Perfectly Patient

by Laurelyn Estes

THE DOCTOR

The line between life and death is paper thin. Ending lives is no more or less exciting than saving them. We like to pretend we're evolved, but outside of clothes and the restraint of societal law--people are predators. We're creatures controlled by the chemicals in our brains.

When chance puts a mildly wounded doe-eyed woman on my path, the chemicals in my head shift. Patching her up and releasing her back out into the world is not enough; I want to keep her. The world is a dangerous place full of dangerous people, but I can keep her safe. I can take care of her. I can make her love me.

THE DOE

I've never been a runner or a fighter. I move through life walking the path of least resistance and trust that it'll eventually put me where I need to be. Every person is supposed to have a place in the world; I just don't know where mine is yet.

I never thought I would get kidnapped in my thirties. The man who holds me captive is as cold as death itself. He cuts away the trappings of my old life and my instincts demand I do whatever I can to survive, even if that means obeying The Doctor's orders.

Perfectly Patient is a Stockholm "romance." There is dark and disturbing content. Please check author's page for details. Content not suitable for those under 18.

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

Reviews

[Paracosm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been scouring the internet for "medical dark romance" forever, and most of them just don’t get the vibe right. But this book? It hit the absolute sweet spot.
The medical play scenes aren’t just "there" - they are intense, incredibly well-written, and genuinely just hot.

Verdict: If your search history looks as questionable as mine, stop scrolling. This is the one. Just... maybe don’t read it in a waiting room. 🩺🖤

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was disturbing. Yet I loved it. There may be something a little wrong with me, but I don't care. This is a book I would recommend for people who already know they like dark romance and don't mind morally black characters. This takes the caretaking kink to the extreame.

[Rachel Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This was disturbing and strange. It made me think, “How can I read this? What is wrong with me?” Turns out I just needed a Dr. Pepper and chips to finish it. I loved it.

[Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally read this in one sitting, fast passed you don’t have to “get into “ the story the writer throws you into it! there are no slow parts whatsoever very dark and twisted, obv NOT for sensitive readers BUT if you love the dark and twisted and need a fast hitting dose of wtf is wrong with me highly recommend 👍

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Miranda Grant’s Keeping Her Under, I realized that a new trope made it into my list of favorites: doctor/patient. This story is very different from Miranda’s, but almost just as good. The only downside for me is that it felt a bit too long, and at times, somewhat repetitive. Still, I liked the premise, their unusual journey together, and I loved the twist at the end.

[Jasper Sohma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and it was very hard for me to put it down. The way the story flowed even with such dark topics actually drew me in more. The way that the doctor would 'take care' of all of the FMC 'needs' was extremely enticing.

The trigger page in the book was very useful and I really do want other books to have this feature!

[Ellie Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Roxanne Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read, finished in two days !!!

I was so shook at the end, I did not expect the doctor to have arranged for her to leave.

AND THE BRANDINGS !!!! Insane

Loved it 🫶

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ive never read anything faster...

This book is peak smut literature 100/10. The vice grip yandere men have on me needs to be scientifically studied