Part 1 - Where Love I gave up everything to watch misplaced trust destroy my dreams. They take me in and build me up. As our bond strengthens and love begins to bloom, my world turns into a living nightmare. Will our love give me the strength I need to fight, or will my past destroy me?
Part 2 - Where Loyalty They are delicious, dominant, and my brother’s best friends. They are completely off limits but that only tempts us more. When an assignment turns dangerous, we all throw caution into the wind and find comfort in the forbidden.
This is a two-part DARK romance with HEAVY triggers. Reder's discretion is HIGHLY advised.
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.
‼️Check trigger warnings before reading the book. It's dark and taboo.‼️
Wow, that was an intense read!!!!! Such strong FMC(s) and their men HOLY SHIIIII- they're on next level💀💀. The book contains two interconnected novellas full of spice, smut, NO SAFEWORD and traumatic events. The first part is about Tessa & her childhood bestfriend+his best friends dealing with her manipulative, toxic harasser co-worker. The second part is about Novalee & her brother's(!?) bestfriends dealing with her traumatic past. Both stories focus on all the trauma Tessa & Novalee and their men supporting them at any cost.
I personally loved how this particular book was broken up into two parts. Another fantastic book about trauma and strength. The only thing keeping me from ranking this one 5 stars was I didn't "love" the reverse harem aspect in this particular story.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was very confused at first. Emily's books are usually so dark from the start so I was shocked when this one was pretty tame. At least Tessa's story was pretty tame and light compared to other books. Then the darkness came. Novalee's story was really messed up. I love how both Tess and Nova's story ended up combining. I love the spice things and the plotlines. Nothing too insane, but still packs a punch.
In book 1 we follow Tessa and Elias. Tess is forced to sell out her restaurant because Cormac (her business partner) is stealing money and sinking the restaurant so in order to get out she sells it and moves back home. Her childhood friend gives her a place to stay. But on her first night home she finds out that as much as she loves him he loves her and always has. Cormac is on a mission to get her back and will stop at nothing. so much so they end up in a hotel and have to hire security to protect them. This is where we meet Nova and Axe. Well one night there is a fire and it means they have to go and get to safety except they don’t make it because Cormac kidnapped them. Thomas Tessa’s lawyers help Cormac and ultimately loses his life because of it. Let’s say Cormac gets what’s coming to him.
Now book 2 follows our girl Nova, Axe, Mac (axes brother) and Hendricks (nova’s brother). This story picks up after there security job with Tessa and Elias (and the other guys). They come back home only to be told there is another security detail they need to go do. Nova and Hen get into a huge argument before they leave for the new job. What Hen doesn’t realize and understand (he’d been drinking) that Miguel asks for his sister personally. He didn’t think to much of it at the time but then piece fall into place and now he has to protect his sister from someone they thought was dead. Nova, axe, Mac get to the property and all truths come out. Axe and Mac have loved Nova for ever but because she is their best friend’s little sister but when Hendricks mess up bad they get him back by finally caving into their desire. Emily Klepp does an amazing job and writing these characters and for me anyways I felt like I was there in both stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Whilst I have enjoyed other Emily Klepp books this one, was quite simply a f**kfest with a smidgen of a story, 🍇, D/s, and gang train. There are two stories, the first is based on Tessa and her ex, before she ends up with her bff and his friends. The second is Nova, her two work colleagues, adding a little later her brother and his girlfriend. The back stories are minimal and the present story is them all 💦 with a little about why the FMCs like what they do.
It ends up being just one big polyamorous relationship, don’t get me wrong I did finish it, but it just didn’t hit the right spot 🤭 for me. Also, it really needs proofreading there were a lot of errors 🤷🏻♀️ I usually screenshot to send the authors but there were quite a lot and it would have distracted me too much, sorry.
If you are going to read it, do read the triggers. They didn’t affect me but the 🍇 scenes may do others.
First part of the book is about Tess and her guys. She is being stalked by her former business partner so she sells the business and heads home to her best friend, who she's loved since childhood. The rekindle but he is also with his 3 other friends. They all help her through the trauma and protect her from the stalker. Spicy, brutal, and check trigger warnings.
The second part is about the security guards who watched over Tessa and her guys. Nova, axe, and add his brother Mac. Nova has her own trauma but the second part is basically a share all fest. Tessa and her men help them out but they all end up together and share everyone.
I always enjoy reading Emily’s books! She’s not afraid to write about those taboo and trauma topics that a lot of other authors shy away from! Check your trigger warning ⁉️⁉️⁉️ This is a reverse haram and best friend to lovers! Novalee is in love with her best friend and she lets this secret out but there’s a catch to this story! This book was broke down into two books! The second book was involving Novalee’s brother and she divulges a secret to him that changes everything for them! I highly recommend 5 🌟read!
Check the trigger warnings before reading this is dark and taboo
This is split into two the first is Where Love: she gave up everything to mistrust to destroy my dreams. Can love conquer all or will it destroy us. The next is Where Loyalty: they are my brothers delicious best friends they are completely off limits, but this only brings us together. An assignment turns dangerous and we throw caution to the winds and embrace the feelings.
Did I binge this in a few hours. Why yes yes I did. Part one Tess and her men. She’s stalked by a business partner and kidnapped. When they find her and go in to protective custody they meet Axe and Nova. The security team. Part two is axe nova and Mac. Lordy at the different dynamics. I loved every second of this book!
If you are looking for a book that will get you hot under the collar then this is definitely it! I liked the story, it had enough going on to keep me interested and I especially liked how this book is essentially two stories that combine together. I loved the fact that they all ended up with each other and the little bit of taboo thrown in makes this book 🧑🍳💋
Wow, was that ever intense. 100% check your triggers. This one is not for the faint at heart and not to be read blindly. These are two novellas in one. Two stories intertwined. Lots of trauma and dangerous situations. Will true love win out on the end?
Very very intense. I was not mentally prepared for how trigger heavy this duet was, even with reading the warnings. It’s very heavy so be prepared. That being said it did keep me reeled in and wanting to know more and have more to their stories. These are two interconnected books in one. I love the way relationships came together and love found a way, despite all the obstacles.
While the sexy scenes in this were decent, I just found the overall book not for me. I don’t have any triggers but I felt like one of them was overdone to the point where I was annoyed more than anything when they kept happening. I felt like book 1 jumped right in with little to no background, which made me feel like I was missing a prequel or another book. It also felt like everything was an insta love situation, which is one of my least favorite tropes. I am also a huge RH fan and even this just came out funky with both harems joining into one huge one. I like harems where everyone is attached to each other and each other only. So it didn’t give me all the feels when it was presented as instant love from the start, and then opening up for a whole new set of people to join. It gave me the ick to be honest, as it felt too nonchalant and like their relationships didn’t matter to them that much. I also love bi books but that aspect also felt overdone and came from out of the blue. While the storyline itself held a lot of promise, it just fell flat in my opinion. This is my personal opinion that I know not everyone will agree with. Make sure you read the triggers very thoroughly though. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Heartline is a little bit of a more complex book. It has part one Where Love Begins and part two is Where Loyalty Lies. The entire book contains the same characters just so you do know. I was highly amazed with the stories. The characters were perfectly created, and they fit for each other. The ones you should focus on the most is Tessa(Tes), Aidan, Elias(Eli), Emmett(Em), Luna, Novalee(Nova), Hendrix(Hen), Alexander(Axe), and Mac. Now I must say thoroughly enjoyed both stories however there should be a third one the forever one with the all get married. “I NEED TO INFORM YOU ALL I DO NO KNOW IF THAT WILL HAPPENS IT IS WHAT ID LIKE AS A READER.” WHERE LOVE BEGINS Starting off this train leaving the station we head to the first half of the book. Tes moves from North Carolina after high school to New York to open up her own restaurant her lifelong dream. She was doing great until when his way into her life after she rented a condo from him and took it down. She leaves New York and goes back home. To her best friend Elias and his best friends. They all get along and start moving on with their life until the pasty puke man returns and he’s not taking it as an answer. The guys will do anything to protect and save their precious Tes. But it’s not just her life that’s having an issue it’s all of them so the guys hire a security team to protect them. The team includes Nova, Mac, and Axe but Hendrix stays home to deal with other stuff. The team does the best job they can do to the ability that they can due to the circumstances that is thrown at them, but in the end, all are saved. Where Loyalty Lies Now this story is a little bit quicker, but you’re gonna meet someone new in the relationship with the other ones and that is Luna. So the story basically goes Hen and Nova’s father isn’t dead like he is supposed to be and they find out because of their so-called kind of uncle who is connected to the mafia. So basically the job isn’t a real job and they called and who is already over at the house to help them out.
What to Expect: 🌶️(VERY) Dark Romance 🌸Two Storylines 🌶️Interconnected Stories 🌸Reverse Harem 🌶️Stalker 🌸Strong FMCs 🌶️Supportive MMCs 🌸HEAVY Trigger Warnings 🌶️SPICYYYYY
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🚨 Check trigger warnings before diving into this one! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED🚨
This book was an intense ride from start to finish, with two interconnected novellas that bring the heat, the trauma, and the emotional punch to your soul. The first story follows Tessa, who’s trying to escape her toxic, manipulative ex-business partner. She finds safety—and love—with her childhood best friend and his group of besties, who will stop at nothing to protect her. The second story shifts to Nova and her journey of healing, as her brother’s best friends become her fiercest protectors (and lovers). Both stories are dark, taboo, and unapologetically raw. Seriously, NO SAFESPACE here—prepare for spice, danger, and emotional rollercoasters.
I loved how the book was split into two parts, each bringing a unique perspective while still interwoven through the overarching plot. Tessa’s story starts relatively tame (for dark romance and Emilys standards) before ramping up the tension, while Nova’s story dives straight into the deep end with shocking twists and high-stakes drama. Both FMCs were incredibly strong, and their men? Absolute forces of nature, willing to go to any lengths to protect and support them. The spice was 🔥, but it didn’t overshadow the emotional journeys, which were full of healing, strength, and even moments of vulnerability.
That said, the reverse harem dynamic in these stories didn’t completely win me over—I felt like it worked better in Tessa’s story than Nova’s, but that’s just personal preference and if that’s your cup of tea, go on wit yo badself! Still, the character development and plotlines kept me hooked from start to finish. If you’re into dark, emotional reads with taboo relationships and a strong focus on overcoming trauma, this is worth the read. Just be ready for the darkness, because it doesn’t hold back! 👀
This was a case of it wasn’t what I thought it would be. I was looking for a read with tragedy in it. Something where one or both of the MCs go thru something and because of this event the MCs are forever changed or affected and they either fall in love or their love re-established, or they are somehow work thru this trauma. I wanted a good heart felt story. I understand that with tragedy comes triggers so I was prepared for that. Even tho I didn’t realize the story had those tropes, the why choose/RH element didn’t really bother me either. The way I understood the synopsis, this book was two parts centered around two couples and a found family and there was some dabbling mixed in.
That was not what this story was. It was a RH which wasn’t the problem, but a MFMMM RH on steroids. It’s a whole lot of unhinged spice.
The story starts off with the FMC going thru this traumatic event and her best friend chooses this time to establish a relationship above friendship with her. That was kind of abrupt to me and I was hoping for more of a slow transition but I went with it. From there it’s a whole lot of RH activity, like on every page if not every other.
The thing that made me DNF around 25% is the FMC asking for the traumatic event to be repeated cause it was “hot”. That’s where the story lost me. First off, the traumatic events happen on page and there a were a few to say I didn’t make it that far. I felt bad for the FMC because of what happened. On page SA is always difficult but I did want a tragedy so… the thing that killed it for me was the FMC asking her harem to recreate the traumatic event and go steps further. All of this was after the MMC goes thru his own on page situation.
Needless to say this was not my cup of tea and not what I was looking for.
⚠️Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book⚠️
What you get..... Where Love Begins (Part 1) ♡Reverse Harem ♡Friends to Lovers ♡Brats ♡Brat Tamers ♡Sword Crossing ♡Protective MMCs ♡Pierced Peens ♡CNC ♡Trigger Heavy ♡Spicy 🔥 🥵 🔥 🥵 🔥 🥵
Tessa moves home to be with her best friend Elias. They are both attracted to each other, and things heat up quickly. Aidan, Sloan, Emmett, and Elias were friends with benefits, and now all are in a relationship with Tessa. Tessa is being stalked by her old business partner. She experiences lots of trauma, and the guys are there to help her heal and protect her.
What you get...... Where Loyalty Lies (Part 2) ♡Polyamorous ♡Reverse Harem ♡Brother’s Best Friends ♡Adopted Siblings ♡Taboo ♡Brats ♡Brat Tamers ♡ROUGH $*× ♡MM & FF scenes ♡Protective MMCs ♡Pierced Peens ♡CNC ♡Trigger Heavy ♡Spicy 🔥 🥵 🔥 🥵 🔥 🥵
This second part is about the security guards that watched over Tessa, Aidan, Sloan, Emmett, and Elias.
Nova, Axe, and Mac have sizzling chemistry and end up together. They go through trauma together, and Nova has trauma from her past.
Hendrix comes to save them but ends up going through trauma with Nova and the guys.
They all get closer and bring in the whole group together. Lots of sharing and spicy scenes.
Emily does a great job at sucking you into her stories and making you love her characters. I couldn't put it down!!
It is two stories in one book. The first pair is Tessa and Elias who have been best friends for a longtime. I like their chemistry.
Ok , it a story not everyone gonna enjoy. I enjoyed it tho🥰 I also love how Tessa accepts Elias with his preferences and don't ever judge him. Also how Elias trusts her and supports her in everything 🤌😩💗 But it doesn’t mean others will also enjoy. Remember, there is a scene with main leads involved with other guys and if you don't like such type, please don't pick this book and later spread hate.
Bisexual Multiple partners Kinks Dom/Sub Foreplay MM and also FMM Stalking
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬:
The another part connects with the first part where you can already guess who will be.
I really starting to like How Axe and Mac are so protective of Novalee. But I had shocked when the first part and Second become one. I didn’t expected this but if you think I don't like it, you are totally wrong. I really loved it a lot🥵🙈🤌💘
Another trigger for the book: it contains rape scene which happens in both. Please don't read this if you had any traumas regarding it. Your mental health matters.
Pain kink MFMMF Step siblings Group sex
The book was awesome according to me. I really started admiring the author since Not many people have guts to read such books which shows the other side of the love and sex which we don't know about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was really 2 books in one. Book 1 Where love begins, book 2 Where loyalty lies. Their was character crossovers so it did make work them being together.
I did like the first half book a little bit more than the second one for me the second one just seemed a little rushed.
Where love begins : Tessa and Elias had been besties since they were 3, Elias, Emmett, Sloan and Aiden have been besties since university. Unlike Tessa and Elias relationship the boys are all friends with benefits. I liked Tessa, Elias, Emmett, Sloan and Aiden as a fivesome. I liked the connection between Tessa and Elias before you even brough the rest of them into the mix but I liked them all together I even LOL at the ketchup packet comment. I have to say on this one even at the very end I still couldn't figure out why Thomas the lawyer betrayed Tessa and was working with of for Cormac. If they told us I blinked and missed it.
Where loyalty lies : Nova and Axe worked security for the guys from book one. They can't be together because Nova brother has but a ban on it since Axe and Mac are his best friends. Their is a few twist and turns with this one Nova's dad being a horrible nasty man. I would have loved to have gotten a little more about Mac, Nova and Axe before the rest of them was brought into the mix. I didn't mind that they were willing to add Hendrix and Luna into the mixed even if it was a little taboo.
The trigger warnings for this book are no joke. Don't let this pretty flower cover make you forget this is an absolutely dark romance.
I love that this was a two part book that focused on two different women and the men they know.
First we have Tessa who makes some discoveries that lead her back home to her best friend Elias. These two have be inseparable since they were toddlers but never gave into what they really wanted. However, when that changes she gets more than she expected.
During the issues in this story they meet Axe and Nova who have enough sexual tension you could cut it with a knife.
Enter part two where Nova goes home with Axe and gets to see Mac and Hen again only to be sent immediately back out on assignment. This all brings up Nova's trauma from when she was younger.
The women become not only friends but family. They bond over trauma and sexual tension that finally breaks.
This book is super intense and the spicy is 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I definitely got more than I expected but I was absolutely here for it. Pretty sure everyone got 🍆. So if you don't like seeing same sex couples you better run away because there is a lot of it and it is so hot.
Part One: Tessa, the FMC, is selling her restaurant, The Roasted Fig, due to her business partner being a crazy man (Cormac). She moves back to her hometown with the help of Elias, her childhood bestie, to start over. Elias and his three friends from college, Sloan, Emmett and Aidan, the MMCs, are there to help Tessa pick up the pieces. Cormac is much crazier than Tessa though, and they have to hide out with the help of a two-person security team they've hired, Nova and Axe.
Cormac and his psycho helpers are finally down.
Part Two Nova, the FMC, works for her brother, Hendrix's security company. Axe and his brother, Mac, the MMCs, also work for Hendrix. Hendrix sends them off on a contract right after arriving home from helping Tessa and the guys, and the contract stipulates limited contact. They arrive and realize the contract and reality are not the same, so they contact Tessa and the guys, and Hendrix.
Things get hairy, but they're eventually rescued.
The ending was a great ending for all of the characters, and I enjoyed it (can't say I was expecting it, though). Read the triggers, because a lot of heavy things are covered.
•Dedication• - Where Love Begins - “Dedicated to the survivors who fought through the darkness to find the light”
- Where Loyalty Lies - “Dedicated to the fighters that wake up everyday and choose violence.��� • “Our heartline is what connects us together to reveal the boundaries of our dedication. Through this etched pathway, our vulnerabilities are highlighted and celebrated, rooting us in this landscape of the heart. Where loyalty lies is dependent on where love begins.” • ⚠️ PLEASE check trigger warnings! ⚠️
I went into this book completely blind - only having read the trigger warnings - so I had no idea what to expect. Definitely didn’t expect this to be practically 2 different (but connected) books.
The story kept me on my toes with its twists and turns. Loved all these characters and their HEA.
Boy was this one SPICY 🥵 Practically started in chapter one and never let up. Especially with that ending! If you’re in the mood for something extremely spicy but that still has a decent plot, definitely check this one out!
Again, check those trigger warnings first! • Tropes to look forward to: • 🌸 Friends to lovers 🥵 Brat/Dom dynamics 🌸 Polyamory 🥵 Pierced 🍆 🌸 Strong FMCs 🥵 Touch her and die
Dark and raw and gritty , extremely emotional!!! There really are no words to express the crazy ride I was just taken on . Strong Female Heroines , delicious protective and obsessive alpha heroes . Moments that will tug on all your heartstrings in ways you never saw coming and others that will leave you completely speechless . You’ll cry like a baby , you’ll root so freaking hard and yes there are times you’ll find yourself smiling as well . Heartline has it alll characters and storylines that are extremely complex , intrigue and suspense, friends to lovers , brothers best friend, office romance , taboo and dark romance at its best , touch her and die vibes and so much more . You know that feeling you get when you’re just about to get on the craziest ride at the amusement park, the feeling of being excited and anxious, the anticipation of what’s about to happen? Well that’s exactly how I felt from the second I opened the very first page until the very last . Emily never disappoints, she literally exceeds my expectations every single time I pick up one of her books .
Wow, Emily, really knocked it out of the park these books Wow !!! The first one is where love begins. The main fmc is Tessa. She is in an awful situation with her business partner Cormac. God, he is a terrible person who wanted to punch him several times during this book, lol. Anyhow, Tessa moves in with her best friend Elias whom she has loved since they were children. She meets his 3 friends, Aidan, Sloan, and Emmett. Let's just say they all get to know each other very well. They are perfect ❤️ together. Unfortunately, Cormac doesn't go away but becomes even worse. I'm really trying not to give away any spoilers.
The second book is called "Where Loyal Lies." This is about fmc Novalee, but she gets called Nova. She is brilliant. she loves her so much, she's such a brat, fortunately the 3 mmc Mac, Axe and Hendrix wow they are amazing 👏 🤩 Let's just say Nova gets a lot more than she bargained for lol. They are hired to protect Tessa and her guys. Let's just say they end up really well acquainted 😆 🤣
Please read these two books they are amazing !! This is my honest arc review xx
Part 1 was beautiful. It was messy, it was a tear jerker but the love they share is beautiful. Tessa is such a strong woman. And her guys oh my. They just bring her up and make sure she knows.
Part 2 was just as good if not better. Novalee and her men just tie it all together. They fight through some really hard battles but make it out together. This part has very taboo topics but if you’re into it, it’s hot as hell.
Overall I absolutely loved this. Emily Klepp does a fantastic job with every book- this one included. The chapters are in depth and easy to follow. The spice in both parts was just *chefs kiss*. Prioritize your mental health because this has lots of TW’s. Otherwise I highly recommend!
Once again I am surprised by how much I'm enjoying Emily Klepp's universe of characters. I wish I could hug them for the bad cards they were dealt in life because all of their backstories are so sad :(. During part one of the book, I was simply going "oh, oh, OH" when they got together. Then during part two, I went "OH SHIT!" cause boy was that a whole-ass tornado that happened. Loved every bit of that tornado though so I'm so happy about where it led all of the MCs.
Can't say much since I want you to experience it on your own but all I'ma say is thanks to this couple for being my first RH where everyone is involved deeply instead of being a side character. Super happy they were able to have their own happily ever after. The one saying stuck in my head is "she want the whole crew" because that's exactly what happened.
Thank you Emily Klepp for allowing me to receive an ARC copy, I can't wait for all of you to read this story!
Heartline is 2 interconnected novellas in one book.
Emily Klepp has me questioning my heterosexuality with this book because damn girl! 🔥🥵
The spice was off the charts with these 2 novellas.
Where Love Begins is about 2 friends who have always loved each other but never acted on it until she moves back to his city. Tessia ends up being stalked by a crazy psycho ex-business partner, and ends with her being in a relationship with her bestie - Elias - and his friends - Emmett, Sloan, and Aiden. They meet Axe and Nova who are their security detail and help protect Tess.
Axe, Nova, Hendrix, and Mac are the main characters in Where Loyalties Lie. Their dynamic is quite a mindfuck but Nova needs all of them to get through her trauma.
These books were emotional, heartwrenching, and perfect as these men helped them through their trauma.
The final scene in this book was a scorcher 🥵 you really don't want to miss it!
This book has a bonus, Emily Klepp gave us 2 books/stories in one. Both stories are connected.
In the first story, we meet Tessa. She is a strong FMC but has had more than her share of trauma. She comes back to her hometown and her best friend. I don't like to give spoilers but I will say that the decision to come home brings spice, a lot of spice! Like no safe word by choice spice! Not only does she come home to her best friend whom she has secretly been in love with her entire life, but she gets his 3 best friends too!
In the second story, we continue from the end of part one where we meet Novalee. Another strong FMC who also had her share of trauma. She works in private security with her brother and his two best friends. There's a lot of physical attraction, tension, and secret feelings here. This story brings the spice to a whole new level.
I highly recommend it! Read those TW's first if you have any.
This book is separated into two stories. The first part focuses on one group of characters that are in a relationship and the second story focuses on a different couple of interconnected characters. If you love reading about poly relationships you will love this story. In the first story Tessa parts ways with her business partner and moves back to her hometown and back to her best friend Elias. They've always been best friends but always had a thing for each other. And now is the time to explore their feelings. This story is steamy and suspenseful. There are bad people chasing Tessa, hopefully her men can protect her. The second story is about bodyguards Nova, Axe and Mac. They are all put on the same security assignment but quickly know something doesn't feel right and they're in danger. Both stories do have poly relationships and swords crossing. I love how Emily writes the spicy scenes and can keep you in suspense at the same time.