Strong Force

by René Roberts

After surviving a brutal attack by a deranged student, Shae McPherson’s boss gives her an ultimatum—see a therapist or lose the teaching job she loves. Under duress, she reports for her first session with Doctor Adrian Ramsey and is pleasantly surprised to find that Doctor Ramsey is not a man, but a strikingly beautiful woman. Adrian Ramsey finds her new patient obnoxious and antagonistic, and yet…surprisingly appealing. Being recently separated from her abusive husband, Adrian is rediscovering parts of herself, including the part that used to be attracted to both sexes.
Despite all attempts to keep their relationship strictly professional, Adrian and Shae fall deeply in love. But when a deep, dark family secret emerges, it threatens to erode the happiness just within Adrian’s reach. Is the force that first attracted her to Shae strong enough to hold them together?

Genres: Romance

294 pages, ebook

Published November 17, 2022

About the author

I am René Roberts. I was born and raised in sunny South Africa, the most beautifully diverse country in the world, but am now spending my mid-life crisis in the Netherlands. I left my forwarding address to the muse and hopes she finds her way to me safely.

My feet are firmly on the ground and my head blissfully in the clouds. I write as an alternative to obsessive compulsive reincarnation – it’s too tiring. Writing allows me to complete multiple lives in just one session without all of the whiplash and DeJa’Vu.

Reviews

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've waited a couple of days to write this review to let this book settle. I don't write summaries as part of my reviews, so go read the synopsis if you are looking for a summary of the story. One comment I have about the synopsis is that you shouldn't let the mention of a brutal attack mentioned at the beginning of the synopsis scare you off of the book. The attack is recounted as part of a therapy session later in the book, and you can easily skip the page or two that covers it. On the other hand, if you have issues with reading about a psychiatrist falling for her patient, then definitely skip this book.

I am totally conflicted about the number of stars to give this story. On the plus side, it is well written, and there are quite a few story elements, including the controversial romance plot element, that make you think quite a bit. All the characters are flawed, except for the protagonist. All the characters make mistakes and have to deal with the consequences. On the minus side, there's the psychiatrist falling for her patient storyline that I mentioned. I knew I was bothered by it right from the start, but I fell into the story and couldn't put it down even though I had to shudder a couple of times.

I settled on 5-stars because I finished the book 2-days ago, and I'm still thinking about it. It was a powerful and unique story. Overall, I found that I enjoyed reading about deeply flawed people doing their best, but messing things up badly. And, then carrying on and continuing to try to do their best, even though they don't always succeed. Although, most characters do get at least the possibility of a happy ending.

I recommend using Amazon's 'Look inside' feature to read the sample, and see if you find it as engaging as I did.

[isa Simonet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deals, among other things, with the PTSD of a teacher, and her therapist who struggle to keep their relationship professional, (witch is unethical), as external forces pull them together. Okay, unsurprisingly, we already know that's the case.

Following an assault, Shae McPherson is sent by her boss to Dr. Adrian Ramsey's office, which she obviously doesn't want to do.

What follows are episodes of drama, misunderstanding, difficult family relationships, and a romantic relationship between Shae and Adrian.

Strong Force by René Roberts illustrates experiences, growing, and learning. It's about making mistakes and trying to be better. One of the best books I've read this year.

The cover and title aren't very appealing, giving the impression of a Sci-Fi book. I've always believed that a book's cover is the most important factor in its purchase. A mediocre cover, and a title not in phase with the plot of the book, are detrimental to sales. And Bella Books should know that.

Too bad, this fabulous book should have more impact on readers (4.2 stars and 30 ratings on Goodreads, 4.1 and 14 ratings on Amazon).
A must-read. Please read this book!!l

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is it possible that this is René Roberts's first book? She tackles so many deep dark themes in this book expertly. Her research on therapeutic methods and PTSD helped to enhance authenticity.

Shae McPherson is one of the strongest, most resilient characters that I’ve come across in a long time. The attack she survived at the hands of a deranged student would be enough to sideline most people. Shae refused to be a victim, even returning to work a mere three weeks after the incident. It took months for her to feel safe at work. Leaving the house to go anywhere besides work was a feat within itself, but Shae was determined to not become a recluse. Instead, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery. She doesn’t think she needs therapy, but when she’s forced to attend, she’s less than thrilled. When her psychiatrist is a sexy raven-haired beauty, she feels like she's in luck.
Shae spends the first two therapy sessions doing everything she can to get under Adrian’s skin and doesn’t realize that all Adrian wants to do is help her. Once Shae gets out of her own way, real progress begins to be made. Shae’s treatment plan is accurately detailed and her strength and determination throughout are admirable. The group therapy sessions were important as is the drama and profanity from Jax.
Shae shamelessly flirts with Adrian throughout their sessions and while Adrian openly admonishes Shae, Adrian can’t help but be drawn to her. As the walls slowly crumble and Shae fires Adrian, their hearts are finally free to explore what’s been building since moment one. Shae and Adrian together are so incredible. Their dialogue is real and often hysterically honest, their chemistry is smoking, and their support, comfort, and respect for one another are apparent. They are exactly what the other needs.
The Ramsey family is a delightfully dysfunctional group and their exploits, conversations, and quirks add so much to this story. Adrian’s relationship with her sisters is not only entertaining but important to Adrian’s character arc. She’s the oldest but her needs for comfort and advice from Easton and Avril are necessary. Shae’s relationship with her mother, Audrey, while contentious, seems to be par for the course. Her best friend Fiona was an added bonus.
This book is simply fantastic.

Heads up:
If a psychiatrist falling for a patient bothers you, then you should definitely skip this book.
This book deals with trauma, PTSD, mental illness, and spousal abuse. Derogatory statements about bisexuality are also made in this book.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bonita Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read that provided deep insights into the realities of our everyday lives. I was captivated by how relatable the characters were - from the free-spirited Sue, brimming with patience and wisdom, to Dr. Ramsey, who initially struggled to find fulfillment but eventually learned to embrace life. My personal favorite was Jax, the rebellious teenager grappling with unexplained anger issues.