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Dare To Be Mine
They say you can never really go home again, but for me, it is my only escape. Leaving behind Nigel and the hellish grip he had on me, I fled to the one place that ever felt my home. Nigel should have been a protector, a man of the law, but behind closed doors, he was a tyrant, abusing his power and everyone around him. No one knew that I had it so much worse. Upon returning home, I step into my new role as detective and reunite with my high school friends. Being back in this town reminds me of the life I once had, and in Mitch’s arms, I find the love I thought I’d lost forever. Yet, as Nigel’s shadow looms closer, I must confront the terror of my past to protect the future I dare to dream of. With each passing day, the danger grows, and the lines between my professional duties and personal fears blur.
This is a DARK crime romance with HEAVY triggers. Reader's discretion is HIGHLY advised
This is a DARK crime romance with HEAVY triggers. Reader's discretion is HIGHLY advised
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2024
11 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Emily Klepp
135 books574 followersVisit 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
August 20, 2024
wow , fantastic book i think its the first spicey book if read where there criminal profiling in it , i was hooked all the way through , and i think that its because i watch a lot of the show criminal minds that i was able to work out the killer when i did , penny has been through a lot since moving away from her home town , the way nigel he boss and boy friend treats her bad and being forced to go out and reach the speeding ticket number gets hurt in the line of duty , that when her friends find her and take her back to safety or so it seems , when shes back home Mitch is s waiting for her , his missed her the whole time she was gone , with him and her friends Penny is leading a happy life until killings start to happen what ensues is fast paced , spicy , dark , funny ,shocking and addictive ive really enjoyed every one of emilys books that ive read so far , its getting to the point where i dont want the books to end
July 27, 2024
I devoured this book in one sitting! It was so good, I just could not put it down. I figured out who the killer was pretty early on, but I enjoyed watching Penny gain her strength and voice back. I cheered her on as she fought back against Nigel.
August 2, 2024
Looooved this story! It has so many ups and downs and it is a great rollercoaster. Love the naturallity of it and how great all characters work together, how they share and joke about things and the second chance they give at each other.
August 17, 2024
This book has some heavy triggers, so please check the TWs. The main character, Penny, has had a very traumatic past, and continues to struggle with the reverberations of that trauma in the present. She’s also a cop that left home at a young age, to return several years later as the lead detective of a murder investigation. I appreciate the way the trauma was dealt with and explained in this book, and I loved Penny’s survivor’s spirit. I liked the characters, but I do wish we got some more background info on them as well as more of their personalities and perspectives. The plot is interesting and the pacing is good. This is a quick read, but powerful nonetheless. 3.5/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️
August 13, 2024
This was a great spicy story. I loved Penny and Mitch’s dynamic. Even after so long they were still so in sync with each other. While it was a super SPICY story I loved the whodunnit plot lines as well.
Mitch is a strong confident SPICY man! Yes please. I’d love one for myself! He loves Penny being brat.
Penny is stronger than she gives herself credit for. She brilliant and capable. Luckily Mitch and his team see that and understand her hangups. I loved her blooming into her own person again once she was away from Nigel.
I would love more of Penny and Mitch.
Mitch is a strong confident SPICY man! Yes please. I’d love one for myself! He loves Penny being brat.
Penny is stronger than she gives herself credit for. She brilliant and capable. Luckily Mitch and his team see that and understand her hangups. I loved her blooming into her own person again once she was away from Nigel.
I would love more of Penny and Mitch.
August 4, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ stars
This was a delightful read. I enjoyed seeing Mitch and Penny together. Penny's experiences were heartbreaking; she endured so much, and just when she believed she could move past it all, her past resurfaced to punish her for trying to find happiness. I'm so grateful she had Mitch, Hannah, and Joshua supporting her.
This was a delightful read. I enjoyed seeing Mitch and Penny together. Penny's experiences were heartbreaking; she endured so much, and just when she believed she could move past it all, her past resurfaced to punish her for trying to find happiness. I'm so grateful she had Mitch, Hannah, and Joshua supporting her.
August 15, 2024
It was really good but it is heavy on SA so keep that in mind when going in.
Poor Penny doesn’t have much luck. She leaves home at 19 after her boyfriend’s father does unthinkable things to her only to end up with a cop boyfriend that does unthinkable things.
After being shot she ends up back home and back in the bed of the love of her life buts it far from plain sailing for her especially when she becomes the lead investigator of a string of murders we’re the victims look like her.
The scene where she’s in bed with Mitchell and Joshua and Hannah are on the phone was kinda hot and slightly wrong at the same times since Hannah is Penny’s cousin / best friend. But they didn’t have an issue with it so why should we.
Poor Penny doesn’t have much luck. She leaves home at 19 after her boyfriend’s father does unthinkable things to her only to end up with a cop boyfriend that does unthinkable things.
After being shot she ends up back home and back in the bed of the love of her life buts it far from plain sailing for her especially when she becomes the lead investigator of a string of murders we’re the victims look like her.
The scene where she’s in bed with Mitchell and Joshua and Hannah are on the phone was kinda hot and slightly wrong at the same times since Hannah is Penny’s cousin / best friend. But they didn’t have an issue with it so why should we.
July 25, 2024
OK. So this one is definitely dark.
***trigger warnings ***
check them first.
With that being said, wow!
The writing is superb. The story is raw.
The character development is strong.
I read this in one sitting. I just could not stop. I felt I was there right alongside Penny.
***trigger warnings ***
check them first.
With that being said, wow!
The writing is superb. The story is raw.
The character development is strong.
I read this in one sitting. I just could not stop. I felt I was there right alongside Penny.
August 10, 2024
Wow! Emily definitely did not disappoint, I devoured this book! It had me at the edge of my seat the whole time and I loved it !! Highly recommend but please check trigger warnings before you dive in because this book is very dark.
August 16, 2024
Absolutely amazing read, I loved the whole story 🖤
September 19, 2024
I'm not the biggest fan of this particular book. I found certain things to be too obvious and Penny to be a bit far fetched. It was way too obvious what was going on, who the bad guy was, and it just annoyed me. How did none of these people put it together. After Penny realized the truth, she said absolutely NOTHING! That makes no sense. She didn't tell Mitch, Eddie, the feds, nothing. Even Hannah noticed something was up, yet she kept her mouth shut. She's a cop. She knows what keeping quiet can cost someone. When it all came out, she made some dumb decisions to go somewhere alone. That doesn't make sense at all. Not for how smart she's supposed to be and how good of a cop. It didn't fit with her character. However, ignoring those glaringly obvious issues, the story is good. It's dark. It's gruesome in it's detail. I love Hannah and Mitch and the others. There wasn't much build up or background with the other characters, but they all added something necessary to solving the case and Penny becoming stronger and more secure.
August 4, 2024
I think this might be the author’s darkest book yet, that I’ve read at least? There’s a truly depraved serial killer who does really awful things, and the FMC needs to get the bad guy. On top of that, she’s running from an abusive relationship that she endured for years, and learning about the things he’d do to her was heartbreaking. Obviously mins the trigger warnings! It’s a fast paced story, a quick read that’s exciting and keeps you hooked page by page. The FMC and MMC/love interest follow the same patterns/personality traits the author writes for all her stories (at least the ones I’ve read), so you have the dominant guy who “punishes” the girl for saying anything bad about herself, who’s protective and devoted to her, and you have the girl who doesn’t see her worth, is a brat, pushes his buttons cause she likes the “punishment”, etc etc. And of course let’s not forget the various friends/coworkers who encourage all this and don’t mind being forced to be part of the main characters’ kinks or participating in it lol. I think the author found her niche, I can go into the book knowing exactly what I’ll get which is fine with me! I do know with this author, and this book is certainly no exception, that I’m in for a wild ride, and the story will be exciting and unhinged and it’s an excellent read, almost like a palette cleanser for me. I got an arc copy and am leaving a review of my own volition.
August 6, 2024
This one a little different…still growth in adversity and from one’s own trauma but this one had a CSI feel to it. I liked it!! Penny was so strong to deal with all the crap thrown her way throughout her life. She learned early how to cope with trauma. It wasn’t where she thought it would come from. Mitch is that rock that every woman dreams of finding. He helps Penny find her strength that was always there. One of my favorite scenes is when she finds her inner sass ““You’ve turned rebellious, Penelope,” he says, smirking. “You never used to talk to me like this.” “Growing from my trauma,” I say with a sarcastic smile as I look up at him. “Trauma? Is that what I am to you? Your trauma?” he asks. “I’m not playing mind games with you today,” I say as I stand and gather my papers to go to Mitch’s office. “Go ahead. Run away, Penelope. That’s what you’re good at,” Nigel says when I turn away from him. “Excuse me?” I ask, turning back. “That’s what I’m good at? No, surviving is what I’m good at. No matter what anyone has done to me, I have survived. Every single fucking time someone hurts me, I survive it. I survived others, and I survived you.” Dayum!! She is fierce!! This book definitely has triggers! Know this and make sure you read them before reading if you don’t have any…happy reading! Find your fierceness!
August 10, 2024
🌟Dare to be mine: A Dark Crime Romance By Emily Klepp
🌟** This is an Arc review.**
Story/plot: 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Spice: 3 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Genre: Dark crime romance
Troupes and Kinks:
💀CNC
🌹Strong FMC
💀Trauma healing
💀Detectives
🌹boss/employee
🌹Second chance romance
I really enjoyed this book a lot. Anything that has crime and investigations with romance is a big plus for me and this book delivered. It such an amazing story about Penny and Mitch, both are FMC and MMC, looking to find a serial killer.
Now Penny comes from a very traumatic past on top of running from an abusive relationship who honestly done pretty messed up stuff to her so make sure to read trigger warnings but the story line between Penny and Mitch is beautiful.
This story does have good plotting and the pace as well is really good. And the spice isn’t too much but it’s good for the storyline and pacing.
It’s definitely a good fast book to read and if you are in a reading slump.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover #darkromance #darkromancereads #bookish #bookishlove #bookishcommunity #bookishcontent #booksilove #booksiread #booksirecommend #viralvideos #reelsininstagram #reelitfeelit #viral #darkromancelover #romancebooks #romance
July 25, 2024
Hands down my absolute FAVORITE by Emily so far! 🙌
Dare to Be Mine is a dark crime romance story that follows Penelope. Penelope is in the police force and when she gets shot on the job she makes her escape from her abusive boss within the department. She gets home and is welcomed by her friends and family and her ex. They all understand the dangerous situation she is in because the prick abusing her is high up within the police force. While Penelope is at home she transfers to the police force there in town along with her friends and ex who are also on the force.
However, once Penelope thinks she is safe things take a turn for the worse.Not only is Penelope and her team investigating a serial killer case but she’s also under watchful eye to make sure her abusive boss doesn’t abduct her.
This book had me on the edge of my seat and I binge read it so FAST. Emily knows how to write a compelling story from start to finish not missing any details.
Highest of Recommendations! 🙌
Thank you, Emily for this ARC. Dare to Be Mine will be released on August 9th!
Dare to Be Mine is a dark crime romance story that follows Penelope. Penelope is in the police force and when she gets shot on the job she makes her escape from her abusive boss within the department. She gets home and is welcomed by her friends and family and her ex. They all understand the dangerous situation she is in because the prick abusing her is high up within the police force. While Penelope is at home she transfers to the police force there in town along with her friends and ex who are also on the force.
However, once Penelope thinks she is safe things take a turn for the worse.Not only is Penelope and her team investigating a serial killer case but she’s also under watchful eye to make sure her abusive boss doesn’t abduct her.
This book had me on the edge of my seat and I binge read it so FAST. Emily knows how to write a compelling story from start to finish not missing any details.
Highest of Recommendations! 🙌
Thank you, Emily for this ARC. Dare to Be Mine will be released on August 9th!
July 26, 2024
I found this book to be absolutely amazing.
The attention to detail was truly impressive. It's important to note that this book may not be suitable for everyone due to its many triggers. However, the way Emily depicted the experience of a domestic violence survivor and demonstrated the different ways people cope with trauma was truly commendable.
I felt a strong connection to Penny while reading this book. Personally, I find solace in dark romance as a means of healing. I understand that not everyone copes in the same way, but for me, this book was incredibly helpful.
As mentioned earlier, this book contains graphic content and numerous triggers, so it's crucial to prioritize your mental health and always check for content and trigger warnings before delving into any book. That being said, I have no doubt that this is a five-star read and could be a valuable source of healing for those who, like me, turn to books like this for coping.
This book has solidified Emily as one of my favorite authors, and I eagerly anticipate reading more of her work.
The attention to detail was truly impressive. It's important to note that this book may not be suitable for everyone due to its many triggers. However, the way Emily depicted the experience of a domestic violence survivor and demonstrated the different ways people cope with trauma was truly commendable.
I felt a strong connection to Penny while reading this book. Personally, I find solace in dark romance as a means of healing. I understand that not everyone copes in the same way, but for me, this book was incredibly helpful.
As mentioned earlier, this book contains graphic content and numerous triggers, so it's crucial to prioritize your mental health and always check for content and trigger warnings before delving into any book. That being said, I have no doubt that this is a five-star read and could be a valuable source of healing for those who, like me, turn to books like this for coping.
This book has solidified Emily as one of my favorite authors, and I eagerly anticipate reading more of her work.
August 7, 2024
By far the tamest of Emily’s work I have ever read! Definitely check your triggers are there are some very graphic scenes and topics mentioned throughout the book.
Penny is a strong FMC. She ran from her first love and met Nigel who is definitely the devils reincarnation. He abused her and all the coworkers looked away, made her job hard and was overall a living nightmare. Up until she got away and even then he still doesn’t leave her alone. She goes back home to her parents and ends up with her dream job. Penny's cousin and her husband are great family members that show their love and support for penny without being overbearing.
Her first love, Mitch is understanding but pushes penny to build her strength up and to heal. His love is so strong that it makes you believe in that old love again and you can feel it with each page.
There’s twists and turns but with a serial killer and a psychopathic ex abuser, what could possibly go wrong? I highly suggest reading this when it comes out on August 9th.
Penny is a strong FMC. She ran from her first love and met Nigel who is definitely the devils reincarnation. He abused her and all the coworkers looked away, made her job hard and was overall a living nightmare. Up until she got away and even then he still doesn’t leave her alone. She goes back home to her parents and ends up with her dream job. Penny's cousin and her husband are great family members that show their love and support for penny without being overbearing.
Her first love, Mitch is understanding but pushes penny to build her strength up and to heal. His love is so strong that it makes you believe in that old love again and you can feel it with each page.
There’s twists and turns but with a serial killer and a psychopathic ex abuser, what could possibly go wrong? I highly suggest reading this when it comes out on August 9th.
August 13, 2024
Penelope runs away from the love of her life after a trauma she can’t bear to face, and runs straight into the arms of a predator. After nearly 10 years of abuse, Penelope is saved by her best friend and returns to her hometown and is forced to face her demons there.
As a newly promoted detective, Penelope has a lot to prove and an opportunity immediately presents itself in the form of a deranged serial killer using her sleepy hometown as his hunting grounds. Penelope must use all the resources at her disposal to figure out who this serial killer is, but will she avoid becoming his victim herself?
This multi POV, dark crime romance is intense from beginning to end! I read the ~200 pages in one sitting and could not put it down. If you love second chances, dark romance, an FMC who overcomes DV and trauma, and a serial killer twist then you’ll love this quick read from Emily Klepp.
Make sure to read those triggers though because this one is dark and has many potentially triggering scenes.
As a newly promoted detective, Penelope has a lot to prove and an opportunity immediately presents itself in the form of a deranged serial killer using her sleepy hometown as his hunting grounds. Penelope must use all the resources at her disposal to figure out who this serial killer is, but will she avoid becoming his victim herself?
This multi POV, dark crime romance is intense from beginning to end! I read the ~200 pages in one sitting and could not put it down. If you love second chances, dark romance, an FMC who overcomes DV and trauma, and a serial killer twist then you’ll love this quick read from Emily Klepp.
Make sure to read those triggers though because this one is dark and has many potentially triggering scenes.
August 20, 2024
This book has some ✨HEAVY TRIGGERS✨ (so please do your part and check them)
Another one of Emily's books that I couldn't put down from start to finish. Buckle your seat belt because you're about to go on a wild roller coaster ride. Penny has dreamed of becoming a detective and after going through a very traumatic attack, she feels like her only option is to run away and leave the love of her life behind. Being in a very vulnerable place she's forced into the arms of a monster. Little does she know history's about to repeat itself. She's in an accident and her childhood best friend saves her and takes her home to her family and back into the arms of her long lost love, Mitchell. While Penny's trying to heal, she's helping to solve a serial killers murders working along side of Mitch while falling back in love. Do they have what it takes to solve these crimes and put a monster behind bars? Will they be able to overcome past traumas and move forward? You'll just have to wait and see.
✨this book does end with a HEA✨
Another one of Emily's books that I couldn't put down from start to finish. Buckle your seat belt because you're about to go on a wild roller coaster ride. Penny has dreamed of becoming a detective and after going through a very traumatic attack, she feels like her only option is to run away and leave the love of her life behind. Being in a very vulnerable place she's forced into the arms of a monster. Little does she know history's about to repeat itself. She's in an accident and her childhood best friend saves her and takes her home to her family and back into the arms of her long lost love, Mitchell. While Penny's trying to heal, she's helping to solve a serial killers murders working along side of Mitch while falling back in love. Do they have what it takes to solve these crimes and put a monster behind bars? Will they be able to overcome past traumas and move forward? You'll just have to wait and see.
✨this book does end with a HEA✨
July 31, 2024
Please check the trigger warnings before reading this book! There are really heavy themes explored here!
I really enjoyed this book. Penny is honestly really relatable in a lot of ways regarding how she dealt with her past trauma and abuse. She went through a lot and sometimes all you can do is just keep going.
Mitchell was such a golden retriever bf and while I did find his character harder to relate to, because I don't think I could be as forgiving if the love of my life just disappeared out of my life with no explanation like that.. He was really what Penny needed.
It's been a while since I've read a crime related book and I gotta say I love the suspense! It was pretty easy to figure out who the criminal was, but I still enjoyed watching Penny and the team work through all the details to figure it out!
I'm grateful to have read an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this book. Penny is honestly really relatable in a lot of ways regarding how she dealt with her past trauma and abuse. She went through a lot and sometimes all you can do is just keep going.
Mitchell was such a golden retriever bf and while I did find his character harder to relate to, because I don't think I could be as forgiving if the love of my life just disappeared out of my life with no explanation like that.. He was really what Penny needed.
It's been a while since I've read a crime related book and I gotta say I love the suspense! It was pretty easy to figure out who the criminal was, but I still enjoyed watching Penny and the team work through all the details to figure it out!
I'm grateful to have read an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2024
I can say that "Dare to be Mine" is my favorite by Emily so far!
Penelope, leaves Mitch behind and runs from her hometown, from her trauma and she is trying to start new in a new city without knowing that she is going to end up with another abusive man. After been through a lot and something happens to her, Penny returns after 8 years to her hometown. When a dead body is found Penny and Mitch start hunting a serial killer.
A dark crime romance with CSI/Criminal Minds vibes, im here for it and i loved this one from start to finish. The support from Mitch, even Penny left Mitch and returns back after 8 years his love to Penelope is the same and vice versa, the banter between both and their friends are absolutely amazing.
This story had everything like crime, murder, violence, r@pe, serial killer, Kidnapping, se¥ual torture and assault, forced cannibalism/orgasms, gen!tal mutilation etc therefore please check always the TW before starting with the reading.
Penelope, leaves Mitch behind and runs from her hometown, from her trauma and she is trying to start new in a new city without knowing that she is going to end up with another abusive man. After been through a lot and something happens to her, Penny returns after 8 years to her hometown. When a dead body is found Penny and Mitch start hunting a serial killer.
A dark crime romance with CSI/Criminal Minds vibes, im here for it and i loved this one from start to finish. The support from Mitch, even Penny left Mitch and returns back after 8 years his love to Penelope is the same and vice versa, the banter between both and their friends are absolutely amazing.
This story had everything like crime, murder, violence, r@pe, serial killer, Kidnapping, se¥ual torture and assault, forced cannibalism/orgasms, gen!tal mutilation etc therefore please check always the TW before starting with the reading.
August 9, 2024
Just like in the subtitle, this is a Dark Crime Romance and has a trigger warning list I suggest looking over before continuing. There are jumps in the timeline, but there it notifies you when that happens.
This book follows Penelope, The Shepherd, and Mitchell. Short explanation of The Shepherd, they are a serial killer and yes, we do find out who that person is. Penelope is a female main character, and she is running from an abusive relationship. She is a cop and works under her abusive boyfriend in the beginning, but runs back home and becomes a detective under her ex fiance, Mitchell. Mitchell is the Sergeant Detective of the district, and when Penelope returns, he gets her a job with him, as well as works on rekindling their relationship.
This book definitely shows the good cops and bad cops, and it is absolutely amazing.
"To all the ones who go 'what the actual f***' and then keep reading, this one is for you."
This book follows Penelope, The Shepherd, and Mitchell. Short explanation of The Shepherd, they are a serial killer and yes, we do find out who that person is. Penelope is a female main character, and she is running from an abusive relationship. She is a cop and works under her abusive boyfriend in the beginning, but runs back home and becomes a detective under her ex fiance, Mitchell. Mitchell is the Sergeant Detective of the district, and when Penelope returns, he gets her a job with him, as well as works on rekindling their relationship.
This book definitely shows the good cops and bad cops, and it is absolutely amazing.
"To all the ones who go 'what the actual f***' and then keep reading, this one is for you."
August 11, 2024
4.5 Stars
Reading this book certainly felt like I was watching one of my crime shows. I was so into the story that every time something would come up similar to my show, I would wince. I felt like all I needed was my popcorn to be comfortable reading this book.
It does have some major triggers that I would check first before starting it. But since I have no triggers I jumped in not expecting what I got. This is my first Emily Klepp book and she certainly found herself another fan. This sounded very real to me as I was reading it, because events like these do happen in real life. I felt bad for the FMC because of everything she went through and being scared and not knowing how to get out of a situation that you went into blindly; you see no way out of it and that is scary as heck. But when she found the opportunity to run, she ran!
But the things happening in her home town and continuing to other jurisdictions (outside of MO) was just eerily scary. Now she will have to solve the cases along with her coworkers and just the way everything unraveled was astonishing.
A well-written book that few surreal.
Reading this book certainly felt like I was watching one of my crime shows. I was so into the story that every time something would come up similar to my show, I would wince. I felt like all I needed was my popcorn to be comfortable reading this book.
It does have some major triggers that I would check first before starting it. But since I have no triggers I jumped in not expecting what I got. This is my first Emily Klepp book and she certainly found herself another fan. This sounded very real to me as I was reading it, because events like these do happen in real life. I felt bad for the FMC because of everything she went through and being scared and not knowing how to get out of a situation that you went into blindly; you see no way out of it and that is scary as heck. But when she found the opportunity to run, she ran!
But the things happening in her home town and continuing to other jurisdictions (outside of MO) was just eerily scary. Now she will have to solve the cases along with her coworkers and just the way everything unraveled was astonishing.
A well-written book that few surreal.
August 16, 2024
This book was an exciting ride of mystery, suspense, heartbreak, and spice. I could not put this book down until I reached the end. I loved the storyline; it was original and page-turning. This book is a dark contemporary second-chance, crime romance and touches on dark themes and topics. Check the CW at the beginning of the book to make sure this is a book for you. This book checked all my boxes in the tropes I like to read. I loved the unexpected twists and turns, and the suspense was nail-biting. I loved the characters; they were well-written with depth and a heartbreaking backstory. There is a strong FMC that is strong, determined, and independent. I loved how she didn't give up trying to start over and had the help of her friends along the way. The MMC was a total Alpha and was very demanding. I loved his commitment to protect those he loved. He was very loyal and didn't give up easily. This book was exciting and kept me on my toes!!!
August 30, 2024
💋✨ Review: ✨💋
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
this. one. broke. me. such a good pull through the story on keeping you guessing! the plot twist is ✨ UNREAL ✨ but the healing aspects from Mitch & Penelope are TOP TIER 👨🏼🍳💋
🥹😍 favorite quotes: 👇🏽
“‘You can run, Nickel, but i’ll always find my way back to you.’ … This is deeper than just playful kink. This is a promise that no matter what, he will always help guide me back to the light. He will always be there to catch me before I sink too far into the terrifying depths of my trauma. Wherever I go with this trauma, he will be there every step of the way to remind me that i’m not alone and I never was.”
✨ He pulls me closer, his warmth envelops me, and for the first time, I truly believe in the possibility of true happiness. Here, in his arms, I dare to love, I dare to heal, and most of all, I dare to be mine.”
#daretobemine #emilyklepp #pitchblackromance #arcreview #bookrec #kindleunlimited #fivestarrreads #secondchanceromance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
this. one. broke. me. such a good pull through the story on keeping you guessing! the plot twist is ✨ UNREAL ✨ but the healing aspects from Mitch & Penelope are TOP TIER 👨🏼🍳💋
🥹😍 favorite quotes: 👇🏽
“‘You can run, Nickel, but i’ll always find my way back to you.’ … This is deeper than just playful kink. This is a promise that no matter what, he will always help guide me back to the light. He will always be there to catch me before I sink too far into the terrifying depths of my trauma. Wherever I go with this trauma, he will be there every step of the way to remind me that i’m not alone and I never was.”
✨ He pulls me closer, his warmth envelops me, and for the first time, I truly believe in the possibility of true happiness. Here, in his arms, I dare to love, I dare to heal, and most of all, I dare to be mine.”
#daretobemine #emilyklepp #pitchblackromance #arcreview #bookrec #kindleunlimited #fivestarrreads #secondchanceromance
January 27, 2025
Ddddaaammmnnn!! That was good!! I loved how there was much more to the story that was initially presented. Penny has been through WAY TOO much shit and her only way out comes in the form of getting shot and her cousin coming to bring her home. She escapes her ex, the captain of the PD, for a short time only to be reunited on a serial killer case. She is back home with her old boyfriend, Mitch, the current Sargeant detective. He helps nurse her back and gives her a job as detective. They take their time and finally take the leap. She is lead detective on the new case and it is brutal. The truth comes out about why she really left and the FBI help track down the killer that Penny knows intimately.
Mitch is seriously FUCKING HOT and DOMINATE, but Penny is no innocent submissive. She can't be broken and fights back, but Mitch is there to give it to her however she needs. That phone call scene 🥵🥵!!!
Mitch is seriously FUCKING HOT and DOMINATE, but Penny is no innocent submissive. She can't be broken and fights back, but Mitch is there to give it to her however she needs. That phone call scene 🥵🥵!!!
August 1, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: Dark Crime Romance
POV: First Person
Tropes & Kinks: Detectives, CNC, Strong FMC, Trauma healing, Second chance romance, boss/employee
TW: S3xual Assault, Dub-con, CNC, domestic violence, murder, serial killer (Not MCs), Kidnapping, S3xual torture, Genit@l mutilation, forced cannibalism, forced orgasms, blood play, sodomy, necrophilia
Standalone: Yes
Ending: HEA
I loved this one!! The crime and detective aspect was something I hadn't read from Emily Klepp before. But DAMN was it a great story! It follows Penny and Mitch hunting a serial killer. Penny herself has been through a tonne of trauma that, combined with her appearance, makes her the type of victim this killer wants. I did know who the killer was but the story was still written really well and I loved it from start to finish.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: Dark Crime Romance
POV: First Person
Tropes & Kinks: Detectives, CNC, Strong FMC, Trauma healing, Second chance romance, boss/employee
TW: S3xual Assault, Dub-con, CNC, domestic violence, murder, serial killer (Not MCs), Kidnapping, S3xual torture, Genit@l mutilation, forced cannibalism, forced orgasms, blood play, sodomy, necrophilia
Standalone: Yes
Ending: HEA
I loved this one!! The crime and detective aspect was something I hadn't read from Emily Klepp before. But DAMN was it a great story! It follows Penny and Mitch hunting a serial killer. Penny herself has been through a tonne of trauma that, combined with her appearance, makes her the type of victim this killer wants. I did know who the killer was but the story was still written really well and I loved it from start to finish.
August 24, 2024
This is a WTF did I read and why did I keep reading it. Yes, I also did enjoy reading it. Now please check trigger warnings as this is a very dark and heavy book. I would say this book falls more as an erotic horror than just a dark romance. Now, with that being said the story is about the FMC learning to overcome and survive some major trauma. The MMC only wants her to face her trauma and begin to truly heal. Her past comes back to hurt her again. She then catches the eye of a serial killer she is working on identifying. But through all of this the MMC is by her side. As I said this is an erotic horror so there is spice. The spice is throughout the book and it is hard core. There are steamy parts that have a touch of darkness.
Overall I rate this with 4.25 stars, 3.75 peppers and 4.5 black hearts.
Overall I rate this with 4.25 stars, 3.75 peppers and 4.5 black hearts.
July 30, 2024
This book is one of my favorites from Emily! Penny has found herself in a relationship where her abusive boyfriend is her actual boss on the police force..and he's using his power to manipulate her for her body at any time that pleases him..until..an encounter while pulling someone over actually is a blessing in disguise! She reconnects with her ex Mitch, who has changed in all the best ways since they last saw each other! She's promoted to detective and is investigating murders by a man, the media dubbed as The Shepherd! One clue after another slowly comes together, and she's faced with reality that's harsher than she's ever known! Please mind your trigger warnings because this book is dark and graphic!
August 9, 2024
I ate this book UP. It was dark and delicious. I loved so much about this book I don’t know where to begin.
Penny is such a strong character. She has been through the wringer. She has dated two men in her whole life, Mitchel and Nigel. Mitchel is her endgame. He understands her better than anyone but when she runs away before their wedding, she meets Nigel. Nigel makes the devil look like an angel. He abuses Penny for years until she can get away. Even then he never leaves her alone. How Penny could survive what she has is beyond me. I love the way she was written. She’s is such a great representation of what abuse survivors think and deal with.
The side characters (outside of the main love interest) of this book truly make up the book. Penny’s cousin, Hannah, and her husband, Josh, are both perfect examples of how survivors family members should behave in the aftermath of abuse. They support Penny while not suffocating her. The more you learn about Hannah and Josh the more you love them.
Mitchell “Mitch” is such an amazing love interest. He is understanding while also pushing Penny to help her heal. Mitch was just as much of a main character as Penny. His love for her just jumps off the page.
I really loved this book. It was so interesting. The character development and dynamics were almost more interesting than the serial killer storyline. I would definitely recommend reading the TW before reading because it does get dark.
I read this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Penny is such a strong character. She has been through the wringer. She has dated two men in her whole life, Mitchel and Nigel. Mitchel is her endgame. He understands her better than anyone but when she runs away before their wedding, she meets Nigel. Nigel makes the devil look like an angel. He abuses Penny for years until she can get away. Even then he never leaves her alone. How Penny could survive what she has is beyond me. I love the way she was written. She’s is such a great representation of what abuse survivors think and deal with.
The side characters (outside of the main love interest) of this book truly make up the book. Penny’s cousin, Hannah, and her husband, Josh, are both perfect examples of how survivors family members should behave in the aftermath of abuse. They support Penny while not suffocating her. The more you learn about Hannah and Josh the more you love them.
Mitchell “Mitch” is such an amazing love interest. He is understanding while also pushing Penny to help her heal. Mitch was just as much of a main character as Penny. His love for her just jumps off the page.
I really loved this book. It was so interesting. The character development and dynamics were almost more interesting than the serial killer storyline. I would definitely recommend reading the TW before reading because it does get dark.
I read this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
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