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The Secrets She Keeps
Daughter of a wannabe crime boss and unknowingly an assistant to the enemy, my life is not my own. I dream of a life where I feel wanted and loved. Is that so much to ask for? From my paycheck to my time, my parents take everything I have to give. My boss is clueless as to how dire my situation really is, but that is exactly how I like it to be. When our worlds collide and he is my refuge, will he save me from the dark, or will I be lost to the sins of my family?
This is a DARK romance with HEAVY triggers. Reader's discretion is HIGHLY advised.
This is a DARK romance with HEAVY triggers. Reader's discretion is HIGHLY advised.
- GenresRomanceDarkDark Romance
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2024
6 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Emily Klepp
122 books566 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 126 reviews
December 27, 2024
This was my first Emily Klepp book and I feel so happy to share with y'all that WHAT AN AMAZING AUTHOR SHE IS!!!!!!!!!
I'll remember this story as a survival story because FMC, Sable Davenport, is a fucking survivor 👑🖤. She's been constantly abused not only by others but HER OWN PARENTS (If they were real people I'd happily unalive them with my bare hands🙂🔪).
MMC, Archer Blevins, a 6'4, brooding, gorgeous and 'who did this to you' (I literally screamed when he said this🤭) type man who's always ready to help his girl, whether it's fighting for her or helping her recover from trauma.
Check TWs before reading the book⚠️
I'll remember this story as a survival story because FMC, Sable Davenport, is a fucking survivor 👑🖤. She's been constantly abused not only by others but HER OWN PARENTS (If they were real people I'd happily unalive them with my bare hands🙂🔪).
MMC, Archer Blevins, a 6'4, brooding, gorgeous and 'who did this to you' (I literally screamed when he said this🤭) type man who's always ready to help his girl, whether it's fighting for her or helping her recover from trauma.
Check TWs before reading the book⚠️
January 12, 2025
The beginning of this book is fucking gut wrenching! This is easily one of my favorite Klepp books so far.
Sable is such a great character. Her strength is so inspiring. I loved her character, and I rooted for her the whole time.
Archer...what a babe! Fantastic MC, who is truly there for his woman. Love love love it!!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sable is such a great character. Her strength is so inspiring. I loved her character, and I rooted for her the whole time.
Archer...what a babe! Fantastic MC, who is truly there for his woman. Love love love it!!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2025
The reason for this rating is as usual I didn't put it down, loved it from the first page on my kindle
January 7, 2025
Wow. Just...wow. This book was intense, so definitely pay attention to the content & trigger warnings, but if you're ok with them, you are in for a fast-paced, intense, yet amazing story!
Sable has been living in what can be called hell for her whole life. She's been used & abused from the moment she came into this world & has no hope of ever being able to leave & live her own life. That is until one of the worst nights of her life turns into her salvation, when her boss saves her & allows her to truly have a family & love as she always had hoped and dreamed.
Archer is a shrewd man, who just wants to trust & help his cute assistant. He's spent the past few years trying to protect her as much as he could, but when she does a stupid thing, he knows that he cannot abandon her. He's ready to be her savior… and her husband.
The trauma I mental health representation in this book was just amazing. Sable's story literally brought me to tears. With the addition of the LGBT rep in some of the major characters, and the growth you see in everyone…this book was just heartwrenching & yet also sweet at the same time. And let's not forget to mention those spicy scenes-the consensual ones that is (because why would the abuse scenes be hot-I was crying through them all!) They were hot, sweet, and incredible at the same time. I'll be honest, I came for the smut, but stayed for the amazing story of resilience & healing that I read!
Sable has been living in what can be called hell for her whole life. She's been used & abused from the moment she came into this world & has no hope of ever being able to leave & live her own life. That is until one of the worst nights of her life turns into her salvation, when her boss saves her & allows her to truly have a family & love as she always had hoped and dreamed.
Archer is a shrewd man, who just wants to trust & help his cute assistant. He's spent the past few years trying to protect her as much as he could, but when she does a stupid thing, he knows that he cannot abandon her. He's ready to be her savior… and her husband.
The trauma I mental health representation in this book was just amazing. Sable's story literally brought me to tears. With the addition of the LGBT rep in some of the major characters, and the growth you see in everyone…this book was just heartwrenching & yet also sweet at the same time. And let's not forget to mention those spicy scenes-the consensual ones that is (because why would the abuse scenes be hot-I was crying through them all!) They were hot, sweet, and incredible at the same time. I'll be honest, I came for the smut, but stayed for the amazing story of resilience & healing that I read!
January 18, 2025
alright lets get into it. this book is dark and heavy and didn’t really have a redeeming factor for me at all. the fmc & mmc felt so instalovey and not in a theres so much chemistry, the air is sizzling kinda way. the overarching storyline was *bleak*, which wasn’t a negative for me until it trigger warnings just kept happening. i think there were more vivid, on page trigger warning scenes than scenes between main characters to the point it just felt like they were throwing in those scenes to be edgy. very much felt like “oh you think its bad now, heres this repressed memory followed by another trigger warning scene just for funsies”.
full disclosure i read this as an ARC. i knew the content warnings going into this and am able to separate real life from fiction but oof. theres was so much i just genuinely did not like and tbh would’ve dnfed (should’ve dnfed) had this not been an ARC.
full disclosure i read this as an ARC. i knew the content warnings going into this and am able to separate real life from fiction but oof. theres was so much i just genuinely did not like and tbh would’ve dnfed (should’ve dnfed) had this not been an ARC.
January 9, 2025
Sable
Sable's parents have used her for their own gain her whole life. When she's told to do something that she doesn't want to, she's sure she'll get caught. Her boss, Archer, wants to help though. When he finds out what is going on, he'll do whatever he can for her.
This is a very good book. I enjoyed reading it. There is a lot of spice in it as well as a good plot.
Please check your trigger warnings.
Sable's parents have used her for their own gain her whole life. When she's told to do something that she doesn't want to, she's sure she'll get caught. Her boss, Archer, wants to help though. When he finds out what is going on, he'll do whatever he can for her.
This is a very good book. I enjoyed reading it. There is a lot of spice in it as well as a good plot.
Please check your trigger warnings.
December 29, 2024
Absolutely wonderful book! This is one of those books you would read again! Read your Triggers⁉️⁉️
It’s about healing, learning how to deal with loss, feeling like you are good enough, it’s found family, reverse Haram.
I love how the suspense parts are all through the book and not just in one! It was a fantastic storyline!5 ⭐️
It’s about healing, learning how to deal with loss, feeling like you are good enough, it’s found family, reverse Haram.
I love how the suspense parts are all through the book and not just in one! It was a fantastic storyline!5 ⭐️
December 26, 2024
I absolutely loved Sabel's story, and her men are drool worthy. So much trauma, I'm so glad they got their HEA. ANOTHER highly recommended book by the lovely Emily Klepp.
January 1, 2025
Amazing like always. I couldn't get enough, my favorite part was the ending I definitely loved the karma. It was definitely worth the read.
December 28, 2024
Another thrilling read from Emily, thank you ma’am.
January 26, 2025
This book is full of triggers and as always Emily wrote them well. This book has some pretty deep moments and will keep you in the feels throughout. Sable was put through so much by her mom, dad and especially Edgar, the years of abuse, taking her money, it really makes you appreciate your life. I highly recommend reading this!
December 15, 2024
Another great read from Emily! I think this was the heaviest story from her yet. Sable (amazing name for a FMC by the way) is so resilient under the conditions she was raised in, and Archer was the perfect person to help her through the trauma. The addition of Johnny in the later parts of the book was a twist I wasn't expecting, but the relationship that the three of them develop was perfect. I try to keep spoilers out of my reviews, but I want to point out two scenes that hit me hard in different ways.
When Sable has her breakdown when she's accepted by Archer's family was far too relatable for me. I've felt overwhelming sadness and shut down when I see my friends and partners having loving, healthy family units. It's so hard to see or accept love when all you've known is abuse, and Emily masterfully showed this in this scene.
On the other end, when Noah and Adolphus gave Sable's abusers the same treatment she received, I felt utter disgust. I understand the idea of the bad guys suffering in the same way, but this scene made me view Noah and Adolphus completely differently. Even though I didn't like what the characters did, the fact that Emily was able to make me feel such a strong emotion was very skillful writing.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book. Make sure to check the trigger list and take breaks if you need to, but if you can handle reading this book I think you should!
When Sable has her breakdown when she's accepted by Archer's family was far too relatable for me. I've felt overwhelming sadness and shut down when I see my friends and partners having loving, healthy family units. It's so hard to see or accept love when all you've known is abuse, and Emily masterfully showed this in this scene.
On the other end, when Noah and Adolphus gave Sable's abusers the same treatment she received, I felt utter disgust. I understand the idea of the bad guys suffering in the same way, but this scene made me view Noah and Adolphus completely differently. Even though I didn't like what the characters did, the fact that Emily was able to make me feel such a strong emotion was very skillful writing.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book. Make sure to check the trigger list and take breaks if you need to, but if you can handle reading this book I think you should!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
•Dedication•
“To the ones who keep their secrets hidden behind sarcasm and smiles. It’s okay to not be okay.”
•
“To the world, I might be a victim. To the world, I might be the ruthless murderer who killed in cold blood rather than healing but to me, I’m a survivor of a lifetime of pain. I am the giver of revenge. They would say that I am no different than the people who hurt me, but if only they knew the secrets I keep.”
•
⚠️PLEASE check trigger warnings!⚠️
This book was INCREDIBLE! There was twist after twist and I didn’t see a single one of them coming. It just kept getting better the further along I got. Sable is actually a badass b!tch for surviving everything she did.
In the beginning I was wanting more back story and foundation and DAMN did Emily Klepp freaking DELIVER! The sweet sweet karma these men got was so satisfying. And that spice? Absolutely spicing once it was delivered.
Like I said, check trigger warnings on this one for sure. The story was heart wrenching and some parts had me literally dropping my Kindle into my lap, covering my face, and screaming “no, no, no, no” over and over again. This was my first Emily Klepp book and I will now be adding all her books to my TBR.
As long as you’re good with the triggers, ABSOLUTELY check this one out! I highly recommend!!
It’s currently free in KU!
•
Tropes to look forward to:
•
💰 Billionaire romance
❤️🔥 Non con
💰 “Who did this to you?”
❤️🔥 Exhibitionism
💰 Touch her and die
❤️🔥 MFM, MM, MMF
“To the ones who keep their secrets hidden behind sarcasm and smiles. It’s okay to not be okay.”
•
“To the world, I might be a victim. To the world, I might be the ruthless murderer who killed in cold blood rather than healing but to me, I’m a survivor of a lifetime of pain. I am the giver of revenge. They would say that I am no different than the people who hurt me, but if only they knew the secrets I keep.”
•
⚠️PLEASE check trigger warnings!⚠️
This book was INCREDIBLE! There was twist after twist and I didn’t see a single one of them coming. It just kept getting better the further along I got. Sable is actually a badass b!tch for surviving everything she did.
In the beginning I was wanting more back story and foundation and DAMN did Emily Klepp freaking DELIVER! The sweet sweet karma these men got was so satisfying. And that spice? Absolutely spicing once it was delivered.
Like I said, check trigger warnings on this one for sure. The story was heart wrenching and some parts had me literally dropping my Kindle into my lap, covering my face, and screaming “no, no, no, no” over and over again. This was my first Emily Klepp book and I will now be adding all her books to my TBR.
As long as you’re good with the triggers, ABSOLUTELY check this one out! I highly recommend!!
It’s currently free in KU!
•
Tropes to look forward to:
•
💰 Billionaire romance
❤️🔥 Non con
💰 “Who did this to you?”
❤️🔥 Exhibitionism
💰 Touch her and die
❤️🔥 MFM, MM, MMF
January 11, 2025
Ok so it’s literally now 3 am in the morning and I just spent the entire night reading what was one of the best books I’ve read well in pretty much forever . But then again every time I pick up one of Emily’s romances all my expectations ate exceeded. Do you love Dark Billionaire romances? Do you love Romantic Suspense? Do you love romances that have the ability to pull at all your heartstrings? And a heroine and hero you will fall completely in love with ? Well if so run as fast as you can and download The Secrets She Keeps right this second . Sable and Johnny oh how these two had their work cut out for them to get their happy ending. Sable endured so many obstacles and challenges In her life , trauma from her childhood that has affected her both emotionally and physically throughout her life . Johnny comes into her life when she least expects it . From the minute they meet you can feel the chemistry between them , but it’s so much more then that , their is an immediate bond that only grows stronger and stronger. Their isn’t anything Johnny won’t do to protect the woman he grows to love with all his heart . All I can say is that this is a story best enjoyed by simply reading it yourself because in my honest opinion no words can possibly express how beautiful and emotional it is .
January 11, 2025
Literally another read that I could not put down but still one that left me emotionally charged.
There are scenarios and concepts that really do challenge your own way of thinking but thankfully I understand this Authors winning strategy of writing to know that revenge is obtained for the survivor. Making you ever so glad to see justice served out, although sometimes I'd love to see it a little more dragged out (and painful) for the guilty party. As again with Emily's storytelling the thing that I love the most is that the survivors find their inner sense of resiliency and strength to obtain their life of peace and happiness. Great characters with enough character development to be able to envisage them and understand the dynamics of how things will play out but still love the little surprises within, that simply make the plot even better. Another concept that I love with Emily's storytelling is the strength and idea of family, that being blood related does not mean great things but it is the idea of true love that unites people. There are definitely taboo concepts involved within this story and they can be a challenging issue and certainly what creates the suspense within the storyline.
There are scenarios and concepts that really do challenge your own way of thinking but thankfully I understand this Authors winning strategy of writing to know that revenge is obtained for the survivor. Making you ever so glad to see justice served out, although sometimes I'd love to see it a little more dragged out (and painful) for the guilty party. As again with Emily's storytelling the thing that I love the most is that the survivors find their inner sense of resiliency and strength to obtain their life of peace and happiness. Great characters with enough character development to be able to envisage them and understand the dynamics of how things will play out but still love the little surprises within, that simply make the plot even better. Another concept that I love with Emily's storytelling is the strength and idea of family, that being blood related does not mean great things but it is the idea of true love that unites people. There are definitely taboo concepts involved within this story and they can be a challenging issue and certainly what creates the suspense within the storyline.
January 2, 2025
The Secrets She Keeps is a fast-paced, engaging read that grabbed my attention from the first page and didn't let go until the very end. At just the right length for a one-sitting experience, the book kept me hooked with its unpredictable twists and spicy moments.
The plot is what truly drives this book. It’s full of surprises, with some jaw-dropping turns that I didn’t see coming. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, the author would throw in a curveball that completely shifted my expectations. If you're looking for something thrilling and filled with drama, this definitely delivers.
That said, it's important to mention that this book comes with a warning: This book is incredibly spicy, with some intense, dark themes that may not be for everyone. Check your trigger warnings before diving in, as the book doesn't shy away from dark or challenging themes.
While the fast pacing and plot twists made for an exciting read, the story left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. I couldn't fully connect with the characters, and I felt like there were some missed opportunities to deepen the emotional impact. Despite that, it was still a solid, quick read that I enjoyed in the moment.
The Secrets She Keeps is a quick and spicy read with plenty of twists, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing in terms of emotional depth. If you’re in the mood for something engaging and unpredictable, it’s worth picking up—but proceed with caution if you're sensitive to heavier themes.
The plot is what truly drives this book. It’s full of surprises, with some jaw-dropping turns that I didn’t see coming. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, the author would throw in a curveball that completely shifted my expectations. If you're looking for something thrilling and filled with drama, this definitely delivers.
That said, it's important to mention that this book comes with a warning: This book is incredibly spicy, with some intense, dark themes that may not be for everyone. Check your trigger warnings before diving in, as the book doesn't shy away from dark or challenging themes.
While the fast pacing and plot twists made for an exciting read, the story left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. I couldn't fully connect with the characters, and I felt like there were some missed opportunities to deepen the emotional impact. Despite that, it was still a solid, quick read that I enjoyed in the moment.
The Secrets She Keeps is a quick and spicy read with plenty of twists, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing in terms of emotional depth. If you’re in the mood for something engaging and unpredictable, it’s worth picking up—but proceed with caution if you're sensitive to heavier themes.
January 4, 2025
This one was really good. I tend to go into Emily's books blind which I know you aren't supposed to do but I've read about 20 so far and none of them have shocked or disappoint me in the plot or adult nature.
I actually cried when she is at Archer's parent house for dinner and the PTSD kicks in. When she thought Noah was her dad and she didn't think that she deserved them to like her never mind love her and welcome her into the family. The whole chapter just made me super emotional.
I know that Noah wasn't there as a main character but I loved how he when from hating her because of her parents to being the one to try and stop her spiralling, to being the one to walk her down the aisle.
I really liked that for a change it wasn't just 2 guys and a girl it was the 3 of them the fact that Archer needed Noah's help in figuring out he was bi.
Their is so much that I could type about what happened to Sable and how much I disliked her parents, Boris and Edgar but I would be her all day. I'm just glad that somehow the trauma from all that led her to Archer and then re-connected her with Jonny.
I actually cried when she is at Archer's parent house for dinner and the PTSD kicks in. When she thought Noah was her dad and she didn't think that she deserved them to like her never mind love her and welcome her into the family. The whole chapter just made me super emotional.
I know that Noah wasn't there as a main character but I loved how he when from hating her because of her parents to being the one to try and stop her spiralling, to being the one to walk her down the aisle.
I really liked that for a change it wasn't just 2 guys and a girl it was the 3 of them the fact that Archer needed Noah's help in figuring out he was bi.
Their is so much that I could type about what happened to Sable and how much I disliked her parents, Boris and Edgar but I would be her all day. I'm just glad that somehow the trauma from all that led her to Archer and then re-connected her with Jonny.
January 10, 2025
PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING!
The Secrets She Keeps is a dark romance book focusing on the FMC Sable. Sable lives a rough life until she finally comes to the realization that she deserves more than what she was offered. She has gone through things that the general eye would see as traumatic, however her ability to over come those fears and episodes of PTSD is nothing shy of pure strength and courage. Sable is the definition of mind over matter. Helping her along the way is Archer. He is the missing puzzle piece to Sable. Archer isn’t your average billionaire as he makes sure nothing is ever too much for her and encourages Sable to take any measure she deems necessary to help her cope and move on from her past. This book has not only been one of my favorites to read but truly shows how much time and detail Emily has put into her writing. Emily has done a tremendous job with the emotions felt through out the book. Starting from the plot all the way to the spice, I couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend this book to those who don’t like slow burn and enjoy a spicy fast paced dark romance!
The Secrets She Keeps is a dark romance book focusing on the FMC Sable. Sable lives a rough life until she finally comes to the realization that she deserves more than what she was offered. She has gone through things that the general eye would see as traumatic, however her ability to over come those fears and episodes of PTSD is nothing shy of pure strength and courage. Sable is the definition of mind over matter. Helping her along the way is Archer. He is the missing puzzle piece to Sable. Archer isn’t your average billionaire as he makes sure nothing is ever too much for her and encourages Sable to take any measure she deems necessary to help her cope and move on from her past. This book has not only been one of my favorites to read but truly shows how much time and detail Emily has put into her writing. Emily has done a tremendous job with the emotions felt through out the book. Starting from the plot all the way to the spice, I couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend this book to those who don’t like slow burn and enjoy a spicy fast paced dark romance!
December 18, 2024
The Secrets She Keeps hit me in a way that im still trying to unscramble myself. Sable was down right treated worse than a scrap of cheese used to kill a mouse on a mouse trap. I wanna be there to kill him myself and save Sable. My proudest moment in this story was when she got to choose who lived and who died by Edgar, and without any reservation Sable chose her mother or Johnny of course.
Archer who secretly loves Sable and does everything he can to save her from her parents, Edgar, and can’t forget nasty Boris. When he tells her how he feels she accepts that especially when they both admit they still wanna get marred but they want Johnny included commitment.
However Johnny even though he is in love with and will do anything to keep Sable safe. Until the only option left was for him to fuck her or Edgar was gonna fuck her in the ass causing her to bleed just like last time. Archer in the end may get his cooike too and eat it.
Archer who secretly loves Sable and does everything he can to save her from her parents, Edgar, and can’t forget nasty Boris. When he tells her how he feels she accepts that especially when they both admit they still wanna get marred but they want Johnny included commitment.
However Johnny even though he is in love with and will do anything to keep Sable safe. Until the only option left was for him to fuck her or Edgar was gonna fuck her in the ass causing her to bleed just like last time. Archer in the end may get his cooike too and eat it.
December 21, 2024
The Secrets She Keeps is a good dark billionaire romance.
⚠️Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book⚠️
What you get......
♡Boss
♡Employee
♡Billionaire Romance
♡Marriage of Convenience ♡Touch Her and ☠️
♡"Who did this?"
♡Brat
♡Brat Tamer
♡Age Gap
♡Exhibitionism
♡Public $*×
♡Breeding
♡Breath Play
♡MFM
♡MM
♡MMF
♡Anal Play (FMC to MMC) ♡Consensual Nonconsent
♡Trauma
♡Revenge
♡Trauma Healing
Sable has been through so much trauma throughout her life. It's so sad they way she is abused by the people who should be protecting her!! They allow unforgettable things to happen.
With the help of Archer, she has become this strong, resilient woman, but when we thought maybe she's safe and finally healing, unfortunately, she had to endure more trauma.
Johnny is there to help her through the trauma. They both get put through a lot.
Archer, Johnny, and Sable have amazing chemistry. They all grow together, and it's beautiful!
⚠️Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book⚠️
What you get......
♡Boss
♡Employee
♡Billionaire Romance
♡Marriage of Convenience ♡Touch Her and ☠️
♡"Who did this?"
♡Brat
♡Brat Tamer
♡Age Gap
♡Exhibitionism
♡Public $*×
♡Breeding
♡Breath Play
♡MFM
♡MM
♡MMF
♡Anal Play (FMC to MMC) ♡Consensual Nonconsent
♡Trauma
♡Revenge
♡Trauma Healing
Sable has been through so much trauma throughout her life. It's so sad they way she is abused by the people who should be protecting her!! They allow unforgettable things to happen.
With the help of Archer, she has become this strong, resilient woman, but when we thought maybe she's safe and finally healing, unfortunately, she had to endure more trauma.
Johnny is there to help her through the trauma. They both get put through a lot.
Archer, Johnny, and Sable have amazing chemistry. They all grow together, and it's beautiful!
December 29, 2024
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS !!!!⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Just like with all Emily Klepp's books please read the trigger warnings. Things get dark and may make you uncomfortable. With that being said I love love love this book. Emily knows how to pull every emotion out of you when she writes.
Sable lives one of the hardest lives I have ever read. She never had anyone to protect her from the monsters in this world. That is until her boss Archer. Then she tries to figure out how to live life again and it's so hard. But her he'll isn't over. But within her he'll she gets to reconnect with Johnny. Her light in the dark when she was younger. Archer being the amazing man that he is understands this and doesn't make her give him up. He sees that Johnny can heal a part of her he can't because Johnny has experienced the he'll.
So dark and so spicy. One of my favorites by Emily
PLOT. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE. 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Just like with all Emily Klepp's books please read the trigger warnings. Things get dark and may make you uncomfortable. With that being said I love love love this book. Emily knows how to pull every emotion out of you when she writes.
Sable lives one of the hardest lives I have ever read. She never had anyone to protect her from the monsters in this world. That is until her boss Archer. Then she tries to figure out how to live life again and it's so hard. But her he'll isn't over. But within her he'll she gets to reconnect with Johnny. Her light in the dark when she was younger. Archer being the amazing man that he is understands this and doesn't make her give him up. He sees that Johnny can heal a part of her he can't because Johnny has experienced the he'll.
So dark and so spicy. One of my favorites by Emily
PLOT. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE. 🌶🌶🌶🌶
December 31, 2024
The Secrets She Keeps is a dark romance packed full of some many tropes - billionaire romance, tragic past/present, who did this to you, touch her and perish, marriage of convenience, boss/employee, brat and tamer, and why choose. Emily Klepp is a master of these fast-paced romances, she is able to balance enough details to keep the plot interesting, but fast enough that the reader hooked from beginning to end. Sable, the FMC is an absolute pillar of strength - what she experiences can only be considered severely traumatic, yet she continues to push forward. Then there is Archer, the ultimate billionaire protector - he not only steps in to help Sable find a way forward but encourages her to embrace whatever means necessary for healing. I really enjoyed this dark romance, the plot was interesting and took unexpected turns, but readers do need to read the content list prior to reading as the subject matter is dark. Overall giving this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
February 18, 2025
Sable’s life is a complete mess. She has suffered excessive abuse, and even as the story unfolds, different kinds of abuse continue. She is a smart young woman, but with everything going on, she struggles to cope.
Then there’s Archer. He is one of the most understanding fictional men I’ve ever seen. Smart and kind, with a wonderful family, he listens, doesn’t judge, asks the right questions, and is simply there for you. And that incident that brought them together? His whole demeanor changed. The “Who did this to you?” trope? I was melting.
I might fall in love with his family as well. Nobody is judgmental and everybody is super supportive.
I won’t judge how the FMC heals from such deep trauma, but I’ll admit—I don’t fully understand it.
This book contains many heavy triggers, so please check the trigger list before reading.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Then there’s Archer. He is one of the most understanding fictional men I’ve ever seen. Smart and kind, with a wonderful family, he listens, doesn’t judge, asks the right questions, and is simply there for you. And that incident that brought them together? His whole demeanor changed. The “Who did this to you?” trope? I was melting.
I might fall in love with his family as well. Nobody is judgmental and everybody is super supportive.
I won’t judge how the FMC heals from such deep trauma, but I’ll admit—I don’t fully understand it.
This book contains many heavy triggers, so please check the trigger list before reading.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 22, 2024
This book was everything. The pain and angst were so heartwrenching and strong, that you couldn't help but feel Sable's pain.
Archer has always been in love with her, he knew she was a good person, even though she is related to the evil that exists in the world.
Sable grew up in an abusive house, and was so badly abused she hid that pain and tried to pretend it didn't happen to her. Her fight for her freedom and her life was so heartbreaking, but at the same time, understandable. She did what she had to in order to survive.
Archer, Johnny, and Sable have a connection that goes way beyond the norm. Their love is clear and their need for each other is undeniable.
Emily Klepp wrote a book that was so heartbreaking and gripping, but also made me happy when each b*st*rd got what they deserved. While this book is dark and may be difficult for some to read, it ends with a HEA.
Archer has always been in love with her, he knew she was a good person, even though she is related to the evil that exists in the world.
Sable grew up in an abusive house, and was so badly abused she hid that pain and tried to pretend it didn't happen to her. Her fight for her freedom and her life was so heartbreaking, but at the same time, understandable. She did what she had to in order to survive.
Archer, Johnny, and Sable have a connection that goes way beyond the norm. Their love is clear and their need for each other is undeniable.
Emily Klepp wrote a book that was so heartbreaking and gripping, but also made me happy when each b*st*rd got what they deserved. While this book is dark and may be difficult for some to read, it ends with a HEA.
December 28, 2024
"This is what freedom feels like."
This book is classified as Dark Romance, and is a standalone. It does have a trigger warning list: Smexual Assault, DUBCON, Kidnapping, manipulation, Graphic Violence, Mention of CSA, PTSD flashback to CSA, NONCON Incest, Mention of child abuse, Mention of child endangerment, Mention of CP, Mention of violence against a minor, mention of at-home abortion, NONCON forced orgasm.
This book has multiple point of views: Sable and Archer. Sable was being physically and financially abused by her millionaire parents, causing her to form PTSD from everything. Archer is Sable's boss, as well as has a secret side job he does.
I gave this book five stars. The reason behind that is due to how well written the story was written. I couldn't put it down even when I needed to.
This book is classified as Dark Romance, and is a standalone. It does have a trigger warning list: Smexual Assault, DUBCON, Kidnapping, manipulation, Graphic Violence, Mention of CSA, PTSD flashback to CSA, NONCON Incest, Mention of child abuse, Mention of child endangerment, Mention of CP, Mention of violence against a minor, mention of at-home abortion, NONCON forced orgasm.
This book has multiple point of views: Sable and Archer. Sable was being physically and financially abused by her millionaire parents, causing her to form PTSD from everything. Archer is Sable's boss, as well as has a secret side job he does.
I gave this book five stars. The reason behind that is due to how well written the story was written. I couldn't put it down even when I needed to.
January 16, 2025
Then you seriously need too! We follow Sable and Archer. Our girl wants free from her parents tight grasp. When an unthinkable happens to her while betraying a man that she secretly loves. She does the one thing that could possibly save her. She gets caught doing something she would never ever do because she loves Archer so much. When she gets caught by him she tells him everything and he plans on doing everything in his power to save her and rescue her from the ones who are supposed to protect her. And soon her past finally catches up with her and she finally gets the chance to thank someone who was nice to her and she felt comfort in. Only to find that she also loves him because he has been trying to protect her. And in the end he ends up protecting her in a way that just makes you want to smile and cry at the same time.
February 9, 2025
I am not sure what I was expecting, but that was not it. First let me just say that it is very important that you check all trigger/content warnings. This book hits on some very dark topics. Also the way the FMC decides to process and heal is also dark. While this does start out as a MF, it ends as a MFM with a HEA. The FMC and one MMC have faces a lot of trauma in their lives, while the other MMC works to destroy the bad people. There is a good bit of smut throughout the book, and not all of it would be steamy. The amount of SA (both current and past) that is discussed is kinda high. Now this did not put me off the book, but helped me understand the FMC better.
Overall rating 4 stars, 4 smiles, 3 peppers, 3 black hearts.
Overall rating 4 stars, 4 smiles, 3 peppers, 3 black hearts.
March 28, 2025
This book is intense, so definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings!
Sable has been living in absolute hell for her whole life. She's been used & abused from the moment she came into this world. One of the worst nights of her life turns into her salvation and when her boss saves her.
Archer is a man, who just wants to trust & help his cute assistant. He's spent the past few years trying to protect her as much as he could. She does something stupid and he knows he can’t abandon her. He's ready to be her savior… and her husband.
Sable's story will literally bring you to tears. And let's not forget to mention those spicy scenes-the consensual ones that is. They were hot, sweet, and incredible at the same time.
Sable has been living in absolute hell for her whole life. She's been used & abused from the moment she came into this world. One of the worst nights of her life turns into her salvation and when her boss saves her.
Archer is a man, who just wants to trust & help his cute assistant. He's spent the past few years trying to protect her as much as he could. She does something stupid and he knows he can’t abandon her. He's ready to be her savior… and her husband.
Sable's story will literally bring you to tears. And let's not forget to mention those spicy scenes-the consensual ones that is. They were hot, sweet, and incredible at the same time.
December 16, 2024
Whoa whoa whoa! This book… just wow. Sable goes from a living hell to a fairytale life, but hell is not so easily extinguished. As she sees the light at the end of the tunnel…. It’s a train. Her family has been profiting off her body, her work, for years- but one night they go too far. Her knight finds her, and refuses to let go. As demons come back, the light dims- but can they handle things now that their meal ticket found a spine? When a blast from the past is thrust into her life, the twists and turns are impossible to predict- but hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and Sable fights to find revenge for herself and all others like her.
December 20, 2024
Read your trigger warnings because there are some VERY sensitive subjects in this book. Sable, this poor girl, if I were her I’d be traumatized for the remainder of my days. I love her fast past growth and that you can see even though she’s been through hell she still has a sass about her. Archer is the knight in shining armor that everyone needs. He swoops in and oof he’s so hot too! Johnny, you can tell there is something about special about this man feom jump. He goes through it with Sable which makes trauma bonding a real thing. Noah and Jessica - we all need siblings like them. This book is rough, yet light, and as always some spice. 10/10 would recommend!
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