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Love Nests #2
The Shrink: A forbidden steamy romance
Apparently she's a bit crazy.Apparently he's the shrink who will cure her.Apparently they aren't allowed to fall for each other at all.Winner of the 2021 Imbali Award for Excellence in Romance Writing!Stacey Sinclair's mother died in a gruesome car accident six years ago, and now everybody thinks she is finally losing it. Surely a few crazy actions on her part don't justify her seeing a shrink for months on end?For a psychologist, Dr Ivo Linder is too decent, too caring, and too handsome to get a glimpse of what really goes on in her head. Stacey's unforeseen feelings towards him make her retaliate — she taunts him, never expecting to fall with him into forbidden lust.As their attraction intensifies, the old adage it doesn't matter as long as nobody finds out. But someone always finds out and when they do, will Stacey and Ivo risk everything to give their love a chance?The Shrink is a sensual, emotional standalone contemporary romance that touches on hard topics that might trigger some readers. If you enjoy reading stories with deep emotions about the healing power of love, you might just LOVE this book. Pick up The Shrink today!
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2020
156 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Karlson
20 books248 followersI write sensual, emotional, and evocative contemporary romances about good guys and bad girls and sometimes it's the other way around. Either way, happy ever afters rule!
All my books can be read as standalone, although I tend to write about siblings.
Follow me on FB and Instagram @sophiakarlson.
All my books can be read as standalone, although I tend to write about siblings.
Follow me on FB and Instagram @sophiakarlson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 16, 2021
Ok, I was already a Sophia Karlson fan but this book was really sealed the deal.
It had forbidden love, doctor/patient, a small age gap, mental illness, suicide, second chance, intriguing suspense, and a touch of smut. This book basically had it all but it was done so well and it all blended seamlessly together in a story full of angst, heartbreak, and mystery.
He's her psychiatrist. Her past is messy and she is keeping secrets from everyone. She is self medicating with sex and is stuck in a pattern of behavior that is slowly destroying her life. Maybe Ivo can be the one to finally help her but Ivo has his own demons. His own past. His own reasons for staying away from Stacy. He's self medicating with work and isolation.
But for me the best part was Ivo and Stacey's chemistry. It had this build up, this slow moving but super hot illicitness, I was just waiting for them to not be able to hold back any longer.
I could keep going. Their brief touches, their inner desires, their fight to stay apart, the way he works to put her back together. The way he holds her when she cries and the first time they kiss. It's just all hot.
An awesome story. Fantastic handling of serious topics. Unparalleled characters. Perfect chemistry.
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It had forbidden love, doctor/patient, a small age gap, mental illness, suicide, second chance, intriguing suspense, and a touch of smut. This book basically had it all but it was done so well and it all blended seamlessly together in a story full of angst, heartbreak, and mystery.
He's her psychiatrist. Her past is messy and she is keeping secrets from everyone. She is self medicating with sex and is stuck in a pattern of behavior that is slowly destroying her life. Maybe Ivo can be the one to finally help her but Ivo has his own demons. His own past. His own reasons for staying away from Stacy. He's self medicating with work and isolation.
"This was a crazy, stupid infatuation. This was trouble. This was falling into her, into desire, and into love. And he wanted all of it."
But for me the best part was Ivo and Stacey's chemistry. It had this build up, this slow moving but super hot illicitness, I was just waiting for them to not be able to hold back any longer.
"'And don't whisper my name as if you're about to come.' Oh, God. She wanted to. So much. With him and at his hand and at his body. Insider her, she was taut with a need that he'd wound up over weeks. He had a permanent presence in her core which she couldn't get rid of, try what she might."
"'Don't touch me.' At his words her skin burst with the need for him to touch her, to feel more than the warm cascades of his breaths caressing her skin, almost becoming effervescent in their course as every exhale sparkled goosebumps over her body."
I could keep going. Their brief touches, their inner desires, their fight to stay apart, the way he works to put her back together. The way he holds her when she cries and the first time they kiss. It's just all hot.
An awesome story. Fantastic handling of serious topics. Unparalleled characters. Perfect chemistry.
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October 11, 2020
Forbidden love triumphs over past traumas with a HEA to feel good about
“The Shrink” tackles some thorny issues, with a forbidden love growing between the very sexy Dr Ivo Linder and 24-year-old Financial Management student Stacey Sinclair. Sophia Karlson does a fabulous job of capturing the inner emotions of her characters, delving deep into their pain and the lies they tell themselves that keep them from moving forward in life.
The book covers difficult subjects like suicide, molestation and rape with great sensitivity and insight, taking you through each character’s trauma to a cathartic and emotionally satisfying ending (with some great twists into the bargain).
Stuck in place by past traumas and loss that see her tanking her university degree, Stacey has lost her faith in people and her life is a mess. She’s given one last chance to finish her degree, on condition she sees the campus counsellor.
Enter Dr Linder, controlled and calm, in contrast to Stacey’s inner turmoil. I loved Ivo, a man who is “like the perfect Cape Town summer day”, and it was no wonder that Stacey fell for him too.
Ivo fights his attraction to Stacey, since “He was her counsellor. She was his patient. Trouble could be spelled no other way.” He calls on all his self control to keep Stacey at arm’s length and not cross professional boundaries, while he slowly unravels the secrets she would prefer remain buried. “He wanted to save Stacey Sinclair, even if it was only to watch her from a distance, to know she was safe, but never allowed to have her for himself.”
Stacey too fights what she feels for him, knowing the consequences a relationship could have for his career, and too afraid to reach out and trust another person after the horrific things she’s suffered through.
But the slow burn between them is irresistible. Ivo answers Stacey’s self-destructive cries for help, helping her face her past, overcome her fears, and rebuild her trust. “Being around him had awoken something in her, something she hadn’t felt in ages and didn’t want to let go. Something that tasted like life.”
I love this bit too: “Those arms…that was what she wanted. To be in them. Folded close and warm. The few times he’d held her, it had been like food for her soul. Somehow his strength seeped into her, and in her heart of hearts, she was healing. He made things better by simply holding her.”
It’s a tricky dynamic to navigate, this forbidden love between a doctor and patient, but Sophia Karlson levels the balance of power between the two so that Stacey ends up having as much an influence on Ivo’s life as he does on hers.
Ivo has his own demons and secrets that he holds close to his chest, keeping him living only a half life, and over time, Stacey brings about a transformation in him. “She was bringing to life everything he’d avoided for so long. That deeper human connection, the need to love and be loved, the physical desire to be with a woman…” “And he caved into it, into her warmth and heart. For deep down, he was starved.”
In short, “The Shrink” is an angsty, emotional story, full of beautiful, romantic moments, with a feel-good ending that reinforces the power of love.
“The Shrink” tackles some thorny issues, with a forbidden love growing between the very sexy Dr Ivo Linder and 24-year-old Financial Management student Stacey Sinclair. Sophia Karlson does a fabulous job of capturing the inner emotions of her characters, delving deep into their pain and the lies they tell themselves that keep them from moving forward in life.
The book covers difficult subjects like suicide, molestation and rape with great sensitivity and insight, taking you through each character’s trauma to a cathartic and emotionally satisfying ending (with some great twists into the bargain).
Stuck in place by past traumas and loss that see her tanking her university degree, Stacey has lost her faith in people and her life is a mess. She’s given one last chance to finish her degree, on condition she sees the campus counsellor.
Enter Dr Linder, controlled and calm, in contrast to Stacey’s inner turmoil. I loved Ivo, a man who is “like the perfect Cape Town summer day”, and it was no wonder that Stacey fell for him too.
Ivo fights his attraction to Stacey, since “He was her counsellor. She was his patient. Trouble could be spelled no other way.” He calls on all his self control to keep Stacey at arm’s length and not cross professional boundaries, while he slowly unravels the secrets she would prefer remain buried. “He wanted to save Stacey Sinclair, even if it was only to watch her from a distance, to know she was safe, but never allowed to have her for himself.”
Stacey too fights what she feels for him, knowing the consequences a relationship could have for his career, and too afraid to reach out and trust another person after the horrific things she’s suffered through.
But the slow burn between them is irresistible. Ivo answers Stacey’s self-destructive cries for help, helping her face her past, overcome her fears, and rebuild her trust. “Being around him had awoken something in her, something she hadn’t felt in ages and didn’t want to let go. Something that tasted like life.”
I love this bit too: “Those arms…that was what she wanted. To be in them. Folded close and warm. The few times he’d held her, it had been like food for her soul. Somehow his strength seeped into her, and in her heart of hearts, she was healing. He made things better by simply holding her.”
It’s a tricky dynamic to navigate, this forbidden love between a doctor and patient, but Sophia Karlson levels the balance of power between the two so that Stacey ends up having as much an influence on Ivo’s life as he does on hers.
Ivo has his own demons and secrets that he holds close to his chest, keeping him living only a half life, and over time, Stacey brings about a transformation in him. “She was bringing to life everything he’d avoided for so long. That deeper human connection, the need to love and be loved, the physical desire to be with a woman…” “And he caved into it, into her warmth and heart. For deep down, he was starved.”
In short, “The Shrink” is an angsty, emotional story, full of beautiful, romantic moments, with a feel-good ending that reinforces the power of love.
July 30, 2020
My first from this author and I have to say that Sophia Karlson kept me on the edge of my seat until the incredible conclusion! The story developed at a good pace for me, with our heroine in Stacey, finding her footing while an inner hell continues to gnaw at her very being. Of course with the title being The Shrink, I knew that she would eventually be seeking counsel for the past that just won't let go. And when a Dr. Ivo Linder enters her troubled life, you could feel an almost immediate bond as these two begin their bi-weekly sessions. Subtly becoming each other's solace even when they didn't feel worthy.
Although this was written in a 3rd person narrative, I could still sense all that Stacey was feeling, with Karlson very precise in her descriptions throughout. It's not an easy road for the 24 year old as the pain she can't seem to shake is drawn out by Ivo, who senses a bit of his own relief in terms of his own guilt-ridden past. They seem to somehow fit together in their mutual kind of grief and I guessed it would just be a matter of time before lines were crossed and their professional relationship became oh so much more.
These are two great characters. In particular, I loved Stacey's ability to remain selfless despite all that has happened to her and to only want to protect her beloved father and keep the secrets she swore to her mother. And with Ivo, I could tell he'd be whatever Stacey needed, no matter the consequence. He has his heart and head wrapped up in a ton of regret but I enjoyed seeing a light turn on whenever he and Stacey were in the same room. Their coincidental meet-ups showed just how devoted he was to her no matter the whys of what she might have done to ease her pain and my admiration for Ivo increased with each turn of the page.
There are countless revelations, particularly in the last 25 percent that had my jaw dropping since they were a bit mind-blowing. My head was spinning but Karlson managed to make sense of it all for us and hope for a satisfying conclusion was still a possibility even with the way everything ultimately happened. It was such a subtle kind of build, I was completely caught off guard . And that's what I loved the most.
I truly enjoyed every moment of this story, a wonderful combination of unexpected/forbidden romance and the brutal extraction of the most excruciating kinds of memories. It is crafted in an addictive way and I will be honest and say that I had to put it down several times towards the end due to all the explosive truths.
But I'm beyond happy I continued on and have found another great author to follow. This book is a crazy-good page-turner and I happily give The Shrink 5 big stars!
Although this was written in a 3rd person narrative, I could still sense all that Stacey was feeling, with Karlson very precise in her descriptions throughout. It's not an easy road for the 24 year old as the pain she can't seem to shake is drawn out by Ivo, who senses a bit of his own relief in terms of his own guilt-ridden past. They seem to somehow fit together in their mutual kind of grief and I guessed it would just be a matter of time before lines were crossed and their professional relationship became oh so much more.
These are two great characters. In particular, I loved Stacey's ability to remain selfless despite all that has happened to her and to only want to protect her beloved father and keep the secrets she swore to her mother. And with Ivo, I could tell he'd be whatever Stacey needed, no matter the consequence. He has his heart and head wrapped up in a ton of regret but I enjoyed seeing a light turn on whenever he and Stacey were in the same room. Their coincidental meet-ups showed just how devoted he was to her no matter the whys of what she might have done to ease her pain and my admiration for Ivo increased with each turn of the page.
There are countless revelations, particularly in the last 25 percent that had my jaw dropping since they were a bit mind-blowing. My head was spinning but Karlson managed to make sense of it all for us and hope for a satisfying conclusion was still a possibility even with the way everything ultimately happened. It was such a subtle kind of build, I was completely caught off guard . And that's what I loved the most.
I truly enjoyed every moment of this story, a wonderful combination of unexpected/forbidden romance and the brutal extraction of the most excruciating kinds of memories. It is crafted in an addictive way and I will be honest and say that I had to put it down several times towards the end due to all the explosive truths.
But I'm beyond happy I continued on and have found another great author to follow. This book is a crazy-good page-turner and I happily give The Shrink 5 big stars!
July 29, 2020
I’ve never read a book by this author but because of the forbidden aspect I decided to give this one a try. This was an emotional story with a twist I didn’t see coming and I thought the author did a great job handling the dark themes. Ivo and Stacey were so great together and now I’m curious about Stacey’s brother’s book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2020
This is my first read by Karlson, and I have to say, I'm blown away. I'm not usually someone who enjoys stories in third person, but I was immediately drawn into the book. Stacey has been through so much, and even though there may be scenes that readers might find triggering, I loved watching her journey along with Ivo. A beautifully written suspenseful, gray romance that will keep you turning the pages long after the story has come to an end.
August 1, 2020
I loved The Shrink by Sophia Karlson. This was a powerful story about healing from trauma and loss and the power love has. Stacey Sinclair is in her 6th year of college, and this fall semester is her final chance to pass and graduate. The catch to being allowed one more chance is that she go to therapy at the student center. She begrudgingly agrees, not wanting to have to come clean to her father about her education. Stacey is assigned to Dr. Ivo Linder, a 30-something year old man. There is something about him that Stacey can't help but be attracted to and trust. Ivo is volunteering at the center, trying to get a position as an associate professor in British Columbia and working on his thesis. He has more layers and secrets than it seems at first. As Ivo works to uncover Stacey's secrets, Stacey slowly begins to get to Ivo and he starts to work on his trauma and change as well. Their attraction to each other is palpable, but it's forbidden and no one can know. This novel took place in Cape Town, and I loved the descriptions we got of the scenery and the landscape. I really loved how well written this was, the language was poetic and lyrical. Stacey and Ivo both had so many big secrets and reveals that I never saw coming. Their story was much more intricate than what met the eye. Stacey had so much strength and I loved seeing her visibly come out of her shell and begin to heal. Ivo was pretty interesting as well, and his entire story was hidden until the very end. I did think that this book dragged a little at times and was slow. It could be hard to stay invested in their story at times in the beginning. But by the second half of the novel, I was definitely hooked. There did need to be an explanation of the words transference and countertransference, because those are clinical psychology terms, and if you didn't know what they meant or look it up, they went over your head. This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. However, the couple in book 1 is Stacey's brother and best friend, and they make multiple appearances in this book. Overall, I really loved this heartbreaking romance. Stacey and Ivo were both well thought out and well developed characters. This was a moving story about healing.
TW: r*pe, assault, suicide, death, PTSD, forbidden patient-doctor romance
TW: r*pe, assault, suicide, death, PTSD, forbidden patient-doctor romance
November 17, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Backlit PR and Sophia Karlson for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I could not put this book down!!! I blew through this in one day, unable to step away from Stacey and Ivo. I am such a sucker for a good forbidden romance and this one was so well done I never wanted it to end. This was my first Sophie Karlson book, but book number two in her Love Nest series. I had no problem reading this as a read alone and the characters in the first book really weren’t involved in this one so I don’t feel like the first book was ruined for me at all. Now I just get to go back to read more of her work, win-win!
Stacey is a mess, that much is obvious. She’s on her 6th year of college, and failing. And if she wants to have any hope of getting her life together, she needs to go to therapy, stat. Enter Dr. Ivo Linder. He’s hot, attentive and totally off limits. Does he feel what she feels or is he just doing his job? Through therapy, the wound of Stacey’s past is ripped wide open and she must face the assault that changed her life.
This is one of those books that could have used a Trigger Warning at the beginning. As someone with PTSD from an assault, I completely understood every choice Stacey was making. I spent years doing exactly what she did for the very same reason. Sophia Karlson very clearly did her research when it came to PTSD and the aftermath of sexual assaults. At one point I had to put the book down and cry a little because she had some really great lines in this. There was also a lot of talk about suicide that could be triggering for some and I want to give a warning to that.
I expected a cheesy romance but I was so blown away by what I got. I am so impressed with Sophia Karlson’s ability to make you swoon with steamy chemistry on one page, and have you weeping in your feels the next. She is now on my must read list!
I could not put this book down!!! I blew through this in one day, unable to step away from Stacey and Ivo. I am such a sucker for a good forbidden romance and this one was so well done I never wanted it to end. This was my first Sophie Karlson book, but book number two in her Love Nest series. I had no problem reading this as a read alone and the characters in the first book really weren’t involved in this one so I don’t feel like the first book was ruined for me at all. Now I just get to go back to read more of her work, win-win!
Stacey is a mess, that much is obvious. She’s on her 6th year of college, and failing. And if she wants to have any hope of getting her life together, she needs to go to therapy, stat. Enter Dr. Ivo Linder. He’s hot, attentive and totally off limits. Does he feel what she feels or is he just doing his job? Through therapy, the wound of Stacey’s past is ripped wide open and she must face the assault that changed her life.
This is one of those books that could have used a Trigger Warning at the beginning. As someone with PTSD from an assault, I completely understood every choice Stacey was making. I spent years doing exactly what she did for the very same reason. Sophia Karlson very clearly did her research when it came to PTSD and the aftermath of sexual assaults. At one point I had to put the book down and cry a little because she had some really great lines in this. There was also a lot of talk about suicide that could be triggering for some and I want to give a warning to that.
I expected a cheesy romance but I was so blown away by what I got. I am so impressed with Sophia Karlson’s ability to make you swoon with steamy chemistry on one page, and have you weeping in your feels the next. She is now on my must read list!
February 9, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was an inevitable collision of two souls and time.” I cannot believe how much I loved this book, considering I couldn’t get into the first of the series (and am yet to continue after nearly a year.) This is such a beautiful book, but please check the trigger warnings before reading.
This book is about Stacey, a student at university who is in her fifth year of a four year course, and her university administered therapist, Dr Ivo. This is evidently, a forbidden romance between a patient and doctor. however, it does not feel that way in the slightest as both wished to respect the rules. The two love interests have both suffered immensely in their lives (please check trigger warnings), and the book focuses on how, in turn, the two wind up on the same path.
It was a very easy, steamy read. However, I do have some qualms with the book. First of all, I don't know if I missed something, but I did not realise that the book was set in South Africa until over half way through (I probably read something wrong but I had no clue). Secondly, the ending seemed far too rushed for my liking, especially regarding Stacey's reluctance to ever adhere to a relationship consisting of anything more than sex in the first place. Thirdly, I despised Ivo's friends, and I would have liked for him to have said something other than basically, that's what they're like.
Despite the negatives, this book was amazing to read as it focused on how Stacey has rebounded from her trauma, with the help of Ivo. I recommend this book (I have no clue what the other in the series are really like- there was a bizarre sex scene in the first that really put me off) wholeheartedly as it does deal with very important issues, namely how to overcome trauma.
This book is about Stacey, a student at university who is in her fifth year of a four year course, and her university administered therapist, Dr Ivo. This is evidently, a forbidden romance between a patient and doctor. however, it does not feel that way in the slightest as both wished to respect the rules. The two love interests have both suffered immensely in their lives (please check trigger warnings), and the book focuses on how, in turn, the two wind up on the same path.
It was a very easy, steamy read. However, I do have some qualms with the book. First of all, I don't know if I missed something, but I did not realise that the book was set in South Africa until over half way through (I probably read something wrong but I had no clue). Secondly, the ending seemed far too rushed for my liking, especially regarding Stacey's reluctance to ever adhere to a relationship consisting of anything more than sex in the first place. Thirdly, I despised Ivo's friends, and I would have liked for him to have said something other than basically, that's what they're like.
Despite the negatives, this book was amazing to read as it focused on how Stacey has rebounded from her trauma, with the help of Ivo. I recommend this book (I have no clue what the other in the series are really like- there was a bizarre sex scene in the first that really put me off) wholeheartedly as it does deal with very important issues, namely how to overcome trauma.
December 30, 2020
I have become quite a fan of Sophie Karlson, reading everything I can lay my hands on! Loved this book too - a bit more serious than her previous books, but with a solid story line, good character development, intriguing and certainly had me hooked, again! Well thought through with a bit of a twist. The past eventually always catch up with one - so too in this book. I love the way the connection is established between Stacey and Dr Linder, how they are drawn to each other and the boundaries they are willing to cross to be together.
August 1, 2020
The Shrink written by Sophia Karlson is about Stacey Sinclair and Ivo Linder both emotionally scarred. Stacey is battling with grief and pain after losing her mother from a car accident and she’s hiding so much more that’s ruining her life. Ivo Linder is a psychologist that is filling his sorrow and emptiness with work. Stacey and Ivo world collided when Stacey was referred to be counselled as part of her deal with her professor if she really wants to finish her Accounting degree. She’s been struggling to remain focused and she has to attend her session with Dr. Ivo Linder to help her get through what is holding her back.
When I read the synopsis I was hesitant because I’m not drawn to taboo or forbidden romances. The only books that I can recall are Unteachable by Leah Raedar and Loving Mr. Daniels by Brittainy C. Cherry and both of them are student-teacher relationship. For this one is more in the gray area for me since a shrink and a patient shares intimate and delicate details of your personal life and in this situation Stacey is going to open up a lot of dark things about her and I don’t think romance is in her mind.
Surprisingly, the author did a splendid job portraying and discussing the topic of rape. As a victim myself I felt the author’s sincerity in writing she didn’t shy away with the details and it felt personal with this passage from the book “Do you ever feel as if you’ve aged a decade? Whereas the rest of the people around you have aged only one measly, uneventful Groundhog Day?” and following with “that force with which a traumatic event catapulted you light-years ahead of your peers.” Which rings true to me until this day.
Isn’t triggering to read a book like this for a victim like myself? Yes, but unlike Stacey I already unraveled and accepted myself and started healing everyday ever since.
The romance was thankfully not cringey and not force and not induced with smutty sex. It was build up nicely with great writing. Stacey and Ivo had chemistry and they were attracted to each other since day one and as the story progress you can’t help applaud Ivo for his restraint despite Stacey’s taunts and his immense attraction with her. He kept his words even though he was struggling he still hold on for a long time. When they actually did it, it was honestly hot.
Stacey’s rape story is not an easy one well rape is never going to be easy it’s just hers was with so many twist and turn it was heartbreaking. There were surprises that I didn’t saw coming but the fact stands that there are many Stacey Sinclair in this world that exist and their Ivo Linder comes in different shapes and sizes it can be anyone and anything that helps you heal and keeps you alive.
Why I didn’t gave it a full 5 stars? Because the ending felt rushed and when Professor Finch discovered them and Stacey got into an accident it seems an easy way out but nonetheless a stunning love story and I am looking forward for more book from this author!
When I read the synopsis I was hesitant because I’m not drawn to taboo or forbidden romances. The only books that I can recall are Unteachable by Leah Raedar and Loving Mr. Daniels by Brittainy C. Cherry and both of them are student-teacher relationship. For this one is more in the gray area for me since a shrink and a patient shares intimate and delicate details of your personal life and in this situation Stacey is going to open up a lot of dark things about her and I don’t think romance is in her mind.
Surprisingly, the author did a splendid job portraying and discussing the topic of rape. As a victim myself I felt the author’s sincerity in writing she didn’t shy away with the details and it felt personal with this passage from the book “Do you ever feel as if you’ve aged a decade? Whereas the rest of the people around you have aged only one measly, uneventful Groundhog Day?” and following with “that force with which a traumatic event catapulted you light-years ahead of your peers.” Which rings true to me until this day.
Isn’t triggering to read a book like this for a victim like myself? Yes, but unlike Stacey I already unraveled and accepted myself and started healing everyday ever since.
The romance was thankfully not cringey and not force and not induced with smutty sex. It was build up nicely with great writing. Stacey and Ivo had chemistry and they were attracted to each other since day one and as the story progress you can’t help applaud Ivo for his restraint despite Stacey’s taunts and his immense attraction with her. He kept his words even though he was struggling he still hold on for a long time. When they actually did it, it was honestly hot.
Stacey’s rape story is not an easy one well rape is never going to be easy it’s just hers was with so many twist and turn it was heartbreaking. There were surprises that I didn’t saw coming but the fact stands that there are many Stacey Sinclair in this world that exist and their Ivo Linder comes in different shapes and sizes it can be anyone and anything that helps you heal and keeps you alive.
Why I didn’t gave it a full 5 stars? Because the ending felt rushed and when Professor Finch discovered them and Stacey got into an accident it seems an easy way out but nonetheless a stunning love story and I am looking forward for more book from this author!
August 3, 2020
The Shrink is the story of the relationship between Stacy Sinclair, a student in the final semester of her degree who is having great difficulty in dealing with past traumatic loss and issues and is in emotional turmoil, and Dr. Ivo Linder, volunteering his psychiatric services at the college and agrees to meet with Stacy so she can complete her degree. Sophia Karlson has written a wonderful forbidden romance about complex characters experiencing personal demons and an intensely emotional storyline exploring heartbreaking truths leading to a difficult but beautiful journey to healing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2020
This book delved into some serious topics with great sensitivity. Stacey is a vulnerable young woman who finds much needed support in Dr. Ivo Linder, a shrink appointed to coach her through her last term at university. He skillfully gets her to drop her brave act and open up to him about her past. In her turn, she stirs a longing in him - to break his own bad habit of working all hours to escape his own hurt. A lovely romance that brings on a wide range of emotions. Great writing and story telling for a perfect summer read.
August 28, 2020
I have to say that I loved this book. There was so much to this story that at first I was thinking one thing then I ended up rooting for Stacey and Ivo.
Stacey has had a hard life. She loses her mother to a bad car accident. She starts to do some things that her family thinks she needs to see a psychiatrist. So she agrees and goes to see Dr Ivo. Only when she sees him she is attracted to him and wants him in her bed.
Will Ivo give in and be with her or will he turn down her advances?
Stacey has had a hard life. She loses her mother to a bad car accident. She starts to do some things that her family thinks she needs to see a psychiatrist. So she agrees and goes to see Dr Ivo. Only when she sees him she is attracted to him and wants him in her bed.
Will Ivo give in and be with her or will he turn down her advances?
July 13, 2020
Outstanding, breath-taking, moving, beautiful story! This is my first book from this author and wow, I am so impressed and awed by her writing. The emotions that are evoked are potent, real and gut wrenching. This story deals with themes such as sexual abuse, suicide from multiple points of view, grief, despair, secrets, twists, hope, lust, love and life. I was captured from the first chapter and read the book in one go. Could not put it down. Ivo and Stacey will be in my heart for a while.
I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 6, 2020
A great read! While the storyline has some uncomfortable moments, it give us a real look into what it’s like to survive. The characters are wonderful and relatable. I couldn’t put it down!
July 31, 2020
Apparently, she’s a bit crazy.
Apparently, he’s the shrink who will cure her.
Apparently, they aren’t allowed to fall for each other at all…
A slow-burn forbidden romance that's heartfelt and emotional about two broken souls that have been through the wringer who have every reason not to give in to their attraction but that's just impossible.
It's well-written with a good storyline and has trigger warning stuff.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Apparently, he’s the shrink who will cure her.
Apparently, they aren’t allowed to fall for each other at all…
A slow-burn forbidden romance that's heartfelt and emotional about two broken souls that have been through the wringer who have every reason not to give in to their attraction but that's just impossible.
It's well-written with a good storyline and has trigger warning stuff.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2020
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Awesome Book
This book was definitely worth the read. I was hooked from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Awesome Book
This book was definitely worth the read. I was hooked from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down.
July 29, 2020
This is the second book in the love nest series. I really enjoyed the first book The Paris apartment, and this one follows Stacey, who is a troubled young soul seeks help from Dr. Ivo Linder a shrink, who gives her the much needed support and some one to talk to that she so desperately needs. He gets her to open up about her past as they get to know each other they become closer as Stacey makes Ivo see he shouldn't be all work and no play.
This story flowed and I really enjoyed it, the romance and the emotions it brought out in me will stay with me. I honestly can't fault these two books so far in the Love Nest series and I hope there will be more.
This story flowed and I really enjoyed it, the romance and the emotions it brought out in me will stay with me. I honestly can't fault these two books so far in the Love Nest series and I hope there will be more.
August 27, 2020
The chemistry, sweetness, and twists in plot kept things interesting.
Add in drama and passion and you have a good read.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
Add in drama and passion and you have a good read.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
July 12, 2020
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. The Shrink is a beautiful love story. Ivo and Stacey are psychiatrist/student. This dynamic could easily be wrong but the author made it beautiful
July 9, 2020
This was a very interesting premise and it was also very emotional. It was hard to like Stacey at first but once her story was revealed she became so likable and I just wanted to give her a hug. Ivo was more complex. Their relationship move a little too quickly for me and I knew it was not going to be easy, but I have to say that I was a surprised by the twist. I really enjoyed this story.
July 30, 2020
Oh my! Stacey’s story is heartbreaking. The twist to her tragedy was unexpected completely. Ivo is a blessing in disguise. She never expected that her mandatory counseling would end up with her baring her soul completely to him.
Heartbroken, confused, sad and loved are some of the emotions to describe this book. This was a new to me author and I’m so glad I read this book.
Heartbroken, confused, sad and loved are some of the emotions to describe this book. This was a new to me author and I’m so glad I read this book.
July 30, 2020
Two lives connected through circumstance and by tragic pasts.
Stacey Sinclair needed to find a way to get through the final semester of college and graduate with her Accounting degree. The only trouble is that her past haunts her and only two people know what it is that haunts her, but they don’t know everything. Stacey finally told her brother and her best friend, Mila part of what happened to her six ago and what has caused her to blow off her studies and exams. Now she has to face the consequences of said blow off by meeting with the Dean of her college to find out if she would be dismissed or if she can continue on with her studies. She’s lucky that Dean Finch is giving her one more chance, but there will be caveats to her finishing her degree and one of them is to see a counselor twice a week for the rest of the semester or until said counselor signs her off. Her goal is to get signed off as soon as possible, but she isn’t prepared for the counselor that she sees at all.
Dr. Ivo Linder has lived through his own version of tragedy and is now on the other side of the depression, substance abuse, and anger. He volunteered to help out in the counseling center on campus when an email went out looking for people to help due to a shortage of counselors. He has his spare time taken up with various volunteer project, some that he created on his own, to help others in need and in danger to themselves. He is so busy that he has no time for a personal life, and he is fine with that, until Stacey happens in his office, then his whole world gets turned upside down.
This story is rife with tragedy, psychological and emotional turmoil and great characters. With such tragic happenings and the aftermath of those tragedies, the story is written very well, and could be any number of people we meet on the street. I enjoyed the story and had my emotions pulled one direction to the next. Stacey’s story is so heart-wrenching and the way she dealt with her emotions, fear and feelings seems pretty normal with what she has gone through and what she was dealing with. She needed to share those with someone though so that she could heal and Professor Finch made her do that. I give this story and 4-star review and recommend it to readers that are looking for an emotional read, a story of two people finding their path forward after tragedy, or a story of two people who should not get involved finding their true happiness with each other.
Stacey Sinclair needed to find a way to get through the final semester of college and graduate with her Accounting degree. The only trouble is that her past haunts her and only two people know what it is that haunts her, but they don’t know everything. Stacey finally told her brother and her best friend, Mila part of what happened to her six ago and what has caused her to blow off her studies and exams. Now she has to face the consequences of said blow off by meeting with the Dean of her college to find out if she would be dismissed or if she can continue on with her studies. She’s lucky that Dean Finch is giving her one more chance, but there will be caveats to her finishing her degree and one of them is to see a counselor twice a week for the rest of the semester or until said counselor signs her off. Her goal is to get signed off as soon as possible, but she isn’t prepared for the counselor that she sees at all.
Dr. Ivo Linder has lived through his own version of tragedy and is now on the other side of the depression, substance abuse, and anger. He volunteered to help out in the counseling center on campus when an email went out looking for people to help due to a shortage of counselors. He has his spare time taken up with various volunteer project, some that he created on his own, to help others in need and in danger to themselves. He is so busy that he has no time for a personal life, and he is fine with that, until Stacey happens in his office, then his whole world gets turned upside down.
This story is rife with tragedy, psychological and emotional turmoil and great characters. With such tragic happenings and the aftermath of those tragedies, the story is written very well, and could be any number of people we meet on the street. I enjoyed the story and had my emotions pulled one direction to the next. Stacey’s story is so heart-wrenching and the way she dealt with her emotions, fear and feelings seems pretty normal with what she has gone through and what she was dealing with. She needed to share those with someone though so that she could heal and Professor Finch made her do that. I give this story and 4-star review and recommend it to readers that are looking for an emotional read, a story of two people finding their path forward after tragedy, or a story of two people who should not get involved finding their true happiness with each other.
August 1, 2020
Soul crushing emotion! A slow-build, taboo romance as the Shrink and his patient embark on a relationship that could ruin both of them. Ethics are in the forefront for both the doctor and the future accountant. Plus, both have a tortured past with so much heartbreak. I loved Stacey in the Paris Apartment and was excited to fill in the gaps of her heartbreak and devastation. It was so much more than what I expected. The emotions were high as her story unfolded in excruciating slowness when the gentle doctor pulled the pieces out of her. A horrible event with the long lasting consequences that's utterly heartbreaking! Ivo's past is sadly heartbreaking too. He is a terrific hero and such a relief with his gentle patience and control compared to all the rough alphas that are flooding the pages these days. I'm an Ivo fan! Sexy, strong and tender. This author's writing is fabulous and pulled me in from the beginning. After the previous book in this series I was looking forward to more of her lovely words and wonderful characters. I was all in until the last reveal in Stacey story. It was one step too far for me and just icky. But the last reveal in Ivo's life was a surprise. The resolution happened a little fast without the expected drama. I loved where Stacey and Ivo ended up. The Sinclair family is wonderful. The glimpses of Mila and James were wonderful as they get on with their life together. I would have liked an epilogue in the future for Stacey and Ivo. All in all this is a solid read full of heartbreak, emotion, and tragedy along with a lovely romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
July 28, 2020
*•*ARC copy was provided by netgalley.*•*
•I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.•
TRIGGER WARNINGS!
This book may have triggers for certain readers. ( suicide, rape, unhealthy coping . Ect.)
This book gave me mixed feelings.
It is written well and has a good story line.
It just didn’t captivate me like normal. I found myself taking a really really long time to finish this. It’s actually pretty surprising. As the characters are falling in love when they have every reason not to! Forbidden love! My favorite. I believe my personal problem with this book is that the Stacey and Ivo are both broken souls. It’s a very heartfelt read. I think a lot of people will absolutely love this.
Stacey...
she has been through so much. She has learned to keep all those things to herself. Developing a unhealthy coping mechanism. She is failing school and truly has no more chances.
Stacey’s last chance is by being made to go see a shrink.
The shrink aka Ivo.
He has picked up the pieces of his life. But has he actually moved past the tragedy. Definitely not. He devotes his time to helping others and in his own way that’s all that will help him. He knows he has to move on eventually but I don’t think he is strong enough until in walks Stacey. The girl that needs his help more than ever But quickly is becoming his forbiddin fruit.
Just because this isn’t my favorite of all time doesn’t mean it won’t be yours. I’m pretty positive this book will captivate a lot of you.
•I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.•
TRIGGER WARNINGS!
This book may have triggers for certain readers. ( suicide, rape, unhealthy coping . Ect.)
This book gave me mixed feelings.
It is written well and has a good story line.
It just didn’t captivate me like normal. I found myself taking a really really long time to finish this. It’s actually pretty surprising. As the characters are falling in love when they have every reason not to! Forbidden love! My favorite. I believe my personal problem with this book is that the Stacey and Ivo are both broken souls. It’s a very heartfelt read. I think a lot of people will absolutely love this.
Stacey...
she has been through so much. She has learned to keep all those things to herself. Developing a unhealthy coping mechanism. She is failing school and truly has no more chances.
Stacey’s last chance is by being made to go see a shrink.
The shrink aka Ivo.
He has picked up the pieces of his life. But has he actually moved past the tragedy. Definitely not. He devotes his time to helping others and in his own way that’s all that will help him. He knows he has to move on eventually but I don’t think he is strong enough until in walks Stacey. The girl that needs his help more than ever But quickly is becoming his forbiddin fruit.
Just because this isn’t my favorite of all time doesn’t mean it won’t be yours. I’m pretty positive this book will captivate a lot of you.
July 14, 2020
The Shrink is an absolutely riveting beautiful story dealing extremely well with some dark subjects, so many heart stopping and heart breaking moments as the story evolves.
Stacey is failing at university missing lectures and exams, she has told she must see a counsellor as it is obvious for some reason she is not coping well, otherwise there will be no option but for her to leave with no qualifications at all.
Enter Psychiatrist Ivo who volunteers as a counsellor at the university, slowly he manages to have Stacey reveal her secrets and past and what a traumatic awful past it is. Ivo too has had a great tragedy in his life and has himself needed counselling. Gradually they realise they have a great depth of feelings for each other but know any relationship is taboo.
At its heart this is a beautiful love story with two characters that you are fully invested in and only want the very best for them. The subjects are dealt with extremely well.
I can’t praise this book enough, I want to restart it and read all over again, the ending was perfect, I would of loved an epilogue just to glimpse into their future but that’s just me not wanting it to end!
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Stacey is failing at university missing lectures and exams, she has told she must see a counsellor as it is obvious for some reason she is not coping well, otherwise there will be no option but for her to leave with no qualifications at all.
Enter Psychiatrist Ivo who volunteers as a counsellor at the university, slowly he manages to have Stacey reveal her secrets and past and what a traumatic awful past it is. Ivo too has had a great tragedy in his life and has himself needed counselling. Gradually they realise they have a great depth of feelings for each other but know any relationship is taboo.
At its heart this is a beautiful love story with two characters that you are fully invested in and only want the very best for them. The subjects are dealt with extremely well.
I can’t praise this book enough, I want to restart it and read all over again, the ending was perfect, I would of loved an epilogue just to glimpse into their future but that’s just me not wanting it to end!
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
July 30, 2020
My very first adventure reading a book by Author Sophia Karlson has been nothing but amazing!
I am rarely surprised, and taken a back when reading, but, this book really caught on, held my attention, and delivered a realistic and well researched story.
Our main character Stacey is struggling with a whole lot, and she finds the help she needs through a psychiatrist named Dr. Ivo Linder. Stacey's past is riddled with trauma, and Ivo is determined to see her through her final term in college. After their continued time together, feelings develop, and this somewhat of a slow burn between Ivo & Stacey is angsty and addicting.
This story is a raw and realistic look into overcoming trauma, and no longer hiding from it, and putting on an act. &Once the rough spots are revealed to the fresh air, they finally are able to begin their much needed healing process. &You will see this happen with Stacey on her journey with Ivo to heal from her past, and find success in her future.
If you are a lover of forbidden romance, and love angst, realistic and heartwrenching moments, and watching character's heal and grow throughout a story, then I cannot recommend this book to you more! I definitely would head to Amazon and snatch this up right away. I highly doubt you will be disappointed!
I am rarely surprised, and taken a back when reading, but, this book really caught on, held my attention, and delivered a realistic and well researched story.
Our main character Stacey is struggling with a whole lot, and she finds the help she needs through a psychiatrist named Dr. Ivo Linder. Stacey's past is riddled with trauma, and Ivo is determined to see her through her final term in college. After their continued time together, feelings develop, and this somewhat of a slow burn between Ivo & Stacey is angsty and addicting.
This story is a raw and realistic look into overcoming trauma, and no longer hiding from it, and putting on an act. &Once the rough spots are revealed to the fresh air, they finally are able to begin their much needed healing process. &You will see this happen with Stacey on her journey with Ivo to heal from her past, and find success in her future.
If you are a lover of forbidden romance, and love angst, realistic and heartwrenching moments, and watching character's heal and grow throughout a story, then I cannot recommend this book to you more! I definitely would head to Amazon and snatch this up right away. I highly doubt you will be disappointed!
September 1, 2020
BEFORE:
I got this book from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. I don't know what I was thinking requesting this book from Netgally! I hate uneven power dynamics in romance. This book is about a client/therapist relationship...
Some other ARC readers thought this was a lovely book, so I am trying... I'm going to read the whole thing and promise to not be too judgy.
AFTER:
I did it! I read the whollllle thing. I never got over the client/therapist thing. I could NOT like this one. But the book did put up a fight.
That being said, it was not as cringy as I expected. The author did a lot of work to try and shift the dynamics of a much older therapist having a relationship with his highly traumatized younger client. A healthy suspension of disbelief is required.
The plot was a bit messy, with things constantly popping up as crazy new surprises, but I won't give any away. They were a little tiring for me.
I want to end on a positive note, so I'll say that Ivo Jenner is a very cool name! I just wish he'd been in her counseling group or the client right after her appointment or the secretary for the therapist... Literally anyone else!
#TheShrink #NetGalley
I got this book from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. I don't know what I was thinking requesting this book from Netgally! I hate uneven power dynamics in romance. This book is about a client/therapist relationship...
Some other ARC readers thought this was a lovely book, so I am trying... I'm going to read the whole thing and promise to not be too judgy.
AFTER:
I did it! I read the whollllle thing. I never got over the client/therapist thing. I could NOT like this one. But the book did put up a fight.
That being said, it was not as cringy as I expected. The author did a lot of work to try and shift the dynamics of a much older therapist having a relationship with his highly traumatized younger client. A healthy suspension of disbelief is required.
The plot was a bit messy, with things constantly popping up as crazy new surprises, but I won't give any away. They were a little tiring for me.
I want to end on a positive note, so I'll say that Ivo Jenner is a very cool name! I just wish he'd been in her counseling group or the client right after her appointment or the secretary for the therapist... Literally anyone else!
#TheShrink #NetGalley
July 27, 2020
📖ARC REVIEW📖
The Shrink by Sophia Karlson
(Trigger warnings)
This book litterally took my breath away. This story is about two broken souls finding each other amongst their own personal pain and suffering.
Deep topics were discussed throughout the story in such a sensitive way that I have to give credit to the author. Both characters are deeply scarred by past events, but you find yourself so deeply taken with each of their stories. Praying that they both get their happy ending.
The story completely pulled me in and I didn't see the plot twists coming at all! All in all the story was a deeply compelling read that had such a feel good factor by the ending. Ivo and Stacey are destined to be each others life line.
Like I mentioned earlier, this book does touch on some deep subjects, and although is written very sesitively please be aware of the triggers. The emotions that this book pulls out from you are awe inspiring, I don't think I have ever felt so deeply for characters before. You really are taken on an emotion journey alongside Ivo and Stacey.
The Shrink by Sophia Karlson
(Trigger warnings)
This book litterally took my breath away. This story is about two broken souls finding each other amongst their own personal pain and suffering.
Deep topics were discussed throughout the story in such a sensitive way that I have to give credit to the author. Both characters are deeply scarred by past events, but you find yourself so deeply taken with each of their stories. Praying that they both get their happy ending.
The story completely pulled me in and I didn't see the plot twists coming at all! All in all the story was a deeply compelling read that had such a feel good factor by the ending. Ivo and Stacey are destined to be each others life line.
Like I mentioned earlier, this book does touch on some deep subjects, and although is written very sesitively please be aware of the triggers. The emotions that this book pulls out from you are awe inspiring, I don't think I have ever felt so deeply for characters before. You really are taken on an emotion journey alongside Ivo and Stacey.
July 29, 2020
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Stacey Sinclair has experienced a great deal of trauma in her life. This leads her to engage in self-destructive behaviors, including failing her college courses. The department chair gives Stacey one more chance to turn things around. She must keep up with her classes and agree to see a counselor at the Student Wellness Center. Stacey is assigned to Dr. Ivo Linder, a psychologist, who is working through his own traumatic past.
This was my first Sophia Karlson book and now I’m a huge fan. There is a bit of a taboo subject here—a psychiatrist having a relationship with a patient. However, Karlson handles it in a really good way. Ivo does skate along an ethical line but he works really hard to help Stacey and maintain professionalism.
Karlson gives us two deeply flawed and inherently likable characters. You can’t help but root for them to heal each other.
One of my favorite books so far in 2020.
Stacey Sinclair has experienced a great deal of trauma in her life. This leads her to engage in self-destructive behaviors, including failing her college courses. The department chair gives Stacey one more chance to turn things around. She must keep up with her classes and agree to see a counselor at the Student Wellness Center. Stacey is assigned to Dr. Ivo Linder, a psychologist, who is working through his own traumatic past.
This was my first Sophia Karlson book and now I’m a huge fan. There is a bit of a taboo subject here—a psychiatrist having a relationship with a patient. However, Karlson handles it in a really good way. Ivo does skate along an ethical line but he works really hard to help Stacey and maintain professionalism.
Karlson gives us two deeply flawed and inherently likable characters. You can’t help but root for them to heal each other.
One of my favorite books so far in 2020.
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