Plenty of people make jokes about what they would do if a serial killer made them their target, but how many of them would beg for their lives if faced with the inevitability of death? How many would be triggered into a trauma response out of basic instinct? None of them understand true pain until all their tears have dried up and the numbness takes over. Nothing is more painful than the feeling of nothing at all. No one but the man in the shadows knows what little regard I hold for my life.
Dark humor is alright, but what if it was dark desire? What if you had the chance to have the time of your life before it was finally taken from you; someone is finally making the decision you were too indifferent to make? Would you lock your windows and doors to keep out the evil, or would you open them wide and welcome it in for tea?
The devil can’t hurt me if all I’ve known is pain. When he finally comes out to play with me, I eagerly await my demise, until it’s only our beginning.
This is a splatterpunk dark romance crossover novel with MANY sensitive topics. Readers discretion is HIGHLY advised. For a full list of content warnings and tropes, visit edknovels .com
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.
Honestly wasn’t going to review this book until after it been released but the way the author act with reviews absolutely disgusts me, this isn’t the place to talk about the author as it’s about “book reviews” but I’m just letting people know my review of the book is first, what my issue about the author is after
my review on the book -
meh DNF 40-50% the book was flat, very simple writing also it lack emotions the same things kept getting repeated over and over
chapters were also way too long- (chapter 3 was 30mins long ) which to me is a dealbreaker as i don’t want to read long chapters, which isn’t the reason why my review is low, chapters were just repetitive, nothing new or interesting happened to build the plot or storyline
I wouldn’t label this book as splatterpunk at all, dark romance, yes which to me is what the book genre is and not at all splatterpunk
I was bored reading the repeated “i want to kill myself” over and over- maybe the gore was after the 50% mark but honestly didn’t care to find out
ps: I love splatterpunk and extreme dark book and this wasn’t it, it was very tame
can’t really get in depth about the characters as I didn’t finish the book but what i read both mcs bored me, no personality/ emotions from either of them, flat characters
That was a arc read and after that way the author talks about her readers I wouldn’t read another for them
1) if you don’t give her a 4-5 ⭐️ rate your review isn’t good enough for her, she will also screenshot your review in her private Facebook group and talk shit about why your review is “dumb” and “uneducated” 🙄🤣
2) in my opinion A author shouldn’t be on here and definitely not responding to reviews that she doesn’t like and then getting her “fanbase” to bully others ect Places like this is for people like me to express myself and talk about a book NOT for authors to be offended and talk crap in her little group about you, READ the reviews that your arc team send you by email and not the ones that have nothing to do with feedback
3) The author to me isn’t professional she shouldn’t be in this line of work if she get offended too easily- I get it you worked hard on these books and don’t agree because it’s your work but remember we all don’t like the same things:)
I’m not bullying the author just putting my view across about them
This was so tough and emotionally draining to read but I loved it. Its unlije anything I've read before but I do t think I would handle reading a lot of this kind. So heavy on rape, abuse, trauma and healing as well as tough and intense trauma handling. But it was very good.
While I believe the story had a lot of potential, it ultimately fell short. I loved the idea of a victimized woman gaining power and seeking vengeance on those who harmed her, but for being labeled as a splatterpunk these scenes were quite tame. The characters relationships with one another seemed very forced and not organic at all. The writing was very one dimensional and flat and did not provoke any emotional response, even the horrific scenes left me feeling nothing. The book had promise, the execution just wasn’t for me.
The triggers for this book are not to be taken lightly! This book is super dark, super intense, but if you can handle it, it's amazing. It sucked me in right away and I could not stop reading. Its a short-ish book, a bit over 200 pages, and I can honestly say this is probably the darkest thing I have read yet and I absolutely loved it!
•I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review•
First off, woah. What a wild ride. I read this in a day. It’s about 230 pages, so a nice little short-ish read. However, I wouldn’t put it as a “nice little” book. It’s one of the darkest books I’ve read to date. That being said, I really enjoyed this story. Lila goes through so many horrible HORRIBLE things. Things nobody should ever go through , but she comes out on top. It DOES have a HEA but it takes a while to get there. Secondly, READ. THE. TRIGGER. WARNINGS. I’m not kidding. The author has TW listed on her website and I tell you, it’s a LENGTHY list. Do not go into this book blind without reading the TW. Seriously. I consider myself a seasoned dark romance reader but This book had triggers in it I wasn’t even aware of until this reading this story. The TW list had me very cautious as first, and while a LOT of things made me uncomfortable, I paused, and pushed through. I’m so glad I did because it was all worth it to see Lila get her revenge. This story, to me, is about surviving and finding yourself underneath all the crappy things that tried to bury you. I adored this book. I would NOT recommend this to someone just starting out with dark romance but would definitely recommend it to seasoned dark romance readers.
I liked the story and splatter aspects but this was so corny and soppy. I would not say I'm in love with someone and tell them I want their babies after 2 weeks 😂 all the long speeches about feelings made me feel like sad anime music should be in the background and I rolled my eyes a few times. I almost DNF but luckily it got better at the revenge part, even if the ending was every rom com ending
Spice? 5/5 gore? 5/5 This book was so beautifully written! The detail in the book had my mouth drop so many times! It started off STRONG & INTENSE. From traumatic, triggering & gut wrenching to dark, beautiful & healing! This book definitely has a special place on my book shelf! The way the ending had me like WHAT IN THE HELL… I absolutely loved Nash & Butterfly 🖤
First off, I want to say that just because I didn’t like Play With Me, it won’t be a favorite for another reader. I absolutely hate to give books a low rating. I don’t put the reviews on insta when I do, but I still render the rating visible on goodreads and amazon, because not all books are for everyone and some could relate.
Truthfully, I struggled with the book. It was repetitive and I didn’t really care for the story, even if I wanted to. Lila went through a lot, yet the characters felt non genuine. Their actions were questionable. I loved the gore aspects of Play With Me, I loved the vengeance path Lila embarked on. The themes aren’t the issue here, I read a multitude of dark books, I just wasn’t sold on the execution at all.
I haven’t read any other books by this author, I’m still open to try though. We’ll see in the future.
I want to start off by saying that I was very much looking forward to reading this book.
If you can get past the first chapter you should have no problem getting through the rest of this book. As rough as the beginning was it didn’t make me want to DNF yet at multiple points later on I was tempted to purely because of the writing style.
This is the perfect fast paced dark romance with a twist of revenge! My heart broke for Lila from the start of the book, but seeing her transform and grow into a stronger person despite that trauma was beautiful. And I'm always down for anything revenge based on jerks who harm others. I loved the spicy scenes we get in this book and seeing her own her choices and control as part of her healing journey. Low key was absolutely loving the fact that Allison and Daniel are so comfortable being around Lila and Nash and even helping to join in on their plans. This was such a quick, dark, and depraved read but I couldn't get enough.
It is set to release on May 17th, but definitely check the TW first because your mental health matters!
Thank you so much to Emily Kelp for the chance to read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Plenty of people make jokes about what they would do if a serial killer made them their target, but how many of them would beg for their lives if faced with the inevitability of death? How many would be triggered into a trauma response out of basic instinct? None of them understand true pain until all their tears have dried up and the numbness takes over. Nothing is more painful than the feeling of nothing at all. No one but the man in the shadows knows what little regard I hold for my life.
My very first dive into Splatterpunk Dark Romance, and I enjoyed it. It was dark, it was intense, it was about survival and vengeance. It was good to see Lila overcome her past through the support she found in Nash, and despite it being a non typical way of healing, they heal each other.
“Sometimes the abuse you endure becomes all you know, and you find solace in normalcy”
This is heavy on the triggers. Don't go into this blind.
Alright listen. I was scared when I saw the word "splatterpunk" because let's be real. That sh*t can be beyond brutal to a point I wasn't even sure *I* could handle it. I am so, so glad that I didn't let that deter me and read it. I did not once sit this book down. I'm pretty sure my jaw couldn't drop any further, or my eyes get any wider. I'm pretty positive i read this book in personal record timing. Finishing it has me feeling empty in the best ways and I don't think anything else I could read will come close. Is it too much to ask for a part 2?
so lost for words 😮💨👏🏼 this book was DARK right from chapter 1 and i loved every bit of it 🤭 i love a good dark romance that will leave you giggly and smily 🥹❤️🩹 Nash is just… 🫦
Splatterpunk - literary genre characterised by graphically described scenes of an extremely gory nature. • * MUST READ ALL (HEAVY AF) TRIGGER WARNINGS FIRST *
Ms Emily Klepp is a dark, depraved, messed up, taboo author that I absolutely ADORE! While her books are filled with the darkest stuff you might ever read, she always has the absolute best justice served to all the baddies that you always want but never get.
This book, if you take away all the dark, is a drama free, meant to be, soul mate, romance between two people with tragic pasts.
I absolutely LOVED this book. But it sure af not for everyone! • "We will get revenge for what they did. We will heal together."
I got this book as an arc reader for my honest review. Overall it was a good book, it has the spice and gore, which I did enjoy. I felt like it was both rushed and slow depending on the chapter. I would definitely recommend it to others but check the trigger warnings as this may not be for everyone.
I normally go on raw with Emily's book but I really should of checked my tws with this book I cried so much in this book it's dark yet sexy I came out of it not knowing if I should be crying or being railed
I have had a few of Emily’s books on my tbr for a while, read one then ARC reads took precedence. Well, I jumped back on Emily’s trail of dark, taboo, read or ignore the trigger warning books 🤣 I like that I can intersperse them with other books just to keep my head out of a slump, could be PCSS (post Christmas slump slide 😈) these books however, pull me by my hair out of that, giving me a selection of depth to drag me through the depravity, destruction and devastating plots 🤭
This one does not throw you a bone (unless it’s been skinned that is 😱) our FMC, has not had an easy life though she is all smiles and happiness until one fateful night. She feels like her entire being has been ripped away leaving an empty shell, her actions lay within the endless cycle of debasement. Our MMC, sees her for all that she is and could be, stalking her, protecting her, allowing her attempts to crawl out of the darkness. Are his methods going to have consequences he doesn’t expect? Has the fight left her? Will he re-build her or will she lose herself? Is revenge a dish best served in a bowl? 🤫
I’d love to give you even more but this story is one you will have to read as there is so, so much more at play. Sorry not sorry 🤭
🍇Brutal gang r4pe on page 💀Suicide attempt 🩸Gore/graphic violence ⛓️$ & M 🥷🏻Stalking/kidnapping/captivity 🫷🏻Dub con/non con/cnc 🌶️ Hypersexuality
These are a drop in the ocean of triggers, please read her trigger warnings on her site ⛔️
Is splatterpunk taboo dark romance my new thing..I think so..
First as always CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNGINGS.
I’m going to try to give this review without too many spoilers. But I do want to highlight a quote from the beginning of the book that stuck out to me with all the nasty, vile, creatures walking this planet… “A grown man had no business being with a girl who was barely old enough to menstruate” but this can also go for a female with a male before puberty.
Grooming is so real and happens to so many people. Someone probably close to you could be being groomed. It’s a sad sad world.
Emily never seems to disappoint with her writing and ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats waiting to read what is going to happen.
I never expected Jeff to be part of the reason the horrible things happened to Lila. But once it was mentioned it all made sense.. why wouldn’t a scum like him set all that up.. I was so happy to read her happy ending! The revenge was spectacular. I loved how everyone got a revenge solution that she felt was suitable for what they done to her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Being my first Splatterpunk, I can recommend 10/10. If you read the TW’s first. As always dark=black. The beginning of the story sorta threw me for a loop, Iv never been one to have any Trigs but it got iffy there for a moment. I also laughed way more than I should have while reading this. The FMC’s twisted humor had me rolling, is that bad? Didn't think so. When she came out into the kitchen before she started packing then was just like “ Ope, my bad. Just grabbing something real quick.” She was completely lost in herself but she still kept going. The hunt was worth it all, revenge is a hell of a rush. Then the complete anger I also felt about Jeff running his c0*k sucker the whole time, The end took too long for that homeboy to get his. But it was gotten. You had it coming my dude.
I probably should not have enjoyed this book as much as I did. It has completely unhinged, descriptive t0rture scenes and gruesome horror events. I should not love Nash as much as I do, but here I am swooning over him. I was clenching my teeth through more than half of this story. If it was a movie, I would have been hiding my head in a pillow every other scene. This book is definitely not for anyone with a weak stomach. I absolutely loved the way it was written. Bring many topics in our society that are often swept under the rug or brushed off in your face, raw, real, and emotionally relatable. If you are into unhinged, gore, and morally black characters, this story is for you. Read at your own risk.
❤ Splatterpunk ❤ Dark romance ❤ Vigilante serial killer ❤ A shopping list of triggers and kinks
This was my first splatterpunk from Emily and I really liked it, it was very much true Emily fashion covering all of the trauma dumping topics we’re used to. The revenge element was gripping and a nice added touch to this story, I enjoyed seeing Lila get her own back on the people that ruined her life along the way.
I did feel it was on the lighter side of things for a book labelled as splatterpunk but that’s mainly because I have read others that have been a lot more screwed up so nothing specifically against this book in its own right.
I’ve been trying to put my finger on what exactly didn’t quite work for me in this book. On one hand, I genuinely loved the idea behind the story. Lila’s journey through unimaginable hardships, her survival, and eventual thriving is both inspiring and heartwarming. Her story of finding the support and strength to overcome her past is something I truly appreciate.
However, despite the complex plot, the writing style felt relatively simple and left me wanting more depth. The pacing was quite fast, which made it hard to fully connect with the characters and the unfolding events. It seemed like significant moments and emotions were rushed, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the narrative. However, I did finish the book really fast, because I also really wanted to know how it would end.
It’s a decent read, but I found myself craving a bit more complexity and nuance to truly immerse myself in Lila’s world
Ohhh this was deliciously dark and spicy 🔥 full of trigger warnings, dark, depraved, and perfect. Lila goes through something extremely traumatic and to get passed it, Nash has to go make her go beyond that extreme to heal her trauma. He has trauma of his own that has made him the man he is. But as they come together, they heal eachother. The spice is great! It's dark, but delicious. Keep an open mind with this book and you won't be disappointed!
First thing I wanna say is READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!! I thought I was prepared but I wasn’t, that being said I did enjoy this book! I definitely had to take a pause while reading a few pages and then come back to it but I’m soo glad I came back for the rest of the book. The ending was great in my opinion! It was like a roller coaster of emotions lol It didn’t take me long to read it, because I couldn’t put my phone down. Can’t wait to read more by Emily !
OMG Emily did it again!!! When your boyfriend try’s to remove you from life do you have the strength to survive and work through the trauma? Lila went to hell and back in 24 hours. Her world as she knew it crumbled. That is until she met Nash who is determined to help heal her. But does he have what it takes to save her? So amazing!!! Read the triggers!
When you hear splatterpunk ... *Definitely check trigger warnings* As always, Emily's writing is superb. It is a story of fighting for survival. Idk how the main character made it through everything she went through in her 22 years of life. She was willing to go for broke to heal. I am just more and more amazed with every Emily Klepp story I have a chance to read. 5* read for sure.
I loved it! Check the trigger warnings, though. Being a splatterpunk dark romance, you certainly need to be aware of what you are getting into if you have any triggers. I loved that Nash had touch her and 💀 energy, but I loved the trust he shared with Allison and Daniel. I was definitely surprised at the end for a bit, but I absolutely loved it.
Please check the TW not for the faint of heart. Wow, this book is dark but it is amazing if you can get past the TW. This book will have you invested and you wouldn't put it down. It is a great size book that doesn't take long to read. I love dark books and this is one of them, again Emily you did a fantastic job with this one.