Watch Her Break

The 'Watch Her' Series #4

by Emily Klepp

I was just an innocent girl back then, but I should have known better than to trust strangers on the internet. No one knows the secrets I keep locked away. My family and friends are clueless about how far I've fallen. They mean well, but none of them understand the situation I've gotten myself into. I built my entire world around the dream of a life with a man I'd never met. Once I did, I realized I was living in a nightmare, and he was the monster.

Sterling was always the annoying friend who hung around with my older brother. His incessant teasing brings out the worst of my attitude. I can’t stand to be around him but it’s only because he’s off-limits. Or so I thought. Why would he want someone like me anyway? Sterling deserves so much more than mediocre. After all that I’ve been through with the devil himself, am I too broken to be loved?

When push comes to shove, Sterling Cooper is the only man who can fix these broken pieces.

This is a DARK romance with HEAVY triggers. Reader's discretion is highly advised. Please visit my website for a full list of triggers and tropes.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2024

About the author

Visit my Linktree here -> https://linktr.ee/emilykleppnovels

Emily Klepp is a Western North Carolina native residing in eastern Tennessee with her loving husband and two beautiful children. She has been writing since she was fourteen years old as a way to cope with her anxiety. She hopes to help others be able to speak their truth by writing about topics that are considered too taboo for societal norms.

Reviews

[✨✨ Claire✨✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the the first of Emily Klepps books that I've read, and it's left me wanting to read more.

I jot normally one to reach for a professor type story but this one is broken up with a "older brothers best friend" trope that it makes it easier to read.

Emily's books are most definitely among those that when they say "please read the TW".... READ THEM. So you're not coming back to complain later...

Grace is our FMC who has been so strong to deal with a professor for so long, but finally reaches breaking point and calls her brother to gone and get her whole he's teaching. He brings his best friend Sterling to help and Grace immediately starts to panic, fearing for his life....

Naturally, our girl can't escape smoothly and professor turns up whole they're packing up the car. And sterling begins to stand up to him not realising the danger.... But at this point, they don't realise the nightmare grace has been living.

At a motel she confesses and reveals not only the bruises covering her body, but breaks down in tears, finally feeling able to lean on someone.

Its a harsh storyline to realise that what grace went thru is a very real probability which is a scary thought. What makes it a little happier for her is the progression of her and sterling's relationship. The complete opposite of everything she has been thru in just a short amount of time.

This is book four in the series but it's the first one I read but it didn't affect my enjoyment in anyway. I will however, try to read the other 3 books before I carry on!
Nice to find a new author who writes great story lines as well adding in the right amount of spice!!! 😉

[Sakura Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless

This book was all and more! an absolute 5* for me, no questions asked. The whole story was full of plot but also smut, it tied up all the loose strings and it has given an anticipation for the next book as well.

Emily really pulls the reader in with her words, trauma responses and resolves. Her characters grow and become fierce survivors in a way that cannot be overlooked.

[Erin Stapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch her break is book four in the interconnected "Watch her" Series. This follows the story of Sterling and Grace. Grace a strong FMC but doesn't know her strength until shown by her brother Landon and Sterling. This book follows Grace on her journey as she breaks into pieces and as she is putting herself together again after a long-term grooming and forced relationship with a professor who was significantly older than her. The book gives you reprieve from the darkness with the banter between Sterling and Grace. While her books deal with heavy topics one can sit and read the book in its entirety and come away with so many feelings. Happiness, sadness, fear, and sometimes depending on the reader it will put them in touch with their own personal trauma's but giving them hope at the same time that one can recover. Sterling and Landon won't give up on Grace. Grace won't let go of Sterling and she isn't willing to let the past fully define her despite what her trauma response is. Absolutely amazing, but as always read your trigger warnings prior to reading.

[Holly Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

So here's the thing: never, and I mean never in a million years did I think I would love on page trauma healing romance books. Then I read Emily Klepps' work, and I've never looked back, and this read definitely didn't disappoint.

Sterling might be one of my favorite MMC of Emily's to date (and that's something cause I always thought I'd be Dax till the end), but Sterling, he's got it all...the bad boy, older guy, don't make me mad, and just everything you could ever want. He doesn't judge Grace or shelter her he lets her live, crave, and be who she wants to be. He's the type to help you forget and overcome all your trauma, not make you live with it.

Then you have Grace, and I want to scream from the rooftops. I love this FMC she is fierce. When she faces her trauma, it isn't with fear it's with life, and it's beautiful. Added bonus she's every bit a brat, and I'm so here for that!

"I am determined to find every little broken piece and put them back where they belong."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5

🖤Age Gap
🩵Dom/sub
🖤Safewords
🩵Breeding Kink
🖤Brothers Best Friend
🩵Touch her and ☠️
🖤Forced Proximity
🩵Brat FMC
🖤Breath Play
🩵Boss/employee
🖤Praise

As always, my dear book friends, check your triggers as this is a trauma healing romance, and there is on page trauma.

[andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Emily’s writing that I haven’t said before….this woman and her team are amazing!!! This book had so many twists in it. I ABSOLUTELY love Sterling in this book!!! He is everything that a woman would want if she could write her own “dream” man…. The way he is with Grace is amazing. In the end of the book he treated Grace like a princess that he didn’t mind having to do things for and says to her “Some men are content making their wives the default parent but I’m not. We are partners so we share the responsibilities. You grew them then had them cut out of your body, so now it’s my turn to take over while you rest and heal,” and that statement made my heart melt!!! I love how in her books there is always a HEA.

[Chaotic Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch Her Break is book 4 of the interconnected standalone “Watch Her” series and is based on the story of Sterling and Grace.

As always with Emily’s books check the TW scenes and topics in this book are not for everyone.

I love the watch her series and Break just made me love it more!
I’m not sure what it is about Grace’s story but it hit deeper this time.

This book takes you on a turmoil of emotions Grace is a strong FMC and reading what she had/has to endure just breaks away pieces of your heart, slowing mending it with the love, strength and support she receives from Sterling and the others around her.

Another great story from Emily and I look forward to reading more of the Watch her series
I also dub Landon my book “big brother”

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! It is book four of Klepp's "Watch Her" series, but does not have to be read along with them, can be a stand alone.
This one goes into assault, kidnapping, PSTD, and mostly everything that comes along with being a victim of sexual assault.
Klepp does a wonderful job with her storyline. You can definitely tell she's done her research on the subjects. Her characters are well built and relatable.

I will be recommending this one, along with the other four in the series for sure!

[Kimberly Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an amazing story of strength and survival! Grace didn’t see the pitfalls of her “grooming” but it turned into mental, physical, and sexual abuse. It made me honestly reflect on what would be my “I’m done” moment…what would make me fight back and want to live for myself? There are so many learning lessons and triggers but for myself it shows the strength of a woman who knows her own worth, she can survive anything! Let love heal you and those who love you help you. Please check your trigger warnings but if you don’t have any, I highly recommend!

[Bekki's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the series dives in child grooming and the forced relationship between a college student and a professor. The detailed and graphic writing puts you directly into the trauma. Three more amazing characters have joined the already strong characters of the series. Grace, Sterling, and Landon are strong, loving, and loyal.

[Christina white · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the watch her books, Watch Her break is another beautiful story about over coming trauma and finding true love and healing. Grace has been hiding her real life from her family for many years, until she couldn’t anymore. When her brother and his best friend come to her rescue it was time to tell Sterling her feelings.

[Rid · Rating 4 out of 5]

For less than 150 pages this book was really intense!! It’s a great story of seeing how Grace goes from realizing she needs to get out of a toxic relationship to realizing that she wasn’t in a relationship. She was a hostage. She finds her strength through her brother and her brother’s best friend. By the end she’s able to get justice and find her happily ever after.

[Kim Napier · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am determined to find every little broken piece and put them back where they belong."

This is book 4 in the Watch Her series and its Grace & Sterling's story.
Absolutely read the trigger warnings and take them seriously!!
This book is emotional and inspiring for SA victims!

[LJ Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I infact did not slow down.

This one right here. I knew going into these books somehow or another would come to the one that hit deep into my soul. Everything, absolutely everything about this book was inspiring and grounding. Watch her break has so far been my favorite of the series. The twist in this story wowwww. Grace knew her escape and had everything planned out to a T. She just had to wait for the right time. She knew exactly how she would finally get rid of the monster that followed her around. You can tell by my short review that this one left me speechless.

XxX- Laura

[Dahlena Sampson PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

You NEED this book!

This part of the Watch Her series was so beautifully written. Understanding first-hand what Gracie went through for a large portion of her life and how she too came out thriving did my heart good and had tears of joy and celebration. Landon and Sterling were everything she needed and their whole family and the characters just keep developing wonderfully. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Catherine Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have said it before and I will say it again Emily does a great job when it comes to telling stories about topics that are hard for people to talk about. Grace was groomed from a young age by a much older man and was manipulated/abused by him for years. Too afraid to say anything to friends or family she kept everything hidden and was good at lying to them and keeping this secret. Having to abort her baby due to her abuser was the final straw she needed to call her brother and go home to her family where she learned to heal and find herself. When she leaves Landon her brother and Sterling his best friend are there to help and they find out just how bad things where for her. Sterling has always kept his distance when it came to Grace because of his friend and that he was also older than her. Little did they both know that both couldn't stay away for each other and fell for each other.

Together he pushes her to her limits and shows her the right way to loves someone and how to make them feel good which helps her heal in her own way. She loves him fiercely and brings pure happiness and bliss to his life. Of course they are moving fast but they have known each other forever and it was no big surprise that they ended up together. The secretly get married when they find out she is pregnant and the night they were going to tell everyone she is kidnapped by her abuser and in less than 24 hours Sterling and her family save her and bring her home safe and sound for good. The balance of spice, growth, healing and showing how some heal their trauma was beautiful. She does an amazing job at giving a voice to those of the survivors of abuse.

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this is the type of story that will test anyone's sense of emotional resiliency, it is gutsy in a way that I never thought I would ever read a story of this genre or with the triggers that crop up and thoroughly enjoy. A little like the saying "what doesn't break you, makes you stronger".
As the fourth book in the 'Watch Her' series it is story you could successfully read without the prior instalments but each previous book plays a significant part upon each other giving the reader a bigger picture and sense of connection through characters and scenarios.
Just like the Author's previous works in this series you will see there is the same need for care to be taken to be a responsible reader for your own sake. Certainly if you venture down into this dark, triggering romance expect the understanding that your emotional state will be challenged in so many ways. But I think the thing that is most concerning is the sense of truth that this type of 'grooming' scenario does occur in todays society. For me the experience of reading this story and the others in the series left me understanding how people have this incredible sense of inner strength and resiliency but success to heal is also dependent upon the love and support of others.
Again another collection of great characters to tell an emotional story but on the bigger scale I love the whole sense of connection within the collective of characters over the four books.

[Tishana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily will have you on the most angst, emotional rollercoaster you will ever experience in your life. Her writing is one of the main reasons I love reading books by her. She brings real-life, trigger warning-induced problems and writes them in a way that will not only break your heart but give her FMCs/MMCs profound strength and rejuvenation to overcome the trauma that they have endured.

Gracie and her background history/trauma reminded me a lot of myself. I was once a young, dumb teen who didn't realize how dangerous the internet can be. I really appreciated the way that Emily wrote her trauma & showed how she could get out of those "brainwashed/trauma bond" feelings if she shared with her family all that she had experienced in the last decade. Sterling was a 10/10 MMC for me. He didn't judge her, loved her through her trauma and really loved her. He helped her to find her strength, become a more happier person and treated her with such love and respect. Landon was an AMAZING brother. Never stopping to help his sister & find her too. Protecting and loving her through everything. The side characters were great and so supportive. The storyline, angst and emotions made this a 5 star read for me. The spice was good, but just the storyline made this book something special (and that says a lot when I'm all about the spice)! I love Emily's books and can't wait to see how she breaks my heart & puts it back together next.

[Yaasmiyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story

Tropes:
Brother’s Best Friend
Age Gap (8 years)
Forced Proximity
Boss/Employee
Possessive MMC
Touch Her and Die
Etc.

Grace & Sterling's story is such a true enemies-ish to lovers / brother's best friend with a traumatic twist in it. Grace is a young woman that is leaving her abusive boyfriend that is older than her and manipulative. She calls her older brother, Landon, to come get her because she knows that he will be there for her immediately. When he does show up, he has Sterling, his best friend, with him, They instantly cart Grace away and get her to safety away from her abusive ex-boyfriend. Though her and Sterling argue a lot, they realize quickly that they have feelings for each other.

What I liked about this story was the honest communication between Sterling and Grace. They knew immediately that they wanted to be together, and weren't playing any games. The only hesitation between them was that he was her big brother's best friend and older than her. But they work through that weird dynamic within the families.

As always, check your triggers before reading this story. Emily Klepp is very clear, and correct when she states that mental health it important. If you decide to read it and come across something that does triggers you, please stop, or if you are okay with it, skip past that part.

[Between The Covers · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖Watch Her Break by Emily Klepp📖


Book 5 ⭐️ 

Spice 5 ⭐️ 


Please be sure to read the TWs of this book. They're there and very real. Emily has made it abundantly clear how important mental health is. So please take heed to her warning about the TWs. It's so YOU the reader doesn't struggle. Your mental health matters.


Now onto this wonderfully written book. This is book 4 of the “Watch Her” series and Emily has once again succeeded in writing another amazing book. I felt this one deep down. It got me. Like really got me. I cried.


Grace is so lucky to have such an amazing older brother like Landon. He's loving, caring and a huge support system to her. 


Now Sterling and Grace together? *sigh* such perfect chemistry, spice, love, devotion, support, the whole nine. You will fall for these characters just as you did the others. 


If you haven't read the books before this one please do so as it all plays into the book in a way, but please note that this is a very deep and dark book with heavy triggers, but also has amazing healing. It will grip you and pull you under and hold you there tightly just like the three books before it so please heed my warning on the TWs. They are very real, dark, heavy, and deep.

[Ali Alley EscapeThroughABook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. The ending on this one made me happy!

This Dark Romance is Book 4 in the Watch Her Series. This book can be read as a standalone, but is much more enjoyable being read in succession with the other books. This book is a dark romance, make sure to check those trigger warnings.
The romance in this book is a fast burn, with history between the two MCs.
The book is very spicy, and full of descriptive scenes. Not all scenes depicted are going to be between the MCs, and instead in a traumatic situation.
The book moves at a very quick pace as the FMC is running from a dangerous relationship. She will find romance along her journey to stay safe, and move on with her life.
The characters are written nicely. They compliment the story, adding layers of emotion to an already emotional story.
The world building is done in the same contemporary world as the previous books. Even bringing known characters into this story. Making the world more complex with each book.

[Rebecca Georgiev · Rating 5 out of 5]

6⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Please be sure to Read the TRIGGER WARNINGS of this book. They're there and very real. Emily has made it abundantly clear how important Mental Health is. So please For the Love of God, Check Your Trigger Warnings and Topics as this book is Not for everyone! Again Your Mental Health Matters!!

Watch Her Break is book 4 of the Interconnected standalone “Watch Her” series and is based on the story of Sterling and Grace.

The book is a fast-paced Dark Romance, a fast burn emotional rollercoaster ride filled with so much pain and suffering but at the same time, so much bravery. It's also heartbreaking, makes you want to curl up into a fetal position and sob your heart out. This book was Beautifully Written and Emily did an Awesome job with her storyline and characters.

Brothers Best Friend✔️
Age Gap✔️
Dom/ Sub✔️
Dual POV's✔️
Safe Words✔️
Breeding Kink✔️
Boss/ Employee✔️
Touch Her and ☠️✔️
Forced Proximity✔️
Brat FMC✔️
Breath Play✔️
Praise✔️

⚠️⚠️As Always Please Check Your Trigger Warnings⚠️⚠️

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book 4 in the Watch Her series. The series are all stand alones, but characters do crossover.

Grace is such a strong and motivated woman. She was determined to make sure no one knew the struggles she was facing and for how long.

Stirling, he’s confident, dominant, loyal, and emotionally intelligent. He has watched Grace grow up as he is her older brother Landon’s best friend.

Oh, they love to nettle one another. Their banter is top tier and they can keep the sarcasm volley going indefinitely. They are so funny together when they team up to tease Landon.

The love and respect they have for each other is so deep and layered as they are practically family. They have seen each other grow up and develop into their own unique person. Everyone believed they would end up together, everyone could see what Grace and Stirling couldn’t. They have a rock solid relationship foundation that they can easily build upon and grow.

[Nasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

After this book, u want to have a Sterling and Landon in your life. Grace, the pure soul, she is been though a lot and after she cant take it and want to escape her abuser, she calls her brother.

And everything starts with this call...

I enjoyed the story and liked Grace character, she was so strong and Sterling was her strength and support. They had always this chemistry and banter. Landon, i really wondered if this kind of big brother really exist. He is loving, caring and her biggest supporter.

Another great read from Emily. This is her 4th book of the "Watch her" series. Sterling and Grace story can be read as stand-alone but i always recommended to read the first books too cuz the characters are interconnected.

Please check always the TW before starting with the reading cuz Emily's topics and scenes in her books is not for everyone.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much. It has the spice and the drama! The thing I love the most is how the characters from the other books are not just mentioned but their stories are also built upon within the other stories. Nothing I hate more than a "group" series where each book is about a group member but the past relationships do not come back into play in the other stories. Like they fell off the face of the earth. This series is short and to the point with spice almost immediately. Mind your triggers on this one! Sexual assault, child pornography, physical assault, kidnapping, grooming, and mentions of sexual acts with a minor. There is probably more so definitely check out the authors trigger page. She is always amazing at listing them. Your mental health matters, even if you do love smut 😜.

[Jeanne Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please understand the importance of trigger warnings for this novel!!
5 🌟/ 5🌟❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This novel is super brutal but I LOVED it. Sterling and Grace’s relationship is absolutely perfect. He is the ideal man 😩
The spice between Sterling and Grace is perfect, it’s got you gasping and wishing you had a man like that!!,

This novel is also heartbreaking and tears your soullll. I cried, multiple times. It was worth it.
I hate that I relate to this so much but honestly it’s refreshing to read someone go through so much and still come out an amazing person with a great life. It reminds me that even if you’ve gone through hell and back, there’s a light at the end. Thank you to the author for that, it’s an amazing feeling.

[Elizabeth Alder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really it’s more 4.5 stars….I am falling in love with this author’s writing style. I like how no matter how dark the subject matter is, it isn’t hard to read. You can get through it but also feel the emotion, pain and suffering the characters went through. This book is filled with so much pain but so much bravery at the same time. It’s so good, I couldn’t put it down!

That’s being said, I would love to give this 5 stars! The only thing holding me back is needing more background on the FMC and MMC’s relationship prior to the book events. I felt like we just jumped right in without very much relationship building, there were moments but I would love even a prologue with like one childhood memory or something like that.

[Jamie Lea (JmeLea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars is not enough to rate any of Emily Klepp’s books! She has done it again!!

Watch Her Break is #4 in the Watch Her series! I cannot wait to read the rest of them. This one is an emotional rollercoaster. I was hooked from the very beginning. Grace goes through hell, she was taken advantage of and groomed for so long. I was inspired by her strength. Landon is an amazing big brother and I love their relationship. Sterling and Grace had the best banter and chemistry.

All of Emily Klepp’s stories are layered with REAL topics no matter how hard they are there is always a lesson and greater purpose. I have felt motivation and personal healing from each of her books that I have read. She is an auto buy author for me! I will read anything she writes!

[Carley Misener · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

5/5⭐️, 3/5🌶️

-Forced Proximity
-Boss/Employee
-Age Gap
-Touch Her and 💀
-Dual POV
-Pregnancy

First I wanna start off by saying there are some heavy themes in this book and I recommend reading the TW’s first.

Now let me just say every one of the first 3 books in this standalone series I have loved. And it didn’t stop with this one. It was such an amazing read. So good I couldn’t put it down. Sterling and Grace have such a special connection. She is such a strong woman capable of anything and I admire that. Sterling was there to love and cherish her and he did exactly that. The twists were twisting and I was definitely sobbing by the end. I highly highly recommend Watch Her Break❤️

[Natalie (Novels__&__Needles) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC in return for my honest review.

💀 Brother’s best friend
💀 Age gap
💀 Forced proximity
💀 Boss x Employee
💀 A shopping list of triggers
💀 All of the kinks

And we’re back for Sterling’s story, I knew I was going to like this one and although I know Emily’s books are often short I really wanted this one to be so much longer than it was as I loved the journey for him and Grace, they were perfect together.

As always this is extremely trigger heavy and pretty dark so please check warnings if that is something you may have an issue with. Emily’s ability to convey these subjects through her characters though is next level, so if you do go ahead and read you will not be disappointed.

[Max Anderson-Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:Watch Her Break-Emily Klepp
5⭐️3.5🌶️
⚠️Please check your triggers. You and your mental health matter! 🫶

Emily Klepp's writing in ‘Watch Her Break’ is simply stellar. With raw emotional depth and a fearless approach to tackling complex themes, she crafts a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Her ability to delve into sensitive subjects with grace and authenticity is truly commendable, drawing readers into richly developed world where Grace and Sterling grapple with these profound challenges. Her storytelling prowess keeps readers engaged, evoking a range of emotions with every turn of the page. Klepp's talent shines brightly, making her a standout author in the literary world. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!