daughter. To this end, Heather has left her long-time roommate and best friend to move into a beautiful apartment that will provide more space and more comfort for her child. Everything in Heather’s world seems to finally be falling into place and then she has a life-threatening asthma attack that lands her in the ER. Enter Dr. Jeffrey H. Davis.
Heather’s night in the ER is beyond scary and when Dr. Davis enters the picture, calms her down and, helps relieve the symptoms of the asthma attack, Heather is both relieved and grateful for his help. It just so happens that Dr. Davis is a pulmonologist and he asks Heather to make a follow-up appointment with his practice so he can continue to monitor her asthma. For Heather, this all seems perfectly logical and completely reasonable and she complies with her doctor’s orders and makes a follow-up appointment. Little does she know, Dr. Davis is a predator and his motives for seeing her again have little to nothing to do with her health.
The affair between Heather and Dr. Davis begins almost immediately with the good doctor always being very attentive and digging constantly for more and more information about Heather and her life. With every detail she divulges, Dr. Davis adds it to his arsenal of control. Further, each and every time Heather mentions the slightest symptom, Dr. Davis is there to write her a prescription to alleviate the symptoms. It doesn’t take long for Heather to become completely consumed by the affair and willing to sacrifice anything and everything in order to please the doctor. This seemingly intelligent woman takes up smoking again because the doctor does (ironic that he’s a pulmonologist!), she begins taking prescription medications that she normally would have never taken, she accepts all of the doctor’s lousy excuses for not being able to see her, she engages in unsafe sexual activity and situations that constantly make her uneasy and, when she tries to discuss her concerns or misgivings with her lover, he dismisses her and Heather accepts it. In the quiet moments when she is alone and has time to question her actions and involvement with the doctor, Heather simply takes more of the medication he has given her to quiet the thoughts. When her dear friends try to intervene and tell Heather the situation she is in is toxic, she ignores their advice.
As you might expect, the affair eventually comes to a dramatic and ugly end. For Dr. Davis, Heather is simply one more notch on his bedpost but for Heather, her life is completely destroyed to the tune of losing her job, losing her opportunity to bring home her adopted daughter and, very nearly losing her life yet again following a botched suicide attempt. Though Dr. Davis is found out by his wife and his colleagues, he is generally unconcerned by the damage he has done, the hurt he has caused and, the ethical codes he has broken. With few sanctions and/or consequences for his actions, Dr. Davis easily moves beyond Heather and toward his next victim.
The Bottom Line: I had a very, very hard time simply understanding this read and Heather in particular. In fact, this read made me angry. Though we discover Heather has some serious issues from her past that need to be dealt with, those issues alone don’t entirely explain, at least for me, how she ends up so completely taken in by Dr. Davis. Yes, he is handsome and charismatic but Heather is a smart woman who has managed to build a good life for herself and is in the process of creating a beautiful family. Yet, in a relatively small amount of time, she gives up absolutely everything she has worked for to please a man who treats her like sh*t. Certainly I was angry at the doctor for his very nature and presence but I also found myself quite angry at Heather for ignoring her basic instincts and intuitions about the situation she was in. She doesn’t just ignore her feelings but abandons everything she believes in. I also found myself being angry at her for ignoring her longtime friends in favor of a man she barely knew and who clearly had nothing but ill intentions. It wasn’t until the very end of the read that I found myself rooting for Heather and sincerely hoping she would be courageous enough to follow through with the charges she files again Dr. Davis. If ever there was a character who deserves to rot in Hell . . . .
To say that I didn’t like this read isn’t really a fair assessment. There is no fault on the part of the author for my dislike of this book. In fact, the author’s writing style, research and, plot were just fine. My dislike lies solely with the characters and their actions or, lack thereof. Heather’s life is like a train wreck just waiting to happen and the catalyst for that wreck is Dr. Jeffrey Davis. In this way, my great dislike is a compliment to the author and her ability to create such real characters – characters that elicited very strong emotions. To that end, if you are a reader who likes very emotional, very damaged characters and a plot that is both interesting and incredibly disturbing then A Medical Affair is the read for you.
Source: Publisher
Rating: 2½/5 stars
**PLEASE NOTE: This review contains spoilers and my opinion!!**
In my pre-blogging/reviewing days, I would have been able to walk away from a book like A Medical Affair with my thoughts and feelings about the read remaining mine and mine alone. But now, I am a blogger and a reviewer and feel, absolutely that it is my responsibility to provide my followers with as honest an opinion as I can provide. So, here it is: I have struggled significantly with this read and my accompanying review and have, on several occasions considered backing out of this review.
A Medical Affair is a work of fiction and though it is based on extensive research, I will approach my review on the work of fiction and nothing else. Here goes: Heather Morrison is a single woman, unattached, intelligent, good at her job and, in the process of adopting a beautiful little girl. Heather has accepted that a more traditional family is not in her future but adoption will accomplish her goals and fill a void she has long felt in her life. With a few good friends by her side and supporting her fully, Heather has spent months filling out paperwork, being interviewed and, arranging her life to accommodate the arrival of her daughter. To this end, Heather has left her long-time roommate and best friend to move into a beautiful apartment that will provide more space and more comfort for her child. Everything in Heather’s world seems to finally be falling into place and then she has a life-threatening asthma attack that lands her in the ER. Enter Dr. Jeffrey H. Davis.
Heather’s night in the ER is beyond scary and when Dr. Davis enters the picture, calms her down and, helps relieve the symptoms of the asthma attack, Heather is both relieved and grateful for his help. It just so happens that Dr. Davis is a pulmonologist and he asks Heather to make a follow-up appointment with his practice so he can continue to monitor her asthma. For Heather, this all seems perfectly logical and completely reasonable and she complies with her doctor’s orders and makes a follow-up appointment. Little does she know, Dr. Davis is a predator and his motives for seeing her again have little to nothing to do with her health.
The affair between Heather and Dr. Davis begins almost immediately with the good doctor always being very attentive and digging constantly for more and more information about Heather and her life. With every detail she divulges, Dr. Davis adds it to his arsenal of control. Further, each and every time Heather mentions the slightest symptom, Dr. Davis is there to write her a prescription to alleviate the symptoms. It doesn’t take long for Heather to become completely consumed by the affair and willing to sacrifice anything and everything in order to please the doctor. This seemingly intelligent woman takes up smoking again because the doctor does (ironic that he’s a pulmonologist!), she begins taking prescription medications that she normally would have never taken, she accepts all of the doctor’s lousy excuses for not being able to see her, she engages in unsafe sexual activity and situations that constantly make her uneasy and, when she tries to discuss her concerns or misgivings with her lover, he dismisses her and Heather accepts it. In the quiet moments when she is alone and has time to question her actions and involvement with the doctor, Heather simply takes more of the medication he has given her to quiet the thoughts. When her dear friends try to intervene and tell Heather the situation she is in is toxic, she ignores their advice.
As you might expect, the affair eventually comes to a dramatic and ugly end. For Dr. Davis, Heather is simply one more notch on his bedpost but for Heather, her life is completely destroyed to the tune of losing her job, losing her opportunity to bring home her adopted daughter and, very nearly losing her life yet again following a botched suicide attempt. Though Dr. Davis is found out by his wife and his colleagues, he is generally unconcerned by the damage he has done, the hurt he has caused and, the ethical codes he has broken. With few sanctions and/or consequences for his actions, Dr. Davis easily moves beyond Heather and toward his next victim.
The Bottom Line: I had a very, very hard time simply understanding this read and Heather in particular. In fact, this read made me angry. Though we discover Heather has some serious issues from her past that need to be dealt with, those issues alone don’t entirely explain, at least for me, how she ends up so completely taken in by Dr. Davis. Yes, he is handsome and charismatic but Heather is a smart woman who has managed to build a good life for herself and is in the process of creating a beautiful family. Yet, in a relatively small amount of time, she gives up absolutely everything she has worked for to please a man who treats her like sh*t. Certainly I was angry at the doctor for his very nature and presence but I also found myself quite angry at Heather for ignoring her basic instincts and intuitions about the situation she was in. She doesn’t just ignore her feelings but abandons everything she believes in. I also found myself being angry at her for ignoring her longtime friends in favor of a man she barely knew and who clearly had nothing but ill intentions. It wasn’t until the very end of the read that I found myself rooting for Heather and sincerely hoping she would be courageous enough to follow through with the charges she files again Dr. Davis. If ever there was a character who deserves to rot in Hell . . . .
To say that I didn’t like this read isn’t really a fair assessment. There is no fault on the part of the author for my dislike of this book. In fact, the author’s writing style, research and, plot were just fine. My dislike lies solely with the characters and their actions or, lack thereof. Heather’s life is like a train wreck just waiting to happen and the catalyst for that wreck is Dr. Jeffrey Davis. In this way, my great dislike is a compliment to the author and her ability to create such real characters – characters that elicited very strong emotions. To that end, if you are a reader who likes very emotional, very damaged characters and a plot that is both interesting and incredibly disturbing then A Medical Affair is the read for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2014
Heather has given up all hope of having a traditional marriage and has requested adoption of an abandoned Chinese baby. About the time she receives word that her application for adoption has been approved, she moves into a single home and, because of new paint she has put on the walls, has a debilitating attack. Heather finds herself at a hospital, attended by a hospital pulmonologist, Jeff Davis. He diagnoses her problem as asthma, though this is the first she learns of having the affliction. What follows is a story of their relationship and how it crossed the line from patient-client to lovers. When things go bad, Dr. Davis drops Heather, and she falls into a deep funk. Then, after checking websites about doctor-patient relationships that evolve into something more than they should, she reports his unethical behavior and sues him for damages. This is Heather’s story of that suit and her emotional and personal fallout from the relationship. I found the book a fascinating read. The characters are well developed and the events presented well done and very realistic. I grew to detest Dr. Davis almost from the start because of his manipulative ways and how I could see him pulling in Heather hook, line and sinker. Hi actions were egregious, to say the least, and it became obvious he was an unethical, unprincipled doctor who preyed on young female patients, sucking them in with his carefully calculated words and actions until they were hopelessly falling for him. What I did not like was the way the author, as well as many of the reviewers, gave Heather a pass. She knew and all her friends told her from the get-go that she should stop and not become involved, yet she still did. Dr. Davis was totally wrong and unprincipled, but Heather was in her mid-thirties and not some young 16-year old. She was hoping to become a mother to a little adopted Chinese baby, but never did have the wherewithal to resist giving into her emotions. I personally think both Dr. Davis and Heather has unresolved issues from their past, and I would have liked to have more background on them. In addition, I never did get the feeling that Heather had learned her lesson from the experience and would be able to resist giving in to her emotions is another situation, and I am afraid others would crop up as she went through life. The book is worth reading but not a must-read, in my opinion. There are many unscrupulous people like this doctor out there, and we all need to be able to resist temptation. I am by no means exonerating Dr. Davis. I just would have preferred a more balanced approach to the situation. This is a good book to read for anyone who is unaware of how easily and quick we all can fall into a danger zone—dangerous to our emotional well-being and our futures. I debated giving the book three stars, but finally ended up giving it four stars because the book was well written, meaningful and still interesting. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
March 31, 2014
Reviews posted on Passion for Pages
When I first got the request to review A Medical Affair I thought it sounded like a script written for Grey’s Anatomy. I was prepared for a few giggles, a hot romance, an altercation and then a happily ever after.
Boy was I wrong. The depth to this story makes it so much more than some fluff read. This could happen to anyone. How many of us haven't fantasized about being with someone who should be off limits?We probably all have at least one friend who has been involved with someone they shouldn’t be involved with because of the authority the other person has over them. Doctors, teachers, bosses, babysitters… We've all thought about the hot sex, what we don't think about is the potential fallout from all that steamy lovin'.
Heather is a thirty-something year old woman who falls fast and hard for her married doctor. What starts out as a hot and heavy relationship soon turns complicated like most affairs do. Heather was such a believable character. I felt like I was reading about one of my friends—everything about this made me wonder if this was in fact a work of true fiction. She was just so real; her emotions, actions and thoughts were not at all farfetched like some characters can be. If I had one complaint it would only be that I wish she would have gone through and not settled with the lawsuit. Since it wasn’t at all about money I really wish she would have gone ahead buried the asshole. Although, I can also understand why she didn’t continue with it and just let it go.
Jeff, the doctor, was a selfish, arrogant, womanizing douche. There isn’t one redeeming quality about him. I seriously felt sick over the scene in this office when he made Heather relive her past abuse so he could fucking get off on it. He’s nothing but a sick twisted freak that deserves a reserved seat in Hell right up front.
The story was great. It was captivating to the point that I couldn’t put it down until I had finished it in one night. Great job!
When I first got the request to review A Medical Affair I thought it sounded like a script written for Grey’s Anatomy. I was prepared for a few giggles, a hot romance, an altercation and then a happily ever after.
Boy was I wrong. The depth to this story makes it so much more than some fluff read. This could happen to anyone. How many of us haven't fantasized about being with someone who should be off limits?We probably all have at least one friend who has been involved with someone they shouldn’t be involved with because of the authority the other person has over them. Doctors, teachers, bosses, babysitters… We've all thought about the hot sex, what we don't think about is the potential fallout from all that steamy lovin'.
Heather is a thirty-something year old woman who falls fast and hard for her married doctor. What starts out as a hot and heavy relationship soon turns complicated like most affairs do. Heather was such a believable character. I felt like I was reading about one of my friends—everything about this made me wonder if this was in fact a work of true fiction. She was just so real; her emotions, actions and thoughts were not at all farfetched like some characters can be. If I had one complaint it would only be that I wish she would have gone through and not settled with the lawsuit. Since it wasn’t at all about money I really wish she would have gone ahead buried the asshole. Although, I can also understand why she didn’t continue with it and just let it go.
Jeff, the doctor, was a selfish, arrogant, womanizing douche. There isn’t one redeeming quality about him. I seriously felt sick over the scene in this office when he made Heather relive her past abuse so he could fucking get off on it. He’s nothing but a sick twisted freak that deserves a reserved seat in Hell right up front.
The story was great. It was captivating to the point that I couldn’t put it down until I had finished it in one night. Great job!
November 12, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I first started reading this one, I’ll be honest – I wasn’t quite sure I would like it very much. I didn’t understand Heather’s attraction to Jeff. It just seemed too fast to me – she goes to the hospital and two visits later she’s having sex with her doctor on the exam table even though she knows he’s married. It seemed too rushed to me and I struggled to connect with the story at that point. I will say when we moved past that part and into the meat of the story, I highly enjoyed it. It seemed fast-paced, it was complex, and it was interesting. I was holding my breath when it came to parts of the lawsuit and especially during the parts about her pending adoption. But then...the ending I didn’t love. It was fast and almost rushed again and I felt a little cheated out of a resolution. I actually had to go back and re-read parts to help me understand what happened. I can appreciate that the author tried to show how patients can rely on their doctors so quickly and start unhealthy relationships, but I think it came too late for me. If I skipped over how fast the affair started and how little care Heather seemed to have about sleeping with a married man, I think I would have enjoyed this story a lot more, and maybe not have minded the fast ending. One last point – I wasn’t sure I understood why certain POV’s came in at the end, with Heather’s lawyer and a reporter. They didn’t quite fit with the story. Other than my critiques, it’s an interesting book that touched on a subject I didn’t know a lot about and I hope more people will become informed on this topic!
When I first started reading this one, I’ll be honest – I wasn’t quite sure I would like it very much. I didn’t understand Heather’s attraction to Jeff. It just seemed too fast to me – she goes to the hospital and two visits later she’s having sex with her doctor on the exam table even though she knows he’s married. It seemed too rushed to me and I struggled to connect with the story at that point. I will say when we moved past that part and into the meat of the story, I highly enjoyed it. It seemed fast-paced, it was complex, and it was interesting. I was holding my breath when it came to parts of the lawsuit and especially during the parts about her pending adoption. But then...the ending I didn’t love. It was fast and almost rushed again and I felt a little cheated out of a resolution. I actually had to go back and re-read parts to help me understand what happened. I can appreciate that the author tried to show how patients can rely on their doctors so quickly and start unhealthy relationships, but I think it came too late for me. If I skipped over how fast the affair started and how little care Heather seemed to have about sleeping with a married man, I think I would have enjoyed this story a lot more, and maybe not have minded the fast ending. One last point – I wasn’t sure I understood why certain POV’s came in at the end, with Heather’s lawyer and a reporter. They didn’t quite fit with the story. Other than my critiques, it’s an interesting book that touched on a subject I didn’t know a lot about and I hope more people will become informed on this topic!
March 25, 2014
Wow. This story had me captivated from page one. I've never read a story like this, and I thought it was so creative. Throughout the book, I couldn't help but to wonder how often this sort of thing happens.
Heather, the main character is very easy to relate to. She lives a normal life as a single woman in NYC, working her butt off every day. If you've ever held a corporate job, you can easily relate to her daily routine and despise it as much as she does.
I had a bad taste in my mouth for Jeff from the very beginning. I felt myself wanting to call Heather up as a friend and give her advice, but instead I kept turning the pages eagerly waiting to find out how what would happen next
There were so many emotional ups and downs in this book. Everything was unexpected and although I thought I had the book all figured out, I was wrong. By the time I reached the end, I had no idea what was coming. And I was certaintly not let down. Throughout this book, I cried, laughed, and got angry for Heather. I love when books toy with my emotions!
Anne did a fantastic job making this story feel incredibly real. I highly recommend A Medical Affair!
Heather, the main character is very easy to relate to. She lives a normal life as a single woman in NYC, working her butt off every day. If you've ever held a corporate job, you can easily relate to her daily routine and despise it as much as she does.
I had a bad taste in my mouth for Jeff from the very beginning. I felt myself wanting to call Heather up as a friend and give her advice, but instead I kept turning the pages eagerly waiting to find out how what would happen next
There were so many emotional ups and downs in this book. Everything was unexpected and although I thought I had the book all figured out, I was wrong. By the time I reached the end, I had no idea what was coming. And I was certaintly not let down. Throughout this book, I cried, laughed, and got angry for Heather. I love when books toy with my emotions!
Anne did a fantastic job making this story feel incredibly real. I highly recommend A Medical Affair!
October 4, 2013
All I Can Say Is WOW!!! The first thing you will ask yourself is, how often does this happen? I think deep down we already know the answer. This happens a lot more than anyone is talking about. Women will be blown away by this book. Men will question the possibility. But you can see this happening. A successful young career woman gets involved with her doctor, with dire consequences for both of them.
This book will also make you think of your own experiences with medical professionals. I had a bad experience with a dentist that kept me from seeking dental treatment for several years. Though the experience was not sexual, I felt the doctor had betrayed my trust and it was devastating.
This book will also make you think of your own experiences with medical professionals. I had a bad experience with a dentist that kept me from seeking dental treatment for several years. Though the experience was not sexual, I felt the doctor had betrayed my trust and it was devastating.
September 8, 2013
Ladies, this book should be required reading. I learned so much from reading this book. Anne McCarthy Strauss has done her research. I highly recommend all women who have any plans to ever visit a doctor of any sort read this book. It was fun, a quick-read, and packed with information. Does it get any better than that?
December 7, 2013
Wow! Learned a lot, Heather to me was weak with her smoking & pill popping. Control woman... Totally glad Jeff got busted also. Pig of a doctor.
November 30, 2014
A good book about a doctor having a relationship with a patient.
January 3, 2014
This was EXCELLENT!!! It was a very nice surprise and well-written. The research was topnotch. Not my usual genre but change is good. Well done Ms. Strauss!!
November 30, 2014
Enjoyable and educational book. Disturbing look at what some doctors do.
Recommend.
Recommend.
November 29, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. Had my attention from page 1. Highly recommended!!
August 27, 2014
***This review originally appeared on Author Alliance.***
A Medical Affair is a disturbing and touching account of a woman (Heather) who has a terrifying asthma attack the first night she's staying in her new apartment. She manages to put herself in a cab and go to the hospital, where she meets Jeff Davis, a pulmonologist who treats her in the ER. Dr. Davis is attracted to Heather and she's attracted to him. When he calls her not long after their meeting, she's flattered. But when he starts prescribing medications for her and begins a sexual relationship for her, things all start to spiral out of control for Heather.
I won't share much more of the actual plot of the book. The book's blurb covers a lot of it and really, what I want to talk about here isn't the plot itself.
There are books that you read because they're good books. They make you smile, take out away from the stressors of the day. And then there are books that I call "bitter pill" books because they might not be the best of books or the most happy of storylines, but they are necessary books to read. This book falls into the latter category.
Now, don't get me wrong. The author can tell a good story and the book is well written. Don't for a moment believe that because I classify this as a "bitter pill" book that I'm not recommending it or that I don't think it's a good book. But, be warned. This is not a happily ever after book. This is not a book that will leave you smiling when you close your eReader at night or when the book is done. This is a book that's important because it does none of those things.
I found Heather sometimes sympathetic and sometimes not. There were times I wanted to slap her silly for what she was doing to herself or sit her down and have a serious "mom" talk with her. "Now Heather, you are going to stop this RIGHT NOW." But she's real. She's not the standard heroine or the perfect main character. She's a classic example of "I never thought it could happen to me."
I found Jeff to be a character I loved to hate. But even so, there were a few scenes of his that found me having a bit of sympathy. I could at least understand him, even if I couldn't ever forgive him.
I enjoyed the supporting cast. I cringed dozens of times when Heather did something stupid or got herself into more trouble and I cursed many times when Jeff did something particularly sleezy.
This is (I believe) meant to be a book that's difficult to read at times. It's not supposed to leave you with warm fuzzies. It's intended to be a warning. Don't let this happen to you.
A Medical Affair is a disturbing and touching account of a woman (Heather) who has a terrifying asthma attack the first night she's staying in her new apartment. She manages to put herself in a cab and go to the hospital, where she meets Jeff Davis, a pulmonologist who treats her in the ER. Dr. Davis is attracted to Heather and she's attracted to him. When he calls her not long after their meeting, she's flattered. But when he starts prescribing medications for her and begins a sexual relationship for her, things all start to spiral out of control for Heather.
I won't share much more of the actual plot of the book. The book's blurb covers a lot of it and really, what I want to talk about here isn't the plot itself.
There are books that you read because they're good books. They make you smile, take out away from the stressors of the day. And then there are books that I call "bitter pill" books because they might not be the best of books or the most happy of storylines, but they are necessary books to read. This book falls into the latter category.
Now, don't get me wrong. The author can tell a good story and the book is well written. Don't for a moment believe that because I classify this as a "bitter pill" book that I'm not recommending it or that I don't think it's a good book. But, be warned. This is not a happily ever after book. This is not a book that will leave you smiling when you close your eReader at night or when the book is done. This is a book that's important because it does none of those things.
I found Heather sometimes sympathetic and sometimes not. There were times I wanted to slap her silly for what she was doing to herself or sit her down and have a serious "mom" talk with her. "Now Heather, you are going to stop this RIGHT NOW." But she's real. She's not the standard heroine or the perfect main character. She's a classic example of "I never thought it could happen to me."
I found Jeff to be a character I loved to hate. But even so, there were a few scenes of his that found me having a bit of sympathy. I could at least understand him, even if I couldn't ever forgive him.
I enjoyed the supporting cast. I cringed dozens of times when Heather did something stupid or got herself into more trouble and I cursed many times when Jeff did something particularly sleezy.
This is (I believe) meant to be a book that's difficult to read at times. It's not supposed to leave you with warm fuzzies. It's intended to be a warning. Don't let this happen to you.
December 21, 2013
The story was engaging - the subject unlike any other I've read, in terms of a relationship existing between a doctor and his patient.
From the onset, it seemed as though a whirlwind romance had ensued, with all of the wrong criteria in place. It is only after you get into the meat of the story, you see how devastating such a relationship is on numerous levels. Albeit, not every doctor would've acted as Jeff did - getting his patient hooked on mind-altering drugs and such - but there still would have been consequences to be paid, especially since so many violations had taken place.
I must admit that I was pulled into the characters of both Heather and Jeff. I could empathize with each of their situations. Essentially, they were both addicts: Heather became addicted to Jeff and craved him like an addict craves a favored drug. Jeff had addictions pertaining to sexual release and how he achieved it depending upon the circumstances going on in his life at the time.
A Medical Affair paints a picture of how quickly life can turn around, despite a person's best intentions. It demonstrates how personal convictions can be set aside in favor of following emotions. It shows how desperate one can become when faced with losing a relationship, even forming a love-hate relationship when thinking about the person who has wronged him/her on so many levels.
Most importantly, it paints a picture of reality in that such situations can happen to anyone; a person isn't exempt from such situations just because of who they are, the job they hold, their marital status and so on. For all intents and purposes, if such a life-altering relationship can happen to upstanding, professional, successful with everything-to-live-for Heather Morrison, it could happen to anyone.
As for the book, there were a few typos here and there but the biggest issue I had with A Medical Affair was that it seemed the depression Heather felt was drawn out a little too long for my liking. Being drawn out in real-time is natural but, in a book, when I start feeling myself becoming depressed and staying that way for a period of time, I have to pull back into reality for a while before I can continue reading.
A side note: I must admit that I think about such relationships now whereas they had never crossed my mind previous to reading A Medical Affair. Overall, it was an engaging read and a story I will remember for a while.
From the onset, it seemed as though a whirlwind romance had ensued, with all of the wrong criteria in place. It is only after you get into the meat of the story, you see how devastating such a relationship is on numerous levels. Albeit, not every doctor would've acted as Jeff did - getting his patient hooked on mind-altering drugs and such - but there still would have been consequences to be paid, especially since so many violations had taken place.
I must admit that I was pulled into the characters of both Heather and Jeff. I could empathize with each of their situations. Essentially, they were both addicts: Heather became addicted to Jeff and craved him like an addict craves a favored drug. Jeff had addictions pertaining to sexual release and how he achieved it depending upon the circumstances going on in his life at the time.
A Medical Affair paints a picture of how quickly life can turn around, despite a person's best intentions. It demonstrates how personal convictions can be set aside in favor of following emotions. It shows how desperate one can become when faced with losing a relationship, even forming a love-hate relationship when thinking about the person who has wronged him/her on so many levels.
Most importantly, it paints a picture of reality in that such situations can happen to anyone; a person isn't exempt from such situations just because of who they are, the job they hold, their marital status and so on. For all intents and purposes, if such a life-altering relationship can happen to upstanding, professional, successful with everything-to-live-for Heather Morrison, it could happen to anyone.
As for the book, there were a few typos here and there but the biggest issue I had with A Medical Affair was that it seemed the depression Heather felt was drawn out a little too long for my liking. Being drawn out in real-time is natural but, in a book, when I start feeling myself becoming depressed and staying that way for a period of time, I have to pull back into reality for a while before I can continue reading.
A side note: I must admit that I think about such relationships now whereas they had never crossed my mind previous to reading A Medical Affair. Overall, it was an engaging read and a story I will remember for a while.
October 19, 2013
Heather Morrison is in her thirties, single, successful professionally, and wants to be a mother. With a series of failed relationships behind her, she's not interested in including a man in the picture. Instead, she applies, and is approved, to adopt a little girl from China. As part of her plan, she buys a condo large enough for her new little family.
Unfortunately, painting the rooms triggers an asthma attack, her first ever, and she winds up in the emergency room at Lenox Hill Hospital, looking up into the eyes of handsome pulmonologist Dr. Jeff Davis. He's charming as well as handsome, and Heather briefly entertains a few daydreams before learning that he is also married. Since this is her first asthma attack, he gives her prescriptions for maintenance and rescue medications, has her make an appointment to see him at his office in two weeks, and at some point gives her his personal cell number.
Over the next several weeks, he lures her into a more personal relationship, first coffee at a bookstore, then dinner... Heather feels a little uncomfortable dating a married man, something she's never done before. Only Jeff knows it's also a major violation of professional ethics, and potentially a violation of the law.
Strauss does a wonderful job portraying both Heather's personal strength, and her vulnerability to the charming but predatory doctor. Almost more impressively, she makes Jeff Davis not a cardboard villain but a real human being with moral flaws that make him dangerous.
As Heather is drawn deeper into her relationship with Jeff, he continues to treat her for her asthma--and an expanding list of other issues for which she did not previously think she needed medication. Her life starts spinning out of control--missed deadlines and mistakes at work, missed lunches and outings with her two best friends, more stress in her already stressed relationship with her mother.
This is a moving story dealing with a problem too many patients are vulnerable to. Highly recommended.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher.
Unfortunately, painting the rooms triggers an asthma attack, her first ever, and she winds up in the emergency room at Lenox Hill Hospital, looking up into the eyes of handsome pulmonologist Dr. Jeff Davis. He's charming as well as handsome, and Heather briefly entertains a few daydreams before learning that he is also married. Since this is her first asthma attack, he gives her prescriptions for maintenance and rescue medications, has her make an appointment to see him at his office in two weeks, and at some point gives her his personal cell number.
Over the next several weeks, he lures her into a more personal relationship, first coffee at a bookstore, then dinner... Heather feels a little uncomfortable dating a married man, something she's never done before. Only Jeff knows it's also a major violation of professional ethics, and potentially a violation of the law.
Strauss does a wonderful job portraying both Heather's personal strength, and her vulnerability to the charming but predatory doctor. Almost more impressively, she makes Jeff Davis not a cardboard villain but a real human being with moral flaws that make him dangerous.
As Heather is drawn deeper into her relationship with Jeff, he continues to treat her for her asthma--and an expanding list of other issues for which she did not previously think she needed medication. Her life starts spinning out of control--missed deadlines and mistakes at work, missed lunches and outings with her two best friends, more stress in her already stressed relationship with her mother.
This is a moving story dealing with a problem too many patients are vulnerable to. Highly recommended.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher.
November 23, 2013
A Medical Affair by Anne McCarthy Strauss
Review by Georgianna Simpson
A Medical Affair is an interesting tale of one woman’s experience, having an affair and subsequent heartbreak, with her handsome and unscrupulous married doctor.
The premise is that Heather Morrison, a lovely single woman having her first asthma attack is seen in the ER by an attractive wealthy doctor. He gets her asthma under control, and quickly begins a plan to seduce her. The doctor Jeff Davis, a pulmonologist and member of a very successful practice has had many such relationships with his patients.
Jeff makes no secret of his marriage and does not even hint at a possibility of divorce, but this does not seem to slow down his attractiveness to women. Most of his other relationships have been with other married patients that would keep the secret of his deception.
Heather is single, has a really wonderful job, a couple of great friends and is in the process of trying to adopt a little girl from China. Heather’s home life was one of dysfunction. Her mother is a bitter and lonely woman, her father (a former teacher) ran away with one of his 17 year old students. During the story the reader finds she was also abused by her Catholic priest, which her mother adamantly denies. This makes Heather the classic woman looking for a secure relationship and very open to seduction by her doctor.
The affair is very sexually explorative and Jeff also gives and prescribes many heavy duty drugs, which become addicting to Heather. It’s during one particular episode of sex in a Church that she remembers being abused by the priest.
Okay, that’s the set-up; I won’t do more spoilers, so you’ll have to get all the juicy details by reading this one for yourselves. It’s interesting, the inevitable breakup leading to legal action and more. The legal issues are well researched and used to increase the suspense of this tale. There is a somewhat HEA for Heather, which made it a good read for me!
Copy supplied by author for honest review.
Review by Georgianna Simpson
A Medical Affair is an interesting tale of one woman’s experience, having an affair and subsequent heartbreak, with her handsome and unscrupulous married doctor.
The premise is that Heather Morrison, a lovely single woman having her first asthma attack is seen in the ER by an attractive wealthy doctor. He gets her asthma under control, and quickly begins a plan to seduce her. The doctor Jeff Davis, a pulmonologist and member of a very successful practice has had many such relationships with his patients.
Jeff makes no secret of his marriage and does not even hint at a possibility of divorce, but this does not seem to slow down his attractiveness to women. Most of his other relationships have been with other married patients that would keep the secret of his deception.
Heather is single, has a really wonderful job, a couple of great friends and is in the process of trying to adopt a little girl from China. Heather’s home life was one of dysfunction. Her mother is a bitter and lonely woman, her father (a former teacher) ran away with one of his 17 year old students. During the story the reader finds she was also abused by her Catholic priest, which her mother adamantly denies. This makes Heather the classic woman looking for a secure relationship and very open to seduction by her doctor.
The affair is very sexually explorative and Jeff also gives and prescribes many heavy duty drugs, which become addicting to Heather. It’s during one particular episode of sex in a Church that she remembers being abused by the priest.
Okay, that’s the set-up; I won’t do more spoilers, so you’ll have to get all the juicy details by reading this one for yourselves. It’s interesting, the inevitable breakup leading to legal action and more. The legal issues are well researched and used to increase the suspense of this tale. There is a somewhat HEA for Heather, which made it a good read for me!
Copy supplied by author for honest review.
April 29, 2014
Heather Morrison has never had asthma, so it comes as a huge surprise when she gets diagnosed as having a severe asthma attack. Still shaken up and in the emergency room, no amount of discomfort can keep her from noticing the handsome doctor who is taking care of her, Dr. Davis. He’s not only nice to look at, but he saved her life and has promised to always keep her safe. So, how is it that she failed to check if he was wearing a wedding ring? She’d be sure to find out when she went back for her follow up appointment.
In the meantime, Dr. Davis can’t get Heather out of his mind. He has bedded many women and has even brought nurses and other colleagues back to his office for some fun. His preference is married women since he feels it makes things less complicated. In a profession where death is always around you, Dr. Davis has an addiction to sex, which to him symbolized life. It only made sense for him to set his sights on Heather. Physically she was exactly his type, but add into the fact that she relied and trusted him in order to maintain her care gave him an additional thrill.
A Medical Affair brings up the serious topic of doctor/patient relationships and how quickly the line can cross from professional to unethical. The author does a great job showing how a patient who is in a vulnerable situation can mistake a doctor’s kindness and concern in order to take advantage of someone in a weak state. I’m sure that instances like the one in this book happen pretty frequently. Many of us, myself included, look up to and trust people in the medical profession. We rely on them to make us well and trust them with our lives. We sometimes forget that they are people too and are capable of making poor decisions. Although this book is different than the usual genre that I read, I really enjoyed it. It was well written and kept my interest. It’s a book I would definitely recommend!
In the meantime, Dr. Davis can’t get Heather out of his mind. He has bedded many women and has even brought nurses and other colleagues back to his office for some fun. His preference is married women since he feels it makes things less complicated. In a profession where death is always around you, Dr. Davis has an addiction to sex, which to him symbolized life. It only made sense for him to set his sights on Heather. Physically she was exactly his type, but add into the fact that she relied and trusted him in order to maintain her care gave him an additional thrill.
A Medical Affair brings up the serious topic of doctor/patient relationships and how quickly the line can cross from professional to unethical. The author does a great job showing how a patient who is in a vulnerable situation can mistake a doctor’s kindness and concern in order to take advantage of someone in a weak state. I’m sure that instances like the one in this book happen pretty frequently. Many of us, myself included, look up to and trust people in the medical profession. We rely on them to make us well and trust them with our lives. We sometimes forget that they are people too and are capable of making poor decisions. Although this book is different than the usual genre that I read, I really enjoyed it. It was well written and kept my interest. It’s a book I would definitely recommend!
December 9, 2013
rating 3 1/2 stars
Medical Affair is about a patient and her doctor who had physical attraction and took it beyond the doctors office. Heather met Dr. Jeff Davis in an ER when she had an asthma attack. She had her follow up apt at his private office. They both were attracted to each other but Jeff was married and Heather wasn't that type of person who got involved with married men. Well little did she know that she would turn into one of those woman.
Jeff pursued her after they had lunch. He needed her like he needed a smoke. As their affair progressed Heather became dependent on him. Not only as a lover but as a dr who prescribed her medicine. While their affair takes place Heather is in the process of adopting a little girl from China. Everything is going well for her in that area. About 6 months or so into their affair Jeff breaks it off. Heather goes frantic, almost in a depression state of mind as well.
What I don't get is how she doesn't realize is that having an affair with a Dr is wrong. Everyone should know that. Then having an affair with a married man who states that he will never leave his wife. WOW that raises a red flag right there. In the book Heather looks up a website where other people have had affairs with people who are an authority figure. It gets long at that point. It was a bunch of legal jargon. Heather does turn Jeff in and takes him to court. There again with her lawyer is very in detail about what will happen and what laws he broke as a dr. I mean yeah that is good to know but I found myself skimming it. I pushed myself to finish to see what happened. I don't want to say to much. We all read and like different types of books. This book was OK for me, but it might be great for you. Please do not let my short review persuade you from reading this book.
Reviewed by Irene
Medical Affair is about a patient and her doctor who had physical attraction and took it beyond the doctors office. Heather met Dr. Jeff Davis in an ER when she had an asthma attack. She had her follow up apt at his private office. They both were attracted to each other but Jeff was married and Heather wasn't that type of person who got involved with married men. Well little did she know that she would turn into one of those woman.
Jeff pursued her after they had lunch. He needed her like he needed a smoke. As their affair progressed Heather became dependent on him. Not only as a lover but as a dr who prescribed her medicine. While their affair takes place Heather is in the process of adopting a little girl from China. Everything is going well for her in that area. About 6 months or so into their affair Jeff breaks it off. Heather goes frantic, almost in a depression state of mind as well.
What I don't get is how she doesn't realize is that having an affair with a Dr is wrong. Everyone should know that. Then having an affair with a married man who states that he will never leave his wife. WOW that raises a red flag right there. In the book Heather looks up a website where other people have had affairs with people who are an authority figure. It gets long at that point. It was a bunch of legal jargon. Heather does turn Jeff in and takes him to court. There again with her lawyer is very in detail about what will happen and what laws he broke as a dr. I mean yeah that is good to know but I found myself skimming it. I pushed myself to finish to see what happened. I don't want to say to much. We all read and like different types of books. This book was OK for me, but it might be great for you. Please do not let my short review persuade you from reading this book.
Reviewed by Irene
December 30, 2013
Wow this book was quite the eye opener. This is a cautionary tale. One of those "it could never happen to me" stories but after reading it I realized just how easily it could happen to someone and I'm left wondering how often it really does. Yikes!
First off, while reading I couldn't help wondering why on earth Heather was even tempted to start an affair with a married man. I didn't see that much of a problem if it was her unmarried doctor, at least at first. Once their relationship really developed and I could see how he was using his authority to manipulate and control her it all hit me like a ton of bricks exactly why it's not a good idea.
Morally, I think that Heather needs to accept responsibility for her behaviour as far as starting an affair with a married man and emotionally she needs to figure out why she so easily stayed. I was shocked at how easily she went into it knowing from the beginning he was married. However, I will say that once they were seeing each other I can understand and actually see the attraction she had to him. He was sort of a charmer even though looking from the outside in you could see what a slime ball he was. When you realize that he's done it multiple times and is so cocky and arrogant that he isn't afraid at all of getting in trouble it's kind of unbelievable. One particular sexual encounter really made my skin crawl and I really question why she didn't run afterwards.
In the end it seems like some sort of justice was served but it still seemed like he got off easy for all that he had done. To think that this happens in real life is unthinkable. The author has done a great thing by writing this story and bringing awareness to such a serious subject.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
First off, while reading I couldn't help wondering why on earth Heather was even tempted to start an affair with a married man. I didn't see that much of a problem if it was her unmarried doctor, at least at first. Once their relationship really developed and I could see how he was using his authority to manipulate and control her it all hit me like a ton of bricks exactly why it's not a good idea.
Morally, I think that Heather needs to accept responsibility for her behaviour as far as starting an affair with a married man and emotionally she needs to figure out why she so easily stayed. I was shocked at how easily she went into it knowing from the beginning he was married. However, I will say that once they were seeing each other I can understand and actually see the attraction she had to him. He was sort of a charmer even though looking from the outside in you could see what a slime ball he was. When you realize that he's done it multiple times and is so cocky and arrogant that he isn't afraid at all of getting in trouble it's kind of unbelievable. One particular sexual encounter really made my skin crawl and I really question why she didn't run afterwards.
In the end it seems like some sort of justice was served but it still seemed like he got off easy for all that he had done. To think that this happens in real life is unthinkable. The author has done a great thing by writing this story and bringing awareness to such a serious subject.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2014
A Medical Affair by Anne McCarthy Strauss is a book that is outside my reading comfort zone but I was curious about the dynamics that went into explaining each parties side of the story on why they engaged in the affair and how it happened.
This is a book that made me think, question, and explore all the elements that went into the actions of the main character and the doctor and to be honest I am still not 100% sure on where I stand.
Here is what I know. The main character, Heather Morrison, willingly chose to enter into an affair with a married man. I also realize she was targeted by this doctor, who by the way, is a first class jackass with a god complex, that clearly believes he is above the law.
I’m not going to go into all the specifics because I have that “no spoiler” rule but I do think that this book would be a great story for a book club. You have issues of moral obligations, ethical concerns, personal and professional responsibility, victim and predator psychology, and you could even look at the reverse scenario happening, where patients accuse the doctor of sexually harassment for financially gain. It is a book that can open up many areas for discussion and debate.
I didn’t like any of the characters, not a single one of them. But the book captured my train wreck mentally and I just couldn’t look away from the wreckage.
The story is fascinating and I am happy that I read it. It opened my eyes to many things and helped me to realize that a lot of underlining factors can go into the decisions that people make with their lives.
I would recommend A Medical Affair to anyone that enjoys a fast read that makes you think and question many aspects of the doctor/patient relationship.
This is a book that made me think, question, and explore all the elements that went into the actions of the main character and the doctor and to be honest I am still not 100% sure on where I stand.
Here is what I know. The main character, Heather Morrison, willingly chose to enter into an affair with a married man. I also realize she was targeted by this doctor, who by the way, is a first class jackass with a god complex, that clearly believes he is above the law.
I’m not going to go into all the specifics because I have that “no spoiler” rule but I do think that this book would be a great story for a book club. You have issues of moral obligations, ethical concerns, personal and professional responsibility, victim and predator psychology, and you could even look at the reverse scenario happening, where patients accuse the doctor of sexually harassment for financially gain. It is a book that can open up many areas for discussion and debate.
I didn’t like any of the characters, not a single one of them. But the book captured my train wreck mentally and I just couldn’t look away from the wreckage.
The story is fascinating and I am happy that I read it. It opened my eyes to many things and helped me to realize that a lot of underlining factors can go into the decisions that people make with their lives.
I would recommend A Medical Affair to anyone that enjoys a fast read that makes you think and question many aspects of the doctor/patient relationship.
October 29, 2013
What an insightful and informative novel! McCarthy Strauss has a gift for describing how her characters are feeling and what they are thinking. This novel clued me in on what might go on in a patient’s mind and heart while a Medical Doctor is pursuing an unethical relationship with a patient. While this is nothing I’ve encountered or even really thought about at all, McCarthy Strauss’s book opened my mind to how easily this type of situation can occur, and how much damage it can cause for both parties involved. This book was extremely hard to put down and seriously kept me up late for a couple of nights. Because of that, it didn’t take long to read at all!
To readers who have just started the book: please don’t turn away or put the book down due to the graphic content. I generally stay away from books that are considered strictly “romance.” This is not a romance novel. I strongly encourage you to continue reading. The suspense and drama continues, but not without consequences and heartache. This book takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster that can seem unexpected in the beginning of the novel. My best advice is to continue reading. You will not regret it. Well done, McCarthy Strauss. This is truly a fantastic novel.
To readers who have just started the book: please don’t turn away or put the book down due to the graphic content. I generally stay away from books that are considered strictly “romance.” This is not a romance novel. I strongly encourage you to continue reading. The suspense and drama continues, but not without consequences and heartache. This book takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster that can seem unexpected in the beginning of the novel. My best advice is to continue reading. You will not regret it. Well done, McCarthy Strauss. This is truly a fantastic novel.
December 24, 2014
4.5
The book turned out way better than I thought it would. When I first started reading it, I thought it was mediocre but it was just picking up steam. I picked this book up twice, so for me, it’s a good indication how many things I’m willing to blow off to read.
Heather, a 38 year old woman, ended up in an emergency room and in swoops in an attractive doctor to take care of her. Jeff, the doctor, had been known to cross the patient/doctor line. They begin having an affair even though Heather knows where it’s going. They have their fun and the like most affairs, it ends.
Heather really falls apart after Jeff ends it. She loses her job and discovers that she has become addicted to the pills that he has prescribing for her. She reports him to the medical board after some encouragement of other women he’s had affairs with.
Jeff tries the denial route but Heather ends up being far more resourceful than he anticipated. I thought it might take a vengeful route but Heather was too much of a mess for that. The doctor’s ego helped him hang himself.
I’ve been reading a lot of chic-lit lately and it’s mostly predictable but enjoyable reads. This was enjoyable and a bit unpredictable.
The book turned out way better than I thought it would. When I first started reading it, I thought it was mediocre but it was just picking up steam. I picked this book up twice, so for me, it’s a good indication how many things I’m willing to blow off to read.
Heather, a 38 year old woman, ended up in an emergency room and in swoops in an attractive doctor to take care of her. Jeff, the doctor, had been known to cross the patient/doctor line. They begin having an affair even though Heather knows where it’s going. They have their fun and the like most affairs, it ends.
Heather really falls apart after Jeff ends it. She loses her job and discovers that she has become addicted to the pills that he has prescribing for her. She reports him to the medical board after some encouragement of other women he’s had affairs with.
Jeff tries the denial route but Heather ends up being far more resourceful than he anticipated. I thought it might take a vengeful route but Heather was too much of a mess for that. The doctor’s ego helped him hang himself.
I’ve been reading a lot of chic-lit lately and it’s mostly predictable but enjoyable reads. This was enjoyable and a bit unpredictable.
May 24, 2014
WOW!! What an eye opening read! I know this is a fictional story, but imagine how often this kind of stuff actually happens!! pretty scary!
Now for this particular story..I found myself screaming from the start that she was blind!! He was as text book narcissist! I have seen plenty of doctors that act this way, so maybe I just pick up on it quicker! I can't imagine being attracted to someone with such a god complex! Usually I try to see the good in the victim (male or female) but I had a hard time finding it in her, everyone tried to tell her, then she said later "if I only knew" I was like you did moron!! lol
Overall it was a good read and I thrilled he did get his in the end!! I do wish they would have let us see his reaction to losing his license!!! Stupid pompous jerk!
Note to the author~ the only reason I didn't give it a 5, was because I found myself several times throughout asking who was telling the story, at time it seemed like a narrator was and not the actually person?? it kinda confused me at a few points :-D
Now for this particular story..I found myself screaming from the start that she was blind!! He was as text book narcissist! I have seen plenty of doctors that act this way, so maybe I just pick up on it quicker! I can't imagine being attracted to someone with such a god complex! Usually I try to see the good in the victim (male or female) but I had a hard time finding it in her, everyone tried to tell her, then she said later "if I only knew" I was like you did moron!! lol
Overall it was a good read and I thrilled he did get his in the end!! I do wish they would have let us see his reaction to losing his license!!! Stupid pompous jerk!
Note to the author~ the only reason I didn't give it a 5, was because I found myself several times throughout asking who was telling the story, at time it seemed like a narrator was and not the actually person?? it kinda confused me at a few points :-D
March 5, 2014
Good book, definitely worth the read for women young and old, it taught me a lot!
Before reading this book, I knew a few basic medical laws but really thought a lot of medical boundaries were common sense. I thought the main character was naive and lacked common sense, and got really frustrated with her negative attitude toward her lot in life (late 30's, single, no prospects, no kids). Because of this, the first half of the book went pretty slow for me. As the plot dug into the court case, I was surprised with how much I found myself learning and how easily these medical boundaries can be crossed, and found myself second guessing my initial judgement of the main character. I never really gave much thought toward medical affairs being a common problem until reading this book. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and definitely recommend it to all women (young adults and up) to read.
Before reading this book, I knew a few basic medical laws but really thought a lot of medical boundaries were common sense. I thought the main character was naive and lacked common sense, and got really frustrated with her negative attitude toward her lot in life (late 30's, single, no prospects, no kids). Because of this, the first half of the book went pretty slow for me. As the plot dug into the court case, I was surprised with how much I found myself learning and how easily these medical boundaries can be crossed, and found myself second guessing my initial judgement of the main character. I never really gave much thought toward medical affairs being a common problem until reading this book. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and definitely recommend it to all women (young adults and up) to read.
December 3, 2013
please visit booklovinjunkie(dot)blogspot (dot) com Well , this was an WOW, didn't see that coming type of book. Heather falls for the doctor who, knows better and is a predator in my eyes. He knows what and how to say to get Heather to go for about anything. Then he decides he is done .....what is a girl to do ? Sue ....It is a very insightful book , it really got to me and I wonder really how many times this does happen in real life. I am so glad I got the honor too review this very eye opening book. So click the above and get your copy and sit back and wait for the amazement to happen. booklovinjunkie
August 5, 2014
A Medical Affair by Anne McCarthy Strauss is a story of medical malpractice and prescription drug addiction. It offers readers a clear warning of the importance of maintaining professional relationships and questioning all so-called authority figures.
Ignorant of the laws regarding medical ethics and doctor/patient boundaries, Heather Morrison enters an affair with the handsome pulmonologist who treats her after a frightening asthma attack. I was pulled into this well-researched and carefully-written novel even though I had a frequent urge to pick Heather up by the shoulders and shake some common sense into the girl.
Ignorant of the laws regarding medical ethics and doctor/patient boundaries, Heather Morrison enters an affair with the handsome pulmonologist who treats her after a frightening asthma attack. I was pulled into this well-researched and carefully-written novel even though I had a frequent urge to pick Heather up by the shoulders and shake some common sense into the girl.
October 29, 2013
a look into what happens when a doctor gets involved with a patient on a personal level...just a hint, it will never end well! Jeff has issues and isn't above lying to save his marriage. Heather is a typical person that believes you should always trust and have faith in your doctor. I definitely did not like Jeff and Heather got on my nerves at times but overall the story was gripping and worth reading!
November 11, 2014
Riveting. Made me wonder just how often these types of situations occur. The ending works well for the story, but I thought it was unrealistic--any defense attorney would ensure that the terms of the settlement were confidential and that the settlement agreement specifically prohibited the plaintiff and her attorneys from using or revealing any of the evidence to anyone especially the medical ethics board.
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