Strong Force by René Roberts is an intense, thought-provoking contemporary romance that shows that the heart wants who it wants.
After a brutal attack by an unstable student and under pressure from her boss, Shae McPherson reluctantly reports to her first therapy session. She’s pleasantly surprised to find that Dr. Adrian Ramsey isn’t a fat balding older man, but a strikingly beautiful woman.
Adrian Ramsey finds her new patient to be disagreeable and contentious but she’s so powerfully drawn to her.
Despite attempts to keep their relationship strictly professional, Adrian and Shae find themselves falling for one another until dark family secrets come to light and threaten their fledgling relationship.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
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.
Cons And Heads Up
The publisher’s synopsis says “a highly stressful event” which I find to be a wholly inadequate description of what Shae endured. Shae’s harrowing experience is lightly described but readers can infer the trauma that she endured.
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.
The Conclusion
Strong Force by René Roberts illustrates both the messiest and most beautiful parts of the human experience. It’s about experiences, growing, and learning. It’s about making mistakes and trying to be better. It’s deep and dark, but at its core, light. It takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, courage, compassion, and growth with two incredible main characters and dynamic supporting characters. It’s witty, raw, and emotional and one of the best books I’ve read all year.
Excerpt from Strong Force by René Roberts
“Dr. Ramsey, Miss McPherson just arrived,” the old lady announced.
The emphasis on her title didn’t escape Shae and she felt silly for having corrected the sweet old lady. There was some shuffling inside the room before a tall woman stood in the doorway. Her black hair was in a tight bun, accentuating her high cheekbones. She had piercing blue eyes and a sensual mouth resembling that of Cate Blanchett. Dr. Ramsey was a lucky man to have this beautiful creature on his couch, Shae thought to herself.
“Miss McPherson. Welcome. Please have a seat. Ella, could you please bring us a pot of tea and some of those fresh scones that have my mouth watering.”
Wait. What? This tall beauty was the therapist? Shae battled to hide her surprise.
“Yes, I am Dr. Ramsey. Don’t worry. I often get that look. The fact that my mother insisted on naming me Adrian keeps my life interesting at the best of times.”
Clearing her throat, Shae shook the outstretched hand of the goddess that she now assumed would start prodding and poking around her psyche soon. Suddenly, therapy didn’t seem like the worst idea ever. She stepped into the room and performed a quick scan. Wall-to-wall mahogany shelves were crammed full of books and a plush maroon rug covered most of the floor. In the middle of the room, a small coffee table stood surrounded by two leather recliners and a matching two-seater. The walls were decorated with abstracts in warm earthy colours. A Zen garden dominated the one side of the room, and a beautiful fireplace the other.
“This is not quite what I expected,” Shae said as she nervously clasped her hands in front of her stomach.
“What did you expect, Miss McPherson?”
“Can you please call me Shae? I am Miss McPherson at school all day,” Shae said as she shifted around on the stiff recliner.
Ella entered the room carrying a tray with a pot of tea and the most beautiful scones Shae had ever seen. Taking the tray from her, Dr. Ramsey instructed her to close the door behind her. Let the prodding begin, Shae thought.
“Help yourself to these scones, Shae. I guarantee it will be the best part of your day. So, what did you expect?”
“Not this.”
Adrian poured two cups of tea and slid one across the table before she meticulously buttered a scone like a skilled mason would smooth cement over a brick. She then layered it with strawberry jam and sunk her perfect teeth into it hungrily. Closing her eyes, Adrian made a satisfactory noise in the back of her throat while Shae sipped on her tea and stared at her own untouched scone.
“Go for it. You’ll be a changed woman,” Adrian said and dusted crumbs from her chest.
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 9781642473872e
Publisher: Bella Books
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