Venom & Virtue: A Dark Medusa Retelling

by Emily Klepp

Stay silent or be silenced; those are my choices. I was always the good girl with perfect manners but look at me now. Aren’t you proud, Mama? Look at how far I’ve fallen in the wake of his lie. He didn’t have to lie. He didn’t have to steal from my body. My soul. All of them are the same, but I will be their bringer of justice. Of revenge. Not so powerful now, are we?

This is a DARK romance with HEAVY triggers. Reader's discretion is HIGHLY advised.

Genres: Dark Romance, Novella

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2025

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ve gotta a love a vigilante fiction against the worst sexual offenders 🤭 What makes it even better are they are two ladies who have been on the receiving end and decide to take matters into their own hands with their unique deliverance of justice. I shall say no more as it’s a quick read. However, please heed the trigger warnings.

I literally did not put this down from start to finish, it pulled me in and kept me there until the end, loved the girls and loved their husbands, their poly dynamic was a fantastic addition the story 🫶 There is spice, there is SA and then there’s the violence 😈

[Spooky Bookish Bit*h · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venom and Virtue, wow. Let me start by saying, check your triggers! This is a VERY dark & heavy read and it's very detailed. Emily caught me completely off guard with the one, I am still recovering from it! Star is such an amazing woman, she didn't deserve the shit her skeezball step-dad did to her but I'm so glad she channeled her rage into something productive instead of just letting him destroy her. Mallory is amazing, everyone needs a friend like her in their life. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the two of them helping karma along and ultimately get their sweet, sweet revenge. My only complaint would be I wish we got to see the big finale in detail like the other scenes throughout the book. Amazing read!

[Chaotic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely a ride or die friendship

Mallory and Starla are definitely the definition of ride or die friends, both experienced a traumatic event and with so pent up angry they set out down a path of revenge and their own version of sweet justice so to speak. Add to the mix 2 mafia bosses and this team of 4 are set.
Seriously everyone needs parents like Mallory’s mother and father and Star’s father.
The story is fast paced and even though there was mafia men, partner sharing and spice the thing I enjoyed most was the bond and friendship of the girls. The ending did feel a bit abrupt only because my dark little heart would have loved to have read the how to say…outcome of it but, that’s just my personal opinion.
The are dark scenes and topics so be sure to check the TW/CW before diving in.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nova and Mallory are inseparable. Mallory saves nova from her evil stepdad William. After a few weeks they decide to rid the world of evil men. One by one they take out 14 men when they are snatched by the mafia. Nothing like a forced marriage to keep the girls together. Will they be ok sharing their husbands with each other. Will they finally get their revenge on William. What an amazing trauma filled book!

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was an incredibly amazing story!!! this retelling for Medusa was brought in a way I haven't seen yet. so unique

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes we must do bad things for the greater good, my sweet siren. If you are a bad person, then so am I. We can just do bad things together.”


Book emotionally destroyed me. It had me crying for Starla and Mallory while also cheering them on. It was an emotional Rollercoaster, to say the least. Not only did they survive, but they got revenge and thrived afterward. They stayed together and supported each other. And mad props to Starla's dad and Mallory's parents for the support they gave the girls. So many times, parents will turn on their children after something horrific. Blake and Troy were also amazing! They supported both girls and gave them the space they needed to heal and come back. Starlight and Mallory did what a lot of survivors dream of. They got revenge for all of us! This book was perfect.

[Irish_I_was_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ride or die besties find ride or die friends."

This book is classified as Dark Romance, and is a standalone. It does have a trigger warning list: SA, graphic unaliving, DUBCON, hypersmexuality after trauma, gaslighting, manipulation, aborting mission (pill form), CON/NONCON.

The book is written in first person. This book has multiple point of views: Starla and Blake. Starla has a toxic mom and step dad, and works for a telemarketing company. She also has a masters degree in business administration. Her close friend is Mallory. Blake's close friend is Troy, they are both self made millionaires.

I gave this book five stars. The reason behind that is due to how it is written. I have not read a single book this author has written that isn't absolutely amazing! It does has mafia style actions and such, but isn't quite mafia.

[Heath Steph Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read your trigger warnings!
Novalie’s mom is a real piece of work! A child shouldn’t have to sneak around to see their dad😤. Her step dad is🤢 what a vile piece of shit. All the EW. Nova’s best friend Mallory is the real McCoy always coming in clutch for her girl. If I was Nova it’d be fight on site if I saw her pathetic excuse of a mother 🤜🏻🤜🏻. Hell have no fury, like a woman scorned and oh boy were they scorned. The mouths on these girls are ones that any strong woman would be proud of and let’s face facts, revenge is a dish best served cold. Blame and Troy are perfect I mean sheeshhh 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
10/10 would reccomend

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a realm shadowed by moral ambiguity, where the lines between savior and sinner blur, this narrative beckons readers into the tumultuous lives of heroines grappling with profound complexity. These are not paragons of virtue, but figures forged in the crucible of adversity, their hands stained by difficult choices, their spirits both resilient and scarred. Prepare to be immersed in tales of gritty vengeance, where the thirst for retribution fuels their every action, and the consequences of their choices ripple through a corrupt and unforgiving world. Yet, amidst the darkness, the delicate tendrils of love may intertwine with the raw brutality of their existence, offering fleeting moments of solace or perhaps becoming another vulnerability in their perilous journeys. This is an exploration of power's corrupting influence, the heavy price exacted for wielding it, and the arduous path, if any, towards redemption. Witness the internal battles fought by these compelling women as they navigate treacherous landscapes, both external and internal, forcing readers to confront their own perceptions of justice, morality, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

[Kayla T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a dark medusa retelling but it was an enjoyable one. Novalie's mother is terrible and doesn't care what happens to her. William was a piece of work that I didn't enjoy throughout the book because of the way he treated Novalie and Mallory. I felt bad for the challenges that Novalie had gone through but when her and Mallory decided to get themselves into some revenge, the strong side came out of her. I liked the reverse with the women being the attackers, normally you see it the other way around. Emily did a WONDERFUL job with this book and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Favorite Quote: "My abusers no longer get a space in my mind, because they do not matter. Between venom and virtue, I choose healing."

[Sarah Seelbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delves into dark themes and is packed with SPICE. The characters endure significant TRAUMA. Nonetheless, I found this book to be quite enjoyable. I can't stand William! He treats Starla and Mallory poorly, while their mother fails to care, believing Starla is after her husband. William is actually Starla’s STEPDAD and the beloved sheriff. I appreciate that the girls become the aggressors instead of the typical male characters. The GIRL'S friendship is truly heartwarming. I also admire Blake and Troy for their efforts to protect the girls while allowing them the freedom to make their own choices. The girls get their HEA. Be sure to check the content warnings.

[Sauieh Noushin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.. okay not going to lie but it started off a bit iffy for me. Not the whole trauma part but after, the way the girls were acting. I wasn't sure where this was going. Then BAM their feminine rage over their unresolved trauma just took over and it was glorious. I am a huge fan of their parents, they crack me up. Those 3 have been working for the mafia and have their backs. Then the whole deal of being able to kill in the casino or motel from the OK list. But Blake and Troy were swoon worthy psychos lol. They were just as blood thristy but adored these women. The final revenge was great and well deserved... just wish we could have witnessed Williams suffering and the moms, that bitch!!

[Lunawolfwy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venom & Virtue is full of darkness in the true fashion of Emily Klepp's writing style. There are some arranged marriages that turn into sincere & spicy romances. There’s also a bit of a mafia theme and mentality.

I enjoyed the book a lot but there are many things that I feel could be triggering for some so I do recommend that readers read the list prior.

For those who choose to read this book, you will not be disappointed. You're going to get the things mentioned above as well as trauma healing and some serious revenge!

[Tiffany Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE READ ALL TRIGGERS WARNINGS!

I’m ngl this one was a good read but definitely triggered me. However I know how to handle my triggers, I know what I’m getting into when I read these books!

10/10 recommend this book! Kept me wanting more and more! Everything that happened I never suspected would happen as I read the book! If you’re looking for kinky s*x and groups, then this the book for you!

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star and Mallory have healing to do, and they do it in a way that seems extreme- but so justified. Processing their anger by dispatching those who have wronged others and left broken victims in their wake, they take pleasure in breaking the monsters. In time they find their path to healing, learning that monsters will always exist and the victims - the survivors - need the support more than the vengeance.

[Inthemindofasmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious retelling

When I say hilarious, I mean for people like me who enjoy the dark and depraved.

Starla and Mallory emark on a journey of revenge and wreak havoc on the predators surrounding them. Including Starla's stepfather.

When a marriage of convenience appears out of nowhere, can things come full circle so the girls can heal? Or will they meet a grisly end because of their own hands?

[Erin Stapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, heartbreaking and vengeful. A woman scorned is no laughing matter but two women who now seek revenge is deviously delicious in this book Star and Mallory experience a life changing event which leads them on a who new path of self discovery. This book was amazing to see the inner working of their twisted minds while they heal from the event. Emily did an amazing job bringing another book to life showing us how strong we can truely be .

[Books & Hooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being attacked Nova, with the help of her bestie, seek solace in the form of offing bad men who hurt women. They begin to attract a lot of attention, little did they know the mafia has been cleaning up their messes. Now, to protect them all, the girls must marry into the crime family. This was another winner from Emily. I enjoyed the women taking back the power and getting rid of trash.

[Between The Covers · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Possible spoilers***

Damn what a great but emotionally intense read this was. Star and Mallory are some bad ass women. After something traumatic happens to them both they decide to take matters into their own hands and in doing so find out things they never knew and end up in a rough spot once again, but with the help of their husbands Blake and Troy they can overcome anything.

[Luvleepati]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

💜 Trauma Healing
🖤 Revenge
💜 Serial unaliver

Please read the triggers, mental health matters. This is a dark book with lots of spice. I enjoyed this book a lot. I think it was kind of cute in a twisted way. Star didn’t let what happened keep her down, her and Mallory are strong women.

[The Dark Romance Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶🌶🌶

• MFMF
• why choose
• trauma bonding
• found family
• Mafia MMCS
• Brat tammers/brats
• 🍇
• feminine rage!! 🤌

Talk about feminine rage tho...this book was amazing!! I love they get their justice, but what they go thru before they get it is so heartbreaking. This story was amazingly written! It will definitely be on the top of my list for feminine rage books, because why not!!

[Lisa Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory and Starla

This is a revenge romance and it's so good. I couldn't put it down from the very beginning. Mallory and Starla will have you cheering for them in their goal of ridding their town of evil.
This has some heavy triggers, but it's so good. I really loved this one.

[MichelleTelless · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book!!! I loved the ride or die friendship these 2 girls had and the vigilante aspect was just the icing on the cake. The mom and stepdad were absolute disgusting tw@twaffles. The only thing I wish we had more detail on is what happened to the mom, stepdad and the other @ssholes.

[Liliana Mondragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This helped me heal in a way that I didn’t know I was feeling. Great work, love Malory. Everyone needs a ride or die like her. Star is amazing, never thought that I would relate to her.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot, and I love the characters. There's just so much of the story that seemed to be missing, and I wish we were able to see it through the character's eyes instead of being told that something had happened. Overall it was still a great story and Emily's writing style of amazing.

[Taylor Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing Read

Miss Emily, you have outdone yourself once again! Every aspect of this book was amazing from the beginning to end! Starla was one hell of a character and the development was chefs kiss. Please check your triggers for this one but 10/10 recommend!!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your besties (ride or die) and your in situation that ruins your life, you attacks similars that are just as evil from your past. Will they get caught? Will they get their revenge? Only time will tell. Awesome read!

[Leah Papic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap!! I am at a lost for words with this one. It was so dark and twisted from the beginning. I wasn’t expecting Starla and Mallory to do what they did. But they definitely gave those men what they deserved.

[Bianca Pluym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is more satisfying than victims taking their revenge.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book again.
It is short but contains everything a dark romance needs.

This author pulls no punches, that is why she is one of my favorites.

[Kaja 'Nelson' Ekern · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!

This one was rough but justice prevailed in the end! The two couples got their happy ever after and took out some vile humans along the way! The family dynamic is perfection!!!